Knowledge and perception of sexual and reproductive rights among married women in Nigeria

Married women of reproductive age can experience violations of their sexual and reproductive rights (SRRs). Adequate knowledge and understanding of SRRs are critical to their ability to protect themselves. This mixed methods study assessed the knowledge and perception of SRRs among ever-married women in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. Quantitative data (N = 423) were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and summarised by computing scores for knowledge and perception. Qualitative data were obtained from five focus groups. Findings showed that 45.2% of the respondents said that they were aware of SRRs, yet 81.8% had poor knowledge scores. Regarding perceptions about SRRs, 73% of respondents obtained scores over the mean. In focus group discussions, participants generally could not explain the meaning of SRRs. However, they had positive perception of some SRRs, such as rights to family planning and freedom from violence/abuse. Overall, this study revealed that respondents had poor knowledge of SRRs but positive perceptions about them. A concerted effort is needed to raise public awareness and achieve basic education for women of reproductive age.