Knowledge and Practices of Reproductive Rights among Women in Chandragiri Municipality

Abstract

This study was conducted with an aim to identify the knowledge and practices of reproductive rights among women of reproductive age. Descriptive and cross-sectional methods under the quantitative research design were adopted. About 160 women from Chandragiri Municipality were selected using lottery methods. Both structured and semi-structured questionnaires were administered as the tools of data collection. The collected data were analysed and interpreted using statistical tools. A high level of awareness among the sample population was demonstrated by the fact that 84.9 % of respondents were aware of reproductive health and rights, whereas 15.1 % had never heard of them. Respondents' perceptions of reproductive rights like making decisions which was achieved by 28.0 % and health care right was achieved by 25.1 % of respondents. Similarly, the right to information was practiced by only 19.4 % of respondents. It indicates that there are gaps in the knowledge of women's reproductive health and access to health services in Chandragiri Municipality, which are driven by socio-economic, cultural, and gender barriers. So, accessible health services and comprehensive education in reproductive health with legal aspects should be managed both in community outreach and in school curricula effectively.