scholarly journals Family Planning Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Married Men and Women in Rural Areas of Pakistan: Findings from a Qualitative Need Assessment Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghulam Mustafa ◽  
Syed Khurram Azmat ◽  
Waqas Hameed ◽  
Safdar Ali ◽  
Muhammad Ishaque ◽  
...  

This paper presents the findings of a qualitative assessment aimed at exploring knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding family planning and factors that influence the need for and use of modern contraceptives. A descriptive exploratory study was conducted with married women and men aged between 15 and 40. Overall, 24 focus group discussions were conducted with male and female participants in three provinces of Pakistan. The findings reveal that the majority knew about some modern contraceptive methods, but the overall contraceptive use was very low. Knowledge and use of any contraceptive method were particularly low. Reasons for not using family planning and modern contraception included incomplete family size, negative perceptions, in-laws’ disapproval, religious concerns, side-effects, and lack of access to quality services. The majority preferred private facilities over the government health facilities as the later were cited as derided. The study concluded the need for qualified female healthcare providers, especially for long term family planning services at health facilities instead of camps arranged occasionally. Addressing issues around access, affordability, availability, and sociocultural barriers about modern contraception as well as involving men will help to meet the needs and ensure that the women and couples fulfill their childbearing and reproductive health goals.

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (Suppl 5) ◽  
pp. e000765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjuan Wang ◽  
Lindsay Mallick

IntroductionThis study linked data from the 2012 Haiti Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the 2013 Haiti Service Provision Assessment (SPA) to estimate the extent to which women’s contraceptive use is associated with the method choices available in Haiti’s health facilities.MethodsUsing Global Positioning System (GPS) data for DHS clusters and for health facilities, we linked each DHS cluster to all of the family planning facilities located within a specified distance, and then measured the cluster’s level of contraceptive method choice based on the number of facilities within the buffer zone that offered three or more modern contraceptive methods. Random intercept logistic regressions were used to model the variation in individual modern contraceptive use and the availability of multiple method choices at the cluster level.ResultsLimited number of family planning facilities in Haiti offered at least three modern contraceptive methods (51% in urban and 23% in rural). Seventeen percent of both rural and urban women lived in an area with low availability of multiple methods—meaning that no facility in the specified buffer zone offered three or more contraceptive methods. Another 29% of rural women and 41% of urban women had medium availability—that is, only one facility in the buffer zone offered three or more methods. In rural areas, compared with women living in a cluster with low availability of multiple methods, the odds of using a modern method are 73% higher for women living in a cluster with medium availability, and over twice as high for women living in a cluster with high availability. A similar positive relationship was also found in urban areas.ConclusionsWomen in Haiti have only limited proximity to a health facility offering a variety of contraceptive methods. Improving access to a range of methods available at health facilities near where people live is critical for increasing contraceptive use in both urban and rural areas of Haiti.


Author(s):  
Hima Bindu Ponnam ◽  
Butchi Raju Akondi ◽  
Santosh Kumar Jagadabhi ◽  
Kiranmayee G.R. Rompicherla ◽  
Bharathi Chakali ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Prodigious restrictions and safety measures have been adopted by the government to control the spread of wildfire coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in India. However, the effective implementation of these measures depends upon the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the people. In this context, a cross-sectional online survey of a sample of Indian residents for assessing their KAP toward COVID-19 has been taken up during the verge of lockdown restrictions. Methods A self-developed online KAP questionnaire consisted of 21 questions related to clinical treatment and prevention aspects of COVID-19 including the safety measures completed by the participants. Assessments on their attitudes and practices toward COVID-19 included the confidence of people to overcome this pandemic and adapting safety measures such as wearing mask while going out in recent days. Results and Discussion A sample of 1,043 participants participated in this online survey. The overall correct rate of the knowledge questionnaire was 90%. More than half of the respondents (53.3%) had confidence that India can win the battle against COVID-19. All the participants believed that Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) systems of medicine that are the rich heritage of India would be helpful in combating the viral illness (95.4%). Nearly all the participants (99%) wore masks when going out in recent days. In multiple logistic regression analyses, the COVID-19 knowledge score was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of negative attitudes and preventive practices toward COVID-19. Conclusion The Indian residents showed good knowledge toward COVID-19 and this in turn helped them to hold optimistic attitudes and have appropriate practices toward COVID-19. More community-based health education program strategies if aimed would help further. The limitation of sample representativeness restricts to generalize the findings to population of rural areas with low socioeconomic status.


Contraception ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 93 (5) ◽  
pp. 455-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara C. Jatlaoui ◽  
Sarah Cordes ◽  
Peggy Goedken ◽  
Denise J. Jamieson ◽  
Carrie Cwiak

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Ontiri ◽  
Lilian Mutea ◽  
Violet Naanyu ◽  
Mark Kabue ◽  
Regien Biesma ◽  
...  

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


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Samir Shah ◽  
Ali Elgalib ◽  
Adil Al-Wahaibi ◽  
Maha Al-Fori ◽  
Prasanna Raju ◽  
...  

Objectives: Stigma and discrimination undermine the quality of life of people with HIV and their access to health services. This study aimed to assess HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Oman. Methods: This cross-sectional study took place between July and November 2016. A questionnaire was distributed to 1,400 government HCWs to determine HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and practices. Results: A total of 1,281 HCWs participated (response rate = 92%). Routine tasks, such as dressing wounds, drawing blood and touching clothes, were a cause of concern for 24–52% of HCWs. Only 69% correctly answered questions regarding the transmission of HIV via eating/drinking and mosquito bites. Compared to other HCWs, doctors had significantly higher knowledge (mean = 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19 to 0.73; P <0.001), attitude (mean = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.31 to 1.24; P = 0.001) and practice (mean = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.59 to 2.55; P <0.001) scores. Expatriates also scored significantly higher in knowledge (mean = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.93 to 1.23; P <0.001), attitude (mean = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.48; P <0.001) and practice (mean = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.34; P <0.001) compared to Omani nationals. Finally, those with >15 years’ work experience scored significantly higher on knowledge (mean = −0.60, 95% CI: −1.12 to −0.08; P = 0.025) and attitude (mean = −0.99, 95% CI: −1.87 to −0.10; P = 0.029) compared to those with less experience. Conclusion: The high rate of HIV-related stigma among HCWs in Oman should be rectified in order to achieve the 90-90-90 target set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.Keywords: HIV; Social Stigma; Social Discrimination; Knowledge; Attitude; Professional Practice; Healthcare Providers; Oman.


Author(s):  
Andrew S. Handel ◽  
Efraín Beltrán Ayala ◽  
Mercy J. Borbor-Cordova ◽  
Abigail G. Fessler ◽  
Julia L. Finkelstein ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 730-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Hubber ◽  
A Person ◽  
L Jecha ◽  
D Flodin-Hursh ◽  
J Stiffler ◽  
...  

Abstract Coccidioidomycosis is an emerging infection in Washington State. The epidemiology of the disease in Washington is poorly understood at present; underrecognition and underreporting of coccidioidomycosis is suspected based on reports of only severe disease. We sought to characterize healthcare provider knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding coccidioidomycosis awareness, diagnosis, and treatment in south-central Washington. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of actively practicing healthcare providers in four counties in south-central Washington, an area recently described as endemic for Coccidioides. Survey results were used to assess awareness of reporting requirements, confidence in ability to diagnose and treat, confidence that knowledge is current, calculated knowledge score, and consideration of risk in patient population. The majority of respondents were unaware of the reporting requirement for coccidioidomycosis in Washington and further unaware that the disease had been reported in the state. Less than a third of survey respondents reported confidence in their ability to diagnose coccidioidomycosis and confidence that their knowledge is current. The majority of respondents never or rarely consider a diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis, and &lt;25% of respondents indicated a working knowledge of serologic tests for the infection. The average knowledge score for respondents was 65%. Previous education, training, or practice regarding coccidioidomycosis was the only identified predictor of confidence and consideration of risk. These data indicate the substantial need for education and training among healthcare providers in south-central Washington and support the concern that a small proportion of existing cases of coccidioidomycosis are reported to the health department.


Author(s):  
Chelsea M. Cooper ◽  
Jacqueline Wille ◽  
Steven Shire ◽  
Sheila Makoko ◽  
Asnakew Tsega ◽  
...  

The Government of Malawi’s Health Sector Strategic Plan II highlights the importance of service integration; however, in practice, this has not been fully realized. We conducted a mixed methods evaluation of efforts to systematically implement integrated family planning and immunization services in all health facilities and associated community sites in Ntchisi and Dowa districts during June 2016–September 2017. Methods included secondary analysis of service statistics (pre- and postintervention), focus group discussions with mothers and fathers of children under age one, and in-depth interviews with service providers, supervisors, and managers. Results indicate statistically significant increases in family planning users and shifts in use of family planning services from health facilities to community sites. The intervention had no effect on immunization doses administered or dropout rates. According to mothers and fathers, benefits of service integration included time savings, convenience, and improved understanding of services. Provision and use of integrated services were affected by availability of human resources and commodities, community linkages, data collection procedures and availability, sociocultural barriers, organization of services, and supervision and commitment of health surveillance assistants. The integration approach was perceived to be feasible and beneficial by clients and providers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela A. Royer ◽  
Lenora M. Olson ◽  
Brandi Jackson ◽  
Lana S. Weber ◽  
Lori Gawron ◽  
...  

It is crucial for refugee service providers to understand the family planning knowledge, attitudes, and practices of refugee women following third country resettlement. Using an ethnographic approach rooted in Reproductive Justice, we conducted six focus groups that included 66 resettled Somali and Congolese women in a western United States (US) metropolitan area. We analyzed data using modified grounded theory. Three themes emerged within the family planning domain: (a) concepts of family, (b) fertility management, and (c) unintended pregnancy. We contextualized these themes within existing frameworks for refugee cultural transition under the analytic paradigms of “pronatalism and stable versus evolving family structure” and “active versus passive engagement with family planning.” Provision of just and equitable family planning care to resettled refugee women requires understanding cultural relativism, social determinants of health, and how lived experiences influence family planning conceptualization. We suggest a counseling approach and provider practice recommendations based on our study findings.


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