Utilization of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Information and Ser-vices in Selected Municipalities of Masbate and Sorsogon

Abstract

The SHE Project on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) implemented by MIDAS was assessed in its utilization in selected municipalities of Masbate and Sorsogon.  The baseline data shows the following: household size – 5, number of children – 4, marital status – 47% are married, range of age – 34.5, regular income – Php 84,063 in 2019 and 106,544.12 in 2023, consent of partner to engage in SRHR – 87.1, support of partner to modern methods – 77.04% -2019 and 77.34 -2023, family planning methods availed – pills for 2019 and sterilization for 2023. Beneficiaries report high awareness and satisfaction in the survey and the focus group discussion; this supports the data that beneficiaries availed a mean of 6.28 training and advocacies and a mean of 2.1 years of engagement to the SHE project. Peer educators played an important role in the implementation of the project, with a mean of 19 reach per peer educator. Training (40.94), counseling (29.24), and coaching (19.30) are the activities that beneficiaries engaged in. The study recommends prioritizing interventions that promote family planning, expanding women’s participation in advocacy and policy formulation, tailoring program interventions to address the specific needs of different age groups, expanding men’s activities, increasing youth participation, addressing barriers to participation, combating gender-based violence, providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare services to prevent and manage HIV and STI issues, and continuous monitoring and evaluation of the program’s effectiveness. By addressing these recommendations, MIDAS will be much more successful in the SHE project on SRHR. It will help ensure that the participants are fully engaged in the activities and that MIDAS provides the services best suited to their needs and preferences.