The Results of a Roundtable Discussion Involving Young Women in a Rural Community in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Eleven young women ages 18 to 20 years living in a rural community in Enugu State, Nigeria participated in a roundtable discussion to identify major health concerns facing them in their rural community. The main purpose of the discussion was to initiate empowerment process among these young women and to use data collected to seek ways to improve the health status of young women in this rural community. Method: These women were recruited by word of mouth and consented to participate in the discussion. The roundtable format provided a friendly environment, which permitted each of the young women to speak in acknowledgement of concerns raised by others or to add their own concerns. Collectively, these women identified a litany of concerns and challenges which they believe pose a threat to their health in the rural community. Health Concerns/Issues Identified: Their priority concerns were poor sanitation-leading to poor personal hygiene, open defecation-exposing them to infectious agents, contaminated drinking water, early marriages usually to older men-to provide financial support to the family, early sexual activities with older men-to get money to take care of personal needs, and lack of income generating domestic skills-to take care of personal hygiene needs, which they ranked as the number one priority. Conclusion: Participation in the roundtable discussion created a bond among these women. A non-profit private foundation has agreed to sponsor demonstrations of domestic skills that can generate income for these young women, but their concerns warrant public health attention.