Abstract:
BACKGROUND. In many developing countries most reproductive decisions are made by men
although it is, as well, the concern of women. Practicing reproductive health rights is not an
individual attribute but an outcome of negotiation between partners. Women in developing
countries are either under collective decision making with their partners or completely rely on the
male partner’s decision on issues that affect their reproductive live.
Objective; The objective of this study was to determine decision making power and practicing the
reproductive health rights among reproductive age women’s and to see the relationship between
respondents' characteristics and practicing (utilization ) of reproductive health rights, in jimma
town, south west Ethiopia, 2016.
Methods and materials; an institution based descriptive cross-sectional study, quantitative, supplemented
by qualitative was conducted from, January-February, 2016 in Jimma town. The sample size was calculated
using a single population proportion, from a sample size of shared decision making , p = 0.81(81% of SRH
clients adopted SRH services is taken from a community based survey in Addis
Ababa,(EDHS,2005).formula at α 0.05 margin of error at 0.05. Systematic sampling technique was used to
select 260 and purposive sampling technique was used for qualitative.
Result. A total of 260 study participants included in the study of reproductive decision making power. Male
dominancy economic dependency and culture are associated with decision making power. Gender equitable
attitude had significant statistical association with decision making on reproductive health and Women’s
have fair reproductive rights knowledge deficient. There is no any IEC materials in health facilities related
to Reproductive health rights. Omens reproductive health decision making power strongly associated with
demographic characteristics of age AOR=0.25CI(0.18,1.18),occupation AOR 7.94CI(1.94,8.68),intention
to have more than 5 children AOR 11.28CI(1.56,11.2),knowledge of Reproductive right
AOR=4.22(CI3.58,12.4).
Conclusion and recommendation. According to this study there is high Male economic dependency and
culture are more factors for decision making power. And Gender equitable attitude had significant statistical
association with decision making on reproductive health and rights. And this indicates as it needs multisectorial approach to empower women and holds decision making power on reproductive health and rights
to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity related to sexual and reproductive health.
