Assessment of Women's Awareness of Reproductive Health Concepts in Iraqi Community

Abstract

Abstract Background Reproductive and sexual health knowledge is a major health indicator in communities. Underestimation of awareness of its determinants will affect the welfare of people and retreat community progress. The present study aims to assess women’s awareness of reproductive health in the Iraqi community. Methods To collect the information from the participants, the researcher has adopted a cross-sectional study design with questionnaire form has distributed among all Iraqi governorates via Google form through social media and direct interviews. A convenient sample of 3416 women was included in the study. Results Only a third of the participants have adequate awareness regarding premarital care, child marriage, and breastfeeding. Sexually transmitted disease and contraceptive methods awareness were represented by only 20%, and 10% of the participants, respectively. Relativity of marriage was prevalent in 26% of married participants. Vaccination and vitamin supplementation, and a healthy diet had better representation of adequate knowledge 44%,41%, and 55%, respectively; in opposite to sports knowledge who represents just (8%) of them. About half of the participants have adequate knowledge concerning the effect of stress on health but little knowledge about healthy sleeping patterns (27%). health facilities usage awareness was 5% with private facilities visits occupying the most predominant visit site. Conclusion The study revealed a minimal level of awareness about reproductive health among participants women and girls in the Iraqi. An education programs should be directed to all Iraqi strata to raise their level of awareness about this subject