Form Of Family Planning Research Articles

Spectral Analysis of Injectable Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate From the International Market With Diffuse Reflectance Spectrometers: Potential Public Health Implications With Benchtop and Handheld Spectrometers

Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is an essential medication used as a form of family planning by millions around the world. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) has a long history as a quality assurance measure for raw ingredient verification in pharmaceutical manufacturing. There are a multitude of DMPA manufacturers in the global marketplace. Prudent supply chain management requires identification of potential suppliers that can be contacted if a current supplier is unavailable. Here, DRS data were collected with benchtop (350–2500 nm) and handheld (900–1700 nm) spectrometers for 16 brands of DMPA. Spectra from sample vials ( N = 262) are compared through principal component analysis and Mahalanobis distances. The benchtop spectrometer proved to be an efficient gauge of the similarities and differences amongst DMPA brands, with subcontracted manufacturers resulting in very similar results to the primary manufacturers. The handheld spectrometer offers advantages in portability and cost and was shown to be an effective brand discrimination tool but was less reliable in the context of identifying potentially suitable supply chain substitution options of DMPA due to several key DMPA spectral features appearing just outside of the handheld spectrometer's range. Data collected from the benchtop spectrometer was used to identify several potential supply chain substitutions, dependent on various other subsequent due-diligence activities (i.e., product documentation reviews and manufacturing site audits). These potential substitutions can be shortlisted for further auditing review prior to being identified as a potential supply chain substitution.

Examining the association between men's gender equitable attitudes and contraceptive outcomes in rural Maharashtra, India

BackgroundPrevious literature suggests that men reporting more gender-equitable attitudes are more likely to use condoms, but there is a paucity of data evaluating whether these attitudes are associated with contraceptive communication and use. The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that men reporting more gender-equitable attitudes will be more likely to (a) engage in contraceptive communication with their wives and (b) that they and/or their wives will be more likely to use all forms of family planning, compared to men with less equitable attitudes. MethodsUsing cross-sectional dyadic survey data from young married couples from rural Maharashtra, India (N = 989), we assessed the associations between men's gender role attitudes and a) spousal contraceptive communication and b) contraceptive use by type (none, traditional, condoms, pills, or IUD). The contraceptive use outcome is based on wives' report. We assessed these associations via bivariate t-test (communication outcome) or ANOVA test (contraceptive type outcome), as well as unadjusted and adjusted logistic (communication outcome) and multinomial logistic (contraceptive type outcome) regression models. Adjusted models included sociodemographic factors selected a priori based on established associations with gender-equitable attitudes and/or our assessed outcomes. FindingsMen with more gender-equitable attitudes were more likely to discuss family planning with their wives (AOR = 1·05, 95%CI 1·03-1·07, p < 0·001) and to use condoms (ARRR = 1·03, 95%CI 1·00-1·06, p = 0·07). There was no association between gender-equitable attitudes and use of other types of contraception. InterpretationWhile gender-equitable attitudes among men may facilitate condom use and family planning communication in marriage, they do not appear to be linked with greater likelihood of use of more effective types of contraceptive use. This suggests that males supportive of gender equity may take greater responsibility for family planning vis a vis a less effective contraceptive, condoms, in the absence of more effective short-acting contraceptives for men. FundingThe National Institutes of Health [Grant number 5R01HD084453-01A1] and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA [grant number INV-002967].

At the intersection of sexual and reproductive health and HIV services: use of moderately effective family planning among female sex workers in Kampala, Uganda

BackgroundFemale sex workers are vulnerable to HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and unintended pregnancies; however, the literature on female sex workers (FSW) focuses primarily on HIV and is limited regarding these other health issues.MethodsWe conducted a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey during April-December 2012 to characterize the reproductive health of and access to contraceptives FSW in Kampala, Uganda. Eligibility criteria included age ≥ 15 years, residence in greater Kampala, and having sold sex to men in ≤ 6 months. Data were analyzed using RDS-Analyst. Survey logistic regression was used in SAS.ResultsWe enrolled 1,497 FSW with a median age of 27 years. Almost all FSW had been pregnant at least once. An estimated 33.8% of FSW were currently not using any form of family planning (FP) to prevent pregnancy; 52.7% used at least moderately effective FP. Among those using FP methods, injectable contraception was the most common form of FP used (55.4%), followed by condoms (19.7%), oral contraception (18.1%), and implants (3.7%). HIV prevalence was 31.4%, syphilis prevalence was 6.2%, and 89.8% had at least one symptom of a sexually transmitted disease in the last six months. Using at least a moderately effective method of FP was associated with accessing sexually transmitted disease treatment in a stigma-free environment in the last six months (aOR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.4), giving birth to 2–3 children (aOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4–4.8) or 4–5 children (aOR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.4–5.9). It is plausible that those living with HIV are also less likely than those without it to be using a moderately effective method of FP (aOR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5–1.0).ConclusionsThe provision of integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services in a non-stigmatizing environment has the potential to facilitate increased health service uptake by FSW and decrease missed opportunities for service provision.

Fertility targets: linkages between desire for sons and sterilization in India

ABSTRACT Sterilization is the most widely used form of family planning in India with the burden of sterilization falling almost entirely on women. The existence of a strong son preference and a male-biased sex ratio are also well known in India. In this paper, we investigate the inter-linkages between female sterilization and the desire for sons in the country. Specifically, we examine the causal impact of a woman’s fertility targets for sons being met on her sterilization decision. To measure whether her fertility target is met, we utilize information on her actual versus ideal number of sons. Exploiting exogenous variation in the sex of the firstborn as an instrument in a conditional mixed process estimation, we find that meeting her fertility target for sons increases the probability of a woman’s sterilization by 25.4% points. Moreover, once she has had her ideal number of sons, the probability of getting sterilized within 4 years of getting married increases by 9.4% points whereas delayed sterilization becomes less likely. Our estimates are robust to alternative estimation strategies.

Outsiders, insiders, and intermediaries: village health teams\u2019 negotiation of roles to provide high quality sexual, reproductive and HIV care in Nakaseke, Uganda

BackgroundCommunity health workers, known as Village Health Teams (VHTs) in Uganda, play a central role in increasing access to community-based health services. The objective of this research is to explore tensions that may emerge as VHTs navigate multiple roles as community members and care providers particularly when providing sensitive reproductive health and HIV care.MethodsTwenty-five VHTs from a rural clinic in Uganda completed semi-structured interviews focused on experiences providing services. Interview questions focused on challenges VHTs face providing services and strategies for improving quality care. After translation from Luganda and transcription, interviews were analyzed using content analysis to identify emergent themes.ResultsMost VHTs were female (n = 16). The average age was 46, and average length of VHT work, 11 years. Analyses revealed that all VHTs capitalized upon the duality of their position, shifting roles depending upon context. Three themes emerged around VHTs’ perceptions of their roles: community insiders, professional outsiders, and intermediaries. A caregiver “insider” role facilitated rapport and discussion of sensitive issues. As community members, VHTs leveraged existing community structures to educate clients in familiar settings such as “drinking places”. However, this role posed challenges as some VHTs felt compelled to share their own resources including food and transport money. Occupying a professional outsider role offered VHTs respect. Their specialized knowledge gave them authority to counsel others on effective forms of family planning. However, some VHTs faced opposition, suspicions about their motives, and violence in this role. In balancing these two roles, the VHTs adopted a third as intermediaries, connecting the community to services in the formalized health care system. Participants suggested that additional training, ongoing supervision, and the opportunity to collaborate with other VHTs would help them better navigate their different roles and, ultimately, improve the quality of service.ConclusionsAs countries scale up family planning and HIV services using VHTs, supportive supervision and ethical dilemma training are recommended so VHTs are prepared for the challenges of assuming multiple roles within communities.

English

Globally, family planning service is an essential element of reproductive health care and contributes immensely to the reduction of the worldwide burden of maternal and child morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude and uptake of family planning services, among women of reproductive age group attending outpatient clinic at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out among women of reproductive age group attending outpatient clinics from December 2017 to January 2018. Respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS version 17. A total of 191 (95.5%) women aged between 15 and 49 years were successfully interviewed during the study. Majority, 174/191 (91.1%) of the respondents had a good knowledge of family planning services; 125/174 (72.0%) had a positive attitude towards the use of various types of contraceptives and 29 (15.0%) were completely against the use of contraceptives. Majority of the respondents, 132 (69.0%) were not using any form of family planning. Condom was the most frequently used contraceptive method; where it accounts for 60.0% while sterilization contributes the least that is 22.0%. Major factors associated with the uptake of contraceptives include marital status (p=0.029) and the occupation of the respondents (p=0.010). Respondent&rsquo;s knowledge towards family planning was good but this did not translate to use. Also, over half of the respondents had positive attitude towards family planning. The uptake of family planning services was higher than the average for Edo State and for Nigeria.&nbsp; Common barriers to uptake included fear of side effects and for religious reasons. The state and local government should bridge the gap between awareness and uptake of contraception; by providing correct information to women of reproductive age to break down common barriers. Key words: Knowledge, attitude, uptake, family planning services, South-South Nigeria. &nbsp

Factors influencing use of modern contraception among married women in Ho West district, Ghana: descriptive cross-sectional study.

Introductionthe use of modern contraception helps couples and individuals realize their basic right to decide freely and responsibly if, when and how many children to have. The current study assessed the factors influencing the use of modern contraception among married women in Ho West District, Ghana.Methodsthe study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design, using a standardized validated pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from previous studies to collect data from a systematic sample of 225 married women and analyzing them using Stata version 14 software program at the level 0.05.Resultsthe majority, 202 (89.8%) had used modern contraception before, and the proportion currently using some form of family planning (FP) was 130 (64.4%), majority (46.2%) of whom were currently using injectable. Majority (66.1%) used modern contraception in order to ensure proper care of children. Most (64.2%) of the women who were not using modern contraception were not doing so because of their partner's disapproval. Private employees were 0.20 times less likely to use modern contraception (AOR=0.20 (95% CI: 0.04-0.91); p=0.038) compared to housewives, while women who did not have problems with decision-making were 4 times more likely to use modern contraception (AOR=4.40 (95% CI: 1.25-14.44); p=0.021) compared to their counterparts who had problems with decision-making at home.Conclusionthe use of modern contraception is low. Health promotion interventions to increase modern contraception use among married women in Ho West District of Ghana should focus on the privately employed and those with problems in decision-making at home.

FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KEJADIAN KOMPLIKASI PERSALINAN DI RSUD INDRAMAYU TAHUN 2018

Complications of delivery is a health disorder that is very dangerous for mothers because it can cause maternal deaths and the fetus. Maternal deaths in hospitals are caused by many cases of emergencies in pregnancy, childbirth and childbirth. The most immediate causes of maternal death are: bleeding, hypertension in pregnancy, partus stuck, infection and complications of abortion. This study aims to determine the factors associated with the incidence of birth complications in hospitals Indramayu 2018. Research design uses analytical method with Cross sectional Study approach to see the relationship between hypertension, and more weight with the incidence of labor complication.The number of samples used are 94 people who are maternity patients in hospital Indramayu. Results: indicated that there was a correlation between hypertension, and overweight with the incidence of birth complications with their respective values: hypertension (ρ value = 0.002), and overweight (ρ value = 0.000). Conclusions and suggestions, there is a correlation of hypertension and overweight to the incidence of labor complications. Maternal health activities in the form of family planning, balanced nutrition, and routine pregnancy checks are steps to prevent birth complications.

Market-testing a smartphone application for family planning: assessing potential of the CycleBeads app in seven countries through digital monitoring

The advent of new technological approaches to family planning has the potential to address unmet need in low- and middle-income countries. Provision of fertility awareness-based apps have the ability to provide accessible, direct-to-user fertility information to help women achieve their reproductive goals. The CycleBeads app, a digital platform for the Standard Days Method (SDM), a modern method of family planning, helps women achieve or prevent pregnancy, or track their cycles using the only their period start dates. Brief social marketing campaigns were launched by the app developer to monitor cost and distribution of the CycleBeads app, understand the user profile, and assess user experience. Monitoring and evaluation through in-app micro surveys occurred over a 6-cycle period in seven countries: Egypt, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda. In-app micro-surveys were utilized to collect data around demographics, mode of use of the app, prior experiences with family planning, and satisfaction to better understand women's interactions with the apps, and the possibility for meeting unmet need. Analyzes focused on women who were using the app to prevent pregnancy or track their cycles. Social media campaigns proved to be an easy, low-cost approach to advertising the CycleBeads app. As a result, 356,520 women downloaded the app, and the cost to the advertiser per download ranged from $0.17-0.69. A majority of app users were between 20-29 years old, married or in exclusive relationships. Overall, 39.9% of users were using the app to prevent pregnancy, 38.5% to plan a pregnancy, and 21.6% were tracking their cycles. Among the users preventing pregnancy, 64.1% of women had not used a family planning method 3 months before downloading the CycleBeads app. One-third of users who were using the app to track their cycles, reported that they had not been using any form of family planning. In all seven countries, nearly 60% of women reported that they would definitely recommend the CycleBeads app to a friend, indicating their satisfaction with the app. Our main findings indicate that a social media campaign is a low-cost approach to making the CycleBeads app accessible to women. The app addresses multiple reproductive intentions and attracts a diverse demographic of users across different life stages. For many women the app was the first modern method they used in the last 3 months, showing that fertility awareness-based apps have the potential to address an unmet need. Future studies should focus on changes in behavior during the fertile window, partner communication, and future family planning intentions.

Socio-demographic Factors Associated with Knowledge and Uptake of Family Planning Among Women of Reproductive Age in a Rural Community of Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria has a population of about 180 million, estimated to double in 22 years due to low uptake of family planning services. Low utilization of family planning is the major factor associated with high fertility pattern in Nigeria. This trend is higher among rural women in Northern Nigeria. Without a thorough understanding of, and due attention to the local context, utilization of family planning may continue to be low. Identification of correlates of family planning would be invaluable in designing strategies for ultimately improving uptake of family planning services. This study became relevant as no previous study on family planning has been carried out in Ushafa Community. The study was conducted at Ushafa community, a rural community, located in Bwari Area Council on the northern axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) who were permanent resident of Ushafa Community. Using proportion of contraceptive usage of 16% from a previous study, 240 women were recruited into the study by systematic sampling technique. Data was collected by means of a structured interviewer administered questionnaire, data was entered and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. All tests were conducted using 2 tails while level of significance was set at 0.05. About a quarter of respondents (26.3%) knew that amenorrhoea could be a side effect of oral contraceptive pills, 51.1% knew that oral contraceptive pills must be taken daily, 58% were not using any form of family planning. Age (χ2 = 8.382, p = 0.01) and marital status (χ2 = 8.915, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with family planning knowledge. Level of education was significantly associated with current use of family planning (χ2 = 10.78, p = 0.03). Educational status was significantly associated with likelihood of using family planning in the future (χ2 = 8.64, p = 0.04). Although the respondents had fairly good knowledge of family planning, the study observed some misconceptions especially with respect to side effects and methodology of use of the commodities. Low uptake of family planning was observed among the respondents. Age and marital status were significantly associated with family planning knowledge; level of education was significantly associated with current use of family planning. There is need for incorporation of facts on usage and side effects of family planning in message disseminated by health workers in health facilities in Ushafa Community so as to correct misconceptions. DOI : http://dx.doi.org./10.17576/JSKM-2018-1601-09

Family planning practice among Christian health service providers in Ghana: a case study

Introduction: The interphase of faith and practicing health professionally often presents a challenge. To navigate between the two requires tact, experience, and professionalism. Such is the case of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG). Objective: This case report presents an overview of how the Christian Health Association has provided family planning services for marginalized communities in Ghana by Church denominations some of whose doctrines forbid them from practicing certain forms of family planning. Background: CHAG is a network of 300 health facilities and health training institutions owned by 25 different Christian church denominations. CHAG provides health care to the vulnerable, deprived, and marginalized population groups in all 10 regions of Ghana. As an implementing partner of the Ministry of Health, CHAG is mandated to implement key policies to achieve national health outcomes, including family planning. Some members do not accept artificial family planning on the account of religious faith. This often presents a challenge in addressing the need to provide family planning services as required. This challenge is further complicated by the fact that the CHAG secretariat charged with protecting the interests of member institutions as well as those of the ministry. Strategy: CHAG tailors the provision of family planning interventions to denominational, socio-cultural, and religious acceptability, and client needs. Results: Over a period of three years, the proportion of family planning acceptors who are adolescents (10-19 years) increased from 13.7 percent to 17.0 percent, total family planning acceptors increased from 67,312 to 73,648 and total couple years of protection increased from 71,296 to 92,852. Male sterilization also increased, contrary to cultural beliefs. Importantly, CHAG as an implementing partner is able to satisfy its obligation of providing service to achieve national health goals. Conclusion: Protecting the interests of Christian health institutions and those of government may conflict at some point. Being tactful and allowing work within the confines of faith and obligations helps in achieving desired results.

Contraceptive Use Among Women Living with HIV and AIDS Receiving Care at Secondary and Tertiary Health Care Facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria

Contraceptive use is a form of family planning and it is one practice among the most important health decisions that many people make and this does not exclude women living with HIV/AIDS. Lack of adequate information on available contraceptive methods and restriction of choices are the major constraints for contraceptive users to obtain a method that suits their need. Consequently, this study was designed to assess contraceptive use among women living with HIV and AIDS receiving care at secondary and tertiary health care facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study using systematic sampling technique was conducted to select 350 consenting women among HIV positive women receiving care in two health facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria. A pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on respondent’s socio-demographic characteristics, contraceptive usage and level of satisfaction of modern contraceptive method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Chi-square statistic was used to test associations between categorical variables at a level of statistical significance of 5%. The mean age of respondents was 37.0±8.5 years and about 87.0% were currently married. The current prevalence of contraceptive was 67.7%. Condom was the most currently preferred contraceptive method (54.0%), followed by injectable (12.2%) and oral pills (11.0%). About 83.1% was satisfied with their current method of contraception. The most cited reason by those who were not satisfied with their current contraceptive method irregular menses (30.0%). The factors that were significantly associated with contraceptive use were maternal age, marital status, type of marriage, level of education and parity decision (P < 0.05). High level of contraceptive uptake and satisfaction was observed in this study. However, irregular menses was a common complaint of those who were not satisfied with their current method. Family planning programme should be incorporated as a component part of care for women living with HIV and AIDS.

Assessment of the Attitude of Female Post-Secondary Students and Service Providers’ Towards Emergency Contraception in Hawassa, Ethiopia

Background: Changes in the total fertility rate-lifetime births per woman have dramatic effects on population size. More than 100 million women in developing countries, or about 17 present of all married women would prefer to avoid a pregnancy but are not using any form of family planning. Method: Cross-sectional study including both quantitative and qualitative surveys. Multistage stratified sampling was employed considering all governmental and private non health post-secondary institutions. Result: Mothers level of education has a significant gross effect on awareness of emergency contraception (OR=0.848, P<0.01). Respondents who had no experience of communicating with their respective mother was lower by 62.6% as compared with those who had experience of discussion about reproductive health issues with their mothers (OR=0.374, P<0.001). Those who had no experience of communicating with their respective partner was less by 71.2 (OR=0.288, P<0.01) as compared to those who had no experience. Female students who never had sexual intercourse was less by 71.4% as compared with their counter parts (OR=0.286, P<0.05). Those who had no experience of discussion with their respective mothers and who had no experience of discussion with sexual partner were found less by 59.1% (OR=0.409, P<0.01) and 64.8% (OR=0.352, P<0.001) respectively. Respondents who have no intention to use modern contraceptives and who had poor knowledge of EC was less by (OR=0.272, P<0.05) and OR=0.194, P<0.01) respectively. Conclusion: Building providers’ capacity through in-service and pre- service trainings with emphasis on methods regimen available for different products and method of teaching and counseling of clients according to the method guideline became very vital.

Oral Contraception and Female Sexual Dysfunction in Reproductive Women

Abstract Introduction Oral contraception (OC) remains one of the most commonly used forms of family planning. It allows couples to continue sexual activity without the worry of unintended pregnancy. However, one possible side effect of OC use is female sexual dysfunction (FSD), of which many patients and even physicians are unaware. This would be counter to the original intent of an OC and thus could affect a couple's relationship. Aim To examine the prevailing evidence on the effect of OCs on FSD in women of reproductive age. Methods A search of PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for all relevant studies was conducted in February 2016. Relevant studies pertaining to OCs and FSD in women of reproductive age were examined. Main Outcome Measures A comprehensive review of the current literature on FSD as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index. Results Most studies indicated that women who use OC pills have decreased sexual desire and libido. OCs also can cause dyspareunia owing to increased risk of vestibulitis and vaginal dryness. This risk is increased if OCs are used in adolescents and the duration of OC use is at least 2 years. Newer OCs containing drospirenone 3 mg plus ethinylestradiol (EE) 30 μg (drospirenone 3 mg + EE 30 μg; Yasmin; Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Berkeley, CA, USA), non-antiandrogenic progestin gestodene 75 μg plus EE 20 μg (gestodene 75 μg + EE 20 μg; Meliane; Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Inc), and estradiol valerate plus dienogest (Qlaira; Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany) or EE plus levonorgestrel (Jolessa; Teva Specialty Pharmaceuticals, Petah Tikva, Israel; and Seasonale; Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Augusta, GA, USA) do not seem to cause OC-related FSD symptoms. Conclusion This review suggests that OCs can cause FSD in reproductive women. Domains that include female sexual interest and arousal and genito-pelvic pain are affected. Newer OCs such as drospirenone 3 mg plus EE 30 μg (Yasmin) and gestodene 75 μg plus EE 20 μg (Meliane) could be better alternatives because FSD symptoms are less likely to occur.

Knowledge and Attitude of Rural Tshivenda Speaking Teenagers towards Choice of Termination of Pregnancy on Vhembe District, South Africa

This paper explored knowledge and attitudes of rural teenager's towards choice of termination of pregnancy. The paper adopted a quantitative approach using a descriptive survey design. Data was collected from a total of 176 randomly selected females, age 14-18 years from 10 secondary schools that makes up a rural Vhumbedzi circuit in the Limpopo province using a self-administered questionnaire. Validity and reliability of the instrument was ensured. Permission to enter the schools was obtained from the circuit manager. Parents/learners informed consent was obtained. Statistical package for Social Sciences was used to analyse data in terms of frequency and percentages. The majority of respondents thought that termination of pregnancy is not a safe procedure and it cannot be done as many times as possible as a form of family planning. The paper concluded that rural female teenagers in South Africa have negative attitudes towards termination of pregnancy despite having adequate knowledge.

The New Battle of the Sexes: A 2 X 2 Model of Female Alienation

We examine a simple game in which males and females have different preferences over sex and children, and gender-biased asymmetric strategies. We attempt to characterize the fundamental tradeoffs in a static game of complete information. We find that plausible differences in preferences can account for observed time-trends in the so-called happiness gender gap, following the introduction of a single technology which may prevent conception and yields no dis-utility to men. The model suggests that men may have benefitted more than women from the introduction of the Pill, and raises the question of whether alternative forms of family planning might better equalize the relative positions of men and women in sexual partnerships. These findings have particular relevance for feminist critiques of the sexual revolution.

Determinants of the unmet need for family planning among women of Jaipur, Rajasthan

Background: More than 100 million women in less developed countries or about 17% of all married women would prefer to avoid pregnancy, but are not using any form of family planning. Despite the government's many efforts, the unmet need for family planning in India is still 12.8%. The present study is aimed to assess prevalence of the unmet need for family planning, its determinants, and the reasons for the unmet need for family planning. Materials and Methods: A sample size of 500 was divided equally among the rural and urban areas. A simple random technique was used to select the first household for the survey. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire was used to record the information. Data was entered on Microsoft Access and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS version 11.5 for Windows Vista. The chi square test was used for finding the association and trends. Results: In the present study, 35% of the population had an unmet need, of which 58.28% belonged to rural area, while 41.71% belonged to the urban area. The significant determinants associated with the unmet need for family planning were religion, type of family, husband's education and occupation, socioeconomic class, women's age, women's education and occupation, exposure to mass media, and healthcare facility where services were provided. Overall, lack of motivation and obstacles were the major reasons for the unmet need. Conclusion: Improved access to family planning services, better education, improved standard of living, and higher exposure to mass media can significantly decrease the unmet need of family planning.

Family planning and safer sex practices among HIV infected women receiving prevention of mother-to-child tranmission services at Kitale District Hospital

To determine the usage of family planning services and safer sex practices among HIV infected mothers who had gone through the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) process. Descriptive cross-sectional study. The maternal and child health and family planning (MCH-FP) clinics in Kitale District Hospital, Western Kenya. A total of 146 respondents were recruited for this study. Only 44% of the respondents were using some form of family planning. The most popular method of contraception was the hormonal injectable contraceptives. Although 73% of respondents were no longer planning to have more babies, only 45% of them were using a family planning method. Only 38% of respondents reported condom use with their partners for safe sex. Married women and those who had revealed their HIV status to their partners were more likely to use condoms (p<0.05). Usage of family planning services in this studywas low. A large percentage of the women were still planning to have more babies and very few women were using condoms for safe sex. Women who had informed their partners about their HIV status were more likely to use condoms than those who had not. Male partner involvement is crucial in decisions-pertaining to family planning use and safe sex practices.

Reasons for not using family planning methods in Eastern Turkey

The reasons for not using family planning methods among women aged 15-45 years were investigated in the Eastern region of Turkey. A total of 518 randomly selected women were interviewed with a questionnaire. Information was collected on women's fertility behavior and intentions, sources of knowledge and practice of contraception and sociodemographic characteristics. The rate of women who were not using any form of family planning was 45.2%. The reasons for not using any form of family planning were: not having the approval of the husband or family leaders (38%); believing that it was a sin to use a family planning method (32.5%); believing that it could cause abnormal bleeding (14.1%); believing that it could cause infertility (7.3%); believing that it could cause cancer (4.7%); and believing that it could cause pelvic pain (3.4%). Efforts should be directed towards education of family members and religious leaders to increase the usage of family planning methods.

Reasons for not using family planning methods in Eastern Turkey

Objective: The reasons for not using family planning methods among women aged 15-45 years were investigated in the Eastern region of Turkey.Methods: A total of 518 randomly selected womenwere interviewed with a questionnaire. Information was collected on women's fertility behavior and intentions, sources of knowledge and practice of contraception and sociodemographic characteristics.Results: The rate of women who were not using any form of family planning was 45.2%. The reasons for not using any form of family planning were: not having the approval of the husband or family leaders(38%); believing that it was a sin to use a family planning method (32.5%); believing that it could cause abnormal bleeding (14.1%); believing that it could cause infertility (7.3%); believing that it couldcause cancer (4.7%); and believing that it could cause pelvic pain (3.4%).Conclusion: Efforts should be directed towards education of family members and religious leaders to increase the usageof family planning methods.