Reproductive Health Seeking Behavior Among Vagrant Women in North Central Nigeria

Author: Bilqis Wuraola Alatishe-Muhammad, Mojirola M. Fasiku, Zainab B. Bakare, Sadiya M. Gwadabe, Hafsat Abolore Ameen, Oladimeji Akeem Bolarinwa, Hadijat O Raji

Abstract

The objective of this study was to model the factors associated with vagrant women’s reproductive health services (RHS)-seeking behavior, exploring how social exclusion and prejudice from medical professionals and the healthcare system impact their sexual and reproductive health decisions. The study employed a descriptive cluster study design. Data were derived from vagrant women on the streets in Ilorin with interviewer-administered questionnaires to determine vagrants' RHS seeking behaviour (HSB). The confidence interval was 95% and p<0.05 was set as statistically significant. Between 1^st April and 30^th June 2023, 1000 eligible vagrant women were interviewed.  The mean age of respondents was 31±3.6 years, a low proportion, about a quarter, 248 (24.8%) had at least one form of disability and for a majority, 881 (88.1%), begging was their only source of income.  A high proportion, 697 (69.7%) of the vagrants studied, had no formal education. Awareness of RHS was low, with only 120 (12%) having good knowledge of RHS. To seek care, most vagrants sought permission 821 (82.1%)and funds 806 (80.6) from their husbands. Having a disability and the presence of chronic disease were significant predictors of Health Seeking Behavior (HSB) (p<0.005). Following multiple regression analysis, daily income (AOR 0.65, B0.50), use of RHS (AOR 0.12), B2.11, ownership of property(AOR 0.24, B 1.42), and awareness of RHS(AOR 0.28.B1.26) predicted reproductive HSB. The HSB by vagrant women requires a positive change. A multifaceted approach in planning, stakeholder engagement, health education, and behaviour change interventions will positively impact their HSB. Vagrant women will use the RHS if they have an enabling environment.