Fertility intentions and family size among married men in Khartoum, Sudan

Abstract

Numerous factors contribute to high fertility within a specific context some of which are related to women’s fertility practices. What has been less frequently examined, however, is how men’s preferences and behaviours contribute to high fertility rates. This is imperative in a country such as Sudan which has reported continuously high fertility rates. This study aimed to analyse the socio-cultural factors affecting husbands’ preferences and behaviours contributing to high fertility in Sudan. Participants were recruited from the Fertility and Reproductive Health Services Centre in Khartoum and Ahfad Family Health Centre in Omdurman city. Qualitative interviews were used to examine men’s fertility preferences and behaviours. The main study findings suggest that husband’s fertility preferences and the desire for a large family were prominent, being determined by local socio-cultural factors and religious norms. The data presented offers insight into key factors sustaining high fertility.