Reproductive Health Information and Practice among Underserved Childbearing-Age Women in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among underserved women of childbearing age in Osun State, Nigeria. Drawing upon the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) framework and Health Belief Model (HBM), a mixed-methods design was employed, combining structured surveys with focus group interviews across selected rural and peri-urban communities. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 400 women aged 15–49 years. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS (v25), employing descriptive and inferential statistics including chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression. Findings reveal moderate reproductive health knowledge (M = 2.85), generally positive attitudes (M = 2.78), but low practice levels (M = 1.94) on a 5-point Likert scale. Cultural beliefs, limited autonomy, and health system barriers significantly shaped reproductive choices. Statistically significant relationships were found between knowledge and practice (p < .01), and education level emerged as a major predictor of reproductive health behavior. This study highlights a critical gap between awareness and action, emphasizing the need for culturally tailored, community-based interventions and improved health system responsiveness. It contributes to global reproductive health discourse by providing evidence from a sub-national, underserved population in Nigeria.