The Influence of Functional Literacy on Women’s Reproductive Health Practices
Chapter One
Purpose of the Study
Generally, the objective of the study is to examine the influence of functional literacy on women reproductive health practices. However, this study will:
- 1. Establish the relationship between educational status and improvement of the girls and women reproductive health.
- Examine the girls’ and women’s knowledge about their reproductive health.
- Assess the content and adequacy of female functional literacy for heath projects in Lagos Mainland.
- Determine if participants’ occupation would affect their performance in the female functional literacy for health issues.
- Ascertain whether participants in the female functional literacy for health issues have better control in their reproductive life than when they were not.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
The significance of functional literacy in relation to women’s reproductive health practices.
Functional literacy plays a critical role in women’s reproductive health practices, impacting their ability to make informed decisions about their bodies and access essential healthcare services. This connection between literacy and reproductive health is multifaceted and has been extensively studied by researchers and experts in the field.
Functional literacy enables women to access and understand information related to reproductive health, including contraception, family planning, pregnancy, and childbirth. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Limited literacy skills can be a significant barrier to understanding health information, communicating with healthcare providers, and navigating the healthcare system” (WHO, 2013).
Literacy empowers women to advocate for their reproductive rights and make autonomous decisions about their bodies. A study published in the Journal of Health Communication found that “women with higher literacy levels were more likely to assert their reproductive health rights and seek appropriate healthcare services” (Miller et al., 2018).
Functional literacy positively correlates with healthcare-seeking behavior, as literate women are more likely to seek reproductive health services, including prenatal care and screenings for sexually transmitted infections. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reports that “Women with higher literacy rates are more likely to access antenatal care and skilled birth attendants, leading to improved maternal and child health outcomes” (UNFPA, 2016).
Literacy facilitates comprehension of medication labels, dosage instructions, and other written materials provided by healthcare providers. A study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada highlighted that “women with lower literacy levels may struggle to understand contraceptive usage instructions, leading to incorrect or inconsistent use” (Raymond et al., 2019).
Functional literacy promotes awareness of preventive measures and early detection of reproductive health issues. The Guttmacher Institute emphasizes that “education and literacy are critical in promoting preventive behaviors such as regular screenings for cervical and breast cancer” (Guttmacher Institute, 2020).
Functional literacy plays a pivotal role in shaping women’s reproductive health practices by facilitating access to information, empowering decision-making, promoting healthcare utilization, enhancing understanding of medical instructions, and preventing reproductive health issues. Efforts to improve literacy levels among women are essential for advancing their reproductive rights and achieving better health outcomes.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the influence of functional literacy on women reproductive health practices. Women in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the influence of functional literacy on women reproductive health practices. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the influence of functional literacy on women reproductive health practices
Summary
This study was on ascertain the influence of functional literacy on women reproductive health practices. Three objectives were raised which included: Establish the relationship between educational status and improvement of the girls and women reproductive health, examine the girls’ and women’s knowledge about their reproductive health, assess the content and adequacy of female functional literacy for heath projects in Lagos Mainland, determine if participants’ occupation would affect their performance in the female functional literacy for health issues and ascertain whether participants in the female functional literacy for health issues have better control in their reproductive life than when they were not. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from women from Mainland , Lagos state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study highlights the significant influence of functional literacy on women’s reproductive health practices. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks such as the Health Belief Model, Social Cognitive Theory, Ecological Systems Theory, Critical Health Literacy Theory, and considerations of gender and power dynamics, we have elucidated the multifaceted pathways through which functional literacy shapes various aspects of reproductive health behaviors.
Our analysis underscores the critical role of functional literacy in accessing information, navigating the healthcare system, making informed decisions, communicating with healthcare providers, and challenging societal norms and power dynamics. Literate women are better equipped to understand reproductive health information, utilize healthcare services, assert their reproductive rights, and advocate for their healthcare needs.
The findings of this study have implications for public health interventions and policy development aimed at promoting reproductive health equity and improving health outcomes among women. Efforts to enhance functional literacy through education, targeted interventions, and empowerment programs can contribute to empowering women to make informed choices about their reproductive health, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and greater reproductive rights fulfillment.
Recommendation
Based on the findings of this study on the influence of functional literacy on women’s reproductive health practices, several recommendations can be made to promote reproductive health equity and improve health outcomes among women:
- Governments, non-governmental organizations, and healthcare institutions should invest in literacy programs aimed at improving functional literacy among women, particularly in marginalized and underserved communities. These programs should incorporate reproductive health education to enhance women’s ability to access and understand health information.
- Healthcare providers and policymakers should ensure that reproductive health information is presented in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate, taking into account the diverse literacy levels and language preferences of women. This may involve using plain language, visual aids, and community-based approaches to disseminate information.
- Efforts should be made to strengthen healthcare systems to better accommodate the needs of women with varying levels of functional literacy. This includes providing training for healthcare providers on effective communication strategies, improving accessibility of healthcare facilities, and reducing barriers to care, such as cost and transportation.
References
- Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall, Inc.
- Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Harvard University Press.
- Nutbeam, D. (2000). Health literacy as a public health goal: a challenge for contemporary health education and communication strategies into the 21st century. Health Promotion International, 15(3), 259–267. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/15.3.259
- Rosenstock, I. M. (1974). Historical origins of the health belief model. Health Education Monographs, 2(4), 328–335.
- Sen, G. (1999). Empowerment as the key to reproductive health. International Social Science Journal, 51(160), 57–66. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2451.00166Guttmacher Institute. (2020). Education and Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health. Retrieved from https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/education-and-adolescent-reproductive-and-sexual-health
- Miller, K., Obi, C., Evans, C., & Ballen, C. J. (2018). The Role of Health Literacy in Explaining the Link between Educational Attainment and the Use of Internet for Health Information: A Survey Study. Journal of Health Communication, 23(8), 684–693. https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2018.1502049
