MEN’S SOCIAL NETWORKS AND CONTRACEPTION IN GHANA

2008 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 413-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
WINFRED AVOGO ◽  
VICTOR AGADJANIAN
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Family Planning ◽  
Longitudinal Data ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Personal Network ◽  
Modern Contraception ◽  
Spousal Communication

SummaryIn this paper, longitudinal data from northern Ghana is used to assess the effects of encouragement to use family planning that men receive from their personal network partners on the adoption of modern contraception by their wives. The study tests a conceptual model that, in addition to the effect of men’s network encouragement, incorporates the effect of encouragement to use family planning that women receive from their respective network partners and the effect of spousal communication on reproductive matters and approval of family planning. Results show that encouragement received by men from their social networks significantly increases the likelihood of subsequent contraceptive use by their wives but this effect operates primarily by galvanizing spousal communication on reproductive matters. The effect of encouragement received by women from their respective network partners is largely independent from the effect of male network encouragement but it influences contraceptive adoption both directly and through spousal communication.

scholarly journals The association between men’s family planning networks and contraceptive use among their female partners: an egocentric network study in Madagascar

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison B. Comfort ◽  
Cynthia C. Harper ◽  
Alexander C. Tsai ◽  
Jessica M. Perkins ◽  
James Moody ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Family Planning ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Information Support ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Modern Contraception ◽  
Mixed Network ◽  
Egocentric Network

Abstract Background Ensuring women have information, support and access to family planning (FP) services will allow women to exercise their reproductive autonomy and reduce maternal mortality, which remains high in countries such as Madagascar. Research shows that women’s social networks - their ties with partners, family members, friends, and providers - affect their contraceptive use. Few studies have considered the role of men’s social networks on women’s contraceptive use. Insofar as women’s contraceptive use may be influenced by their male partners, women’s contraceptive use may also be affected by their partner’s social networks. Men may differ by the types of ties they rely on for information and advice about FP. It is unknown whether differences in the composition of men’s FP networks matter for couples’ contraceptive use. This study assessed the association between men’s FP networks and couples’ contraceptive use. Methods This egocentric network study was conducted among married/partnered men (n = 178) in rural Madagascar. Study participants listed who they relied on for FP information and advice, including health providers and social ties. They provided ties’ gender, age, relationship, and perceived support of contraceptive use. The primary outcome was couples’ contraceptive use, and explanatory variables included FP networks and their composition (no FP network, social-only network, provider-only network, and mixed network of social and provider ties). Analyses used generalized linear models specifying a Poisson distribution, with covariate adjustment and cluster robust standard errors. Results Men who had FP networks were 1.9 times more likely to use modern contraception as a couple compared to men with no FP network (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.64–2.52; p ≤ 0.001). Compared to men with no FP network, men were more likely to use modern contraception if they had a social-only network, relative risk (RR) = 2.10 (95% CI, 1.65–2.68; p ≤ 0.001); a provider-only network, RR = 1.80 (95% CI, 1.54–2.11; p ≤ 0.001); or a mixed network, RR = 2.35 (95% CI, 1.97–2.80; p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions Whether men have a FP network, be it provider or social ties, distinguishes if couples are using contraception. Interventions should focus on reaching men not only through providers but also through their social ties to foster communication and support for contraceptive use.

scholarly journals A qualitative exploration of contraceptive use and discontinuation among women with an unmet need for modern contraception in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Ontiri ◽  
Lilian Mutea ◽  
Violet Naanyu ◽  
Mark Kabue ◽  
Regien Biesma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Peer Influence ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Modern Contraceptive ◽  
Modern Contraception ◽  
Modern Contraceptives ◽  
Family Planning Programs ◽  
Contraceptive Discontinuation

Abstract Background Addressing the unmet need for modern contraception underpins the goal of all family planning and contraception programs. Contraceptive discontinuation among those in need of a method hinders the attainment of the fertility desires of women, which may result in unintended pregnancies. This paper presents experiences of contraceptive use, reasons for discontinuation, and future intentions to use modern contraceptives. Methods Qualitative data were collected in two rural counties in Kenya in 2019 from women with unmet need for contraception who were former modern contraceptive users. Additional data was collected from male partners of some of the women interviewed. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions explored previous experience with contraceptive use, reasons for discontinuation, and future intentionality to use. Following data collection, digitally recorded data were transcribed verbatim, translated, and coded using thematic analysis through an inductive approach. Results Use of modern contraception to prevent pregnancy and plan for family size was a strong motivator for uptake of contraceptives. The contraceptive methods used were mainly sourced from public health facilities though adolescents got them from the private sector. Reasons for discontinued use included side effects, method failure, peer influence, gender-based violence due to covert use of contraceptives, and failure within the health system. Five reasons were provided for those not willing to use in the future: fear of side effects, cost of contraceptive services, family conflicts over the use of modern contraceptives, reduced need, and a shift to traditional methods. Conclusion This study expands the literature by examining reasons for contraceptive discontinuation and future intentionality to use among women in need of contraception. The results underscore the need for family planning interventions that incorporate quality of care in service provision to address contraceptive discontinuation. Engaging men and other social influencers in family planning programs and services will help garner support for contraception, rather than focusing exclusively on women. The results of this study can inform implementation of family planning programs in Kenya and beyond to ensure they address the concerns of former modern contraception users.

scholarly journals Assessment of men involvement in family planning services use and associated factors in rural Upper West Region of Ghana

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail Kpekpo Kwawukume ◽  
Alexander Suuk Laar ◽  
Tanko Abdulai
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Cultural Norms ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Family Planning Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Promotion And Education ◽  
Public Health Officials

Abstract Background In low-and-middle come countries (LMICs) less attention is paid to men’ involvement in Family Planning (FP)programs where public health officials have advocated the involvement of men as a strategy for addressing the dismal performance of FP programs. The study assessed factors which promote or hinder the uptake of FP services among partners in a rural setting of northern Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used to collect data from 200 respondents. Study respondents were selected through random cluster sampling. Results The findings showed that men partners’ knowledge (95.5%) and approval (72.8%) of FP services were high. Approval of services was also confirmed by their men partners (75%). Mass media was the commonest source of contraception information (48.1%) with the radio (29.4%) being the most popular source. The findings also indicated that men had a higher propensity (X2 = 4.5534, p = 0.033) of supporting a FP method use. Women who reported that their spouse supported FP method use were more likely to use a contraceptive method (X2 = 9.5223, P = 0.002) if their spouse supported FP method use (X2 = 9.5223, P = 0.002) and if their partners had some education (X2 = 14.1133, P = 0.000). Reasons for low contraceptive use were health risks, side-effects and socio-cultural norms. Conclusion Family planning programs need to include men at all levels of health promotion and education of FP programs to help reduce misconceptions about contraceptive

scholarly journals Understanding Family Planning Outcomes in Northwestern Nigeria: Analysis and Modeling of Social and Behavior Change Factors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Hutchinson ◽  
Udochisom Anaba ◽  
Dele Abegunde ◽  
Mathew Okoh ◽  
Paul Hewett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Gender Inequalities ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Partner Communication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Modern Contraception ◽  
And Behavior

Abstract Background: Northwestern Nigeria faces a situation of high fertility and low contraceptive use, driven in large part by high-fertility norms, pro-natal cultural and religious beliefs, misconceptions about contraceptive methods, and gender inequalities. Social and behavior change (SBC) programs often try to shift drivers of high fertility through multiple channels including mass and social media, community-level group and interpersonal activities. This study seeks to assist SBC programs to better tailor their efforts by assessing the effects of intermediate determinants of contraceptive use/uptake and by demonstrating their potential impacts on contraceptive use, interpersonal communication with partners, and contraceptive approval.Methods: Data for this study come from a cross-sectional household survey, conducted in the states of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara in northwestern Nigeria in September 2019, involving 3,000 women aged 15 to 49 years with a child under 2 years. Using an ideational framework of behavior that highlights psychosocial influences, multivariate regression analyses assess associations between ideational factors and family planning outcomes, and post-estimation simulations with regression coefficients model the magnitude of effects for these intermediate determinants.Results: Knowledge, approval of family planning, and social influences, particularly from husbands, were all associated with improved family planning outcomes. Approval of family planning was critical – women who personally approve of family planning were nearly three times more likely to be currently using modern contraception and nearly six times more likely to intend to start use in the next six months. Husband’s influence was also critical. Women who had ever talked about family planning with their husbands were three times more likely both to be currently using modern contraception and to intend to start in the next six months. Conclusion: SBC programs interested in improving family planning outcomes could potentially achieve large gains in contraceptive use—even without large-scale changes in socio-economic and health services factors—by designing and implementing effective SBC interventions that improve knowledge, encourage spousal/partner communication, and work towards increasing personal approval of family planning. Uncertainty about the time-order of influencers and outcomes however precludes inferences about the existence of causal relationships and the potential for impact from interventions.

scholarly journals Contraceptive prevalence and factors influencing utilization among women in Pakistan: a focus on gender-based violence

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thao Thi Nguyen ◽  
Sarah Neal
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Modern Contraceptive ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Contraceptive Methods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Modern Contraception ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Contraceptive Prevalence ◽  
Gender Based

PurposeIn this study, the authors determined the prevalence of contraceptive use among Pakistani women and assessed factors influencing the utilization of contraception with a particular focus on the experience of gender-based violence.Design/methodology/approachThe dataset used in this study was the Pakistan Demographic Health Survey 2018, which includes married women only. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to investigate the association between contraceptive use and a number of explanatory variables including experience of gender-based violence.FindingsFrom 2006 to 2018, the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) and the use of modern contraceptive methods increased slowly. The findings of this study demonstrated that higher educational level and wealth index increased the likelihood of contraceptive uptake and the use of modern contraception. Media exposure to family planning and spousal communication were protective factors that encouraged women to use contraception, including modern contraception, to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Women who experienced gender-based violence (GBV) were more likely to use contraception than women who did not experience GBV.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of secondary data limited the variety of important variable that should be investigated including knowledge of women on SRH, the attitude of women toward SRH and family planning, the skills of a healthcare provider on counseling family planning, and other barrier variables such as transportation and willingness to pay for contraceptive methods. 10;The sensitivity of the topic is considered as another challenge when collecting data. Women might be hesitant to share about their GBV experience. The experience to GBV is also hard to define and depends on the feeling of each person, especially emotional violence.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the very few studies to examine the association between GBV and contraceptive use, and thus is valuable in opening up debate about the links between these two factors.

scholarly journals Study of factors affecting contraceptive use among married women of reproductive Age

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
N Bhandari ◽  
GK Shrestha ◽  
PC Thakuri
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Family Planning ◽  
Contraceptive Method ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Married Women ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Modern Contraceptive ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Spousal Communication

Background The use of contraception can prevent pregnancies related complication and helps in improving the women’s health and quality of their lives. Objective To explore reproductive characteristics among married women of reproductive age. To find out method of contraceptive use and side effects among married women of reproductive age. To uncover factors related to contraceptive use among married women of reproductive age. Methods This cross-sectional was carried out among (369) married couples of reproductive age group in ward number 5, 6 and 7 of Dhulikhel Municipality using purposive sampling. Those who fell in between the age group of (14-49 years) and willing to participate were included and pregnant women were excluded from the study. Questionnaire was used to obtain informations. Results Among 369(81.3%) of the respondents of reproductive age were using a modern contraceptive method. Regarding education 331(89.5%) of women’s and 352(95.1%) of husbands were literate and 275(91.6%) of women were found to be involved in decision making and had good inter-spousal communication that is 280(93.3%). Among the temporary method of family planning, Depo-Provera was the choice 150(54.5%) of contraceptive method. Conclusion The present study put more emphasis on increase in women’s literacy, women’s involvement in decision making and inter-spousal communication which helps to promote the effective use of contraceptive methods. As women play an important role in the decision making, women should be included in all aspects of reproductive health and family planning programs. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-4, 24-29 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i4.10233

Influence of Spousal Communication about Family Planning and HIV/AIDS-related Issues on Modern Contraceptive Use in Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 320-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe ◽  
Babatunde Raphael Ojebuyi
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Modern Contraceptive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Spousal Communication ◽  
Modern Contraceptive Use ◽  
Hiv Aids

Contraceptive use in Nigeria at 15 per cent is low, despite a high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence of 3.4 per cent and fertility rate of 5.7 per cent. We assessed the levels of spousal communication on family planning and contraception (FPC) and HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), influence of demographic characteristics on this communication and association between this communication and the respondents’ health behaviours. We used a cross-sectional and nationally representative data on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS-related issues from randomly selected 30,752 men and women of reproductive age. Descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square (c2) and logistic regression were used to analyze the data at 5 per cent significance level. About 61 per cent of the respondents were 25–49 years old and mostly from rural areas (65 per cent). Only 20 per cent of the respondents discussed HIV/AIDS with their spouses within 12 months preceding the survey while 15 per cent discussed FPC. A discussion of both HIV/AIDS and FPC among spouses was reported among 9 per cent compared to 26 per cent who reported discussing either. Respondents aged 35–39 years had higher odds of discussing HIV/AIDS (Odds Ratios [OR] = 7.06:6.16–8.09) than those aged 15–19 years. Urban dwellers also had higher odds (OR = 1.24:1.16–1.31) of HIV/AIDS discussions than rural respondents. Modern contraceptive use was 35 per cent and 23 per cent among respondents who discussed FPC and HIV/AIDS compared to 8 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively, among those who did not. Spousal communication on FP and HIV/AIDS was low and has influenced contraceptive use and HIV positivity in Nigeria. There is a need to encourage spousal discussion on FP and HIV/AIDS, especially among the rural dwellers and the poor and uneducated as a strategy for improving modern contraceptive use.

ZIKV-Related Ideations and Modern Contraceptive Use: Cross-Sectional Evidence from the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia M. Fleckman ◽  
Martha Silva ◽  
Jeni Stolow ◽  
Kendra LeSar ◽  
Kathryn Spielman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Dominican Republic ◽  
El Salvador ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Modern Contraceptive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Modern Contraception ◽  
Modern Contraceptive Use

Zika virus (ZIKV) can be sexually transmitted and can lead to severe neonatal and child health issues. The current study examines whether ZIKV-related ideational factors, including awareness of ZIKV and associated birth defects, are related to modern contraceptive use among women and men with sexual partners in four Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. Data used are from cross-sectional household surveys conducted in 2018 in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras with representative samples of men and women aged 18–49 (N = 1,100). The association between self-reported use of modern contraception and measures of Zika knowledge, risk perceptions and social norms, and contraceptive self-efficacy was examined via sex disaggregated multivariate logistic regression models. Both men (OR 3.70, 95% CI 1.36–10.06, P < 0.05) and women (OR 3.71, 95% CI 2.30–5.99, P < 0.0001), who reported discussing family planning with their partner in the last year were more likely to use modern contraception compared with those who did not. Contrary to our hypothesis, knowledge that ZIKV can affect a fetus was negatively associated with modern contraceptive use for women (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29–0.85, P < 0.05). Given the cross-sectional nature of the survey, women not using contraception may be more likely to remember that ZIKV can affect a fetus. In the event of a related outbreak, future health promotion and communication efforts in LAC should focus on known determinants of modern contraceptive use, such as knowledge and partner communication, and knowledge of the health effects of ZIKV if pregnant, to influence family planning decision-making behavior.

scholarly journals Understanding family planning outcomes in northwestern Nigeria: analysis and modeling of social and behavior change factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul L. Hutchinson ◽  
Udochisom Anaba ◽  
Dele Abegunde ◽  
Mathew Okoh ◽  
Paul C. Hewett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Gender Inequalities ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Partner Communication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Modern Contraception ◽  
And Behavior

Abstract Background Northwestern Nigeria faces a situation of high fertility and low contraceptive use, driven in large part by high-fertility norms, pro-natal cultural and religious beliefs, misconceptions about contraceptive methods, and gender inequalities. Social and behavior change (SBC) programs often try to shift drivers of high fertility through multiple channels including mass and social media, as well as community-level group, and interpersonal activities. This study seeks to assist SBC programs to better tailor their efforts by assessing the effects of intermediate determinants of contraceptive use/uptake and by demonstrating their potential impacts on contraceptive use, interpersonal communication with partners, and contraceptive approval. Methods Data for this study come from a cross-sectional household survey, conducted in the states of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara in northwestern Nigeria in September 2019, involving 3000 women aged 15 to 49 years with a child under 2 years. Using an ideational framework of behavior that highlights psychosocial influences, mixed effects logistic regression analyses assess associations between ideational factors and family planning outcomes, and post-estimation simulations with regression coefficients model the magnitude of effects for these intermediate determinants. Results Knowledge, approval of family planning, and social influences, particularly from husbands, were all associated with improved family planning outcomes. Approval of family planning was critical – women who personally approve of family planning were nearly three times more likely to be currently using modern contraception and nearly six times more likely to intend to start use in the next 6 m. Husband’s influence was also critical. Women who had ever talked about family planning with their husbands were three times more likely both to be currently using modern contraception and to intend to start in the next 6 m. Conclusion SBC programs interested in improving family planning outcomes could potentially achieve large gains in contraceptive use—even without large-scale changes in socio-economic and health services factors—by designing and implementing effective SBC interventions that improve knowledge, encourage spousal/partner communication, and work towards increasing personal approval of family planning. Uncertainty about the time-order of influencers and outcomes however precludes inferences about the existence of causal relationships and the potential for impact from interventions.

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