Evaluating the Knowledge and Awareness of Women’s about the Nexus between Reproductive Health Problems and Gender Based Violence in North Western Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Sexual and reproductive health is the base of peoples living. However, many reproductive health questions are left unanswered. Hence, this study intends to assess women’s awareness and knowledge of reproductive health problems as a result of violence in North Western Ethiopia.Methods: To attain the objective of this study, mixed research approach with cross sectional concurrent research design was employed. Survey questionnaires, interviewees, focus group discussion and document reviews were the data collection instruments used. The collected data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. The target of this study was ten (10) randomly selected districts with 415 women (women in reproductive age) being the unit of analysis.Results: The result demonstrated that, 40% of respondents have an awareness of GBV and its effects on reproductive health, while 60 % are unaware of the importance of the relationship. It also show (55.9 %) of the respondents reported they are aware RH problem can be due to violence, while 44.1 % of as they were unaware. Concerning this awareness, (40.5%) are aware of the problem of headaches, whereas (29.6%) are aware of functional limitation and disability. Considering, psychological/mental health problems, 39 % are aware of the problem of depression and anxiety, while 35.7 % of the respondents reported awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder. Regarding awareness and perception of the sexual and RH problems, (36.1 %) of the respondents reported they have awareness about STI and HIV/AIDS, while 19.8 % have no awareness. The study also showed that unwanted pregnancy, fetal injuries and cervical cancer problems reported by 31.3%, 25.5% and 25.3% respondents respectively. From the study findings, a significant number of respondents are aware of physical health problems rather than psychological and sexual RH problems. This implies even though women are aware of RH problems, they have little awareness that GBV causes RH problems.Conclusion: The findings inferred a majority of the respondents reported no awareness about the types of gender based violence which leads to reproductive health problems. Therefore, the health care sector needs to make significant impact by publicizing and addressing violence against women to reduce RH problems.