Adult Education and Women’s Reproductive Health Knowledge in Cross River State

This study examined the relationship between adult education participation and reproductive health knowledge among women in Cross River State, South South Nigeria. Poor reproductive health outcomes persist across many Nigerian communities, and strengthening women's knowledge through adult education channels is increasingly regarded as a low-cost, scalable intervention strategy. The study employed a descriptive survey design engaging 165 women enrolled in adult education programmes across four local government areas in Cross River State. Questionnaires and focused group discussions were used to gather data. Findings revealed that women who participated in adult education programmes with reproductive health components demonstrated significantly better knowledge of family planning methods, prenatal care practices, and sexually transmitted infection prevention compared to non-participants. The study also found that educated women were more likely to utilise formal health facilities for maternal services and to engage in informed discussions about reproductive health with spouses and peers. Shame and cultural taboos around discussing reproductive topics in mixed-gender settings remained barriers to effective education delivery. Programmes facilitated by female health educators in women-only settings were most effective in generating open discussions. Recommendations include formally integrating reproductive health modules into all state-funded adult education curricula, training facilitators in culturally sensitive communication approaches, and establishing strong referral linkages between adult education centres and primary healthcare facilities. Collaboration with organisations active in reproductive health advocacy is also recommended. Keywords: adult education, reproductive health, women, Cross River State, family planning.