Exploring contraception myths and misconceptions among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya

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.

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Exploring contraception myths and misconceptions among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya

10.21203/rs.2.21058/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽

Lianne Gonsalves ◽

Mary Thiongo ◽

Michael Waithaka ◽

Hellen Sidha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

Young Women ◽

Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Young Men ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Men And Women ◽

Future Fertility ◽

And Gender ◽

Prevention Methods

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.

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“I don’t know how to explain it” Narratives on contraceptives among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya

10.21203/rs.2.21058/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽

Lianne Gonsalves ◽

Mary Thiongo ◽

Michael Waithaka ◽

Hellen Sidha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Young Men ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Men And Women ◽

Cultural Effects ◽

Future Fertility ◽

And Gender ◽

Prevention Methods ◽

Contraceptive Uptake

Abstract BackgroundMyths 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsBoth 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, 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 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.

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Exploring contraception myths and misconceptions among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-09849-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽

Lianne Gonsalves ◽

Mary Thiongo ◽

Michael Waithaka ◽

Hellen Sidha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Young Men ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Men And Women ◽

Modern Contraception ◽

Contraceptive Knowledge ◽

Future Fertility ◽

Contraceptive Uptake

Abstract Background Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake in sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya in particular. Addressing persistent contraceptive knowledge gaps can make a significant contribution towards improved contraceptive uptake among young women. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand young people’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify their key concerns regarding these 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. Predefined codes reflecting the discussion guides and emerging issues in the FGDs were used to develop the thematic coding framework. Our analysis followed a pattern of association on the key preset themes focusing on myths and misconceptions around contraceptive use. Results Results are presented under four key themes: awareness of contraception, myths and misconceptions around contraception, males’ contraceptive narratives and young people’s preferred sources of contraceptives. Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions were discussed and included perceptions that modern contraception: jeopardized future fertility, could result in problems conceiving or birth defects, made women promiscuous, was ‘un-African’, and would deny 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. On preferred sources of contraceptives, respondents reported on two main sources, pharmacies and public hospitals, however, they could not agree on which one was suitable for them. Conclusions This study revealed the presence of a mixture of biological and social myths and misconceptions around contraception, with young men also strongly adhering to these misconceptions. The low level of contraceptive knowledge, particularly on contraceptive fears as revealed by the study demonstrate critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among young people. Improved 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 therefore contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.

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Exploring contraception myths and misconceptions among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya

10.21203/rs.2.21058/v7 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽

Lianne Gonsalves ◽

Mary Thiongo ◽

Michael Waithaka ◽

Hellen Sidha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Young Men ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Men And Women ◽

Modern Contraception ◽

Contraceptive Knowledge ◽

Future Fertility ◽

Contraceptive Uptake

Abstract BackgroundMyths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake in sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya in particular. Addressing persistent contraceptive knowledge gaps can make a significant contribution towards improved contraceptive uptake among young women. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand young people’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify their key concerns regarding these methods.MethodsWe 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. Predefined codes reflecting the discussion guides and emerging issues in the FGDs were used to develop the thematic coding framework. Our analysis followed a pattern of association on the key preset themes focusing on myths and misconceptions around contraceptive use.ResultsResults are presented under four key themes: awareness of contraception, myths and misconceptions around contraception, males’ contraceptive narratives and young people’s preferred sources of contraceptives. Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions were discussed and included perceptions that modern contraception: jeopardized future fertility, could result in problems conceiving or birth defects, made women promiscuous, was ‘un-African’, and would deny 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. On preferred sources of contraceptives, respondents reported on two main sources, pharmacies and public hospitals, however, they could not agree on which one was suitable for them.ConclusionsThis study revealed the presence of a mixture of biological and social myths and misconceptions around contraception, with young men also strongly adhering to these misconceptions. The low level of contraceptive knowledge, particularly on contraceptive fears as revealed by the study demonstrate critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among young people. Improved 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 therefore contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.

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Exploring contraception myths and misconceptions among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya

10.21203/rs.2.21058/v5 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽

Lianne Gonsalves ◽

Mary Thiongo ◽

Michael Waithaka ◽

Hellen Sidha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Young Men ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Men And Women ◽

Modern Contraception ◽

Contraceptive Knowledge ◽

Future Fertility ◽

Contraceptive Uptake

Abstract Background Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake in sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya in particular. Addressing persistent contraceptive knowledge gaps can make a significant contribution towards improved contraceptive uptake among young women. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand young people’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify their key concerns regarding these 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. Predefined codes reflecting the discussion guides and emerging issues in the FGDs were used to develop the thematic coding framework. Our analysis followed a pattern of association on the key preset themes focusing on myths and misconceptions around contraceptive use. Results Results are presented under three key themes: awareness of contraception, myths and misconceptions around contraception, and males’ contraceptive narratives. Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions were discussed and included perceptions that modern contraception: jeopardized future fertility, prolonged menstrual bleeding, could result in problems conceiving or birth defects, made women promiscuous, was ‘un-African’, and would deny couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents, young men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives. Conclusions This study revealed the presence of a mixture of biological and social myths and misconceptions around contraception, with young men also strongly adhering to these misconceptions. The low level of contraceptive knowledge, particularly on contraceptive fears as revealed by the study demonstrate critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among young people. Improved 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 therefore contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.

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Exploring contraception myths and misconceptions among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya

10.21203/rs.2.21058/v6 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽

Lianne Gonsalves ◽

Mary Thiongo ◽

Michael Waithaka ◽

Hellen Sidha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Young Men ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Men And Women ◽

Modern Contraception ◽

Contraceptive Knowledge ◽

Future Fertility ◽

Contraceptive Uptake

Abstract BackgroundMyths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake in sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya in particular. Addressing persistent contraceptive knowledge gaps can make a significant contribution towards improved contraceptive uptake among young women. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand young people’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify their key concerns regarding these methods.MethodsWe 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. Predefined codes reflecting the discussion guides and emerging issues in the FGDs were used to develop the thematic coding framework. Our analysis followed a pattern of association on the key preset themes focusing on myths and misconceptions around contraceptive use.ResultsResults are presented under four key themes: awareness of contraception, myths and misconceptions around contraception, males’ contraceptive narratives and young people’s preferred sources of contraceptives. Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions were discussed and included perceptions that modern contraception: jeopardized future fertility, could result in problems conceiving or birth defects, made women promiscuous, was ‘un-African’, and would deny 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. On preferred sources of contraceptives, respondents reported on two main sources, pharmacies and public hospitals, however, they could not agree on which one was suitable for them.ConclusionsThis study revealed the presence of a mixture of biological and social myths and misconceptions around contraception, with young men also strongly adhering to these misconceptions. The low level of contraceptive knowledge, particularly on contraceptive fears as revealed by the study demonstrate critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among young people. Improved 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 therefore contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.

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Exploring contraception myths and misconceptions among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya

10.21203/rs.2.21058/v4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽

Lianne Gonsalves ◽

Mary Thiongo ◽

Michael Waithaka ◽

Hellen Sidha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Young Men ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Men And Women ◽

Modern Contraception ◽

Contraceptive Knowledge ◽

Future Fertility ◽

Contraceptive Uptake

Abstract Background Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake in sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya in particular. Addressing persistent contraceptive knowledge gaps can make a significant contribution towards improved contraceptive uptake among young women. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand young people’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify their key concerns regarding these 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. Predefined codes reflecting the discussion guides and emerging issues in the FGDs were used to develop the thematic coding framework. Our analysis followed a pattern of association on the key preset themes focusing on myths and misconceptions around contraceptive use.Results Results are presented under three key themes: awareness of contraception, myths and misconceptions around contraception, and males’ contraceptive narratives. Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions were discussed and included perceptions that modern contraception: jeopardized future fertility, prolonged menstrual bleeding, could result in problems conceiving or birth defects, made women promiscuous, was ‘un-African’, and would deny 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.Conclusions This study revealed the presence of a mixture of biological and social myths and misconceptions around contraception, with young men also strongly adhering to these misconceptions. The low level of contraceptive knowledge, particularly on contraceptive fears as revealed by the study demonstrate critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among young people. Improved 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 therefore contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.

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

Reproductive Health ◽

10.1186/s12978-019-0795-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Violeta Alarcão ◽

Miodraga Stefanovska-Petkovska ◽

Ana Virgolino ◽

Osvaldo Santos ◽

Sofia Ribeiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽

Service Providers ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Cape Verdean ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Men And Women ◽

Native Women ◽

And Gender

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.

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Gender Differences in Russia’s Job Mobility and Its Rewards

10.31235/osf.io/ncb5p ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ivan Privalko

Keyword(s):

Gender Differences ◽

Young Women ◽

High Mobility ◽

Young Men ◽

Job Characteristics ◽

Job Mobility ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Men And Women ◽

Life Chances ◽

And Gender

This article considers age and gender differences in the probability and consequences of job mobility; specifically firm exits and promotions in Russia. Russia's labour market should have high rates of job mobility, but we will show using IMF figures that the rate between 2011 and 2015 is on par with the 1980's. Beyond this, little is known about who is mobile and whether mobility has any impact on wages once the characteristics of movers are controlled for. In other words, we will ask whether job mobility is a sorting mechanism, or whether it has premiums in pay in and of itself. Results show a gender difference in the likelihood of firm exit but not in the likelihood of promotion. When several personal and job characteristics are held constant, young men and women have similar odds of promotion. However, promotions have a positive effect only on the wages of young women; young men's wages are not affected. On the topic of firm exits, when several personal and job characteristics are held constant, exit is more common among young men when compared to young women; this is also true of middle aged men and women. Further, young men see a significant decrease in wages following an exit, while young women are not affected by exit. These results are flipped for middle aged workers; middle aged men see no change in wages following an exit, but middle aged women see significant declines in wages following an exit. Using these results, the article shows that the early stages of a respondent's career are marked by periods of high mobility, which is similar to the experience of young workers in other countries. After this period, mobility becomes increasingly unlikely. Part of this result could stem from the premiums tied to promotion. Results help to understand processes of inequality in wages and conditions that occur due to sorting, and the importance of promotions (internal job changes with the same employer) as 'life chances' which improve earnings in the immediate sense. Gender differences in securing these life chances help to understand wider gender gaps in earnings, which emerge later.

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