Page 66 - IJPS-10-1

International Journal of
Population Studies Access to sexual and reproductive health services

2. Data and methods qualitative approaches such focused group discussion
due to social distancing measures and restriction on
2.1. Study design and area public gathering. Verbal consent was obtained from the
This study adopted qualitative research design. Esterberg interviewees before the commencement of the IDI sessions.
(2002) noted that qualitative methods of study are The study was conducted between October and November
well suited to identifying attitudes of subjects and the 2020. An interview guide was prepared with emphasis on
explanations for their behaviors. The study was conducted specific themes. The interview guide allowed for sequential
in Nsukka area of Nigeria. The area is situated in Enugu probes to pursue leads provided by the respondents. The
state, which consists of an Igbo society. Nsukka was chosen IDI guide covered issues on respondents’ experiences
for the study partly because of the rural nature of most with access to SRH products and care amid COVID-19
of the villages that make up this area where a substantial pandemic, such as the accessibility and affordability of
number of the population are still illiterate and on the these SRH products and the rate of general uptake and
other hand, because this city boasts a youthful population. utilization of these products and services.
The 2006 census revealed that Nsukka has a population
of 309,633 persons, with an annual growth rate of 2.3%. The interview was flexible and interactive in nature.
Adopting the style of Jemisenia et al. (2021), verbal accord Respondents were encouraged to respond to questions
was obtained from each respondent after having been through narration. This approach has been described by
informed of the study objectives, risks, benefits, and steps Pierce (2003) as capable of providing insights into the
taken to ensure confidentiality. connection between life experiences with one’s social
environment. Each interview session took place at venue
2.2. Sample agreed by each respondent. Interviews lasted between 45
The population of the study comprised of 40 participants and 60 min. After each interview, interview record of each
of both genders; ten of which are patent medicine dealers, participant was labeled accordingly, (e.g., PP1, gender, and
who are the “persons without formal pharmacy training age) to ensure easy identification during data management
selling orthodox pharmaceutical products on a retail basis and analysis processes. The interviews were digitally
for profit” (Brieger et al., 2004). The inclusion of patent audio-recorded and later transcribed verbatim. A note-
medicine dealers in the study was informed by the fact taker attended the interviews to take notes.
that most people in the rural areas patronize them a lot 2.4. Analytic strategy
and in the outbreak of COVID-19, they could be the most
visited medical service. In addition, in most rural areas, The data were analyzed using Braun & Clarke’s (2006)
SRH products are commonly accessed through these patent model of thematic analysis. Themes were identified
medical stores. Their experiences could as well be insightful. from reading and rereading the transcripts, and noting
any similarities and differences between and within
Respondents were selected using a purposive sampling
procedure, through which prospective participants were participants’ accounts. Qualitative computer package
(Nvivo 11, QSR) was used to organize and assist in the task
identified and approached for inclusion. Participants who of first-level analysis. Responses were further categorized
showed interest were screened for eligibility and were within relevant themes.
selected as part of the study sample. The study population
constituted 29 females and 11 males. When the significant 3. Results
number of respondents was not met, we resorted to
snowball sampling technique, through which the already The basic demographic characteristics of the respondents
selected respondents (especially patent medicine dealers) are listed in Table 1. Analysis of the responses of the
were asked to refer us to other members they felt might participants resulted in three broad themes: access and
show interest in this study. Consequently, new respondents availability of SRH services, decline in patronage of patent
were identified and selected. The study population was medical stores, and rise in cases of unintended pregnancy.
limited to 40 participants owing to the unwillingness of
some people, despite meeting the inclusion criteria, to 3.1. Access to and availability of SRH products and
partake in the study as they were not willing disclose their services
sexual and reproductive life. Analysis of the results showed that SRH products were not
easily accessible due to closure of markets and most street
2.3. Data collection vendors in compliance with the lockdown measures. Market
Individual in-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted using closure affected many people in the rural areas; many people
structured interview guide. IDI was used instead of other preferred accessing SRH products from the markets where

Volume 10 Issue 1 (2024) 60 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.2354