scholarly journals Evaluating the Knowledge and Awareness of Women’s about the Nexus between Reproductive Health Problems and Gender Based Violence in North Western Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
EYAYU Kasseye Bayu ◽  
Solomon Anteneh tegegne ◽  
Alemeneh Getaneh Mhretie

Abstract Background: Sexual and reproductive health is the base of peoples living. However, many reproductive health questions are left unanswered. Hence, this study intends to assess women’s awareness and knowledge of reproductive health problems as a result of violence in North Western Ethiopia.Methods: To attain the objective of this study, mixed research approach with cross sectional concurrent research design was employed. Survey questionnaires, interviewees, focus group discussion and document reviews were the data collection instruments used. The collected data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. The target of this study was ten (10) randomly selected districts with 415 women (women in reproductive age) being the unit of analysis.Results: The result demonstrated that, 40% of respondents have an awareness of GBV and its effects on reproductive health, while 60 % are unaware of the importance of the relationship. It also show (55.9 %) of the respondents reported they are aware RH problem can be due to violence, while 44.1 % of as they were unaware. Concerning this awareness, (40.5%) are aware of the problem of headaches, whereas (29.6%) are aware of functional limitation and disability. Considering, psychological/mental health problems, 39 % are aware of the problem of depression and anxiety, while 35.7 % of the respondents reported awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder. Regarding awareness and perception of the sexual and RH problems, (36.1 %) of the respondents reported they have awareness about STI and HIV/AIDS, while 19.8 % have no awareness. The study also showed that unwanted pregnancy, fetal injuries and cervical cancer problems reported by 31.3%, 25.5% and 25.3% respondents respectively. From the study findings, a significant number of respondents are aware of physical health problems rather than psychological and sexual RH problems. This implies even though women are aware of RH problems, they have little awareness that GBV causes RH problems.Conclusion: The findings inferred a majority of the respondents reported no awareness about the types of gender based violence which leads to reproductive health problems. Therefore, the health care sector needs to make significant impact by publicizing and addressing violence against women to reduce RH problems.

2022 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather M. Marlow ◽  
Michael Kunnuji ◽  
Adenike Esiet ◽  
Funsho Bukoye ◽  
Chimaraoke Izugbara

In humanitarian settings, ~35 million girls and young women of reproductive age (15–24) are in urgent need of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services. Young women and girls in humanitarian contexts are particularly vulnerable to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortion, gender-based violence, and early and forced marriage. We sought to understand girls' and young women's experiences with unwanted pregnancy, abortion, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), gender-based violence (GBV), and forced marriage in an IDP camp in Northeastern Nigeria. We conducted 25 in-depth interviews with girls aged 15–19 (N = 13; 8 single and 5 married) and young women aged 20–24 (N = 12; 3 single and 9 married). All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, translated, computer recorded and coded for analysis. The participants in our study fled from and witnessed violence to arrive in the IDP camp with little material support. Lack of necessities, especially food, has driven many to sex in exchange for goods or into forced marriages. This, in turn, leads to increased unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Participants had limited knowledge about contraception, and some information about SRH services available in the camp, but overall, knowledge and utilization of SRH services was low.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Timilsina

Mental Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health are well-studied with accolades of literature on each topic; however, their interrelationships have been under-described. Mental Health problems can be result of concurrent or past Sexual and Reproductive Health ill event and vice versa. This article presents intersection between Mental Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health based on available literature. Intersections between Mental Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and their impacts can be studied through life course perspective and needs prioritized attention in case of Gender Based Violence and for people living with disability. The article highlights the importance to explore other aspects such as emotions, gender and sexuality associated with Mental Health and to study and understand physiological and psychological context between Mental Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health. It also stresses the need of further research on intersection between Mental Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 308-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shreyashi Aryal ◽  
Deepak Shrestha ◽  
Sagun Ballav Pant

Background: Young Nepalese men have been forced to migrate to other countries in search of better opportunities. Wives of these migrant workers are in a vulnerable state and face various problems. The aim of this study wasto assess the prevalence of reproductive health problems and depression in this sub-population and to compare it with women living together with their husbands.Methods: This is a hospital based case control study where depression and reproductive health problems including gender based violence were compared between wives of migrant workers and women living with their husbands. Structured questionnaire was used to assess reproductive symptomatology and Becks depression Inventory-II was used to measure level of depression. Results: During the study period, 38.65% (2193) of all women were wives of migrant workers. India was the country where most 34.6% (73) men migrated. Mean duration of migration was 51.96 months (SD= 63.27). Moderate to severe depression was present in 42.6% (90) of wives of migrant workers and 80.09% of these women experienced some form of gender based violence. Reproductive tract symptoms and gender based violence and depression were significantly more present in these women (p<0.000). Conclusions: Depression and reproductive health problems weremore prevalent in wives of labor migrant workers than in women living with their husbands. The physical and mental health needs of this sub-population warrants screening strategies and preventive measures.Keywords: Depression; reproductive symptoms; migrant workers; wives.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-229
Author(s):  
Shreyashi Aryal ◽  
Sagun B Pant ◽  
Sebina Baniya

ABSTRACT Introduction Gender-based violence (GBV) is faced by many women in Nepal but health-seeking behavior is rare. A reproductive health facility may be the only place where a woman comes for a health visit. So, health care providers, especially gynecologists, play an important role to identify women suffering from GBV as they see clients suffering from the reproductive health effects of GBV on a daily basis. The purpose of this study was to find the prevalence and severity of GBV in women attending the outpatient department (OPD) and to compare their clinical diagnosis with those not facing GBV. Materials and methods This is a prospective study conducted at Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital for a period of 3 months enrolling 741 nonpregnant women attending the OPD. A structured questionnaire was used for interview to identify women facing abuse and to assess their gynecological problems. Results Out of 741 women, 172 faced GBV, so the prevalence was 23.21%. Emotional and physical abuse was the most common type of abuse faced by 56 (32.56%), but the severity was reported more in sexual abuse [8 (57.14%)]. Pain abdomen was the most common symptom [69 (40.12%)], and chronic pelvic pain (CPP) [60 (34.89%)] was the commonest clinical diagnosis made in these women. Chronic pelvic pain was diagnosed more in women facing abuse (p < 0.001). Conclusion In this study, about one in four women in reproductive age group had experienced GBV. Gynecology OPD of a tertiary hospital could be used as a screening setting that can assist in early detection and prevention of GBV in Nepal. How to cite this article Aryal S, Pant SB, Baniya S. Gender-based Violence in Women attending Gynecology Outpatient Department in a Hospital of Western Nepal: An Issue of Endurance and Invisibility. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2017;9(3):225-229.


2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054896
Author(s):  
Navin Kumar ◽  
Kamila Janmohamed ◽  
Kate Nyhan ◽  
Laura Forastiere ◽  
Wei-Hong Zhang ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing socioeconomic and health disparities, including disparities in sexual health and well-being. While there have been several reviews published on COVID-19 and population health disparities generally—including some with attention to HIV—none has focused on sexual health (ie, STI care, female sexual health, sexual behaviour). We have conducted a scoping review focused on sexual health (excluding reproductive health (RH), intimate partner violence (IPV) and gender-based violence (GBV)) in the COVID-19 era, examining sexual behaviours and sexual health outcomes.MethodsA scoping review, compiling both peer-reviewed and grey literature, focused on sexual health (excluding RH, IPV and GBV) and COVID-19 was conducted on 15 September 2020. Multiple bibliographical databases were searched. Study selection conformed to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewers’ Manual 2015 Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews. We only included English-language original studies.ResultsWe found that men who have sex with men may be moving back toward pre-pandemic levels of sexual activity, and that STI and HIV testing rates seem to have decreased. There was minimal focus on outcomes such as the economic impact on sexual health (excluding RH, IPV and GBV) and STI care, especially STI care of marginalised populations. In terms of population groups, there was limited focus on sex workers or on women, especially women’s sexual behaviour and mental health. We noticed limited use of qualitative techniques. Very few studies were in low/middle-income countries (LMICs).ConclusionsSexual health research is critical during a global infectious disease pandemic and our review of studies suggested notable research gaps. Researchers can focus efforts on LMICs and under-researched topics within sexual health and explore the use of qualitative techniques and interventions where appropriate.


Author(s):  
Qianling Zhou ◽  
Chu-Yao Jin ◽  
Hai-Jun Wang

Databases of PubMed, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were used to search relevant articles on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in China published from 2005 to the present (2021), based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Operational Framework on Sexual Health and Its Linkages to Reproductive Health. The following results were found. (a) SRH education and information among the Chinese were insufficient, in particular regarding contraception, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Adolescents, migrants, and the rural population had insufficient knowledge of SRH. (b) Fertility care services were mainly available in large cities, in urban areas, and for married couples. Services targeted for rural-to-urban migrants, rural residents, and the disabled and elderly are needed. (c) A total of 22.4% of youths aged 15–24 had premarital sexual intercourse, and the age of first sexual intercourse was decreasing. Risky sexual behaviors included multiple partners, casual and commercial sex, and having sex after drinking alcohol. (d) The contraceptive practice rate of women aged 15–49 in China was higher than the world’s corresponding figure. However, contraceptive use among young people was low (only 32.3% among unmarried women). (e) Unmarried pregnancy induced by low contraceptive practice is a critical issue in China. (f) Induced abortion was the major consequence of unmarried pregnancy. The rate of induced abortion among the general population in 2016 was 28.13‰, and the rate among unmarried women was increasing annually. (g) There were 958,000 HIV-infected cases in China as of October 2019. Sexual transmission was the major transmission route of HIV-AIDS. More men than women were infected. Men having sex with men comprised the high-risk group of sexual transmission of HIV-AIDS. (h) Gender-based violence including intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual violence, sexual coercion, and child sexual abuse (CSA) might be underreported in China, since many victims were afraid to seek help as well as due to limited services. Legal and regulatory measures should therefore be taken to prevent and reduce gender-based violence. For future perspectives of SRH in China, it is important to pay attention to SRH education and services. An up-to-date national survey on SRH is needed to reflect the current situation and to capture changes over the past decade. Most of the current research has been conducted among adolescents, and more studies are needed among other groups, such as the disabled, the elderly, and homosexual populations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (21) ◽  
pp. 316-329
Author(s):  
Ruzita Azmi ◽  
Siti Nur Samawati Ahmad ◽  
Bidayatul Akmal Mustafa Kamil

Surveys showed that workers in Malaysia are at high risk of health problems including mental health problems that stemmed from the rising stress level at work. Despite having employees’ safety, health, and welfare being codified, depression will be a major mental health illness among Malaysian by 2020. The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) that caters to legislative framework in terms of securing safety, health, and welfare among Malaysian workforces has no provisions to provide a supportive environment for mental health wellbeing at the workplace as well as support for employees with a mental health problem. Furthermore, OSHA 1994 is self-regulated, causing fewer employers to develop OSH codes of practice and guidelines. This is among the weaknesses of OSHA 1994. This paper aims to examine the existing law and policy in Malaysia on mental health at the workplace. It also aims to compare the policy and legal framework in developed commonwealth countries such as the UK. This paper applies qualitative and comparative methods, consisting of a doctrinal legal research approach to understand the principles of law and policies dealing with mental health. A comparative method is employed in order to compare the policies and legal frameworks of mental health wellbeing in developed countries such as the UK. The comparative approach involves an examination of the similarities and dissimilarities between situations within the same legal system. The paper concludes that in order to support mental health and wellbeing at the workplace, a comprehensive legal framework and effective policy are needed especially for Malaysia. Compared with the UK, Malaysia is still lagged behind and has so much to learn from UK’s experiences to tackle issues on mental health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 54-65
Author(s):  
Yustika rahmawati Rahmawati Pratami

Background : Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) plays an important role in preparing adolescents for safe, productive lives, and understanding about HIV and AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unwanted pregnancy, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Gender inequality still pose serious risks to their well-being. Study Aim : Determine the method most instrumental in improving adolescents' knowledge about adolescent sex education and teens identify constraints in obtaining information on sex education. Methods : Stage approach to review the literature using framework Arskey and O'Malley. The framework used to manage with PEOS research questions so that the search strategy uses 5 databases, viz. Pubmed, Science Direct, Wiley, Proquest, And Ebsco with the identification of the relevant study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Each method has its contribution in providing information and knowledge about sex education to adolescents, however the source of the greatest role in providing sex education information mostly came from digital sources both internet and TV media. The lack of role of parents and teachers to provide enough information about sex education is reflected in the results and the above discussion. Problems in adolescent sexual behavior that negatively due to inaccurate sources such as peer and the internet and added with minimal information from parents and teachers in which teenagers hoping to get information about sex education from parents and teachers.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0242046
Author(s):  
Jacques B. O. Emina ◽  
Parfait Gahungu ◽  
Francis Iyese ◽  
Rinelle Etinkum ◽  
Brigitte Kini ◽  
...  

Introduction Delivering integrated sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS) in emergencies is important in order to save lives of the most vulnerable as well as to combat poverty, reduce inequities and social injustice. More than 60% of preventable maternal deaths occur in conflict areas and especially among the internally displaced persons (IDP). Between 2016 and 2018, unprecedented violence erupted in the Kasaï’s region, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), called the Kamuina Nsapu Insurgency. During that period, an estimated three million of adolescent girls and women were forced to flee; and have faced growing threat to their health, safety, security, and well-being including significant sexual and reproductive health challenges. Between August 2016 and May 2017, the “Sous-Cluster sur les violences basées sur le genre (SC-VBG)” in DRC (2017) reported 1,429 Gender Based Violence (GBV) incidents in the 49 service delivery points in the provinces of Kasaï, Kasaï Central and Kasaï Oriental. Rape cases represented 79% of reported incidents whereas sexual assault and forced marriage accounted for respectively 11% and 4% of Gender Based Violence (GBV) among women and adolescent girls. This study aims to assess the availability of SRHS in the displaced camps in Kasaï; to evaluate the SRHS needs of young girls and women in the reproductive age (12–49). Studies of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have often included adolescent girls under the age of 15 because of high prevalence of child marriage and early onset of childbearing, especially in the humanitarian context. According to the 2013 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), about 16% of surveyed women got married by age 14 while the prevalence of early child marriage (marriage by 15) was estimated at 30%; to assess the use of SRHS services and identify barriers as well as challenges for SRH service delivery and use. Findings from this study will help provide evidence to inform towards more needs-based and responsive SRH service delivery. This is hoped for ultimately improve the quality and effectiveness of services, when considering service delivery and response in humanitarian settings. Data and methods We will conduct a mixed-methods study design, which will combine quantitative and qualitative approaches. Based on the estimation of the sample size, quantitative data will be drawn from the community-based survey (500 women of reproductive age per site) and health facility assessments will include assessments of 45 health facilities and 135 health providers’ interviews. Qualitative data will comprise materials from 30 Key Informant Interviews (KII) and 24 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), which are believed to achieve the needed saturation levels. Data analysis will include thematic and content analysis for the KIIs and FGDs using ATLAS.ti software for the qualitative arm. For the quantitative arm, data analysis will combine frequency and bivariate chi-square analysis, coupled with multi-level regression models, using Stata 15 software. Statistic differences will be established at the significance level of 0.05. We submitted this protocol to the national ethical committee of the ministry of health in September 2019 and it was approved in January 2020. It needs further approval from the Scientific Oversee Committee (SOC) and the Provincial Ministry of Health. Prior to data collection, informed consents will be obtained from all respondents.


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