Discourses of care, wellbeing and women’s rights: A case study of saving Mothers’ comadronas’ understanding of reproductive health in Guatemala in the misinformation age

BackgroundOne of the key targets of Ghana’s Adolescent Health Service Policy and Strategy is to ensure that 90% of adolescents and young people have knowledge of sexual and reproductive health services and rights. This phenomenon has led to the establishment of adolescent-friendly health facilities to increase access to health information and services among adolescents. Despite these efforts, access to health information and service utilisation remains low among adolescents. Our study seeks to examine adolescents’ perception of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and access to reproductive health information and services in the Adaklu district of the Volta region of Ghana.MethodsA baseline cross-sectional household survey of 221 adolescents aged 10–19 years in 30 randomly selected communities was used. A structured questionnaire was developed and administered to the respondents. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between adolescents’ perception of adolescent sexual and reproductive health rights (ASRHR) and access to reproductive health information and services.ResultsAdolescents’ perception of SRHR was poor, and this poor perception may have been reflected in a few proportions (10%) of adolescents accessing SRH information and services. Majority (91.9%) of adolescents do not use sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in the Adaklu district. Adolescents who attained primary education (aOR = 5.99, CI: 1.16–30.95), those who never had sexual communication with their father (aOR = 8.89, CI: 1.99–39.60) and adolescents who never experienced any form of sexual coercion (aOR = 11.73, CI: 1.61–85.68) had a higher likelihood of not utilising SRH services in Adaklu district. Regarding access to SRH information, adolescents who ever discussed sexual matters with their fathers, those who ever used contraceptives and adolescents who ever experienced sexual coercion had lower odds of accessing information on contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and teenage pregnancy.ConclusionsAccess to and use of sexual and reproductive information and health services among adolescents in Adaklu district remain very low, which has implications for adolescents’ knowledge and perception of their SRHR. Considering the factors predicting this phenomenon, it is recommended that interventions can be tailored to address the unique challenges faced by adolescent in accessing comprehensive SRH support.

Putting sexual and reproductive health on the agenda

What role can NHRIs play in the protection and promotion of sexual and reproductive health rights in their countries? This paper seeks to answer that question through two case studies from the work of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR, the Commission). It starts by providing perspectives of various internationally accepted sources of what constitutes sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and then highlights Kenya’s normative framework thereon. The paper then goes on to discuss the findings of KNCHR’s from its Public Inquiry into Violations of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Kenya that was conducted in 2012 and from its work around the 2017 election period with regard to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases. Several recommendations from both activities are then provided which if implemented by the Kenyan government can enhance the realization of the reproductive and sexual health rights of its citizenry. Such implementation would also make the Kenyan state compliant with its national, regional and international obligations. Excerpts from the General Comments provided by two of Africa’s regional human rights mechanisms are also outlined in a bid to dissect how the ACHPR has interpreted its mandate in protecting women and girls’ SRHRs.

This paper studies the effect of bride price on the realisation of the sexual and reproductive health rights of women in South Africa and Nigeria. It adopts the doctrinal research method by reviewing the nature and form of bride price in South Africa and Nigeria. The paper also considers the legal framework for sexual and reproductive health rights of women in South Africa and Nigeria and the consequential effects of bride price on the sexual and reproductive health rights of women in the two countries. It argues that the payment of bride price inhibits the realisation of the sexual and reproductive health rights of women entrenched in various international instruments which both South Africa and Nigeria are signatories and their respective domestic laws. The paper submits that men in the society should be educated that the payment of bride price does not translate to buying their wives but as a mere token to show their gratitude in anticipation for the gift of a wife. Payment of bride price should be seen as a mere cultural observation without the ulterior motive of subjugating the woman. Keywords: Bride Price, Women, Sexual Rights, Reproductive Rights, Nigeria, South Africa DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/96-04 Publication date: April 30 th 2020

Dorothy Shaw: promoting women's sexual and reproductive rights

Protocol for a systematic review: Interventions addressing men, masculinities and gender equality in sexual and reproductive health: An evidence and gap map and systematic review of reviews.

Women’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) encompasses several topics, including but not limited to sexual expression, pregnancy, childbirth, contraception, and diseases of the reproductive system. The use of legal authority and power, as well as political influence, have long been factors used to regulate women’s SRH. In the United States (U.S.), examples of state and national legislation have been undertaken to impact SRH and medical treatment and decision-making related to SRH. Several national and international organizations engage in sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) activities. The activities of these national and international organizations in SRH often include policy formulation, data collection, monitoring, reporting, and other functions. While definitions of sexual and reproductive health rights vary, there are commonalities and core issues that can be identified. These include issues related to the LGBTQ population, immigration, and reproductive health rights among minoritized groups, which are leading topics wrapped around SRHR and of debate in recent history. This article aims to discuss sexual and reproductive health in promoting population health and societal well-being, recent policy decisions impacting SRH, and the role nurses play in shaping research, practice, and policies. For this paper, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) are defined as an extension of human rights relating to an individual’s autonomy, sexuality, sexual expression, reproduction, and access to information and resources on SRH. SRHR also includes freedom from violence, discrimination, and mistreatment. While a comprehensive review of these areas is beyond this article's scope, historical and recent examples are illustrated.

Objective: Reproductive health (RH) rights are the rights of all persons, regardless of age, sex, or other traits, and they have the freedom to make decisions about their sexuality and RH. However, there is limited information about Ethiopians’ understanding of RH rights. Because little is known about the degree of knowledge and relevant predictors in the study area, this study was carried out to fill in the gaps. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 3 January to 25 January 2021 G.C to determine the knowledge level of RH rights and its associated factors among Wolkite University undergraduate medical students. The minimum estimated sample size was computed by using the simple population proportion formula of 95% confidence interval (CI), with 5% of marginal error, which was 318 students. The students were stratified based on their academic year and department. Each student was selected from each department by using the simple random sampling method based on their ID numbers. Data were collected by using a pre-tested, structured self-administered questionnaire. Epi Info version 3.5.1 was used for data coding, entering, and cleaning, and then the data were exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 for advanced analysis. The associated factors were identified by performing analysis for bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: More than half (56.33%) of the participants were knowledgeable about reproductive and sexual rights and participated in RH clubs (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.46, 5.91). The paternal educational level (AOR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.34, 5.65) had an association with the knowledge of reproductive health rights. Conclusions: The students’ knowledge regarding reproductive and sexual rights was found to be little. The Ethiopia Ministry of Education has to include reproductive and sexual rights in the curriculum of high school and higher institution studies.

Knowledge, opportunities, challenges, and the way forward for reproductive health rights: a qualitative study of women in the Bethlehem area of the West Bank

BackgroundVarious countries in the world have achieved promising progress in promoting, protecting and guaranteeing sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHRs) since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo. However, SRHRs have not been recognized to their maximum potential in Ethiopia, despite the domestication of the international instruments related to their successful implementation. This study was intended to determine the magnitude of SRHRs knowledge, reproductive health services utilization and their independent predictors among rural reproductive-age women in the Aleta Wondo District, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 833 rural reproductive-age women from April to May 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select households, and a structured questionnaire was used to gather the data. EPI INFO version 7 was used to enter the data, and SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between outcomes and explanatory variables. Odds ratios at 95% CI were also computed and reported.ResultsOf 833 respondents, 43.9% had good knowledge of SRHR, and 37% had used at least one sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service. Variables that had a statistically significant association with SRHR knowledge in multivariable analysis were: had formal education, household with the highest income, having information sources for SRH services, and knowing about SRH services and providing institutions. SRH services utilization was associated with: having information sources for SRH services, had formal education, household with the highest income, and knowing about SRH services and providing institutions.ConclusionIn this study demographic and economic factors, such as education and household monthly income were positively identified as independent predictors for knowledge of SRHR and SRH services utilization. Therefore, responsible government sectors and NGOs should design and implement programs to promote women’s educational status and household economic status to enhance women’s SRHR knowledge and SRH services utilization.

Sexual and reproductive health and rights are basic human rights: The FLASOG Panama Declaration and FIGO Cartagena Declaration.

Background/Aims Reproductive health is an important part of a woman's general health and wellbeing. Being aware of one's sexual and reproductive health rights enables women to make informed decisions about and improve their sexual and reproductive health. This study assessed women's awareness of sexual and reproductive health rights and the use of sexual and reproductive health services in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for this study. Stratified random sampling was used to select 341 women of reproductive age in Ile-Ife. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with P<0.05 indicating significance. Results The majority (89.7%) of respondents had high awareness of sexual and reproductive health rights but reported poor use of sexual and reproductive health services (58.7%). The participants' age, marital status, occupation and distance to sexual and reproductive health facilities significantly influenced the uptake of sexual and reproductive health services. Conclusions Women in Ile-Ife were aware of their sexual and reproductive health rights but did not use sexual and reproductive health services. There is a need for health education to improve women's self-efficacy to use these services.

Introduction Knowledge and practice toward reproductive health right (RHR) is critical to protect young women, especially school girls, from unwanted reproductive outcomes as improving access to reproductive health services. However, the majority of young people including female secondary school students in Ethiopia have very little knowledge on the youth's reproductive health rights. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and practice toward reproductive health right among preparatory female students in Assela Town, Arsi Zone, Ethiopia. Methods A study was conducted among 403 preparatory school female students in Assela Town. Simple random sampling was employed to select the subjects, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The collected data were entered using EPI Info version 3.5.4 and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was carried out. Result Sixty percent of girls discussed reproductive issues openly with their peers. About 94% of the respondents knew, at least, one contraceptive method; injectable (91.2%) was the most known type of contraceptives. Marital status, father occupation, discussion on sexual and reproductive issues, and having sexual partners were affecting the practice of reproductive health rights. Conclusions Knowledge of the students was moderate on reproductive health right which was 70%. Practice of sexual and reproductive health rights was 22.6% among the study participants. It is recommended that promotion on sexual and reproductive health right through media is important.

Sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHRs) are integral elements of the rights of everyone to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, but they are the most underdeveloped and least understood sphere of rights, especially in Africa, including the country of Ethiopia. The implementation of women's SRHRs is essential for achieving gender equality and promoting women's rights. Husbands' knowledge and involvement play a significant role in improving women's practice of their SRHRs. However, there is limited information/data about the level of husbands' knowledge and involvement in Northwest Ethiopia, including Bahir Dar City. Therefore, this study aimed to assess husbands' knowledge, involvement, and factors influencing their involvement in women's SRHRs. Community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 20 to April 5, 2023, in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia, among 391 husbands. Multi-stage sampling and simple random sampling technique were applied to select kebeles and study participants, respectively. Participants were interviewed face-to-face using structured and pretested questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify associated factors, and a p-value of <0.05 was a cutoff point to declare statistical significance. In this study, 50.6% (198/391) of the husbands had good knowledge about their wives' SRHRs and 44.2% (173/391) (95% CI, 39.3-49.1%) of the husbands were involved when their wives practiced their SRHRs. Access training/education about sexual health [AOR = 5.99; 95% CI (2.7-13.2)], husbands' advance educational level [AOR = 8.81; 95% CI (2.04-38)], good knowledge about SRHRs [AOR = 7.94; 95% CI (4.3-14.4)], low monthly income (<4,600 birr) [AOR = 9.25; 95% CI (4.2-20.5)], and had open discussion with family members and friends about SRHRs [AOR = 1.92; 95% CI (1.01-3.6)] were found to have significant association with husbands' involvement. Husbands' level of knowledge on SRHRs of women and their involvement remain low. Therefore, responsible concerned bodies need to work on the strategies that help to improve men involvement and knowledge, and tackle the above-mentioned factors influencing their involvement.

The introduction addresses some of the pertinent issues at the intersection of religion, culture, women’s sexual reproductive health and rights in the context of the aspirations of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 3 and 5. It provides the basis for a gender analysis of religion, culture and women’s reproductive health and rights. The introduction draws attention to the significance of religio-cultural beliefs in shaping and influencing the sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) discourse from a gender perspective, postcolonial theory and the ambivalence of religion and culture in relation to African women’s health rights. It also discusses the way sacred texts are deployed in the sexual reproductive health and rights discourse, particularly in relation to curtailing women’s rights. It further highlights women’s agency in navigating the religio-cultural terrain in the area of sexual reproductive health and rights. It further questions the scholarly neglect of the topic on religion, sexual reproductive health and rights with a special focus on the youth and also calls for an inclusive study that brings in the subject of sexual minorities within homophobic contexts such as Zimbabwe. The chapter reflects on how religion and culture can be mobilised to promote SDGs 3 and 5 in the context of women’s reproductive health rights. Further, it provides a summary of the chapters in the volume.KeywordsAfrican women’s health rightsGender perspectiveReligio-cultural beliefsSexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR)Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)