ABSTRACT

This study examines the impact of poverty on reproductive health among women in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. It investigates the causes of poverty among women of reproductive age, explores how poverty influences reproductive health outcomes, identifies factors contributing to poor health, and examines social work interventions that can address reproductive health challenges. Using a survey research design, the study surveyed 400 women selected from three local government areas (Egor, Oredo, and Ikpoba-Okha) in Benin City. The research findings reveal that limited access to education, lack of employment opportunities, heavy household responsibilities, and discriminatory social and cultural practices are key contributors to poverty among women. Poverty has significant consequences on reproductive health, leading to inadequate access to healthcare services, poor nutrition, and a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections. Social work interventions, including community-based outreach programs, financial support for healthcare access, and educational empowerment on family planning, are recommended to improve reproductive health outcomes for women in Benin City. The study underscores the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to address the challenges faced by women in poverty and to promote their reproductive health and overall well-being.