Jordanian Women's Experiences With the Use of Traditional Family Planning

Abstract

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Ministry of Health (MOH) have identified the importance of strengthening national capacity through the integration of reproductive health (RH) services into the primary health care system. It is reported that a high percentage of Jordanian women use traditional family planning (TFP) methods, frequently using them incorrectly. Our purpose in this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the issues and challenges related to the use of TFP among Jordanian women. Six focus groups with women of childbearing age (18–44 years of age; n = 51) were held in the northern, central, and southern regions of Jordan. Study participants used traditional methods such as withdrawal, periodic abstinence, and breastfeeding. Often TFP methods were used incorrectly, resulting in a high failure rate with unplanned pregnancies occurring within short inter pregnancy intervals. Women preferred using TFP because of side effects experienced while using modern family planning (MFP) methods, misconceptions, and lack of correct information about MFP methods. Husbands often declined to use condoms but supported the use of TFP methods. Women indicated that they have unmet needs for family planning and that they would consider using MFP methods if accurate information was available at health centers. They emphasized the importance of competent and knowledgeable health care providers (HCPs) who contribute to decision making regarding use of family planning.