Advancing Maternal and Child Health Through Women’s Health Rights: Using Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) to Enhance Access to Family Planning and Post-Abortion Care in Northern Nigeria
1
Programmes and Operations, MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1413
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Maternal and child health in Nigeria is often undermined by limited access to family planning (FP) and post-abortion care (PAC), leading to preventable maternal deaths and poor child wellbeing. In Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State, overlapping gender, cultural, and informational barriers restrict women’s reproductive autonomy. Myths about infertility, partner opposition, and misinformation continue to prevent women from exercising their health rights. This study examined how integrating Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) into routine immunization clinics could improve knowledge, strengthen women’s decision-making power, and promote their right to safe, informed reproductive health choices.
METHODS:
A mixed-method approach was used, engaging 60 women of reproductive age and 10 healthcare providers. SBCC interventions included interpersonal counselling, peer-to-peer advocacy, and community dialogues involving local and religious leaders. Structured pre- and post-intervention questionnaires assessed knowledge and perception changes among women. Each correct response was scored “1” (0 for incorrect), and composite knowledge scores were calculated. Key informant interviews explored providers’ experiences and client behavioural shifts.
RESULTS:
The mean pre-test knowledge score (7.87) increased to 21.65 post-intervention—a 175% improvement. Women demonstrated improved understanding of FP methods, safety, and benefits, while expressing greater confidence to seek services and discuss options with partners. Providers reported enhanced empathy and trust, and community acceptance of FP conversations grew through immunization sessions that linked child and maternal health.
CONCLUSIONS:
Integrating SBCC into maternal and child health services promotes informed choice and strengthens women’s health rights. By transforming immunization clinics into communication spaces for empowerment, this approach bridges gender and social barriers, enhances health equity, and contributes to sustainable maternal and child health outcomes.
Maternal and child health in Nigeria is often undermined by limited access to family planning (FP) and post-abortion care (PAC), leading to preventable maternal deaths and poor child wellbeing. In Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State, overlapping gender, cultural, and informational barriers restrict women’s reproductive autonomy. Myths about infertility, partner opposition, and misinformation continue to prevent women from exercising their health rights. This study examined how integrating Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) into routine immunization clinics could improve knowledge, strengthen women’s decision-making power, and promote their right to safe, informed reproductive health choices.
METHODS:
A mixed-method approach was used, engaging 60 women of reproductive age and 10 healthcare providers. SBCC interventions included interpersonal counselling, peer-to-peer advocacy, and community dialogues involving local and religious leaders. Structured pre- and post-intervention questionnaires assessed knowledge and perception changes among women. Each correct response was scored “1” (0 for incorrect), and composite knowledge scores were calculated. Key informant interviews explored providers’ experiences and client behavioural shifts.
RESULTS:
The mean pre-test knowledge score (7.87) increased to 21.65 post-intervention—a 175% improvement. Women demonstrated improved understanding of FP methods, safety, and benefits, while expressing greater confidence to seek services and discuss options with partners. Providers reported enhanced empathy and trust, and community acceptance of FP conversations grew through immunization sessions that linked child and maternal health.
CONCLUSIONS:
Integrating SBCC into maternal and child health services promotes informed choice and strengthens women’s health rights. By transforming immunization clinics into communication spaces for empowerment, this approach bridges gender and social barriers, enhances health equity, and contributes to sustainable maternal and child health outcomes.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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