CULTURAL PRACTICES AND THE HEALTH STATUS OF WOMEN IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
The need to maintain good health status across populations has been a global concern. Women in particular have been vulnerable to ill health due to socio cultural factors. This study examined the phenomenon of cultural practices and the health status of women in Benue State. Cross sectional study design was used while women constituted population of the study. Data were collected using questionnaire and key informant interviews. The study found that there are many cultural practices within the study area that are harm to the health of women. The findings show that the cultural practices are enforced through several means including socialization. Majority of the respondents 48.3% (177) of respondents expressed favourable perception towards the cultural practices affecting the health of women. On the impact of the cultural practices, 37.4% (55) of the respondents mentioned unequal access to maternal healthcare services, 12.8% (47) said the practices lead to low self-esteem, 10.9% (40) pointed health complications. The study concluded that some of the prevailing cultural practices in Benue state have negative implications to the health status of women. The study recommended the need for women to be empowered through education which will enable them reinforce their identities, respond to democratic aspirations and reduce inequality between the sexes which has always been the crux of the matter.
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