Literacy education as a determinant factor to impaired health status of women in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relevance and effect of education on the health status of women in Nigeria.  Three research questions were stated to guide the study with specific objectives which include:(i)  to reveal the implication of lack of education on the health status of women in Nigeria. (ii) to establish if lack of education had an impact on the wellbeing or health status of women in Nigeria. (iii) to attempt an exposition of the need for women to embrace  literacy education for their wellbeing and those of their household.

Relevant literatures were reviewed, questionnaire were administered on 120 respondents who were women within reproductive ages and slightly beyond (16-59) and 80 respondents who were medical personnel. In addition, focus group discussions were also employed.  Data analyzed revealed that illiteracy and poverty were major factors responsible for the impaired health status of women in Nigeria.  Based on these findings, the study recommends among other areas that education of women should be enhanced and enforced right from childhood.    Medical Personnel, Religious Organizations, Community Leader’s and media houses should be involved in the enlightenment campaign so as to enlighten women on the need to be proactive about their health status.