scholarly journals Fertility, Migration and Acculturation (FEMINA): a research protocol for studying intersectional sexual and reproductive health inequalities

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Violeta Alarcão ◽  
Miodraga Stefanovska-Petkovska ◽  
Ana Virgolino ◽  
Osvaldo Santos ◽  
Sofia Ribeiro ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The existing knowledge on the interplay between reproductive and sexual health, migration and acculturation is recent and inconsistent, particularly on the sociocultural motives and constraints regarding fertility. Therefore, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) surveys are needed to provide accurate and comparable indicators to identify and address SRH inequalities, with specific focus on under researched aspects, such as the interrelation between migration and gender. FEMINA (FErtility, MIgratioN and Acculturation) aims to investigate intersectional SRH inequalities among Cape Verdean immigrant and Portuguese native families and how they impact on fertility in Portugal. This study will use a comprehensive approach exploring simultaneously the components of SRH, namely regarding identities, perceptions and practices of both women and men among lay people and relevant experts and stakeholders. The project has three main goals: 1) to identify social determinants of SRH among Cape Verdean immigrant and Portuguese native men and women of reproductive age; 2) to gain understanding of the diversity of the sexual and reproductive experiences and expectations of Cape Verdean immigrant and Portuguese native men and women of reproductive age, considering the singularities of their migratory, social and family dynamics; and 3) to produce recommendations for policy makers, employers and service providers on how to better address the SRH needs of Portuguese-born and immigrant populations. Methods The study will address these goals using a mixed methods approach, including: a cross-sectional telephone survey with a probabilistic sample of 600 Cape Verdean immigrant and 600 Portuguese native women and men (women aged 18 to 49 and men aged 18 to 54), residents of the Greater Lisbon Area; a qualitative research through in-depth interviews with a subsample of 30 Cape Verdean immigrants and 30 Portuguese native men and women; and a Delphi technique for finding consensus on good practices in SRH for the entire population with a special emphasis on immigrants, namely extra-EU migrants. Discussion Data will be used to produce a comprehensive set of indicators to monitor SRH in Portugal, to foster a greater understanding of its specificities and challenges to policy and decision makers, and to provide targeted recommendations to promote inclusive and migrant sensitive SRH services.

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e017621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wu Junqing ◽  
Yu Chuanning ◽  
Li Yuyan

ObjectivesAlthough family planning in China has changed gradually since 1994, there are few studies about family planning and women’s reproductive rights. The main objective of this study was to examine awareness of sexual and reproductive healthcare rights (SRHCRs), and learn how factors related to family planning influence awareness of SRHCRs among married women of reproductive age in China.Methods and participantsInner Mongolia, Chongqing, Guangdong and Henan were selected for the study, and a total of 2504 married women of reproductive age were recruited. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used to collect information on participants’ awareness of SRHCRs.ResultsThere were a total of 10 843 (≤6×2504) responses, with a response rate of 72.17% (10 843/15 024) on average among participants regarding SRHCRs (a multiple response set). The highest response rate was for choice (Right 3) (90.64%, 95% CI 89.47%, 91.81%), followed by privacy (Right 5) (86.11%, 95% CI 84.72%, 87.50%) and information (Right 1) (84.47%, 95% CI 83.02%, 85.93%). Only 43.39% (95% CI 41.40%, 45.38%) of participants gave responses to safety (Right 4). Participants without children showed more interest in Right 1, in access (Right 2) and in Right 4. Those who utilised tests for fetal sex determination paid more attention to Rights 2 and 4. Women who accepted informed choice were more likely to be aware of all six rights except for Right 3 and dignity (Right 6). Those individuals who were satisfied or very satisfied with comprehensive sexual and reproductive health counselling services were more likely to show interest in all six rights.ConclusionsAwareness of SRHCRs among reproductive aged women in China is still inadequate. Family planning service providers might strengthen the service awareness of sex and reproductive health rights according to the different needs of women.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽  
Lianne Gonsalves ◽  
Mary Thiongo ◽  
Michael Waithaka ◽  
Hellen Sidha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake. Nearly all the research on the link between contraceptives’ misconceptions and low contraceptive prevalence comes mostly from women with little focus on men. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand both young men’s and young women’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify key concerns regarding modern pregnancy prevention methods.Methods: We used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18-24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants.Results: Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions around contraception were discussed, they included jeopardizing future fertility, prolonged menstrual bleeding, problems conceiving, birth defects, promiscuity, against religion and perceived to be un-African including denying couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents in the study, young men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives. Results are presented under three key themes namely (i) Awareness of contraception (ii) Myths and misconceptions around contraception and (iii) Males’ contraceptive narratives. Conclusions: This study revealed a low level of contraceptive knowledge among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya. Most respondents reported contraceptive fears and misconceptions resulting from critical gaps in Sexual and Reproductive Health knowledge. Improved sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.


Author(s):  
Funmilola F. Oyinlola ◽  
Samson O. Bamiwuye ◽  
Stephen A. Adebowale ◽  
Opeyemi O. Ekundayo ◽  
Benjamin B. Ilesanmi

Background: Family planning programs are implemented specifically to address the sexual and reproductive health challenges of women of childbearing age but these interventions are yet to address regional differences in modern contraceptive usage in Nigeria. Hence, this study aimed to examine correlates of modern contraceptive uptake in South West and North Eastern, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional survey data for women aged 15-49 years was extracted from Nigeria demographic and health surveys 2018 (NDHS). Data analyses were based on a weighted sample of 10,907 (North East= 5406 and South West = 5501) women of reproductive age. The outcome variable was modern contraceptive use. The main explanatory variables were age, employment status, religion, Number of living children, education, and marital status. Frequency distribution, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis (α=0.05).Results: The result showed the mean age of women of reproductive age in South West and North East to be 32years and 30 years respectively. More women in South West used modern contraceptive than women in North East. About 91.5% and 75.8% of women in North East and South West respectively did not used any modern method. The result showed that, in the South West, number of living children (OR:4.06, CI: 2.794-5.921), education (OR:1.35, CI: 1.045-1.754) and wealth index (OR:1.77, CI: 1.053-2.973) increased the odds of contraceptive uptake, while maternal age (OR:0.52, CI: 0.282-0.965), religion (OR:0.25, CI: 0.184-0.347) and place of residence (OR:0.68, CI: 0.504-0.916) significantly reduced the odds of modern contraceptive uptake in North East.Conclusions: This study concludes that there are regional variations in uptake and predictors of modern contraceptives use in Nigeria. Therefore, sexual and reproductive health interventions that considers the study’s significant variables should be put in place to increase uptake.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Daube ◽  
Viktoria Chamberman ◽  
Eliza Raymond

<p><strong>Background</strong>: Improving access to family planning in the Pacific region has been slow, especially for those living in remote and rural areas. Pacific countries consistently report contraceptive prevalence rates well below the United Nations’ global averages for ‘less developed’ regions.  The most recent data available on family planning usage in Kiribati from 2009 reported that the modern contraceptive prevalence rate was just 18.0% and total contraceptive prevalence rate just 22.3%.</p><div><p>The aim of the study was to investigate knowledge and use of family planning and identify barriers to contraceptive uptake for men and women of reproductive age in South Tarawa, Kiribati, to inform future approaches aimed at increasing access to family planning.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> A mixed methods approach was used. A community survey of men and women of reproductive age (15-49 years) (n=500) was carried out to identify current levels of knowledge, contraceptive use and barriers to use. Focus groups (n=4) of target populations (men 15-24, men 25-49, women 15-24, women 25-49) were undertaken and in-depth interviews (n=14) were conducted with health professionals and government officials to interpret survey results, further investigate barriers and generate ideas for improving service delivery.</p><p><strong>Findings:</strong> Considerable barriers to family planning use were observed in the community survey and explored in the interviews and focus groups. They can be categorised into four thematic groups: disinterest in family planning; knowledge gaps; personal, family and social objections; and unsuitable service delivery.<strong><em></em></strong></p></div><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> A broad range of solutions were identified and fourteen service delivery recommendations were made for family planning service providers in South Tarawa. The recommendations may also hold relevance to other Pacific countries, however we encourage service providers to consider their country context before initiating any recommendations provided in this study. </p>


2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 272-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Henshaw ◽  
Olivia Protti

SummaryPregnancies in women with serious mental illness are high risk and such women are also less likely to engage in the recommended health screening for women of reproductive age. Hence, reproductive health issues are important aspects of physical healthcare that should be assessed in women accessing mental health services. Pregnancy planning and management are crucial in reducing risk of relapse in women with affective disorders, and psychiatrists should acquaint themselves with the screening programmes and reproductive and sexual health services in their area and encourage their patients' uptake of these. Clinicians should be aware of the reproductive impact of medications and the needs of specific groups of women.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽  
Lianne Gonsalves ◽  
Mary Thiongo ◽  
Michael Waithaka ◽  
Hellen Sidha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake. Nearly all the research on the link between contraceptives’ misconceptions and low contraceptive prevalence comes mostly from women with little focus on men. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand both young men’s and young women’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify key concerns regarding modern pregnancy prevention methods.Methods: We used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18-24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants.Results: Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions around contraception were discussed, they included jeopardizing future fertility, prolonged menstrual bleeding, problems conceiving, birth defects, promiscuity, against religion and perceived to be un-African including denying couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents in the study, young men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives. Results are presented under three key themes namely (i) Awareness of contraception (ii) Myths and misconceptions around contraception and (iii) Males’ contraceptive narratives. Conclusions : This study revealed a low level of contraceptive knowledge among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya. Most respondents reported contraceptive fears and misconceptions resulting from critical gaps in Sexual and Reproductive Health knowledge. Improved sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Demelash Habtamu ◽  
Addisie Adamu

Street children worldwide do not have the information, skills, health services, and support they need to go through sexual development during adolescence. This study is undertaken to systematically investigate the fit between street children’s sexual and reproductive health needs and the existing services. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 street children and four service providers. About 72.5% of the respondents were sexually active during data collection and 84.3% of males and 85.7% of females tended to have multiple sexual partners. More than two-thirds (67.3%) of the participants had used at least one type of substance. History of substance use (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.42–4.56) and being on the street for the first one to three years (OR = 5.9; 95% CI = 1.41–7.22) increased the likelihood of having sexual activity. More than half (64.9%) of the street children did not attend any kind of sexual or reproductive health education programs. Lack of information on available services (26.5%) was the biggest barrier for utilization of local sexual and reproductive health services. From the individual interview with coordinator, the financial and networking problems were hindering the service delivery for street children. In conclusion, street children who are special high risk group have not been targeted and hence continue to remain vulnerable and lacking in sexual and reproductive health services and sexual health services are poorly advertised and delivered to them.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Doaa Oraby

In 2005, a World Health Organization resolution called for health systems to move towards universal coverage, such that everyone would have access to promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative health interventions at an affordable cost. Responding to this call, a new target for achieving universal access to reproductive health was integrated within the revised millennium development goals framework. Forty-eight African countries adopted the Maputo Plan of Action committing to the goal of universal access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services in Africa by 2015. The aim of this study was to assess Egypt’s commitment to implementing the Maputo Plan of Action. This was achieved through soliciting information relating to the extent of Egypt’s progress towards the achievement of universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights information and services. In late 2009, a qualitative study was conducted. It included in-depth interviews with 20 physicians and 10 key informants in addition to 8 focus group discussions with sub-segments of 65 beneficiaries, including married women of reproductive age, married men and youth of both sexes. The study revealed that public sector, non-governmental organisations and private sector organisations delivering sexual and reproductive health services functioned in isolation from each other. Delivered services focused mainly on family planning and maternity care and targeted married women of reproductive age. Scaling up universal access to sexual and reproductive health services requires programmes to expand beyond the maternal and child health delivery model targeted solely at married women with children.


Author(s):  
Titus Haakonde ◽  
Sampa Chisumbe ◽  
Mary Chibwe ◽  
Kennedy Iwol

Background: One of the neglected issues in our society today, is effective communication between parents and adolescents on matters of Sex and Reproductive Health. This problem has saliently exposed the adolescents to the risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and teenage pregnancies as well as engaging in drug and substance abuse. As such, this study aimed at assessing the extent of parent-adolescents communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) matters among the Lecturers at Evelyn Hone College and their children. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey study design was used in which 85 respondents were conveniently recruited into the study. Data collection was through pre-tested semi structured questionnaires. Analysis of data was done using SPSS version18 and graphs were generated using Microsoft Excel. Results: The study revealed that parents were not very much willing to offer SRH education to their adolescent children. They preferred having their children being taught SRH education by non-family members rather than themselves. Additionally, it was further shown that parents were initiators of SRH discussions in a home and not children. Further, it was also revealed that adolescents who had ever received SRH education from their parents were less likely to be promiscuous as compared to those who lacked such education. It was however noted that most female lecturers spent much of their time educating their children in SRH than their male counterparts. Conclusion: The findings suggested that parenthood and gender play key roles in the communication of SRH matters between parents and adolescent children. As it was seen that female Lecturers spent much time communicating with their adolescent children on SRH issues than the male Lecturers. However, there is need to create avenues other than a home where adolescents will be able to openly discuss and share experiences about SRH especially with the guidance of a parent.


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