Reproductive Justice: Factors Influencing Women’s Advocacy for Condom Use in Sexually Transmitted Infections Prevention—an Analysis of the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey
摘要
Reproductive justice links reproductive rights with social equity, addressing barriers to marginalized women’s autonomy. Though condoms prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), inadequate sexual education and socio-cultural norms hinder their use. This study examines the factors affecting women’s advocacy for condom use in Ghana as a strategy for STI prevention. Using data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, the study analyzed a weighted sample of 3,458 women who had sexual partners other than their spouses. Reproductive Justice was measured as women’s ability to negotiate safer sex, while socio-demographic, household, community, and empowerment factors were examined using binary logistic regression. Findings indicate that 89.6% of women supported a wife right to demand condom use if her husband has an STI, while 10.4% did not. Several factors significantly influenced women’s opinions on reproductive justice. Women from households headed by individuals aged 20–29 years (aOR = 1.77) and those residing in urban areas (aOR = 1.27) were more likely to advocate for condom use. Conversely, co-habiting women (aOR = 0.50) and those with no formal education (aOR = 0.51) were less likely to support this view. Literate women (aOR = 2.06; C.I:1.45–2.94) demonstrated higher advocacy for condom use, reinforcing the role of formal education in empowering women. However, women who jointly owned land with partners (aOR = 0.48) had lower odds of supporting condom negotiation. The study highlights the need for targeted educational programs, socio-demographic equity and community empowerment to enhance women women’s ability to negotiate safer sexual practice, ultimately promoting reproductive justice.