Primary Submission Category: Reproductive health
Understanding the Impact of Lack of Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among Nigerian Women Through a Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Rejoice Obiora,
Presenting Author: Rejoice Obiora*
Access to sexual and reproductive health services (SRH) for women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa is a protective factor against unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortion. In sub–Saharan Africa, the prevalence of contraceptive use which is a major component of SRH services is currently 13% which is relatively very low when compared with figures from developed countries . The lack of access to SRH services in marginalized and patriarchal communities in Nigeria predisposes women to different negative experiences given the high rates of gender-based violence occurring in those communities .
Although studies have shown that access to sexual and reproductive health services is associated with positive health outcomes among women of reproductive age , there is an increasing constraint in accessing these services in Nigeria. These constraints are because of several factors such as gender and social norms, cultural factors, structural or institution factors, religion, and the perceptions around contraceptive use in Nigeria .
Gender roles and societal expectations frequently strip women of autonomy over decisions regarding contraceptive use . Women are often viewed primarily as “child bearers,” with children regarded as “gifts from God.” Misconceptions, including the belief that contraceptives cause sterility or infertility, persist even among educated women in Nigeria.
The objective of this study is to use theories such as the life course theory and weathering framework to understand the impact of lack of access to sexual and reproductive health services among women in Nigeria. These theoretical lenses were used to explore how experiences such as unplanned or unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions accumulate over time, leading to adverse health outcomes. This study also highlights the systemic and structural barriers faced by Nigerian women and underscores the need for a nuanced framework to address the interlocking factors shaping their reproductive health trajectories.