We have almost accepted child spacing. Let's wait on family planning and limiting children': Focus group discussions among young people with tertiary education in Somalia

Abstract

ObjectiveSomalia has high rates of maternal mortality, fertility and pregnancy among young women. Factors contributing to this situation are a lack of knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health, early marriages, cultural norms and the unmet need for or use of contraceptives. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of family planning among young men and women with tertiary education in Mogadishu. MethodsA purposeful and convenience strategy using snowballing was used to recruit participants. Four focus group discussions were held online with 26 young women and men aged 19–25 years old. All participants were studying at five different universities in Mogadishu, and only one participant was married. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. FindingsThe findings showed that participants objected to the concept of family planning but supported the concept of child spacing. They highlighted that people of their generation with tertiary education practise child spacing to combine careers with family life. Although all the participants knew of the benefits of child spacing, they had different opinions on whether modern contraceptive methods were an option for them. They were more comfortable with traditional contraceptive methods and believed that the quality of the modern contraceptive medicine available in the country was unreliable. ConclusionOur findings suggest that it is crucial not only to include young people in family planning awareness initiatives and implementation but also to give them a voice to advocate family planning and start dialogues within their own communities.