scholarly journals Impediments and Perceptions on the Utilization of Family Planning Services in Bauchi State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 1180-1184
Author(s):  
Saba’atu Elizabeth Danladi ◽  
Elochukwu Ebunoluwa Ukatu ◽  
Osita Samuel Okonkwo ◽  
Oruayefe Agatha Upaka
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health System ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Family Planning Services ◽  
Modern Methods

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

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
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Family Size ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Childbearing Intentions

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.

Family Planning Films: Fact or Fiction? A Qualitative Study Assessing Changes in Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intentions to use Family Planning After Watching Documentary and Drama Health Education Films

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
VINCENT MUBANGIZI ◽  
Jane Plastow ◽  
Florence Nakaggwa ◽  
Haeven Nahabwe ◽  
Sylvia Natukunda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Contraceptive Implant ◽  
Contraceptive Implants ◽  
Changing Knowledge

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.

scholarly journals Socio-cultural beliefs influence feeding practices of mothers and their children in Grand Popo, Benin

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yrence Urielle Amoussou Lokossou ◽  
Ayuk Betrand Tambe ◽  
Colette Azandjèmè ◽  
Xikombiso Mbhenyane
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Abstract Background Malnutrition is a major public health problem. It contributes to the high death rate among children in developing countries despite the various advocacies of institutions such as WHO and FAO and many other organisations. More research needs to be done in order to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The aim of this study was to explore socio-cultural practices and their influence on feeding practices of mothers and their children in Grand Popo, Benin. Methods A qualitative research methodology was used with an inductive approach. A pretested discussion guide was used to conduct focus group discussions with participants in their local language. Four focus group discussions were held in 4 villages located in both the rural and the semi-urban areas with each focus group comprising seven to eight participants. The study protocol was approved by the Health Research Ethics Committee of Stellenbosch University. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed and translated to English. The data was analysed following the Creswell data analysis steps. Results All the children were breastfed, and 56.1% of children under 6 months received breast milk exclusively. Children were introduced to family foods at 5 months with very low consumption of animal protein and fruits. Mothers and children had monotonous diets with high consumption of vegetables and maize-based meals. Food taboos, particularly during pregnancy, were revealed. Those cultural beliefs were still followed by some mothers, and food rich in nutrients were pushed aside. Conclusions There is a need for educational interventions to raise awareness of the negative impacts of some socio-cultural practices on the health of the mother and child.

scholarly journals The Religious Teaching and Women’s Sexuality Construction

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-118
Author(s):  
Z. Ghorashi ◽  
◽  
E. Merghati Khoe ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Married Women ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Sexual Practice ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Religious Teaching ◽  
Role Of Religion

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.

scholarly journals Socio-cultural Factors Associated with Complementary Feeding in Two Rural Districts in Ghana: A qualitative study involving Health Workers

2020 ◽  
pp. 10-24
Author(s):  
Christiana Naa Atsreh Nsiah-Asamoah
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Cultural Factors ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Rural Districts

Aim: This study sought to explore the cultural factors that are associated with complementary feeding from the reports of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Volunteers (CHVs) in two rural districts in Ghana. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study that assessed cultural beliefs, norms, superstitions and practices that influence complementary feeding practices of young children under two years in two rural farming districts in Ghana Study Area: The study was conducted at Kwahu Afram Plains North and South Districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methodology: The study employed qualitative methods which entailed conducting 9 focus group discussions among CHWs and CHVs working at two rural districts in Ghana. The focus group discussions were conducted with the aid of a validated, interview guide, after obtaining informed consent (written) from the health workers. Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Boards of the Dodowa Health Research Centre and the University of Cape Coast. Thematic content analytical procedures were applied to analyze the transcripts, interpret and present findings as a narrative account. Results: The reports of the health workers indicate a common practice of early introduction of solid foods to infants before they attain six(6) months of age. Cultural beliefs, superstitions, beliefs, food taboos and prohibitions influence mothers’ complementary-feeding practices and result in limiting the food scope and dietary diversity of their young children. Conclusions: Interventions designed to promote appropriate complementary feeding practices should incorporate an understanding of social context, family, and cultural factors in developing nutrition promotion messages that are tailored to meet the needs of rural populations. More community interventions that draw on the support of key influential persons in the community and fathers are needed to address cultural barriers to appropriate complementary feeding practices.

scholarly journals Perceptions and experiences of men and women towards acceptability and use of contraceptives in underserved areas of Karachi, Pakistan: A Midline Qualitative Assessment of Sukh Initiative, Karachi Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Saleem ◽  
Narjis Rizvi ◽  
Anam Feroz ◽  
Sayyeda Reza ◽  
Saleem Jessani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Men And Women

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.

scholarly journals Aetiological factors and perception of anaemia in Tunisian women of reproductive age

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 729-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jalila El Ati ◽  
Pierre Lefèvre ◽  
Chiraz Béji ◽  
Chiheb Ben Rayana ◽  
Sadok Gaigi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Deficiency ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceptions And Attitudes ◽  
Major Factors

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.

scholarly journals Strategies and challenges in Kerala’s response to the initial phase of COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative descriptive study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e051410
Author(s):  
Kannamkottapilly Chandrasekharan Prajitha ◽  
Arya Rahul ◽  
Sujatha Chintha ◽  
Gopakumar Soumya ◽  
Meenu Maheswari Suresh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Health System ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
The State ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

ObjectiveTo understand the structures and strategies that helped Kerala in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges faced by the state and how it was tackled.DesignQualitative descriptive study using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews.SettingState of Kerala, India.Participants29 participants: four focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews. Participants were chosen purposively based on their involvement in decision-making and implementation of COVID-19 control activities, from the department of health and family welfare, police, revenue, local self-government and community-based organisations. Districts, panchayats (local bodies) and primary health centres (PHCs) were selected based on epidemiological features of the area like the intensity of disease transmission and preventive/containment activities carried out in that particular area to capture the wide range of activities undertaken in the state.ResultsThe study identified five major themes that can inform best practices viz social capital, robust public health system, participation and volunteerism, health system preparedness, and challenges. This study was a real-time exploration of the intricacies of COVID-19 management in a low/middle-income country and the model can serve as an example for other states and nations to emulate or adjust accordingly.ConclusionThe study shows the impact of synergy of these themes towards more effective solutions; however, further research is much needed in examining the relationship between these factors and their relevance in policy decisions.

scholarly journals Perceptions and experiences of men and women towards acceptability and use of contraceptives in underserved areas of Karachi, Pakistan: A Midline Qualitative Assessment of Sukh Initiative, Karachi Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Saleem ◽  
Narjis Rizvi ◽  
Anam Feroz ◽  
Sayyeda Reza ◽  
Saleem Jessani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Men And Women

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.

Non-use of modern contraceptives among women in humanitarian contexts: evidence from a qualitative study in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Dorothy Ngozi Ononokpono ◽  
Nsidibe Akpan Usoro ◽  
Emmanuel Matthew Akpabio
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Health Service Provision ◽  
Modern Contraceptives ◽  
Contraceptive Services

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.

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