Abstract
BackgroundContraceptive use is low in developing countries which are still largely driven by male dominated culture and patriarchal values. This study explored family planning (FP) decisions, perceptions and gender dynamics among couples in Mwanza region of Tanzania.MethodsTwelve focus group discussions and six in-depth interviews were used to collect information from married or cohabiting males and females aged 18–49. The participants were purposively selected. Qualitative methods were used to explore family planning decisions, perceptions and gender dynamics among couples. A guide with questions related to family planning perceptions, decisions and gender dynamics was used. The discussions and interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed manually and subjected to content analysis.ResultsFour themes emerged during the study. First, “risks and costs” which refer to the side effects of FP methods and the treatment of side -effects as well as the costs inherit in being labeled as an unfaithful spouse. Second, “male involvement” as men showed little interest in participating in family planning issues. However, the same men were mentioned as key decision-makers even on the number of children a couple should have and the child spacing of these children. Third, “gender relations and communication” as participants indicated that few women participated in decision-making on family planning and the number of children to have. Fourth, “urban–rural differences”, life in rural favoring having more children than urban areas therefore, the value of children depended on the place of residence.ConclusionFamily Planning programs should adapt the promotion of communication as well as joint decision-making on FP among couples as a strategy aimed at enhancing FP use.
Highlights
Contraceptive use is low in developing countries which are still largely driven by male dominated culture and patriarchal values
The objectives of this paper are threefold: first, to report about people’s perceptions of family planning (FP) methods in Tanzania; second, to report on the people’s perceptions of FP methods use; and third to report about how gender dynamics impinge on FP decisions
We present the findings from the six in depth interviews (IDIs): three from females and three from males
Summary
Contraceptive use is low in developing countries which are still largely driven by male dominated culture and patriarchal values. Many sub-Saharan Africa countries have high rates of unmet need for family planning (FP) [1,2] and low rates of contraceptive use [2]. Individuals and couples who want to limit their fertility, are often unable to obtain the FP methods they need due to numerous barriers [3]. These barriers include high cost, long distances, poor distribution, medical restrictions and fear of side-effects, or even misinformation. The 2001 Uganda DHS [6] found that 25% of married female non-users cited health/side-effects as the reason for non-use, 20% cited cost/access, and 5% reported lack of knowledge. Similar trends were established in Asia, South America and Africa [7]
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