Socio cultural factors and religious practices in Nigeria, as it affects women of reproductive age: A study in Niger delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Culture, tradition and religion of any community, has a major role to play in the reproductive outcome of the women from that area. Recent research publications acknowledge the influence of religion and culture on Sexual and reproductive behaviour and health-care utilization.The Reproductive age woman (15-49 years) in Nigeria is faced with a lot of health challenges that are closely linked to the socio-cultural, traditional and religious beliefs of the people in her immediate Community.Culture and tradition have their positive aspects, but we want to highlight the harmful effects that lead to high indices of Maternal mortality in Nigeria and Africa in general.The aim is to continue to draw attention of the United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO), Government and donor Organizations to the plight of the Nigerianwoman, especially the rural dwellers.Method: We used a qualitative method and performed three types of data collection with different target groups.The result was that the United Nations Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against women (art 5a), by General Assembly resolution 34/180 of 18th December 1979 is yet to gain full impact in Nigeria.