Factors associated with sexual and reproductive health service utilisation in high migration communities in six Southern African countries

Abstract

Background Migration among women has significant health consequences on their access to and utilisation of health services, particularly sexual and reproductive health services. Despite the large quantity of research on migrant health, there is a paucity of research on the factors associated with utilization of modern methods of contraception, intimate partner violence services and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) referral services among non-migrants, internal and international migrant women. Consequently, understanding the factors associated with utilisation of SRH services among women in Southern Africa motivates this study. Methods The study uses secondary data from a cross sectional survey conducted in 2018. Logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the factors associated with utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services among 2070 women aged 15–49 years in high migrant communities in six Southern African countries. Results Factors found to be associated with current non-use of modern contraceptive methods were country, employment status, educational level, comprehensive knowledge about SRH, comprehensive knowledge about HIV, desire for another child, partner’s age and partner’s educational level. Regarding utilisation of SRH services, important factors were ever denied access to a public healthcare facility, country, marital status and comprehensive knowledge about HIV. Factors associated with utilising IPV services were migration status, age and attitude towards wife beating. Conclusion The findings highlight that migration status is associated with utilisation of IPV services. Comprehensive knowledge about SRH and partner characteristic variables were associated with current non-use of modern contraceptive methods. There is a need for SRH programs that can disseminate accurate information about SRH and encourage male involvement in SRH related issues. In addition, the SRH programs should target all women regardless of their migration status, age, educational level and marital status.

Navigating challenges: a socioecological analysis of sexual and reproductive health barriers among Eritrean refugee women in Ethiopia, using a key informant approach

“…This finding is supported by a study conducted in Nigeria and many other countries where community acceptance of this abusive relationship is more entrenched and where women suffer in silence as they are often protected by family secrecy, cultural norms, fear, shame and associated social stigma and therefore remain silent 66–70. This is mainly due to the general religious teachings that women must submit and obey their partner as the head of the family 69 71. SRH topics in the camp are also taboo topics similar to other studies 72.…”

Social Determinants of Reproductive Age Women's Sexual Health: A Scoping Review

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