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Sabri B, Mani SS, Kaduluri VPS. Integrated domestic violence and reproductive health interventions in India: a systematic review. Reprod Health 2024; 21:94. [PMID: 38951870 PMCID: PMC11218333 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01830-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Domestic violence is a leading cause of poor health outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Therefore, there is a need for integrated domestic violence interventions in reproductive health care settings. India has one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates. This review aimed to identify characteristics of existing evidence-based integrated domestic violence and reproductive healthcare interventions in India to identify gaps and components of interventions that demonstrate effectiveness for addressing domestic violence. METHODS A systematic review of intervention studies was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Three research team members performed independent screening of title, abstracts and full-texts. RESULTS The search resulted in 633 articles, of which 13 articles met inclusion criteria for full text screening and analysis. Common components of integrated violence and reproductive health interventions that were effective in addressing domestic violence included: psychoeducation/education (n = 5), skill building (n = 5), counseling (n = 5), engaging stakeholders with use of trained lay peer facilitators (n = 3), and engaging male spouses (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS Interventions in India for domestic violence that are integrated with reproductive health care remain few, and there are fewer with effective outcomes for domestic violence. Of those with effective outcomes, all of the interventions utilized psychoeducation/education, skill building, and counseling as part of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Sabri
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 North Wolfe Street, Room N530L, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Serena Sloka Mani
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Chatterji S, Johns NE, Ghule M, Begum S, Averbach S, Battala M, Raj A. Assessing the impact of CHARM2, a family planning program on gender attitudes, intimate partner violence, reproductive coercion, and marital quality in India. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003220. [PMID: 38771823 PMCID: PMC11108161 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Using a two-armed cluster randomised controlled trial, CHARM2 (Counselling Husbands to Achieve Reproductive health and Marital equity), a 5-session gender equity and family planning intervention for couples in rural India, showed an impact on family planning outcomes in primary trial analyses. This study examines its effects on gender-equitable attitudes, intimate partner violence, reproductive coercion, and marital quality. We used multilevel mixed-effects models to assess the intervention impact on each outcome. Both male (aIRR at 9 months: 0.64, C.I.: 0.45,0.90; aIRR at 18 months: 0.25, C.I.: 0.18,0.39) and female (aIRR at 9 months: 0.57, C.I.: 0.46,0.71; aIRR at 18 months: 0.38, C.I.: 0.23,0.61) intervention participants were less likely than corresponding control participants to endorse attitudes accepting physical IPV at 9- and 18-month follow-ups. Men in the intervention, compared to those in the control condition, reported more gender-equitable attitudes at 9- and 18 months (ß at 9 months: 0.13, C.I.: 0.06,0.20; ß at 18 months: 0.26, C.I.: 0.19,0.34) and higher marital quality at the 18-month follow-up (ß: 0.03, C.I.: 0.01,0.05). However, we found no effects on women's experiences of IPV, reproductive coercion, or marital quality. CHARM2 shows promise in improving men's and women's attitudes towards gender equality and male perceptions of marital quality. Still, IPV and reproductive coercion reductions may require more intensive programming than that provided within this 5-session model focused on family planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeeta Chatterji
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole E. Johns
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Mohan Ghule
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Shahina Begum
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Sarah Averbach
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | | | - Anita Raj
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Newcomb Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
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Tazoe H, Tomozawa R, Sato M, Anzai S, Hosokawa R. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Educational Interventions in Family Planning for Men in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review. JMA J 2024; 7:40-51. [PMID: 38314417 PMCID: PMC10834174 DOI: 10.31662/jmaj.2023-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Unintended pregnancy is associated with national socioeconomic development and gender inequality. In addition to contraception, educational interventions that promote family planning and address gender dynamics are considered important in preventing unintended pregnancy. While the importance of encouraging men's participation in family planning has been advocated, most studies have focused on the application of interventions to women or populations in high-income countries only. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effects of educational interventions on men in low- and middle-income countries in terms of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and gender dynamics. Methods Three electronic databases (CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science) were searched for studies published from January 1980 to October 2022. Keywords such as "men/husband," "family planning," "contraception," and "education" were combined to identify studies. Two independent reviewers conducted screening and data extraction, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool. The quality of evidence was evaluated according to the GRADE Handbook. Results The database search identified 16,086 articles, of which 4 cluster randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 1 RCT were ultimately included. Each of them was conducted in four different countries: Malawi, Guatemala, Tanzania, and India. Changes in knowledge, attitude, family planning, and gender dynamics were the outcomes used to assess the effectiveness of interventions. The five selected articles exhibited an effect on ≥1 indicator for each outcome. However, the quality of evidence was determined to be low or very low owing to the risk of bias, heterogeneity, and imprecision. Conclusions Determining the effectiveness of educational interventions in family planning for men in low- and middle-income countries requires additional high-quality intervention studies. As family planning is influenced by various background factors, it is important to develop appropriate interventions for each context and define relevant indicators that can be compared across contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruko Tazoe
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Riho Tomozawa
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mai Sato
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sumire Anzai
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Rikuya Hosokawa
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Aventin Á, Robinson M, Hanratty J, Keenan C, Hamilton J, McAteer ER, Tomlinson M, Clarke M, Okonofua F, Bonell C, Lohan M. Involving men and boys in family planning: A systematic review of the effective components and characteristics of complex interventions in low- and middle-income countries. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1296. [PMID: 36911859 PMCID: PMC9837728 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Involving men and boys as both users and supporters of Family Planning (FP) is now considered essential for optimising maternal and child health outcomes. Evidence on how to engage men and boys to meet FP needs is therefore important. Objectives The main objective of this review was to assess the strength of evidence in the area and uncover the effective components and critical process- and system-level characteristics of successful interventions. Search Methods We searched nine electronic databases, seven grey literature databases, organisational websites, and the reference lists of systematic reviews relating to FP. To identify process evaluations and qualitative papers associated with the included experimental studies, we used Connected Papers and hand searches of reference lists. Selection Criteria Experimental and quasi-experimental studies of behavioural and service-level interventions involving males aged 10 years or over in low- and middle-income countries to increase uptake of FP methods were included in this review. Data Collection and Analysis Methodology was a causal chain analysis involving the development and testing of a logic model of intervention components based on stakeholder consultation and prior research. Qualitative and quantitative data relating to the evaluation studies and interventions were extracted based on the principles of 'effectiveness-plus' reviews. Quantitative analysis was undertaken using r with robust variance estimation (RVE), meta-analysis and meta-regression. Qualitative analysis involved 'best fit' framework synthesis. Results We identified 8885 potentially relevant records and included 127 in the review. Fifty-nine (46%) of these were randomised trials, the remainder were quasi-experimental studies with a comparison group. Fifty-four percent of the included studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias. A meta-analysis of 72 studies (k = 265) showed that the included group of interventions had statistically significantly higher odds of improving contraceptive use when compared to comparison groups (odds ratio = 1.38, confidence interval = 1.21 to 1.57, prediction interval = 0.36 to 5.31, p < 0.0001), but there were substantial variations in the effect sizes of the studies (Q = 40,647, df = 264, p < 0.0001; I 2 = 98%) and 73% was within cluster/study. Multi-variate meta-regression revealed several significant intervention delivery characteristics that moderate contraceptive use. These included community-based educational FP interventions, interventions delivered to women as well as men and interventions delivered by trained facilitators, professionals, or peers in community, home and community, or school settings. None of the eight identified intervention components or 33 combinations of components were significant moderators of effects on contraceptive use. Qualitative analysis highlighted some of the barriers and facilitators of effective models of FP that should be considered in future practice and research. Authors' Conclusions FP interventions that involve men and boys alongside women and girls are effective in improving uptake and use of contraceptives. The evidence suggests that policy should continue to promote the involvement of men and boys in FP in ways that also promote gender equality. Recommendations for research include the need for evaluations during conflict and disease outbreaks, and evaluation of gender transformative interventions which engage men and boys as contraceptive users and supporters in helping to achieve desired family size, fertility promotion, safe conception, as well as promoting equitable family planning decision-making for women and girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Áine Aventin
- Queen's University BelfastBelfastNorthern Ireland
| | | | | | - Ciara Keenan
- Queen's University BelfastBelfastNorthern Ireland
| | | | | | - Mark Tomlinson
- Queen's University BelfastBelfastNorthern Ireland
- Stellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
| | - Mike Clarke
- Queen's University BelfastBelfastNorthern Ireland
| | | | - Chris Bonell
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Maria Lohan
- Queen's University BelfastBelfastNorthern Ireland
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Gómez-Torres P, Lucha-López AC, Mallery A, Martínez-Pérez GZ, Vera Cruz G. Willingness to Use Male Contraceptive Pill: Spain-Mozambique Comparison. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3404. [PMID: 36834096 PMCID: PMC9967229 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that social and cultural factors significantly influence people's willingness to use the male contraceptive pill, which is in relatively advanced development. The present study aims at comparing Spanish and Mozambican participants level of willingness to take a male contraceptive pill. Factorial designed scenarios were used to collect data on the two population samples (Spain = 402 participants; Mozambique = 412 participants). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVAs) were performed comparing the average scores of Mozambique and Spain at the levels of each modelled factor: The cost of the pills (30 €/USD 20 for 3 months vs. free); Efficacy (99% vs. 95%); Side effects (none, mild and severe); Context (disease, condom abandonment and diversification of contraceptive methods). The two groups found significant differences in the scores for each of the four factors, in light of the socio-cultural differences between the two countries. In the Spanish sample, the main factor affected the willingness to use male contraceptive pill (MCP) were the side effects, while for Mozambican men it was the context. Along with technological change, an ideological-social change in gender roles is required to ensure equity in contraceptive responsibilities and the participation of men at all socio-demographic levels in reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piedad Gómez-Torres
- Department of Physiatrics and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Group Sector III Heathcare (GIIS081), Institute of Research of Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana C. Lucha-López
- Department of Physiatrics and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Group Sector III Heathcare (GIIS081), Institute of Research of Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación en Fisioterapia (UIF), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Amber Mallery
- African Women’s Research Observatory, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Germano Vera Cruz
- Department of Psychology, University of Picardie Jules Verne, 80000 Amiens, France
- Centre de Recherche en Psychologie: Cognition, Psychisme et Organisations UR 7273 CRP-CPO, University of Picardie Jules Verne, 80025 Amiens, France
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Nazarbegian M, Averbach S, Johns NE, Ghule M, Silverman J, Lundgren R, Battala M, Begum S, Raj A. Associations between Contraceptive Decision-Making and Marital Contraceptive Communication and use in Rural Maharashtra, India. Stud Fam Plann 2022; 53:617-637. [PMID: 36193029 PMCID: PMC10695302 DOI: 10.1111/sifp.12214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Women's contraceptive decision-making control is crucial for reproductive autonomy, but research largely relies on the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) measure which asks who is involved with decision-making. In India, this typically assesses joint decision-making or male engagement. Newer measures emphasize female agency. We examined three measures of contraceptive decision-making, the DHS and two agency-focused measures, to assess their associations with marital contraceptive communication and use in rural Maharashtra, India. We analyzed follow-up survey data from women participating in the CHARM2 study (n = 1088), collected in June-December 2020. The survey included the DHS (measure 1), Reproductive Decision-Making Agency (measure 2), and Contraceptive Final Decision-Maker measures (measure 3). Only Measure 1 was significantly associated with contraceptive communication (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.75, 95 percent confidence interval [CI]: 1.69-4.49) and use (AOR: 1.73, 95 percent CI: 1.14-2.63). However, each measure was associated with different types of contraceptive use: Measure 1 with condom (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR]: 1.99, 95 percent CI: 1.12-3.51) and intrauterine device (IUD) (aRRR: 4.76, 95 percent CI: 1.80-12.59), Measure 2 with IUD (aRRR: 1.64, 95 percent CI: 1.04-2.60), and Measure 3 with pill (aRRR: 2.00, 95 percent CI: 1.14-3.52). Among married women in Maharashtra, India, male engagement in decision-making may be a stronger predictor of contraceptive communication and use than women's agency, but agency may be predictive of types of contraceptives used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Nazarbegian
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Sarah Averbach
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nicole E Johns
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mohan Ghule
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jay Silverman
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Rebecka Lundgren
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Madhusudana Battala
- Population Council, Zone 5A, Ground Floor, India Habitat Center, New Delhi, 110003, India
| | - Shahina Begum
- Department of Biostatistics, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Anita Raj
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Education Studies, University of California, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
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Aristide C, Bullington BW, Kuguru M, Sundararajan R, Nguyen NT, Lambert VJ, Mwakisole AH, Wamoyi J, Downs JA. Health providers' perspectives on contraceptive use in rural Northwest Tanzania: A qualitative study. Contracept X 2022; 4:100086. [PMID: 36324829 PMCID: PMC9618975 DOI: 10.1016/j.conx.2022.100086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives In Tanzania, contraceptive use is limited, particularly in rural communities and even among women who would like to delay childbearing. This paper aims to present health providers' perspectives on populations seeking contraception and barriers that could be addressed to increase access to and uptake of contraception, given their interface with large portions of their communities. Study Design We conducted 18 in-depth interviews with providers stationed at health dispensaries in six rural villages in northwest Tanzania. Two investigators independently coded interviews using a stepwise process to achieve consensus on prevalent topics. Results Three topics emerged from our analysis: (1) nature of clients seeking contraception; (2) barriers to uptake of contraception; and (3) the role of secrecy in obtaining and using contraception. Health providers reported that married women with children were the most frequent users of contraception, alongside some single women, men, sex workers, and students. Barriers to contraception included lack of supplies and trained staff, misconceptions and fears, stigma, and unsupportive partners. Providers observed that contraception was often used secretly. They reported surreptitious visits and described clients' preferential use of discreet methods. Providers respected and supported clients' desires to keep visits confidential. Conclusion Our data suggest maintaining high stocks of discreet contraceptive methods and deploying more trained staff to dispensaries could increase availability and access to contraceptives. At the community level, more education campaigns are warranted to address barriers, especially those related to stigma. Implications Our work highlights the need for additional contraceptive methods that are easy to administer and discreet for women who must maintain secrecy. Future studies of the effectiveness of interventions and new contraceptives should obtain healthcare providers' perspectives, as they can provide important insights to service provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Aristide
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Brooke W. Bullington
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Natalie T. Nguyen
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Joyce Wamoyi
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Jennifer A. Downs
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Bugando Medical Center, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Dey AK, Dehingia N, Bhan N, Thomas EE, McDougal L, Averbach S, McAuley J, Singh A, Raj A. Using machine learning to understand determinants of IUD use in India: Analyses of the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS-4). SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101234. [PMID: 36203476 PMCID: PMC9529578 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are a safe and effective method to delay or space pregnancies and are available for free or at low cost in the Indian public health system; yet, IUD uptake in India remains low. Limited quantitative research using national data has explored factors that may affect IUD use. Machine Learning (ML) techniques allow us to explore determinants of low prevalence behaviors in survey research, such as IUD use. We applied ML to explore the determinants of IUD use in India among married women in the 4th National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4; N = 499,627), which collects data on demographic and health indicators among women of childbearing age. We conducted ML logistic regression (lasso and ridge) and neural network approaches to assess significant determinants and used iterative thematic analysis (ITA) to offer insight into related variable constructs generated from a series of regularized models. We found that couples’ shared family planning (FP) goals were the strongest determinants of IUD use, followed by receipt of FP services and desire for no more children, higher wealth and education, and receipt of maternal and child health services. Findings highlight the importance of male engagement and family planning services for IUD uptake and the need for more targeted efforts to support awareness of IUD as an option for spacing, especially for those of lower SES and with lower access to care. Prevalence of IUD use has remained extremely low in India for the past two decade. This paper used machine learning models with iterative thematic analysis to explore potential predictors of IUD use among currently married women in India. The strongest predictor of IUD use was shared marital family planning goals between the male and female partners. Prior access to Family Planning services and couples' desire for no more children were also found to be predictive of IUD use in India. Findings also highlight the importance of male engagement and family planning services for IUD uptake.
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Schaaf M, Boydell V, Topp SM, Iyer A, Sen G, Askew I. A summative content analysis of how programmes to improve the right to sexual and reproductive health address power. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-008438. [PMID: 35443940 PMCID: PMC9021801 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Power shapes all aspects of global health. The concept of power is not only useful in understanding the current situation, but it is also regularly mobilised in programmatic efforts that seek to change power relations. This paper uses summative content analysis to describe how sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programmes in low-income and middle-income countries explicitly and implicitly aim to alter relations of power. METHODS Content analysis is a qualitative approach to analysing textual data; in our analysis, peer-reviewed articles that describe programmes aiming to alter power relations to improve SRH constituted the data. We searched three databases, ultimately including 108 articles. We extracted the articles into a spreadsheet that included basic details about the paper and the programme, including what level of the social ecological model programme activities addressed. RESULTS The programmes reviewed reflect a diversity of priorities and approaches to addressing power, though most papers were largely based in a biomedical framework. Most programmes intervened at multiple levels simultaneously; some of these were 'structural' programmes that explicitly aimed to shift power relations, others addressed multiple levels using a more typical programme theory that sought to change individual behaviours and proximate drivers. This prevailing focus on proximate behaviours is somewhat mismatched with the broader literature on the power-related drivers of SRH health inequities, which explores the role of embedded norms and structures. CONCLUSION This paper adds value by summarising what the academic public health community has chosen to test and research in terms of power relations and SRH, and by raising questions about how this corresponds to the significant task of effecting change in power relations to improve the right to SRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Schaaf
- Independent Consultant, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Victoria Boydell
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex Faculty of Science and Health, Colchester, UK
| | - Stephanie M Topp
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aditi Iyer
- Ramalingaswami Centre on Equity and Social Determinants of Health, Public Health Foundation of India, Bangalore, India
| | - Gita Sen
- Ramalingaswami Centre on Equity and Social Determinants of Health, Public Health Foundation of India, Bangalore, India
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Diamond-Smith N, Mitchell A, Cornell A, Dahal M, Gopalakrishnan L, Johnson M, Weiser S, Puri M. The development and feasibility of a group-based household-level intervention to improve preconception nutrition in Nawalparasi district of Nepal. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:666. [PMID: 35387647 PMCID: PMC8984665 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12980-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a setting such as Nepal with malnutrition and persistent poor maternal and infant health outcomes, developing interventions to improve the nutrition of preconception and pregnant women is essential. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this paper are to describe the full design process of an intervention for newly married women, their husbands, and mothers-in-law to improve maternal nutrition and gender norms, and findings from the feasibility and acceptability pilot. METHODS In this paper we describe the three phases of the design of an intervention in rural Nepal. We first conducted a mixed methods formative phase which included in depth interviews with newly married women, their husbands and mothers-in-law (N=60) and a longitudinal study for 18 months with 200 newly married women. We then designed of a household level, group, intervention, in close partnership with community members. Finally, we conducted a pilot intervention with 90 participants and collected both pre/post survey data and in-depth qualitative interviews with a subset (N= 30). All participants from all phases of the study lived in Nawalparasi district of Nepal. Qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic analysis, with inductive and deductive themes and quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Our formative work highlighted lack of awareness about nutrition, and how women eating last, limited mobility, household and community inequitable gender norms and poor household-level communication contributed to low quality diets. Thus we designed Sumadhur, an intervention that brought groups of households (newly married wife, husband, and mother-in-law) together weekly for four months to strengthen relationships and gain knowledge through interactive content. We found Sumadhur to be highly feasible and acceptable by all respondents, with most (83%) attending 80% of sessions or more and 99% reporting that they would like it to continue. Pre/post surveys showed a decrease in the proportion of women eating last and increase in knowledge about nutrition in preconception and pregnancy. Qualitative interviews suggested that respondents felt it made large impacts on their lives, in terms of strengthening relationships and trust, understanding each other, and changing behaviors. CONCLUSIONS We show how a designing an intervention in close partnership with the target recipients and local stakeholders can lead to an intervention that is able to target complicated and culturally held practices and beliefs, positively benefit health and wellbeing, and that is very well received. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04383847 , registered 05/12/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Diamond-Smith
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Ashley Mitchell
- University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | | | - Minakshi Dahal
- Center for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities (CREHPA), P.O.Box. 9626, Kusunti (near Yatayat office), Lalitpur, Nepal
| | | | - Mallory Johnson
- University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Sheri Weiser
- University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Mahesh Puri
- Center for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities (CREHPA), P.O.Box. 9626, Kusunti (near Yatayat office), Lalitpur, Nepal
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Raj A, Ghule M, Johns NE, Battala M, Begum S, Dixit A, Vaida F, Saggurti N, Silverman JG, Averbach S. Evaluation of a gender synchronized family planning intervention for married couples in rural India: The CHARM2 cluster randomized control trial. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 45:101334. [PMID: 35274093 PMCID: PMC8902598 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite calls for gender transformative family planning interventions to increase male engagement and female reproductive agency, there is limited research involving rigorous evaluation of the integration of these approaches. CHARM2 (counseling Husbands and wives to Achieve Reproductive Health and Marital Equity) builds upon a prior three-session male engagement intervention by integrating female-focused sessions emphasizing women's choice and agency (i.e., gender synchronization). We hypothesized that CHARM2 participants will be more likely to report marital contraceptive use and communication and women's contraceptive agency, and less likely to report unintended pregnancy, relative to participants in the control condition. METHODS We conducted a two-armed cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of CHARM2 on marital contraceptive use, communication, decision-making; women's contraceptive agency, and pregnancy among young married couples in rural Maharashtra, India (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT03514914, complete). 40 geographic clusters, defined based on the catchment areas of subcenter health facilities (the most proximal level of community health care within India's public health system) were randomized to control (n = 20) and intervention (n = 20). We assigned all participants within that geographic cluster to the corresponding cluster treatment condition; participants, investigators, and study staff were not masked to treatment assignment. Eligibility criteria included wife aged 18-29, couple residing together for at least six months with no plan for migration, and neither spouse sterilized or infertile. The CHARM2 intervention included five provider-delivered sessions on gender equity and family planning, two delivered in parallel to husbands and wives separately by gender-matched providers, and one final joint session, delivered within the four months subsequent to baseline survey. We conducted surveys and pregnancy testing at baseline and 9-month and 18-month follow-up. We used difference-in-differences multilevel mixed effects logistic regressions to assess CHARM2 effects on marital contraceptive use and communication, and women's contraceptive agency; we used single time point mixed effects logistic regressions for pregnancy outcomes. All analyses used an intention-to-treat approach. FINDINGS 1201 couples were recruited between September 2018 and June 2019; 600 intervention and 601 control. All couples were included in outcome analyses. Full couple retention was 90·2% (n = 1083) at 9-month follow-up and 90·5% (n = 1087) at 18-month follow-up. Modern contraceptive use was higher among intervention participants at 9-month but not 18-month follow-up (9-month adjusted ratio of odds ratio [AROR] 1·5, 95% CI 1·03-2·3; 18-month AROR 0·8, 95% CI 0·4-1·4). Communication (9-month AROR 1·9, 95% CI 1·0-3·6; 18-month AROR 2·7, 95% CI 1·5-4·8) and agency (9-month AROR 5·1, 95% CI 1·2-22·4; 18-month AROR 8·1, 95% CI 1·4-48·2) both improved at both time points. There was no significant difference in pregnancy between groups over the 18-month period (AOR 0·8, 95% CI 0·7-1.1) However, for women who expressed fertility ambivalence at baseline, unintended pregnancy was marginally less likely among intervention participants (47% vs 19%) (p = 0·07). There were no reported adverse events. INTERPRETATION The CHARM2 intervention offers a scalable model to improve contraceptive use, communication, and agency and possibly decrease unplanned pregnancies for couples in rural India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Raj
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive #0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
- Department of Education Studies, University of California, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92161, United States
- Corresponding author at: Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive #0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States.
| | - Mohan Ghule
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive #0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Nicole E. Johns
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive #0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Madhusudana Battala
- Population Council, Zone 5A, Ground Floor, India Habitat Center, Lodi Road, New Delhi 110003, India
| | - Shahina Begum
- Department of Biostatistics, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, J.M Street, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
| | - Anvita Dixit
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive #0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
- Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health (Global Health Track), University of California San Diego/San Diego State University, UC San Diego 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093-0725, USA
| | - Florin Vaida
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive #0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Niranjan Saggurti
- Population Council, Zone 5A, Ground Floor, India Habitat Center, Lodi Road, New Delhi 110003, India
| | - Jay G. Silverman
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive #0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Sarah Averbach
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive #0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9300 Campus Point Drive #7433, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Raj A, Singh A, Silverman JG, Bhan N, Barker KM, McDougal L. Freedom of Movement and Adolescent Sexual Violence in India. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP925-NP943. [PMID: 32401132 PMCID: PMC10734903 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520918583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses associations between freedom of movement and sexual violence, both in marriage and outside of marriage, among a representative sample of adolescents in India. We analyzed data from girls aged 15 to 19 years (n = 9,593) taken from India's nationally representative National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. We defined freedom of movement using three items on whether girls could go unaccompanied to specified locations; we summated responses and categorized them as restricted, or unrestricted. We used multivariable regression to assess associations between restricted movement and nonmarital violence, and with marital sexual violence among ever-married girls. Results show that only 2% of girls reported nonmarital sexual violence, among married and unmarried girls; 6% of married girls reported marital sexual violence. Most girls (78%) reported some restriction in movement. Restricted movement was negatively associated with nonmarital sexual violence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.31, 0.87], p = .01) but positively associated with marital sexual violence (AOR = 3.87, 95% CI = [1.82, 8.25], p < .001). Further analyses highlight that the observed association with nonmarital sexual violence was specific to urban and not rural girls. These findings reveal that approximately one in 30 adolescent girls in India has been a victim of sexual violence. Restricted movement is associated with lower risk for nonmarital sexual violence for urban adolescent girls, possibly due to lower exposure opportunity. Married girls with restricted movement have higher odds of marital sexual violence, possibly because these are both forms of control used by abusive husbands. Freedom of movement is a human right that should not place girls at greater risk for nonmarital violence or be used as a means of control by abusive spouses. Social change is needed to secure girls' safety in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Raj
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Abhishek Singh
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Nandita Bhan
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, Delhi, India
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Rivera DB, Brady JP, Blashill AJ. Traditional Machismo, Caballerismo, and the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Cascade Among a Sample of Latino Sexual Minority Men. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:21-28. [PMID: 32243199 PMCID: PMC7541641 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1743961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Between 2010 and 2017, HIV diagnoses increased 17% among Latino sexual minority men (SMM) while decreasing 19% among White SMM and stabilizing among African American SMM. Traditional machismo is characterized by aggressiveness/power; caballerismo consists of family values/chivalry. Latino SMM high in traditional machismo may avoid seeking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent being stigmatized as effeminate. Latino SMM high in caballerismo may be more likely to use PrEP to remain healthy for their family and/or partners. The current study explored the association between traditional machismo and caballerismo with four steps of the PrEP cascade. Participants were 151 HIV-negative/unknown Latino SMM living in San Diego, California (M = 24.18 years old) who completed an online study. Traditional machismo was associated with low odds of PrEP awareness, willingness, and adherence and high odds of PrEP use. Caballerismo was associated with greater odds of PrEP awareness, willingness, use, and adherence. High levels of traditional machismo among Latino SMM may be a barrier to PrEP. Caballerismo may be a facilitator of PrEP awareness, willingness, use, and adherence. Programs which serve to move Latino SMM through the PrEP cascade may benefit from discussing culturally-relevant masculinity given the potential for their differential associations with PrEP variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B. Rivera
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, United States
| | - John P. Brady
- San Diego State University/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, United States
| | - Aaron J. Blashill
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, United States
- San Diego State University/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, United States
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Gupta S, Bernays S, Black KI, Ramsay P, Bolnga J, Kelly-Hanku A. Community attitudes and gendered influences on decision making around contraceptive implant use in rural Papua New Guinea. Reprod Health 2020; 17:136. [PMID: 32891171 PMCID: PMC7487833 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-020-00985-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite targeted interventions to improve contraceptive implant acceptability and uptake in rural Papua New Guinea (PNG), ongoing use of this method remains limited. Previous literature has suggested community attitudes and intrinsic factors within the decision-making process may be negatively impacting on implant uptake, however these elements have not previously been studied in detail in this context. We set out to explore community attitudes towards the contraceptive implant and the pathways to decision making around implant use in a rural community on Karkar Island, PNG. Methods We conducted 10 focus-group (FGD) and 23 in-depth interviews (IDI) using semi-structured topic guides. Key sampling characteristics included age, exposure or non-exposure to implants, marital status, education and willingness to participate in discussion. Four FGDs were held with women, four with men and two with mixed gender. IDIs were carried out with five women (current implant users, former implant users, implant never users), five men, five religious leaders (Catholic and non-Catholic), four village leaders and four health workers. Two in-depth interviews (four participants) were analysed as dyads and the remaining participant responses were analysed individually. Results Men were supportive of their wives using family planning but there was a community-wide lack of familiarity about the contraceptive implant which influenced its low uptake. Men perceived family planning to be ‘women’s business’ but remained strongly influential in the decision making processes around method use. Young men were more receptive to biomedical information than older men and had a greater tendency towards wanting to use implants. Older men preferred to be guided by prominent community members for decisions concerning implants whilst young men were more likely to engage with health services directly. Conclusions In communities where a couple’s decision to use the contraceptive implant is strongly coloured by gendered roles and social perceptions, having a detailed understanding of the relational dynamics affecting the decision-making unit is useful in targeting future healthcare interventions. Engaging groups who are reluctant to connect with health information, as well as those who are most influential in the decision making process, will have the greatest impact on increasing implant acceptability and uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarika Gupta
- Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| | - Sarah Bernays
- Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.,Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Bloomsbury, London, UK
| | - Kirsten Isla Black
- Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.,Department of Women's Health, Neonatology and Pediatrics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Philippa Ramsay
- Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.,Department of Women's Health, Neonatology and Pediatrics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - John Bolnga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Modilon General Hospital, Modilon Road, Madang, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- Sexual and Reproductive Health, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.,Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
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Das P, Husain Z, Ghosh S. Fertility behaviour in linguistic zones: revisiting the diffusion hypothesis in greater Bengal. ASIAN POPULATION STUDIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17441730.2019.1706300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pallabi Das
- Department of Humanities & Social Science, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West mednipur, India
| | - Zakir Husain
- Economics Department, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - Saswata Ghosh
- Institute of Development Studies Kolkata, Kolkata, India
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Fleming PJ, Shakya H, Farron M, Brooks MI, Lauro G, Levtov RG, Boyce SC, Aliou S, Silverman JG. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to family planning and gender equity among husbands of adolescent girls in Niger. Glob Public Health 2019; 15:666-677. [PMID: 31791194 PMCID: PMC7175468 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2019.1692890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite having the highest fertility rate in the world, research on Niger men and family planning (FP) is limited. We collected survey data collected in the Dosso region of Niger in 2016 from 1136 men who are the husbands of adolescent girls. We report descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression on three dichotomous outcomes: (a) knowledge of modern contraceptives, (b) beliefs that only husbands should make FP decisions, and (c) current FP use. About 56% had ever heard of the pill, 6% had ever heard of an intrauterine device, and 45% had ever heard of an injectable. In our multivariable analyses, we found: a man knowing at least one modern method was significantly associated with his age, wife’s education level, gender ideology, and wife’s say in healthcare decisions; men’s belief that men alone should make FP decisions was associated with husband’s Quranic education, gender ideology, and attitudes towards violence against women; men’s reports of adolescent wives’ current family planning use was associated with men’s Quranic education, women’s involvement in her own healthcare decisions, and belief that men alone should decide about family planning. Finding suggests that interventions should target aim to reduce gender inequities to increase family planning utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Fleming
- Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Holly Shakya
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Madeline Farron
- Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sabrina C Boyce
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sani Aliou
- Pathfinder International, Watertown, MA, USA
| | - Jay G Silverman
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Sundararajan R, Yoder LM, Kihunrwa A, Aristide C, Kalluvya SE, Downs DJ, Mwakisole AH, Downs JA. How gender and religion impact uptake of family planning: results from a qualitative study in Northwestern Tanzania. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2019; 19:99. [PMID: 31331306 PMCID: PMC6647140 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-019-0802-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Women in Tanzania report a high unmet need for both information about and access to family planning. Prior studies have demonstrated the complex and variable relationship between religious faith and beliefs about family planning in sub-Saharan Africa. We hypothesized that a major reason for the poor uptake of family planning in Tanzania is that women and their partners are uncertain about whether pregnancy prevention is compatible with their religious beliefs. Methods Twenty-four focus group discussions with 206 participants were conducted in Mwanza, Tanzania between 2016 and 2017: six groups were conducted among Christian men, six among Christian women, six among Muslim men, and six among Muslim women. Among Christians, 98% were Protestants. Focus groups were also divided by gender and religion to facilitate discussion about gender-specific and religion-specific factors influencing family planning utilization. Qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic, phenomenological approach. Results We identify two important themes regarding the intersections of religion and family planning practices. First, we report that dynamics of family planning are experienced differently based on gender, and that male authority conflicts with female embodied knowledge, leading to negotiation or covert contraceptive use. Second, religious acceptability of family planning methods is of central importance, though participants differed in their interpretations of their religion’s stance on this question. Most who found family planning incompatible with their faith affirmed their responsibility to give birth to as many children as God would give them. Others found family planning to be acceptable given their moral responsibility to care for and protect their children by limiting the family size. Conclusions Both religious tradition and gender dynamics strongly influence the uptake of family planning, with a wide range of interpretations of religious traditions affecting the perceived acceptability of family planning. Regardless of gender or religious affiliation, participants were unified by a desire to live according to religious tradition. Future efforts to improve uptake of family planning are likely to have maximal impact if they are tailored to inform, involve, and empower male heads of households, and to address questions of religious acceptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Sundararajan
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Samuel E Kalluvya
- Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania.,Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - David J Downs
- Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, USA
| | | | - Jennifer A Downs
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Olakunde BO, Sam-Agudu NA, Patel TY, Hunt AT, Buffington AM, Phebus TD, Onwasigwe E, Ezeanolue EE. Uptake of permanent contraception among women in sub-Saharan Africa: a literature review of barriers and facilitators. Contraception 2019; 99:205-211. [PMID: 30685286 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Uptake of permanent contraception among women remains low in sub-Saharan Africa compared to other regions. We aimed to synthesize available evidence on barriers to, and facilitators of permanent contraception with regards to tubal ligation among women in sub-Saharan Africa. STUDY DESIGN We reviewed literature on tubal ligation among African women published between January 1, 2000 and October 30, 2017. We searched PubMed, Global health, EMBASE, Web of science, and Google scholar for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies which reported on barriers and/or facilitators to uptake of tubal ligation in sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, we conducted a narrative synthesis and categorized our findings using a framework based on the social ecological model. RESULTS We included 48 articles in the review. Identified barriers to tubal ligation among women included individual-level (myths and misconceptions, fear of surgery, irreversibility of procedure, religious beliefs), interpersonal-level (male partner disapproval), and organizational-level (lack of healthcare worker expertise and equipment) factors. Facilitating factors included achievement of desired family size and perceived effectiveness (individual-level), supportive male partners and knowing other women with permanent contraception experience (interpersonal-level), and finally, subsidized cost of the procedure and task-sharing with lower cadre healthcare workers (organizational-level). CONCLUSIONS Barriers to, and facilitators of permanent contraception among women in sub-Saharan Africa are multilevel in nature. Strategies countering these barriers should be prioritized, as effective contraception can promote women's health and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to these strategies, more quantitative research is needed to further understand patient-level factors associated with uptake of permanent contraception among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babayemi O Olakunde
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
| | - Nadia A Sam-Agudu
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria; Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tanviben Y Patel
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Aaron T Hunt
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Aurora M Buffington
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA; University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Tara D Phebus
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | | | - Echezona E Ezeanolue
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; HealthySunrise Foundation, Las Vegas, NV, USA
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