Abstract
BackgroundBy focusing upon family planning counselling services, the Mozambican government has significantly enhanced the general health of female and male clients. However, little is known about the experiences of family planning by female and male adults. This article focuses on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding contraceptive methods and fertility intentions.MethodsAn in-depth qualitative study of female and male clients was conducted in two settings in Maputo province – Ndlavela and Boane. A total of sixteen in-depth interviews, four informal conversations, and observations were equally divided between both study sites. The analysis followed a constructionist approach. Three steps were considered in the analysis: examining commonalities, differences and relationships.ResultsAlthough there was a high level of family planning knowledge, there were discrepancies in clients’ everyday practices. Male and female clients are confronted with a variety of expectations concerning fertility intentions and family size, and are under pressure in numerous ways.Social pressures include traditional expectations and meanings connected to having children, as well as religious factors. Short interaction time between clients and health workers is a problem. Additionally, imposed contraceptive methods, and typically brief conversations about birth control between couples only adds to the burden. Because family planning is largely viewed as a woman’s concern, most clients have never attended counselling sessions with their partners. Attitudes towards responsibility for contraceptive use and risk-taking are strongly gendered.ConclusionsFemale and male clients have differing expectations about contraceptive use and fertility intentions. They participate differently in family planning programs leading to their inconsistent and ambivalent practices as well as vague perceptions of risk-taking. Therefore, policymakers must address the reasons behind ambivalence and inconsistency regarding contraceptives and family planning.
Highlights
By focusing upon family planning counselling services, the Mozambican government has significantly enhanced the general health of female and male clients
Inter-spousal/partner communication encourages men to get involved in the decision making about family size and spacing of children
Deconstructing the notion of unwanted pregnancy This study investigated how unwanted pregnancy is interpreted among female and male clients taking part in family planning as well as whom unwanted pregnancy affects the most
Summary
By focusing upon family planning counselling services, the Mozambican government has significantly enhanced the general health of female and male clients. This article focuses on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding contraceptive methods and fertility intentions The involvement of both men and women is considered a key element to the success of family planning programmes. Family planning programmes have been shifting away from strictly focusing upon women to working with men individually as well as consulting with both partners at the same time [10, 11]. Men are told they have responsibilities while women are informed they should have equal decision-making rights where reproduction is concerned [8]
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