Utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among construction worker women in southern Ethiopia – BMC Women’s Health

Introduction

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global goals established by the United Nations to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges. One of the key areas covered by the SDGs is reproductive health, which encompasses sexual and reproductive health rights, access to healthcare services, and the overall well-being of individuals.

Importance of Reproductive Health

Reproductive health plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development. It is essential for individuals to have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, maternal and child health, and prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. By addressing reproductive health needs, countries can promote gender equality, reduce poverty, improve education, and ensure sustainable economic growth.

SDGs and Reproductive Health

The SDGs provide a framework for countries to prioritize and work towards achieving reproductive health goals. Several specific goals and targets within the SDGs directly relate to reproductive health, including:

1. Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
2. Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
3. Goal 10: Reduce inequalities within and among countries
4. Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development

Research and Evidence

Various studies have been conducted to assess the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services and identify barriers and facilitators in different countries. Some notable research findings include:

• A study in Ethiopia found that distance from health facilities and lack of knowledge were barriers to accessing reproductive health services among rural women.
• In Uganda, integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services were found to improve service utilization and knowledge among women.
• In Lebanon, unmarried women reported perceived barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services, including social stigma and lack of awareness.
• Adolescents in Kenya faced barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services, including lack of information and support networks.

Conclusion

Reproductive health is a critical component of the SDGs, and achieving the goals requires addressing barriers to access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services. By prioritizing reproductive health, countries can improve the well-being of individuals, promote gender equality, and contribute to sustainable development.

References

1. WHO. World Health Organization. Reproductive health. 2018.
2. Gabrielle A, Saumya R, Ben B. The inclusion of sexual and reproductive health services within universal health care through intentional design. Sex Reproductive Health Matters. 2020;28(2):65–75.
3. WHO. Universal access to sexual and reproductive health: New tools offer strategies on integrating sexual and reproductive health into primary health care, as a fundamental component of universal health coverage. 2022.
4. Ravindran TKS, Govender V. Sexual and reproductive health services in universal health coverage: a review of recent evidence from low- and middle-income countries. Sex Reprod Health Matters. 2020;28(2):1779632.
5. Starrs AM, Ezeh AC, Barker G, Basu A, Bertrand JT, Blum R, et al. Accelerate progress-sexual and reproductive health and rights for all: report of the Guttmacher-Lancet Commission. Lancet. 2018;391(10140):2642–92.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   The article addresses the issue of access to sexual and reproductive health care services, which is connected to SDG 3. This goal aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

2. Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services

   The specific target identified in the article is to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services. This target focuses on providing comprehensive and affordable sexual and reproductive health services to all individuals.

3. Indicator 3.7.1: Proportion of women of reproductive age (aged 15-49 years) who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods

   The article mentions the indicator of the proportion of women of reproductive age who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods. This indicator measures the availability and accessibility of modern family planning methods to meet the needs of women.

4. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   The article also addresses the issue of violence against women, which is connected to SDG 5. This goal aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

5. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres

   The specific target identified in the article is to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. This target focuses on promoting gender equality and ensuring the safety and well-being of women and girls.

6. Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months

   The article mentions the indicator of the proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to violence by a current or former intimate partner. This indicator measures the prevalence of violence against women and girls, which is a violation of their human rights.

7. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   The article also highlights the issue of discrimination and inequalities, which is connected to SDG 10. This goal aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.

8. Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including through eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices

   The specific target identified in the article is to ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome. This target focuses on eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices that contribute to inequalities.

9. Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law

   The article does not mention any specific indicators related to SDG 10. However, the indicator mentioned here measures the prevalence of discrimination and harassment based on prohibited grounds of discrimination, such as gender, race, or ethnicity.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.