RESUMO
Background: Domestic violence against men (DVAM) is a major public health concern all over the world and remains unheard of because of the shame, guilt and embarrassment associated with it. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence, pattern, knowledge and risk factors for DVAM in Sokoto metropolis. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried to assess the prevalence, patterns and risk factors for domestic violence against men in Sokoto metropolis. Using a multistage sampling method, a total of 141 men were recruited into the study and administered with a standardized questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed using IBM statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) statistical software version 25 and thereafter summarized using frequencies and percentages. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to determine level of associations and predictors of DVAM. Results: Almost half (49%) of the respondents were aware of DVAM while most (73.3%) had good knowledge of violence against men. The forms of violence experienced by the respondents include psychological (90.8%), physical (20%), and Sexual (90.8%). All the respondents experienced at least one form of violence and risk factors for violence included use of alcohol and other illicit drugs and keeping late at night. Conclusions: Men are increasingly becoming victims of domestic violence with little or no attention being given to their plight as they are seen more as the aggressors. There is a need to take a holistic approach to the issues of domestic violence generally and the domestication of laws against violence perpetrated against men.
RESUMO
Background: Reproductive health is often neglected due to various reasons including poor access to information and services. This study was undertaken to get an understanding of what reproductive health issues are of concern to Nigerians and their suggestions for improvement of services in order to meet their needs. Methods: The study was an anonymous online survey carried out using Google Forms. Statistical analyses including rates and comparative analyses were carried out using MINITAB statistical software version 19. Results: The most common reproductive health issues of concern to respondents were sexual health (29.59%), contraception (23.47%), infections (21.43%), fertility issues (17.35%, and female reproductive tract cancer (13.27%). Other concerns were limited access to reproductive health information and services including awareness and education of men and young people (5.10%), availability and affordability (2.04%), getting the right information (1.02%), and ability to discuss reproductive health issues (1.02%). The most common suggestions for improvement included having more information (65.00%), greater involvement of men (62.00%), improved access to services (56.00%), and greater involvement of young people (39.00%). The preferred media of information included social media (20.00%), email (20.00%), and health workers including door-to-door services and seminars in schools (13.85%). Other preferred media of information included radio (4.62%), print media (3.08%), parents/family (1.54%), and SMS messages (1.54%). Conclusions: For meaningful impact, reproductive health interventions should ensure availability of information and services that are inclusive of adolescents and young people, men and older persons, through various channels such as school seminars, health workers, traditional and social media, and other technologies.