Social Determinants of Reproductive Health Outcomes AmongWomen of Child-Bearing Age in Ilorin West Local Government Area,Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Reproductive health outcomes among women of childbearing age are influenced by multiple social determinants. This study examined the associations between social factors and reproductive health outcomes among women of childbearing age.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. Using multistage sampling, 398 women of childbearing age were selected from five randomly selected wards in Ilorin West LGA. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire with a four-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages) and chi-square tests of association were used for data analysis at α = 0.05 significance level.

Results: The study revealed that 72.9% (n=290) of respondents reported positive associations between reproductive health services and health outcomes. Income level showed the strongest association (92.0%, n=366), followed by education level (71.3%, n=284), age (55.2%, n=220), and marital status (54.8%, n=218). Chi-square analysis revealed a statistically significant association between reproductive health service access and health outcomes among women of childbearing age (χ² = 201.219, df = 12, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Income level and education are the most significant social factors associated with reproductive health outcomes among women of childbearing age in Ilorin West LGA.