Gender Norms and Roles Indices as Determinants of Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Primary Caregivers of Orphan and Vulnerable Children in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Access to reproductive health services (maternal, family planning services, and HIV services) continues to be a major public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria. Studies in Sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria have explored factors influencing access to health care services. However, most studies have not explored the influence of gender norms and roles on access to reproductive health services. This study fills the knowledge gap. Method: This study adopted a cross-sectional design and multi-staged random sampling technique in selecting the respondents that were interviewed. The outcome and exploratory variables on access to sexual and reproductive health care services, gender norms and roles were reviewed. Logistics regression was used to analyze the variables at the bivariate level and Poisson regression was used at the multivariate level. Results: Women’s autonomy, participation in leadership, household headship, employment and household tasks are significantly associated with access to sexual and reproductive health care services. Women’s autonomy led to a 16% increase in access to sexual and reproductive health care services [OR=1.16;95%CI=1.09-1.22]. Women who possess assets were more likely to access sexual and reproductive health care services by 5% [OR=1.05;95%CI=0.97-1.13]. Socio-demographic factors such as employment, marital status, and place of residence are significantly associated with access to reproductive health and HIV services Conclusion:Access to reproductive health care services can be improved by increasing the women’s decision-making power within the households, providing enabling environment for womento possess assets/property, and increasecontrol of women over resources.