Women In Urban Slums Research Articles

Postpartum morbidity and its determinants with special reference to anemia among urban vulnerable population in Uttar Pradesh: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: The postpartum period is critically important for comprehensive obstetric care; however, most women are neglected during this important period. Objective: This study was carried out to determine the burden of postpartum morbidities and associated factors among the urban vulnerable population in Gautam Buddha district, Uttar Pradesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 postpartum women in urban slums of Gautam Buddha district. A semi-structured questionnaire was used along with a physical examination and assessment of anemia by Sahli’s hemoglobinometer. Results: A total of 106 (70.7%) mothers reported at least one of the postpartum morbidities (PPMs). The most frequently reported morbidity was anemia (55.3%) followed by backache (29.3%). Almost a third (39, 36.8%) of all women, who suffered from PPM, did not seek any treatment for the same. Univariate analysis revealed that morbidities were higher among women with low literacy (Odds Ratio, OR: 5.63, 95% CI: 2.508–13.54, p = 0.000), low socioeconomic status (OR: 0.317, 95% CI: 0.151–0.657, p = 0.002), and inadequate antenatal care (OR: 0.108, 95% CI: 0.044–0.246, p = 0.0001). Similarly, young mothers (OR: 2.599, 95% CI: 1.332–5.14), less educated (OR = 3.603, 95% CI: 1.838–7.203, p = 0.000), those from lower economic status (OR: 0.247, 95% CI: 0.119–0.497, p = 0.001), with inadequate antenatal care (OR: 0.112, 95% CI: 0.052–0.232, p = 0.005), and low iron folic acid intake (OR: 0.371, 95% CI: 0.184–0.732, p = 0.004) showed higher prevalence of anemia. Conclusion: The role of education and adequate antenatal care are highlighted in the study. Antenatal visits should be utilized as opportunities to increase awareness regarding various aspects of care during the postnatal period. Maintaining more comprehensive support and involvement between health care providers and the mothers is needed to prevent many of these postpartum morbidities.

Reasons and types of domestic violence against married women: a community based cross sectional study in urban slums of Pune, India

Background: Worldwide, domestic violence against females is common across religion, culture, socio economic class and ethnicity. Objective was to assess reasons and types of domestic violence against married women in urban slums of Pune. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was undertaken amongst 405 married women above 18 years of age. Chi square test was used to find an association between the different demographic variables with respect to domestic violence. Univariate logistic regression was used to find the Odds ratio between the domestic violence and different risk factors. Results: Prevalence of domestic violence was 37.28%. Commonest reasons reported for domestic violence was ‘not doing household work properly’ (23.47%). Duration of marriage (p<0.05), total number of children (p<0.05), type of family (p<0.05) and alcohol consumption by husband were significantly associated with domestic violence. Conclusions: Present study revealed that duration of marriage, total number of children, type of family and alcohol consumption by husband are the factors significantly associated with domestic violence against married women. Sessions on de -addiction and preventing the family from domestic violence arising due to it can be taken.

Abortion Incidence among Young Women in Urban Slums and Non-Slums in Kinshasa, DR Congo.

Worldwide, around 73 million induced abortions take place every year. Of these, 45% are unsafe and can lead to complications. The evolution of the legal and practical landscape of abortion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) over the last few years necessitates a re-examination of the experience of induced abortion, leading this study to measure the incidence of abortion among young women (15 to 29 years of age), as well as the heterogeneity of this problem according to the residence of these young women (slum vs. non-slum areas). We used representative survey data on women aged 15-49 in Kinshasa, collected from December 2021 to April 2022. The survey included questions about the respondents' and their closest confidants' experience of induced abortion, including the methods and sources used. We estimated abortion incidence and heterogeneity over one year based on residence in the city of Kinshasa according to sociodemographic characteristics. The fully adjusted one-year friend abortion rate in 2021 was 131.5 per 1000 (95% CI: IQR 99.4-163.6). These rates were significantly higher than the corresponding estimates of respondents. The incidence of induced abortion for respondents was 24.4 per 1000 (95% CI: 15.8-32.9) abortions per 1000 women. The incidence rates of induced abortion were much higher among the respondents residing in slums than among those residing in non-slums (29.2 vs. 13.0 per 1000; p < 0.001). Slum respondents indicated higher use of non-recommended methods than non-slum respondents. More precise estimates of the incidence of abortion indicate that the incidence rate of abortion was higher among young women residing in slums who were unmarried and had no children. These incidences were higher among confidants than among respondents. There is still a lot of work to be done to fulfill the obligations outlined in the Maputo Protocol. The aim is to decrease the occurrence of unsafe abortions and their associated effects.

GENDER FRONTLINES: EXPLORING THE INTERSECTIONALITY OF GENDER AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Gender Frontlines: Exploring the Intersectionality of Gender and Climate Change delves into the intricate relationship between gender and climate change, emphasizing how climate impacts exacerbate existing social inequalities. Climate change, with its severe effects on ecosystems and human societies, disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly women, girls, transgender, and non-binary individuals. The framework of intersectionality, as introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw, is crucial for understanding these compounded vulnerabilities influenced by overlapping social identities such as gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Through the lens of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which advocates for gender equality, this article underscores the necessity of integrating gender perspectives into climate policies. It reviews how climate change affects health, economic stability, displacement, and migration, particularly among women and other marginalized genders. The article includes case studies from India, highlighting the challenges faced by women in agriculture in Telangana, the aftermath of Cyclone Amphan in West Bengal, and the impact of heatwaves on elderly women in urban slums. Furthermore, the article analyzes national and international climate policies, revealing gaps in gender-specific outcomes and the need for targeted enforcement. It advocates for a proactive approach to future climate strategies, emphasizing the importance of gender-disaggregated data, equal representation in decision-making, and targeted interventions. The article concludes with a call to action for comprehensive, gender-sensitive climate policies, engaging communities, NGOs, and governments in a collaborative effort to ensure an inclusive and equitable response to climate change.

Anaemia and its Determinants Among Pregnant Women: A Study in Urban Slums of Kolkata Metro City

Anemia among pregnant women remains a significant public health concern, particularly in urban slum areas where access to healthcare and proper nutrition is often limited. Iron deficiency anemia is a pervasive issue, particularly impacting pregnant women and adolescent girls, considered by the World Health Organization with hemoglobin levels below 11 g/dl. On a global scale, as of 2019, 37% of pregnant women and 30% of women aged 15 to 49 experience anemia. NFHS-5 data reveals that the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in urban areas of India stands at 45.7%. This study explores the multifaceted factors influencing the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women residing in the urban slums of Kolkata, India. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to comprehensively assess the determinants of anemia among pregnant women in the Urban slums of Kolkata. Quantitative data collection involves structured surveys administered to pregnant women, focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, access to healthcare services, and knowledge of anemia prevention and management. Qualitative interviews delve deeper into the experiences and perceptions of pregnant women regarding anemia, exploring cultural beliefs, social norms, and barriers to accessing healthcare services. Additionally, healthcare providers and community health workers contribute insights into the challenges faced in addressing anemia in urban slum settings. Preliminary findings suggest that several interconnected factors contribute to the high prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in urban slum areas of Kolkata. These include inadequate antenatal care, limited availability of iron-rich foods, poor sanitation and hygiene practices, cultural beliefs surrounding pregnancy and nutrition, and socio-economic constraints. The study underscores the importance of multi-sectoral interventions aimed at addressing the complex determinants of anemia among pregnant women in urban slums. Effective strategies may involve improving access to antenatal care services, promoting nutrition education and supplementation, enhancing sanitation infrastructure, and fostering community engagement to challenge harmful cultural norms. By elucidating the nuanced factors influencing anemia in this vulnerable population, this research seeks to inform targeted interventions and policies aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes in urban slum areas of Kolkata and similar settings worldwide.

Awareness of ANC and PNC Care among Women of Urban Slum in Pune, Maharashtra, by a Self Made Questionnaire

A study done to understand the level of awareness for antenatal and postnatal care among women of urban slum in Pune.

Influence of socio-demographic factors on the use of maternal health care among Muslim women in urban slums of Mumbai, India

Background: Low and middle-income countries such as India face significant challenges in improving maternal health and reducing maternal mortality rate. To combat this problem, it is essential to utilize maternal health-care services. Objective: This study aims to assess the utilization of maternal health-care services (Antenatal care [ANC] and skilled attendance at birth) and the determining factors of maternal health-care utilization. Materials and Methods: This study is cross-sectional. The study is carried out in an urban slum in Mumbai, India. The respondents were selected using a multistage sampling procedure, and 300 Muslim women who delivered in the past 2 years in the reproductive age group (15–49 years) were selected. The data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results: The study shows that maternal health-care utilization among respondents was unsatisfactory. Only 43.8% of the respondents utilized full ANC service and 27.3% still delivered at home with unskilled birth attendance (traditional Dai). A medical emergency, high cost, and lack of quality of services were the most common reasons to deliver at home. Respondents’ age at marriage, education (respondents and partners), monthly income, number of children, and type of family are the most important determining factors for the utilization of maternal health-care services. Conclusion: Better utilization of maternal health-care services can be achieved by improving the overall socioeconomic status of Muslim women. To improve maternal healthcare, special attention is required to be paid to the education of women and spouses. Furthermore, policies may address the women’s subordinate position in socioeconomic parameters. Similarly, close monitoring is required by the government through different agencies on the utilization of maternal health-care services.

Perceived social support and the experience of intimate partner violence among married and cohabiting young women in urban slums, Ibadan, Nigeria: a descriptive study

BackgroundSocial support is an important factor for improving the outcome of intimate partner violence (IPV) among abused women. Gaps exist on the role of social support among young women who...

Living with vulnerability: Triple burden through the eyes of urban slum women in Bangladesh

The urban residents who live in slums in Bangladesh are a marginalized group who live below the poverty line and are frequently deprived of standard livelihood amenities. The primary source of income of urban slum women is limited to a few options such as working in the garment industry, temporary domestic assistant (chuta bua), beggar, cleaner, street hawkers, brick-breaking in construction work, prostitution, etc., which are incredibly low-status and poorly paid work. They are excluded from mainstream society and thus are deprived of fundamental human rights such as nutrition, safe shelter, education, health services, electricity, healthy careers, and lifestyle. Unlike others, they lead highly miserable lives due to poverty, lack of capital, social negligence, stigma, crime, and violence. Additionally, their traditional roles, such as reproductive and productive works and community activities, force them to bear extra burdens. These roles became their utmost burden during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. On the one hand, they provide sufficient time, energy, and dedication to fulfill their responsibilities. On the other hand, they are highly undervalued in society. Therefore, this endeavor has focused on urban slum women who are marginalized and stigmatized by stereotypical patriarchal social structures. For that reason, 80 women from different occupations and age groups who live in various slums in Dhaka megacity were chosen as the sample. This study explains their triple burden by deconstructing their experiences through intensive research.

Factors affecting access to early postnatal care service among women of urban slum in Bangladesh

Background: Postnatal care (PNC) refers to care and attention to the general mental and physical health of the mother and infant during the period beginning after the delivery of the placenta up to the next six weeks. The postnatal period, the hours and days after birth is critical to the health for survival and is the most vulnerable time for a mother and newborn. Majority of maternal death occur after delivery but the postnatal period is the most ignored time for the establishment of quality services yet now in Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to assess the factors affecting access to early postnatal care service among women of urban slum in Bangladesh. Methods: This was a community based cross sectional descriptive quantitative study conducted among the women of reproductive age who gave birth in the last one year prior to the study period in different slums of Dhaka South City Corporation, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from September to October 2016. A stratified sampling method was employed to select the total of 382 study participants for this study. Data were collected by means of a pretested structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Chi square and binary logistic regression analysis was carried out by using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Results: In this study, it was found that, 29.1% women and 29.8% of their baby received postnatal care service (PNC) visit after last delivery. The factors that significantly affected the access to postnatal care service utilization in this study were women’s education, household income, residence, husband’s education and occupation, physical violence against women, place of delivery, ANC visit, PNC checkup for baby, postnatal complications, importance of PNC checkup, knowledge in PNC service, perception of postnatal danger sign, sources of information, transport use, and health insurance. In assessing all those factors, the p values were found as &lt;0.001. Conclusions: Among the common factors affecting access to early postnatal care service among women of urban slum, domestic physical violence against women and health insurance emerged as strong predictors. In Bangladesh there is a crucial need for public health interventions to increase the access rate to early postnatal care service that should target women who need this service at the appropriate time.

More burden less access: a study of sanitation issues in urban slums of Aligarh district

PurposeThe present study intends to highlight the issues and challenges pertinent to sanitation practices among urban slum women in India.Design/methodology/approachThe primary qualitative data has been collected from 100 households sampled by stratified random and purposive sampling through in-depth interviews, and a structured interview schedule and themes were developed accordingly.FindingsThe main theme-based results of the study included the challenges of open defecation in slums, public toilets as an alternative, sanitation-related stress in slum women, compromised state of health of women and children, menstrual hygiene among women in slums and increasing burden on women in terms of water management. The study recommends the creation of toilets in every slum locality with maintenance and awareness to be raised.Originality/valueUrban sanitation has received less research than rural sanitation. The present study focused on the issues of urban sanitation, which are often neglected. To ensure the study's uniqueness, researchers visited and mentioned each open defecation site to understand the situation.Peer reviewThe peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2022-0782

Effect of lifestyle interventions to reduce depression, anxiety and stress among married women of reproductive age group: A non-randomised controlled trial in urban slums of Bhubaneswar.

Women are more prone to develop mental disorders as compared to men and the role of physical activities to reduce its burden by improving self-esteem is appreciable. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lifestyle interventions to reduce depression, anxiety and stress among women in urban slums. This study was a non-randomized controlled trial carried out in two slums of Bhubaneswar in married women of reproductive age group (15 years-49 years) from June 2019 to September 2021 after approval from the institutional ethics committee. A total of 128 married women were recruited, 64 women in each arm. DASS-21 was used for assessing depression, anxiety, and stress of all participants. The lifestyle intervention program was provided to 64 women in the intervention group and educational materials were provided to the control arm. DASS score was assessed again and compared with follow-up scores in both groups. Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequency, mean, median, and standard deviations. Independent t-test and paired t-tests were done where applicable. There was no significant difference in socio-demographic factors and DASS-21 scores in both groups during baseline. Depression, Anxiety, and stress score were significantly lower in the intervention arm than control arm in the follow-up (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the pre-intervention and post-intervention levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among the intervention group (P = 0.05). Simple community-based physical activities as in our intervention program focusing on the reduction of depression, anxiety, and stress levels in women may prevent the rising problems of common mental disorders.

Impact of Migration on the Utilization of Antenatal Care Services among Women of Urban Slums in Bangladesh

Mothers living in urban slums in Bangladesh get far less access to maternal and child health care services which may lead to mortality or serious morbidity to mothers as well as newborns. Lack of antennal care (ANC) is closely linked to poor pregnancy outcomes including low birth weight, preterm births or infant mortality. However, exposure to migration makes the situation worse in terms of attending urban community health care facilities among women in slums. Since the effect of migration on the usage of antenatal care services in slums has remained an under studied area, this paper aims to examine the adjusted effect of migration on perceiving adequate ANC. Data from the second round of Bangladesh Urban Health Survey conducted in 2013 have been used for this study. A well fitted binary logistic model resulted in lower odds of receiving complete ANC among recently migrated women in slums (AOR=0.602, 95% CI=0.43-0.85). Therefore, further emphasis should be given to increase awareness about antenatal care services among women who are recently migrated to urban slums in Bangladesh. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 70(2): 8-14, 2022 (July)

Prevalence and risks of reproductive tract infections among women of urban slums in North India

Objective: To identify the prevalence, determinants of reproductive tract infection, and healthcare seeking behavior among ever married women of reproductive age residing in an urban slum of Faridabad, Haryana, North India. Methods: This community based cross-sectional study was conducted among ever married women aged between 15 and 49 years insured under employees state insurance scheme and residing in an urban slum of Faridabad. Simple random sampling technique was used to interview 149 eligible women using a predesigned structured questionnaire. Study variables included sociodemographic profile, family planning methods, menstrual absorbent usage, and symptoms of reproductive tract infection. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the determinants of reproductive tract infection. Results: Of the women, 46.3% had at least one reproductive tract infection or sexually transmitted infection symptom and 28.9% among them sought treatment for the symptom. Vaginal discharge, itching (14.1%) and lower abdominal pain (30.2%) were the major symptoms reported. Non-usage of condoms as contraceptive was significantly associated with a higher rate of symptoms (50.4% vs. 20.0%). Abortion had a significantly high odds of having reproductive tract infection symptoms (aOR 3.71, 95% CI 1.59-8.62; P&lt;0.01). Less frequent change in absorbent during menstruation was also reported to have a higher rate of symptoms. The majority of those who took treatment sought it from government or employees state insurance dispensary. 2% also went to faith healers. Conclusions: Nearly half of the study population have reproductive tract infection symptom. Abortions and non-usage of condom increase the risk of reproductive tract infection. Menstrual hygiene and condom usage are the significant interventions, which may reduce the prevalence of these symptoms.

Identifying Factors Associated with Hypertension in Slum-dwelling Women Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

Globally, an estimated 1.56 billion people will have hypertension by 2025, with about two thirds of cases in low- and middle-income countries. India accounts for 17.6% of the worldwide burden of hypertension with 30.7% of Indians having a systolic blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg. Between October 2017 and May 2018, 607 women in urban slums in Mysore, India, were recruited into a cross-sectional assessment of coronary heart disease (CHD) and associated risk factors. This is a secondary data analysis of the same data. To test for mediation and moderation of these risk factors, SEM and cascade modelling were used. Covariates of interest included demographic and behavioral risk factors. The overall prevalence of hypertension (based on cut-offs of systolic blood pressure over 140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure over 90 mm Hg) was 57.5% (95% CI: 0.535, 0.614). The mean SBP and DBP were 137.7 mm Hg (± SD = 21.4) and 91.0 mm Hg (± SD = 10.8), respectively. Demographic factors (p-value < 0.001) and exercise frequency (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with the modifiable risk factors. The coefficient for the path between the modifiable risk factors and SBP was -3.88, while that for path between demographic factors and DBP was 0.03. Education and the demographic risk factors index were positively associated with DBP, and the modifiable risk factors index was negatively associated with SBP. Variables whose effects reversed in direction after inclusion of potential mediators represent an interesting finding that deserve further study as potential effect modifiers.

A study to compare the effectiveness of structured teaching programme regarding family planning methods on knowledge among married women of rural area and urban slum of Bhopal

A study to compare the effectiveness of structured teaching programme regarding family planning methods on knowledge among married women of rural area and urban slum of Bhopal

Knowledge, awareness and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases among women in urban slums

Sexually Transmitted Diseases/ Infections (STDs/STIs) are a major public health problem and a leading cause of morbidity among women in developing countries like Bangladesh. According to WHO, 2006, STDs/STIs ranks second as a cause of healthy life loss among women in the reproductive age group. This research has been conducted on examining knowledge awareness and prevention of STDs among women. It was conducted in two selected slums (Kathalbagan’s Lakkhi slum and Moghbazar slum) of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. This study was conducted through quantitative research and convenience sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data on knowledge awareness and prevention of STDs/STIs. The study shows that 68.3% of respondents have knowledge about STDs, in this research majority of respondents are not aware of risk factors associated with STDs. This study examines that, for building awareness, majority of respondents preferred “Radio and Television” as the most important media that can build awareness for STDs among slum women. Special counseling is mandatory for the victims, along with sex education. Awareness about healthy sexual behaviors, a hygienic lifestyle, and instruction about the correct use of male condoms should be promoted to reduce the risk of health complications and greatly reduce the spread of STDs not in Bangladesh but also in developing countries.

A study on knowledge of contraceptive usage and its determinants among married women in urban slum of Nalgonda district

Background: India was the first country in the world to launch National Family Welfare Programme in 1951.Modern contraceptive use remains an important public health intervention to reduce maternal mortality, avert unintended pregnancies, and to control population explosion especially in developing countries. To determine the extent of knowledge, awareness and practices of contraceptive use among married womenMethods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done for a period of three months duration conducted among married women in reproductive age group of 15-49 years in urban slums of field practice area. Results: Among eligible couple, those who want to avoid pregnancy, though they have knowledge and awareness (93.5%), Out of them only 21% of participants were using temporary methods. Most of them (37.4%) were opting for tubectomy. The source of information is mostly from health personnel (46.8%), followed by friends and family members 42%. Partner (38.7%) and “in-laws” (14.8%) consent, fear of side effects (29.6%), illiterates (31.6%) and low socio-economic status (47%) playing major role as barriers of acceptance of birth control methods.Conclusions: The prevalence of contraceptive usage in our study was found to be 58.7%. In present study 41.2% women use no contraceptives which clearly indicate that awareness about contraceptives is not sufficient for its actual use in this community and extended efforts will be needed.

Impact of Coastal Disasters on Women in Urban Slums: A New Index

Coastal hazards, particularly cyclones, floods, erosion and storm surges, are emerging as a cause for major concern in the coastal regions of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India. Serious coastal disaster events have become more common in recent decades, triggering substantial destruction to the low-lying coastal areas and a high death toll. Further, women living in informal and slum housing along the Vijayawada coastline of Andhra Pradesh (CAP), India, suffer from multiple social, cultural and economic inequalities as well. These conditions accelerate and worsen women’s vulnerability among this coastal population. The existing literature demonstrates these communities’ susceptibility to diverse coastal disasters but fails to offer gender-specific vulnerability in urban informal housing in the Vijayawada area. Accordingly, the current study developed a novel gender-specific Women’s Coastal Vulnerability Index (WCVI) to assess the impact of coastal disasters on women and their preparedness in Vijayawada. Field data was collected from over 300 women through surveys (2) and workshops (2) between November 2018 and June 2019, and Arc-GIS tools were used to generate vulnerability maps. Results show that women are more vulnerable than men, with a higher death rate during coastal disaster strikes. The current study also found that gender-specific traditional wear is one of the main factors for this specific vulnerability in this area. Furthermore, the majority of the women tend to be located at home to care for the elders and children, and this is associated with more fatalities during disaster events. Homes, particularly for the urban poor, are typically very small and located in narrow and restricted sites, which are a barrier for women to escape from unsafe residential areas during disasters. Overall, the research reveals that most of the coastal disaster events had a disproportionately negative impact on women. The results from this present study offer valuable information to aid evidence-based policy- and decision-makers to improve existing or generate innovative policies to save women’s lives and improve their livelihood in coastal areas.

Sexual and reproductive health education and its association with ever use of contraception: a cross-sectional study among women in urban slums, Accra

BackgroundSexual and reproductive health education among girls and women has several reproductive health benefits, including improved contraceptive knowledge, contraception use at first intercourse, increased chance of contraceptive use in a lifetime, and effective usage of contraceptives. It is however not clear whether women/girls in urban slums who have had sexual and reproductive health education would likely utilize contraception. This study sets out to test the hypothesis that Accra slum women who have had sex education have higher chances of ever using contraception.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among reproductive aged women in two slums (i.e. Agbogbloshie and Old Fadama) in Accra, Ghana. A sample size of 691, made up of respondents who provided responses to the question on ever used contraception, sex education as well as those with complete information on all the other variables of interest was considered in this study. Binary logistic regression models were fitted to examine association between sexual and reproductive health education and ever use of contraception. Crude odds ratios (cOR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) at p-value less than 0.05 were used to assess the strength of the association between the outcome and independent variables.ResultsMore than half (56.73%) of the women have never received sexual and reproductive health education. Most of the respondents (77.28%) had ever used contraceptives. Women who had no form of sexual and reproductive health education had lower odds of ever using contraception (OR = 0.641, 95% CI 0.443, 0.928) and this persisted after controlling for the effect of demographic factors (AOR = 0.652, 95% CI 0.436, 0.975] compared to those who have ever received any form of sex education. Non-married women as well as women who were exposed to media (newspapers/radio/television) were also more likely to use contraceptives in slums in Accra, Ghana.ConclusionThe study revealed a relatively low prevalence of sex education among women in urban slums in Accra. However, sex education was found to increase the odds of ever use of contraception. These findings call for intensified sexual and reproductive health education among reproductive aged girls and women in urban slums in Accra using existing informal social networks and local media platforms.