scholarly journals Planning a family in Nairobi’s informal settlements: results of a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 286-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catriona A. Towriss ◽  
Donatien Beguy ◽  
Alison Wringe ◽  
Barwako Hassan Hussein ◽  
Ian M. Timæus

AbstractChildbearing intentions among women in high-fertility contexts are usually classified into those wanting to have a baby, those wanting to ‘space’ a birth and those wanting to ‘limit’ their family size. However, evidence from Africa increasingly suggests that women’s intentions are more complex than this classification suggests, and that there is fluidity in these intentions. This research explores women’s accounts of their childbearing intentions and decisions in order to examine how this fluidity plays out in a low-fertility context in urban Africa. Six focus group discussions were conducted in April and May 2012 with women of reproductive age in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants were recruited using random and purposive sampling techniques. The focus group discussions had an average of seven participants each. Data were coded thematically and analysed using Nvivo software. The analysis explored the factors that women consider to be influential for childbearing and found that the health of the mother and child, costs of raising a child and relationships were commonly reported to be important. Evidence of intentions to space births and limit family size was found. However, the data also showed that there is fluidity in women’s family planning intentions, driven by changes in relationships or household finances, which often result in a desire to avoid pregnancy in the present moment. The fluidity observed in women’s childbearing intentions cannot be accounted for by the concepts of either ‘spacing’ or ‘limitation’ but is best explained by the concept of ‘postponement’. The research reveals the need for family planning clinics to provide a full method mix, as well as high-quality counselling, to enable women to choose a method that best suits their needs.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
VINCENT MUBANGIZI ◽  
Jane Plastow ◽  
Florence Nakaggwa ◽  
Haeven Nahabwe ◽  
Sylvia Natukunda ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: There is a paucity of literature on the effectiveness of drama or documentary films in changing knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and behavior of people towards family planning. This study aimed to compare and assess the acceptability of health promotion films based on documentary or drama, and their effect on knowledge, attitudes, and intention to use family planning.Methods: We developed short documentary and drama films about contraceptive implants, using the person-based approach. Their acceptability was assessed in focus group discussions with younger women below 23 years, women over 23 years, men of reproductive age, and health workers in four different areas of Uganda (Bwindi/Kanungu, Walukuba/Jinja, Kampala, and Mbarara). Transcripts of the focus group discussions were analyzed using thematic analysis, to generate themes and examine the key issues. We assessed changes in knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to use family planning after watching the films. Results: Sixteen focus groups with 150 participants were carried out. Participants said that the documentary improved their knowledge and addressed their fears about side effects, myths, and implant insertion. The drama improved their attitudes towards the implant and encouraged them to discuss family planning with their partner. The final versions of the documentary and the drama films were equally liked. Conclusions: Viewing a short documentary on the contraceptive implant led to positive changes in knowledge, while a short drama improved attitudes and intentions to discuss the implant with their partner. The drama and documentary have complementary features, and most participants wanted to see both.


Author(s):  
Saba’atu Elizabeth Danladi ◽  
Elochukwu Ebunoluwa Ukatu ◽  
Osita Samuel Okonkwo ◽  
Oruayefe Agatha Upaka

Health system consists of elements involved in healthcare delivery, including family planning services. At community level, health system comprises a set of local actors, relationship and processes engaged in producing, advocating and supporting health in the communities. As a component of health care delivery, family planning is an important aspect of stabilizing population growth and poverty reduction. This study assesses community perception and barriers influencing utilization of family planning services in Bauchi State, Nigeria. The study design was Focus group discussions (FGDs), qualitative in nature and in-depth interview was conducted across the three senatorial zones of Bauchi state. The study utilized Fifteen (15) Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) using women of reproductive age who had at least one child both users and non-users of modern methods of family planning method. The result shows that respondents acknowledge that barriers exist which affects the utilization of family planning,. The result also shows that some respondents oppose the use of modern methods of family planning which hinders its utilization, remedies to the barriers were offer and we conclude that majority of people in the northern Nigeria specifically Bauchi state are yet to wholeheartedly embrace the initiative because of religious and cultural beliefs and educational level of respondents affects the utilization of family planning services. It is recommended that communities should be sensitize on the benefits of family planning throughout Bauchi state, emphasis should be given on educating the health benefits of family planning to mothers


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-118
Author(s):  
Z. Ghorashi ◽  
◽  
E. Merghati Khoe ◽  

Objective: In Iran, sexual understandings are strongly determined by religious teaching among women in particular. The aim of this study was to determine the role of religion on Iranian women’s sexual practice evolution. our purpose was to detect women’s individual conceptualization of Islamic Shiite principles and their practice upon these conceptualizations. Design and Method: In this qualitative study, 52 married women in their reproductive age were interviewed (n=4) and participated in eight focus group discussions. They were selected from public health centers in Rafsanjan. Emerged data from the interviews and focus group discussions were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Findings are categorized in three major themes: “unconditional obedience”, ”inconsistency between obedience and virtue”, “misunderstandings”. Conclusions: Religious teaching has a basic and comprehensive role in sexual behavior construction and sexual health of women. However, occasional inconsistency between believes, learning and sexual expectations, practices and situations would lead to jeopardize the psychological and somatic health of women. Misunderstandings have essential role in making such problems.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Saleem ◽  
Narjis Rizvi ◽  
Anam Feroz ◽  
Sayyeda Reza ◽  
Saleem Jessani ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Family planning (FP) is an essential component of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contributes directly to SDG targets 3.7 and 5.6. In Pakistan, contraceptive use has remained stagnant over the past 5 years. This change has been very slow when compared to the FP2020 pledge. The Sukh initiative project was conceived and implemented to alleviate these challenges by providing access to quality contraceptive methods in some underserved areas of Karachi, Pakistan. A qualitative study was been conducted to understand the perceptions and experiences of men and women towards acceptability and contraceptive use.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted at ten Sukh stations located in four towns of Karachi. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with Married Women of Reproductive Age (MWRA) and married men who received FP services through the Sukh initiative. Study participants were purposively sampled for focus group discussions (FGDs). Interview data was manually transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: A total of 20 FDGs(Men=10 FGDs; MWRA=10 FGDs) were conducted. Three overarching themes were identified: (I) Appropriateness and means to promote contraceptive use; (II) Equity and Accessibility to contraceptives; and (III) Perspective on available FP services. Generally, both men and women were informed about FP methods but women were more cognizant of FP information. The Door to Door services by community health workers in Sukh initiative areas was largely appreciated both by women and men as it has made the accessibility and availability of the information and services easy. Women suggested that the Sukh initiative should bring some strategies that can help men broaden their perspective towards FP. The study informed that the men feel left out from the FP programs. Therefore, male participants expressed keen interest in initiatives for men in their communities that would cater to their FP needs.Conclusions: This qualitative study provided a unique opportunity to understand the perceptions of men and women towards the phenomena of contraceptive use. The study identified the need for trained and qualified female and male healthcare providers and well-established health facilities alongside door-to-door services.


2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 729-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jalila El Ati ◽  
Pierre Lefèvre ◽  
Chiraz Béji ◽  
Chiheb Ben Rayana ◽  
Sadok Gaigi ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivesTo identify aetiological factors in anaemia and to explore knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards anaemia.DesignTwo cross-sectional surveys and sixteen focus group discussions.SettingThe two regions with the highest prevalence of anaemia in Tunisia, Greater Tunis (GT) and the South West (SW).SubjectsTwo representative samples of 687 (GT) and 729 (SW) women of reproductive age; 108 women were included in focus group discussions.ResultsAmong anaemic women, 63·4 % in the GT region and 80·2 % in the SW displayed iron deficiency (ID). Genetic haemoglobinopathies accounted for 10·0 % and 3·6 % of the cases of anaemia in the two regions, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, the major factors for iron-deficiency anaemia were low dietary Fe intake (OR = 5·0, 95 % CI 3·0, 8·4), drinking tea after eating (OR = 3·4, 95 % CI 2·0, 5·7) and pica (OR = 2·1, 95 % CI 1·1, 3·9). Most of the women related anaemia to the following causes: malnutrition, lack of hygiene, and their heavy workload and responsibilities in the household. Many women connected anaemia with hypotension. Few established a relationship between ID and anaemia. They had confidence in their doctor for treatment, but many complained they were not given sufficient information. Low dietary Fe intake, inappropriate food practices and inadequate perceptions contribute to the aetiology of anaemia in women.ConclusionsThese results point out to the need for a strategy combining food fortification, Fe supplementation for pregnant women, nutritional education for the general public and at-risk specific target groups, and training of health professionals.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Saleem ◽  
Narjis Rizvi ◽  
Anam Feroz ◽  
Sayyeda Reza ◽  
Saleem Jessani ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Family planning (FP) is an essential component of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contributes directly to SDG targets 3.7 and 5.6. In Pakistan, contraceptive use has remained stagnant over the past 5 years. This change has been very slow when compared to the FP2020 pledge. The Sukh initiative project was conceived and implemented to alleviate these challenges by providing access to quality contraceptive methods in some underserved areas of Karachi, Pakistan. A qualitative study was conducted to understand the perceptions and experiences of men and women towards acceptability and contraceptive use.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted at ten Sukh stations located in four towns of Karachi. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with Married Women of Reproductive Age (MWRA) and married men who received FP services through the Sukh initiative. Study participants were purposively sampled for focus group discussions (FGDs). Interview data was manually transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: A total of 20 FDGs (Men=10 FGDs; MWRA=10 FGDs) were conducted. Three overarching themes were identified: (I) Appropriateness and means to promote contraceptive use; (II) Equity and Accessibility to contraceptives; and (III) Perspective on available FP services. Generally, both men and women were informed about FP methods but women were more cognizant of FP information. The Door to Door services by community health workers in Sukh initiative areas was largely appreciated both by women and men as it has made the accessibility and availability of the information and services easy. Women suggested that the Sukh initiative should bring some strategies that can help men broaden their perspective towards FP. The study informed that the men feel left out from the FP programs. Therefore, male participants expressed keen interest in initiatives for men in their communities that would cater to their FP needs.Conclusions: This qualitative study provided a unique opportunity to understand the perceptions of men and women towards the phenomena of contraceptive use. The study identified the need for trained and qualified female and male healthcare providers and well-established health facilities alongside door-to-door services.


2022 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Dorothy Ngozi Ononokpono ◽  
Nsidibe Akpan Usoro ◽  
Emmanuel Matthew Akpabio

Abstract The continuing conflict situation in Nigeria have created over 2 million displaced persons. In 2019, women and children accounted for about 80% of the internally displaced population in the country. Displacement increases the need for reproductive health services. This study explored the reasons for non-use of modern contraceptives among forcibly displaced Bakassi women in Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria. Focus group discussions were used to collect data from a convenience sample of 40 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in two makeshift resettlement camps in the region in January and February 2020. Data were analysed using a qualitative inductive approach, with thematic organization and analysis of the transcribed responses from the focus group discussions. The findings revealed that many of the women were not using modern contraceptives at the time of the study, and the major reasons they gave for non-use were misconceptions, costs, religious beliefs, desire for more children and the inaccessibility and unavailability of contraceptive services. The use of family planning services can be a life-saving intervention in unstable, crisis environments. Programme implementation to address non-use of contraceptive services among women in crisis contexts should target social norm change, reproductive health education, empowerment programmes and health service provision.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e037471
Author(s):  
Hagere Yilma ◽  
Erica Sedlander ◽  
Rajiv N Rimal ◽  
Soumik Pattnaik

ObjectivesThis study aims to understand if fatigue, the main symptom of anaemia, is a health concern that cues women and their referent groups to obtain iron folic acid supplements.DesignThis is a mixed methods study that consisted of a cross-sectional perceptual mapping and card sorting activity along with 16 focus group discussions with women of reproductive age, mothers-in-law and men. Participants of the perceptual mapping and card sorting activity were asked to compare images of anaemia-related items and concepts. Participants in the focus group discussions were asked about their daily life, aspirations and concerns among women and perceptions of anaemia and iron supplementation in the community. The quantitative data were analysed through multidimensional scaling and analyses of variance in SPSS. The qualitative data were analysed through applied thematic analysis using NVivo.SettingBhubaneswar, Odisha, India.ParticipantsWomen of reproductive age (n=30), mothers-in-law (n=30) and married men (n=30) were randomly selected to participate in the perceptual mapping and card sorting exercise. A separate sample of each group was randomly selected for the focus group discussions (n=148).Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe collected perceptions of dissimilarity between anaemia-related items, including fatigue and medical items; the extent to which these items were perceived as important to health or likable; and qualitative information about gender norms.ResultsCognitive maps and card sorting revealed that fatigue was conceptualised distinctly from items related to medical treatment and that perceptions around fatigue’s importance to health were low. Women from the focus groups reported that fatigue is a regular part of their daily life.ConclusionOur results indicate that fatigue is currently not an adequate cue to seek treatment, perhaps due to the normalisation of fatigue as a part of women’s daily life.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan A. Potasse ◽  
Sanni Yaya

Abstract Background There are many barriers that impact a woman’s access to contraception in rural sub-Saharan Africa, such as financial constraints, supply shortages, stigma, and misconceptions. Through and African Feminist lens, this study examines how these perceived barriers intersect with each other, and how they negatively impact women’s access to family planning and their perceived value of contraceptives in Luweero, Uganda. Methods This qualitative study analyzed data collected from healthcare workers at one private clinic and one public clinic that offer family planning services in four focus group discussions in Luweero, Central Region, Uganda. Two focus group discussions were held in each clinic. Eligible participants spoke English, were at least 18 years of age, and had at least 3 years of experience as a healthcare worker in Luweero. Among the participants were nurses, midwives, family planning counsellors, and village health workers, both male and female. Coded transcripts were analyzed using a reflexive methodology through an African Feminist lens. Results Most of the responses indicated that financial constraints experienced either by the clinic or the women significantly impact access to family planning. Certain social barriers were discussed, and the participants explained that barriers such as stigma, misconceptions, lack of knowledge, religiosity and cultural values impact women’s motivation or ability to access contraceptive methods. Side effects also have a significant role to play in women’s ability or motivation to navigate through these perceived social barriers. Conclusions Participants determined that increased funding for transportation for village health teams, consistent funding for free contraception, and expanded sensitization efforts that particularly target men would be some of the most impactful methods they can adapt to address some of these barriers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-210
Author(s):  
Addiarrahman Addiarrahman ◽  
Illy Yanti

This study seeks to understand the pragmatism of the development of sharia economic law, and its implications for Islamic financial products in Indonesia. The data comes from the results of interviews and focus group discussions with key informants from academics, practitioners, authorities, and the public. This research finds that pragmatism in the development of Islamic economic law is an approach that still dominates the DSN-MUI fatwas. The pragmatism style used is complex-eclectic pragmatism which is represented through makhārij al-fiqhiyyah, which is to choose a mild opinion by sticking to the strongest method or also called "taysīr al-manhajī". The use of this method is intended to ensure that the fatwa is truly able to answer the needs of the business world, as well as being in line with sharia principles. DSN-MUI also does not use maslahah as a legal consideration in a free or liberal way. Rather, it returns maslahah in consideration of the method, so that it is permissible to use the bay’ al-'inān contract only in a forced state (ḍarurah).


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