HUSBAND’S KNOWLEDGE OF PARTNERS REPRODUCTIVE RIGHT S AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN GACHO BABA WOREDA, GAMO ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA, 2023

Abstract

Background: A lack of knowledge leads to a culture of silence on issues related reproductive rights in underdeveloped nations, which encourages people to violate reproductive rights. Addressing knowledge gaps among husbands about reproductive rights is vital for promoting gender equality, reducing gender-based violence, and reducing adverse reproductive outcomes. However, knowledge among husbands about their partner‟s reproductive rights and related factors is a topic that has not received the attention of researchers in rural areas. Objectives: The main aim of this study was to assess the husband‟s knowledge of partners‟ reproductive rights and its associated factors in the rural district of Gacho Baba, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, in 2023. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among systematically selected husbands in the rural district of Gacho Baba, Gamo Zone, southern Ethiopia. Data were collected from April 1 to 30, 2023. A Structured interviewer administered pre-tested questionnair e was used to collect the data. The data were coded and entered into EPI Data version 3.1, then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable analysis was done by using binary logistic regression to see the association between each independent variable and the outcome variable. A statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05, and an adjusted odd ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to show the strength of the association. Results: A total of 613 respondents participated in the study, giving an overall response rate of 96.7%. About 224 (36.5%, 95% CI = 32.7%–40.3%) husbands had good knowledge about their partners' reproductive rights. Those who had experience using reproductive health services with partners [AOR: 3.07; CI: 2.14-4.43], discussed reproductive health issues with their partners (AOR: 2.1; CI: 1.02-4.31), had exposure to mass media (AOR: 4.6; CI: 1.97-10.65), and had a means of transportation (AOR: 3.42; CI: 1.18-9.94) were significantly associated with their husband's knowledge of their partners reproductive rights. Conclusion and recommendations: In this study, the husband‟s knowledge about his partner's reproductive rights was low. Experience in utilizing reproductive health services with partners, discussion with partners about reproductive health issues, use of mass media, and a means of transportation were factors associated with the husband‟s knowledge of the partner‟s reproductive rights. Therefore, healthcare providers and other responsible bodies should design and implement strategies to promote husbands' exposure to mass media, experience of using reproductive health services with partners, and discussion about reproductive health issues within couples. This will enhance husbands' knowledge of their partner's reproductive rights.