Individuals choose to keep secrets for various reasons, such as evading feelings of depression, stigmatization, discrimination, deprivation of benefits or opportunities.
The Weight Of Secrets
The concealed weight of these secrets is undeniable, and the thought of unveiling them can be daunting and overwhelming. Nevertheless, contemplating the disclosure of these burdens is essential, as it transforms the unseen into something visible for others to comprehend.
This investigation employed Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and In-depth Interview techniques (IDI), to gain insights into these concealed burdens and experiences.
The study took place in the Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, focusing on women within the reproductive age range (15 – 49 years), irrespective of their marital status and social classification.
The estimated population of this LGA is 487,751, with 235,835 (48.4%) females. Among these women, 142,573 fall within the reproductive age range as reported by City Facts in 2023.
The Sustainable Development Goal – 3 reflects the ambition for good health and wellbeing of everyone. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) outlined that restrictions on abortion do not reduce its occurrence but increase the number of abortions that are unsafe.
This results in 45% of all abortions globally, being unsafe and it has remained a catastrophic public health problem accounting for up to 13% of preventable maternal mortality worldwide, with many survivors living with preventable long-term complications – infertility, chronic pain, and many others.
According to the World Health Organization fact sheet in 2014, 10 million unintended pregnancies occur each year in developing regions, resulting in unsafe abortions.
It was noted that neglect of health information about SRHR, results in poor health outcomes such as unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, obstetric fistula, premature birth, stillbirth, high maternal mortality and morbidity, and other social effects.
A Painful Tale
Let’s look at Treasure’s story (real name withheld). During her first year studying economics in the higher institution, ASSU strike was announced. She thought about the cost of travelling back to Lagos but decided to stay with the friend – Raymond; a third year student who stays off campus in a single-apartment, and Raymond was happy to accommodate her. One day, while Treasure was asleep, Raymond started caressing her.
She woke up suddenly, became uncomfortable, and warded him off, but Raymond gave her a drink to take and wouldn’t desist from her. He eventually raped her that night and this continued on several instances. Treasure found out she was pregnant three weeks later and didn’t know what to do as Raymond said he was not ready to marry her. She eventually gave birth to a baby boy who is now a teenager and she couldn’t complete her studies as a result of this.
Treasure later got married to another man in 2014 and the union is blessed with 5 daughters.
She narrated how the husband has threatened to throw her out of the house and remarry if she doesn’t give him a male child.
“I passed through hell during the last pregnancy and here I am pregnant again, my husband is not aware that I have a son already, I will be deprived of so many benefits, I am in pains.”
She thought to herself while weeping. At one point she took a mixture of bleach, chlorine, and battery acid, at the other point she inserted sharp sticks into her body but nothing worked for her despite all the efforts.
She further visited a quack doctor who attempted to remove the foetus. Treasure was already in severe pains, depressed and didn’t want to tell anyone. She almost lost her life but got quick medical attention at the point of near-death which later had a reproductive health, mental, and social impact on her life.
In her words –
“if I knew better, I would have done better”
The Power Of Information
Information is the most powerful tool that people can use to inform their lifestyles and in turn lead healthy lives.
It is imperative to work with various stakeholders such as parents, community members, religious organizations, the men, and policymakers in addressing the underlying social, religious, cultural, and economic determinants that strongly influence women’s health.
Also, it is important for the Government through the ministry of health to digitalize the health system that will reach both urban and rural dwellers. This will ensure that everyone has unlimited access to health information and family planning services irrespective of their location.
Written by Udeagha Maureen
