Abstract
BackgroundFamily planning (FP) is an essential component of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contributes directly to SDG targets 3.7 and 5.6. In Pakistan, contraceptive use has remained stagnant over the past 5 years. This change has been very slow when compared to the FP2020 pledge. The Sukh initiative project was conceived and implemented to alleviate these challenges by providing access to quality contraceptive methods in some underserved areas of Karachi, Pakistan. A qualitative study was conducted to understand the perceptions and experiences of men and women towards acceptability and contraceptive use.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted at ten Sukh stations located in four towns of Karachi. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with married women of reproductive age (MWRA) and married men who received FP services through the Sukh initiative. Study participants were purposively sampled for focus group discussions (FGDs). Interview data was manually transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 20 FDGs (Men = 10 FGDs; MWRA = 10 FGDs) were conducted. Three overarching themes were identified: (I) Appropriateness and means to promote contraceptive use; (II) Equity and Accessibility to contraceptives; and (III) Perspective on available FP services. Generally, both men and women were informed about FP methods but women were more cognizant of FP information. The door to door services by community health workers in Sukh initiative areas was largely appreciated both by women and men as it has made the accessibility and availability of the information and services easy. Women suggested that the Sukh initiative should bring some strategies that can help men broaden their perspective towards FP. The study informed that the men feel left out from the FP programs. Therefore, male participants expressed keen interest in initiatives for men in their communities that would cater to their FP needs.ConclusionsThis qualitative study provided a unique opportunity to understand the perceptions of men and women towards the phenomena of contraceptive use. The study identified the need for trained and qualified female and male healthcare providers and well-established health facilities alongside door-to-door services.
Highlights
Planning (FP) is an essential component of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contributes directly to SDG targets 3.7 and 5.6
The use of contraceptive methods has remained stagnant over the past 5 years (34% in the 2017–18 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) and 35% in the 2012–13 PDHS). This change has been slower when compared to the FP2020 pledge-55% CPR and 2.6 TFR by 2020
The Sukh initiative project was conceived to alleviate these challenges by providing access to quality contraceptive methods to promote the well-being of mothers and children and supporting the overall health and development of communities in some of the most underserved areas of Karachi, Pakistan
Summary
Planning (FP) is an essential component of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contributes directly to SDG targets 3.7 and 5.6. There has been a steady decline in fertility rates over time, from 5.4 births per woman as reported in the 1990–91 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) to 3.6 births per woman in the 2017–18 PDHS—a drop of about two births per woman in almost three decades [3]. This fertility rate was still considerably higher as compared to other countries of the South Asian region [4]
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