Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Pattern And Determinants Of Contraceptive Use Among The Muslim Women In Wajir And Lamu Counties In Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study., Batula Abdi, Jerry Okal, Gamal Serour, Vincent Were, Marleen Temmerman, Peter Gichangi

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background; Improving access to family planning (FP) is associated with positive health benefits that includes averting nearly a third of all maternal deaths and 10% of childhood deaths. Kenya has made great strides in improving access to family planning services. However, amid this considerable progress, regional variation has been noted which begs the need for a clearer understanding of the the patterns and determinants that drive these inconsistencies.

Methods; We conducted a cross-sectional study that involved 663 Muslim women of reproductive age (15–49 years) from Wajir and Lamu counties in Kenya between March and October 2018.The objective of this study …

How The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Is Impacting Sexual And Reproductive Health And Rights And Response: Results From A Global Survey Of Providers, Researchers, And Policy-Makers, Margit Endler, Taghreed Al-Haidari, Chiara Benedetto, Sameena Chowdhury, Jan Christilaw, Faysal El Kak, Diana Galimberti, Claudia Garcia-Moreno, Miguel Gutierrez, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction: We aimed to give a global overview of trends in access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and what is being done to mitigate its impact.

Material and methods: We performed a descriptive analysis and content analysis based on an online survey among clinicians, researchers, and organizations. Our data were extracted from multiple-choice questions on access to SRHR services and risk of SRHR violations, and written responses to open-ended questions on threats to access and required response.

Results: The survey was answered by 51 people representing 29 …

Struggling With Long-Time Low Uptake Of Modern Contraceptives In Pakistan, Nasim Zahid Shah, Tazeen S. Ali, Imtiaz Jehan, Xaher Gul

Woman and Child Health

Background: Efforts to expand access to reproductive health care in Pakistan date as far back as the early 1950s. Despite such efforts, the fertility rate has declined at a slower pace compared to that in neighbouring countries.
Aims: To explore the underlying reasons and challenges for long-time low contraceptive use among female clients and key service providers of community-based family planning programmes in Pakistan.
Methods: A qualitative study was carried out with a total of 10 focus group discussions and 7 in-depth interviews with female clients and key service providers. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.
Results: The …

Male Involvement In Family Planning Among Squatter Settlement Residents Of Karachi, Fahmida Khowaja, Mehak Pervaiz, Naushaba Khatoon

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Worldwide, the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) increased from 54.8% to 63.3%. However, Pakistan’s current CPR is estimated to be 35%. Men can play an important role in increasing CPR by providing support to their partners, yet their role has been overlooked in targeted reproductive health strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and practices of married men regarding Family Planning (FP).
Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 419 married men, residing in an urban squatter settlement of Karachi. Participants were selected through non-probability convenience sampling and a structured questionnaire was used to …

Are Family Planning Vouchers Effective In Increasing Use, Improving Equity And Reaching The Underserved? An Evaluation Of A Voucher Program In Pakistan, Moazzam Ali, Syed Khurram Azmat, Hasan Bin Hamza, Md Mizanur Rahman, Waqas Hameed

Community Health Sciences

Background: Low modern contraceptive prevalence rate and high unmet need in Pakistan aggravates the vulnerabilities of unintended pregnancies and births contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of a free, single-purpose voucher approach in increasing the uptake, use and better targeting of modern contraceptives among women from the lowest two wealth quintiles in rural and urban communities of Punjab province, Pakistan.
Methods: A quasi-interventional study with pre- and post-phases was implemented across an intervention (Chakwal) and a control district (Bhakkar) in Punjab province (August 2012-January 2015). To detect a 15% increase in modern contraceptive …

What Influences Family Planning In Rural Pakistan: Franchised Service Provider And Community Health Worker Perspective, Waqas Hameed, Junaid-Ur-Rehman Siddiqui, Muhammad Ishaque, Sharmeen Hussain, Xaher Gul, Hina Najmi, Shehla Noorani, Ghulam Mustafa, Asma Balal

Community Health Sciences

Background: Pakistan has a low modern contraceptive prevalence rate, 26%, leading family planning (FP) programmes to explore partnerships with local private providers to improve access to quality FP services. This study aims to understand the socio-cultural and organizational factors that influence delivery of quality family planning services.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted with private service providers and community health workers (CHW) in Marie Stopes Society's (MSS) social franchise network. A total of 31 providers and 28 CHWs from Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan were purposively selected for in-depth interviews. The study used thematic content analysis to …

Family Planning Practices Of Rural Community Dwellers In Cross River State, Nigeria., A. J. Etokidem, W. Ndifon, Ekaete Asuquo, J. Etowa

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa and the seventh most populous in the world. Despite a high fertility rate of 5.5 per woman and a high population growth rate of 3.2%, Nigeria’s contraceptive prevalence is 15%, which is one of the lowest in the world. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge of family planning and family planning preferences and practices of rural community women in Cross River State of Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 291 rural women. Convenience sampling method was used. The women were assembled in a …

Family Planning Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Among Married Men And Women In Rural Areas Of Pakistan: Findings From A Qualitative Need Assessment Study, Ghulam Mustafa, Syed Khurram Azmat, Waqas Hameed, Safdar Ali, Muhammad Ishaque, Wajahat Hussain, Aftab Ahmed, Erik Munroe

Community Health Sciences

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 …

Barriers To Modern Contraceptive Methods Uptake Among Young Women In Kenya: A Qualitative Study, Rhoune Ochako, Mwende Mbondo, Stephen Aloo, Susan Kaimenyi, Rachel Thompson, Marleen Temmerman, Megan Kays

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Young women in Kenya experience a higher risk of mistimed and unwanted pregnancy compared to older women. However, contraceptive use among youth remains low. Known barriers to uptake include side effects, access to commodities and partner approval.

Methods: To inform a youth focussed behaviour change communication campaign, Population Services Kenya developed a qualitative study to better understand these barriers among young women. The study was carried out in Nyanza, Coast, and Central regions. Within these regions, urban or peri-urban districts were purposively selected based on having contraceptive prevalence rate close to the regional average and having a population with …

Women's Empowerment And Contraceptive Use: The Role Of Independent Versus Couples' Decision-Making, From A Lower Middle Income Country Perspective, Waqas Hameed, Syed Khurram Azmat, Moazzam Ali, Muhammad Ishaque Sheikh, Ghazunfer Abbas, Marleen Temmerman, Bilal Iqbal Avan

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction: There is little available evidence of associations between the various dimensions of women’s empowerment and contraceptive use having been examined - and of how these associations are mediated by women’s socio-economic and demographic statuses. We assessed these phenomena in Pakistan using a structured-framework approach.

Methods: We analyzed data on 2,133 women who were either using any form of contraceptive or living with unmet need for contraception. The survey was conducted during May - June 2012, with married women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in three districts of Punjab. The dimensions of empowerment were categorized broadly into: economic decision making, …

Need For Multilevel Strategies And Enhanced Acceptance Of Contraceptive Use In Order To Combat The Spread Of Hiv/Aids In A Muslim Society: A Qualitative Study Of Young Adults In Urban Karachi, Pakistan, Syed Farid-Ul-Hasnain, Eva Johansson, Saleema A. Gulzar, Gunilla Krant

Community Health Sciences

This qualitative study explored knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and perceptions of sexual and reproductive health, focusing specifically on contraceptive use and HIV prevention among young unmarried men and women, 17-21 years, in urban Karachi, Pakistan. The main theme, identified as underlying meaning in the focus group discussions was "Societal norms and perceptions create barriers to knowledge and awareness about sexual and reproductive health matters among young adults". A knowledge gap was revealed concerning HIV/AIDS and contraceptive use among young males and females, who have to rely on media and peers for information seeking. Study participants perceived that HIV/AIDS is incurable and …

Clinical Utility Of Folate-Containing Oral Contraceptives., Zohra S Lassi, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Folate is a generic term for a water-soluble B-complex vitamin which plays an important role in protein synthesis and metabolism and other processes related to cell multiplication and tissue growth. Pregnant and lactating women are at increased risk of folic acid deficiency because generally their dietary folate is insufficient to meet their physiological requirements and the metabolic demands of the growing fetus. The evidence pertaining to the reduction of the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) due to folate is so compelling that supplementation with 400 mug of folic acid to all women trying to conceive until 12 weeks of …

Barriers And Perceptions Regarding Different Contraceptives And Family Planning Practices Amongst Men And Women Of Reproductive Age In Rural Pakistan: A Qualitative Study, Syed Khurram Azmat, Ghulam Mustafa, Waqas Hameed, Muhammad Ali, Aftab Ahmed, Mohsina Bilgrami

Community Health Sciences

Background: Pakistan ranks as one of the most poorest and most populous in the world with poor reproductive health indicators. This study helps in understanding barriers and perceptions regarding Family Planning (FP), modern contraception, quality of care and free of charge FP services amongst men and women in rural Pakistan.
Methods: Employing purposive sampling and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) technique, this qualitative study was conducted with men and women of reproductive age in Pakistan. A total of eight FGDs were conducted in Sindh and Punjab provinces. Being descriptive in nature, the study provided a thematic analysis of the relevant health …

Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices (Kap) Regarding Sexuality, Sexual Behaviors And Contraceptives Among College/University Students In Karachi, Pakistan, Fozia Ajmal, Ajmal Agha, Nabila Zareen, Mehtab S Karim

Department of Radiology

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sexuality, high risk sexual behaviors and methods of contraception, among college/university students of Karachi, Pakistan.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Higher Education Commission-recognized government and private colleges/universities in Karachi from 2005-2006.

METHODOLOGY: Two colleges/universities were randomly selected from each category i.e. government medical, government non-medical and private medical and non-medical colleges/universities. Three stage cluster sampling was employed to draw a representative sample of students. A self administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding high risk sexual behaviors, methods of contraception …

Assessment Of Knowledge & Practice Of Contraceptives In Females Of Reproductive Age Group At A Tertiary Care Hospital, Nabeela Fazal Babar, Mahmood Ahmed, Muhammad Babar Khan, Muhammad Wasif Khan

Department of Surgery

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the knowledge & practice of contraceptives in females of reproductive age group.
Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive.
Place and Duration of Study: OPD of Fauji Foundation Hospital from February 2008 – September 2008.
Subjects and Method: 339 Females of age b/w of 15 – 49 years attending OPD of Fauji Foundation Hospital were included in study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data.
Results: Eighty eight percent of the females in our study sample were familiar with one or more methods of contraception (72.7%were familiar with combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), 60.7% were aware of …