Knowledge Of Modern Contraception Research Articles

Understanding Contraceptive Utilisation Patterns in Kerala: Insights from NFHS-5

Background: In the past decade, Kerala has witnessed an increase in the number of sexually transmitted diseases and unmet family planning needs. This study examines the knowledge of modern contraceptives, their use, and the current use of modern Keralite contraceptives against selected indicators. Methodology: The dataset from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey was used for this study (N=10969). To analyse the factors associated with and affecting knowledge and use of contraceptives (current use of modern and ever use of any), chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used. Results: Wealth, age, and education level were positively associated with knowledge of modern contraceptives, whereas tribals were less aware than other castes. Wealthier, older, and less educated individuals had higher odds of using any/modern contraceptives than poor, younger, and higher educated individuals (odds<1). Muslims are likely to use contraceptives but are less likely to use modern methods than other religions (odds ratio: 1.67 and 0.78). Tribals had higher odds of using contraceptives (odds: 2.13). Urban respondents had lower odds of using modern contraceptives than rural respondents (odds: 0.751). Conclusions: The higher odds of older, less-educated respondents using sterilisation over reversible contraceptives are likely due to social insecurities and misconceptions. Awareness and promotion of contraceptive use at the government level would help boost its use.

(146) Sex Education and Pattern of Sexual Behavior among Adolescents in a Sub-Urban High School

Abstract Introduction Adolescence being the transition from childhood to adulthood may be associated with risky sexual behavior with consequences that may last a lifetime. Sex education for teenagers to encourage safe sexual practices is necessary to build a society of adults with healthy sexual lifestyle. The details of the source of information, level of knowledge and actual sexual practices among these adolescents will inform the approach to supplying adequate information. Objective The objective of the study is to demonstrate the level of knowledge of adolescents about safe sexual practices, contraceptives and their pattern of behavior. Methods Data regarding knowledge and sexual behavior was obtained from adolescents in a Sub-Urban high school with the aid of pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. The data was imputed and analyzed with the IBM SPSS software. Results A total of 107 adolescents aged 13 to 19years (mean - 16.078years) with average weight of 47.931Kg; 53(49.5%) were males and 54(50.5%) were females. About half (51.4%) practice Christianity and 48.6% practice Islamic religion and majority (96.3%) were in their penultimate class in high school. Majority of respondents (87.7%) reported having formal sex education, the commonest source of sex education was school in 76.9%, other sources of information were parents (11.0%), friends and peers (8.7%), mass media (4.4%) and siblings (2.2%). The quality of knowledge of these adolescents may be poor, as many as 25% of respondents think that casual sex does not predispose to infections and only 21.8% had any knowledge of modern contraceptives. Nearly one-quarter (23.36%) of respondents have commenced sexual activities with the mean age at coitarche being 12.38±2.38years; majority in this category (92%) being males. The commonest form of sexual practice is peno-vagina intercourse which is seen in 21.7% of respondents, 13.3% practice masturbation, 5.8% of respondents have had homosexual activities, 6.7% practice oral sex and 1.9% practice peno-anal sex. Among the sexually active respondents, 72% have had multiple sexual partners, 32% practice casual sex. Majority (92%) have used male condoms before but only 32% of sexually active respondents regularly use condoms. Majority (98%) of sexually naïve were contented with their status and 13% of sexually active respondents wished they had delayed sexual activities. Conclusions Although, intervention at adolescence with sex and reproductive health services offers the opportunity to form societies with healthy sexual lifestyle, the level of knowledge of sex education among adolescents in Sub-Urban communities remain poor yet a significant proportion of these Adolescents have commenced sexual activities with some practicing risky sexual behavior. Disclosure No.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Modern Family Planning Methods among Men in Ogbogu Community in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State

This study examined the knowledge, attitude and practice of modern family planning methods among men in Ogbogu Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. Introduction: Family planning is the practice that helps individuals or couples to attain certain objectives such as avoiding unwanted pregnancies, bringing about wanted babies at the right time, regulating the interval between pregnancies, controlling the time at which birth occurs in relation to the ages of the parents. Methodology: The study used a descriptive survey research design. The study population comprised married men currently residing in Ogbogu Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. A sample size of 389 persons was selected using a simple random technique. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) windows (version 20.0). Results: The study showed that there is high awareness of family planning of among the married couples used for the study. Majority of the participants had detailed knowledge of condom. Also, the study indicated that married couples had a favourable attitude toward modern family planning methods of 51%, out of the married couples that were aware of modern family planning methods. Again, the study revealed that high percentage of married couples practice modern family planning methods. Conclusion: Knowledge of modern contraceptives is high in the study population. Substantial proportion of married couples had positive attitude towards modern contraceptives and hence more room for increasing modern contraceptive use in the study population.

Level of knowledge, attitude, and practice on modern contraceptive method and its associated factors among housemaids living in Debre Tabor town, northwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundContraception is widely recognized as an effective technique for avoiding unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Promoting contemporary contraceptive methods would minimize the number of unplanned pregnancies and the high number of maternal fatalities connected with unsafe abortions.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of modern contraceptive methods and its associated factors among housemaid residents of Debre Tabor Town, northwest Ethiopia:MethodsA structured questionnaire supplemented with face-to-face interviews was used to conduct a community-based cross-sectional study with 423 housemaids’ women of reproductive age in Debre Tabor City. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, binary analysis, and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsA 12.8% of respondents in this study used modern contraceptive methods. A 44.68% of study participants had good knowledge of modern contraceptive methods, and 36.40% had a positive attitude towards them. Housemaids’ older age, urban location, educational status, work experience, and family situation were found to be positive predictors of a good understanding of current contraceptive techniques. Housemaids’ older age, urban residence, educational level, work experience, family situation, and first sex before now are all positive predictors of a positive attitude and good practices.ConclusionsHousemaids’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of modern contraceptive methods were influenced by a variety of socio-demographic factors. As a result, housemaids should be educated about modern contraceptive methods by the health sector and other stakeholders to improve their knowledge, attitude, and practices.

A qualitative study of influences on the uptake of contraceptive services among people of reproductive age in Uganda

BackgroundUganda has registered an increased investment in family planning (FP) programs, which has contributed to improvement in knowledge of modern contraceptive methods being nearly universal. However, this has not matched the uptake of modern methods or the reduction in the unmet need for FP. This may be explained by the different influences which include health workers, family, and friends. Due to the limited uptake of contraceptive methods, a program on improving awareness, access to, and uptake of modern contraceptives is being implemented in selected regions in Uganda. We, therefore, conducted a formative study to determine the influences on contraceptive uptake at the onset of this program.MethodsUsing a qualitative study design, we conducted thirty-two focus group discussions and twenty-one in-depth interviews involving men and women of reproductive age. We also carried out twenty-one key informant interviews with people involved in FP service delivery. Data was collected in four districts where implementation of the program was to take place. Audio recorders were used to collect data and tools were translated into local languages. A codebook was developed, and transcripts were coded in vivo using the computer software Atlas-ti version 7 before analysis. Ethical clearance was obtained from institutional review boards and informed consent was sought from all participants.ResultsFrom the study, most married people mentioned health workers as their main influence while adolescents reported their peers and friends. Religious leaders and mothers-in-law were reported to mainly discourage people from taking up modern contraceptive methods. The cultural value attached to having many children influenced the contraceptive use decision among people in rural settings. Other influences included a person’s experience and housing.ConclusionsHealth workers, religious leaders, and mothers determine the uptake of contraceptive services. The study recommends the consideration of the role of these influences in the design of FP program interventions as well as more involvement of health workers in sensitization of communities about contraceptive methods.

Prevalence, Trends, and Factors Associated with Teen Motherhood in Nigeria: An Analysis of the 2008–2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys

Background: Teen pregnancy and childbearing are common in Nigeria, and understanding the complexities, such as sociodemographics and economic factors including sexual and reproductive health knowledge and awareness among adolescents over time can trigger innovative approaches and interventions. This study intends to capture the patterns and associated factors of teen motherhood among sexually active adolescents (15–19 years) between 2008 and 2018. Methods: The study data was extracted from 2008, 2013, and 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys. Descriptive analysis was presented using frequencies and percentages; multivariable analysis was conducted using log-binomial logistic regression at a p-value <0.05. All analyses were performed using Stata 15.0, weighted and adjusted for the complex survey design and population size. Results: The prevalence of teen motherhood increased between the three successive survey waves (50.9% vs. 52.4% vs. 55.2%) from 2008, 2013, and 2018. Although, the pooled adjusted analysis revealed no significant change over the 10-year period. Knowledge of modern contraceptive methods, primary education, non-Catholic Christians, residing in the South-South region, and those currently or formerly married were associated with increased risk of teen motherhood. There was an inverse relationship between teen motherhood and wealth status; lower wealth status was associated with high adolescent pregnancy and childbearing. Conclusion: This study revealed an increase in the proportion of teen pregnancy and childbearing in Nigeria. Notably, there exist variations across age groups, geographic location, educational level, religious belief, marital and economic status. Interventions that ensure comprehensive sexuality education, girl child education, and economic empowerment especially for school dropouts are advocated to reduce teen motherhood.

'The wife should do as her husband advises': Understanding factors influencing contraceptive use decision making among married Pakistani couples-Qualitative study.

This paper explores the perceptions and attitudes of married couples which prevent them from using modern contraceptive for purpose of family planning, based on semi-structured interviews with 16 married couples from rural Pakistan. This study, with married couples, not using any modern contraceptives, discussed issues of spousal communication and religious norms using qualitative methods. Despite near universal knowledge of modern contraceptives among married Pakistani women, the use continues to be low, with high unmet need. Understanding the couple context about reproductive decision making, pregnancy and family planning intentions is imperative to helping individuals fulfil their reproductive desires. Married couples may have varying intentions and desires about family size; a lack of alignment between partners may lead to unintended pregnancies and affect uptake and use of contraception. This study specifically explored the factors which prevent married couples from using LARCs for family planning, despite their availability, at affordable prices in the study area of rural Islamabad, Pakistan. Findings show differences between concordant and discordant couples regarding desired family size, contraceptive communication and influence of religious beliefs. Understanding the role that male partners play in family planning and use of contraceptives is important in preventing unintended pregnancies and improving service delivery programmes. This study also helped identify the challenges married couples, particularly men have in understanding family planning and contraceptive use. The results also show that while men's participation in family planning decision making is limited, there is also a lack of programs and interventions for Pakistani men. The study findings can support development of appropriate strategies and implementation plans.

Can a National Health Insurance Policy Increase Modern Contraceptive Use? A Cross-Sectional Study of the Indonesian Government Performance and Accountability Survey (GPAS) 2019

Universal health insurance is widely believed to be a key strategy for improving health services. However, few studies have examined whether it increases the use of modern contraceptives. The purpose of the present research is to determine whether the policy of incorporating family planning services into the national health insurance policy in Indonesia ( Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional [JKN], implemented in 2016) has led to an increase in the use of modern contraceptives. The data were obtained from the 2019 Government Performance and Accountability Survey (GPAS; Total = 46,220 married women aged 15–49 years). The findings show that women who are covered by the health insurance scheme for non-poor families (JKN non-PBI) are 19.12 times more likely to use modern contraceptives than women who are uninsured. Women who are covered by health insurance scheme for poor families (JKN PBI) are 17.04 times more likely to use modern contraceptives than those who are uninsured. These results are robust against predisposing, enabling and need factors associated with modern contraceptive uptake (i.e., education, family economic status, religion, knowledge of modern contraception, age at time of first marriage, perception of the ideal number of children, number of children born alive, and area of residence). The findings suggest that the government should expand health insurance benefits in order to increase the uptake of modern contraceptives, particularly among disadvantaged group within communities.

Knowledge and practices of modern contraceptives among religious minority (Muslim) women: A cross-sectional study from Southern Nepal.

Uptake of family planning (FP) services could prevent many unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe abortions and avert maternal deaths. However, women, especially from ethnic and religious minorities, have a low practice of contraceptives in Nepal. This study examined the knowledge and practices of modern contraceptive methods among Muslim women in Nepal. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 Muslim women in the Khajura Rural Municipality of Banke district. Data were collected using face to face structured interviews. Two outcome variables included i) knowledge of and ii) practices of contraceptives. Knowledge and practice scores were estimated using the list of questions. Using median as a cut-off point, scores were categorised into two categories for each outcome variable (e.g., good knowledge and poor knowledge). Independent variables were several sociodemographic factors. The study employed logistic regression analysis, and odds ratios (OR) were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) at a significance level of p<0.05 (two-tailed). Almost two-thirds (69.2%) of respondents had good knowledge of modern contraceptive methods, but only 47.3% practised these methods. Women of nuclear family (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.38,0.95), and who work in agricultural sector (aOR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.64) were less likely to have good knowledge on modern contraceptives. Women with primary (aOR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.43, 4.72), secondary and above education (aOR = 4.41; 95% CI:2.02,9.63), women with good knowledge of modern contraceptives (aOR = 2.73; 95% CI: 1.66, 4.51), who ever visited a health facility for FP counselling (aOR = 4.40; 95% CI: 2.58, 7.50) had higher odds of modern contraceptives practices. Muslim women had low use of modern contraceptive methods despite having satisfactory knowledge about them. There is a need for more equitable and focused high-quality FP practices. Targeted interventions are needed to increase the knowledge and practices of contraceptives in the Muslim community. The study highlights the need to target FP interventions among socially disadvantaged women, those living in a nuclear family, and those with poor knowledge of modern contraceptives.

The effect of community champions on modern contraceptive knowledge, attitude and use among women of reproductive age group in rural local government areas in Lagos state

Background: The uptake of contraceptives is still low especially in rural areas in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the effect of the use of community champions on knowledge, attitude and use of modern contraceptive among women of reproductive age group in rural local government areas in Lagos State.Methods: A quasi-experimental study was done among two groups. The study population were 399 women of reproductive age group per group who live in rural local government areas of Lagos state. The intervention group had community champions assigned to them while the control group did not. Multi-stage sampling method was done. It was a mixed method study. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and from family planning registers of the health facilities in the study areas. The data were analysed using the IBM statistical products and services solutions version 23.Results: Results at post-intervention showed that there was a significant increase in the percentage of respondents with good knowledge of modern contraceptive by 22.2% (p&lt;0.05), positive attitude towards modern contraceptives by 10.4% (p&lt;0.05) and current use of any method of modern contraceptive by 14.3% (p&lt;0.05) in the intervention group. While in the control group, there was no statistically significant increase in the percentage of respondents with good knowledge of modern contraceptives, positive attitude towards modern contraceptives and current use of any method of modern contraceptives. (p&gt;0.05).Conclusions: The study concluded that the use of community champions was an effective tool for improving knowledge, attitude and use of modern contraceptives.

A Survey of Knowledge and use of Modern Contraceptives among Female Students in a Public University in Ghana

Introduction: Studies have shown that knowledge of contraceptives, especially among undergraduate female students, remains limited and the rate of premarital unprotected sexual activity, unwanted pregnancies, and illegal abortions remain higher among university students in Ghana.&#x0D; Aim: This study was carried out to assess the knowledge and use of modern contraceptives among female undergraduate students at the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.&#x0D; Methodology: A descriptive survey design was adopted as the framework for the study. A purposive sampling method was used to deploy 108 sexually active female undergraduate students from a department in the Faculty of Science Education using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (IBM SPSS, Version 25) and presented using quantitative metrics.&#x0D; Results and discussion: The results of the study showed that the majority of the respondents (89.8%) have heard about a modern contraceptive method. 57.4% of the respondents reported that they used contraceptives in the past, while 36 (58.1%) were current contraceptive users. The most popular methods of contraception used were pills (96.9%), female condoms (72.2%), and injectable (52.6%). The main sources of information about contraceptives were found to be social media and followed by peers, radio/TV, and health workers. Reasons that most influenced the decision of respondents to use modern contraceptives included knowledge of modern contraceptives, availability of service points, partner support, and religious beliefs. Even though participants were sexually active, the rate of contraceptive use was found to be relatively low.&#x0D; Conclusion: Even though the majority of the respondent knew of a particular contraceptive, a significant number of them were found not utilising it. There is the need for active promotion of modern contraceptives among female university students to bridge the gap between knowledge and use.

Gravidity, contraceptive use and acceptability of a proposed three-baby policy in a municipality of Ghana

Background: Childbirth and high total fertility rate among women is traditionally held in high esteem in many African societies. However, the menace of large families and increasing populations has triggered both global and National actions towards population control. This study determined the factors associated with gravidity, the acceptability of a proposed three-baby per couple policy and the prevalence of modern contraceptives in a Ghanaian municipality.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted and involved 350 women of reproductive age who had a history of past or present pregnancy. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis with the aid of STATA version 14.Results: The results indicated that 97.39% of the participants had knowledge of modern contraceptives and 33.91% were current users of modern contraceptives. Gravidity showed significant association with age, marital status, educational level, employment status and source of contraceptive (p&lt;0.001). Participants with no formal education had the highest gravidity (Mean±SD=6.0±1.7). Also, 86.29% were aware of the proposed three-baby policy but only 28.37% were willing to accept the policy. A linear regression analysis showed a negative association between age and gravidity (p=0.018; β=-0.008). The participants’ desired number of children was also statistically significant with gravidity (p&lt;0.001­).Conclusions: Efforts towards population control can be challenging due to the low use of modern contraceptives which is effective in reducing the TFR. Also the low acceptability of the proposed three-baby policy amongst reproductive women suggest their desire for more children.

Beyond the mother-child dyad: Is co-residence with a grandmother associated with adolescent girls' family planning knowledge?

In South Asian countries, adolescent girls are generally embedded in multigenerational households. Nevertheless, public health research continues to focus on the nuclear family and overlook the role of grandmothers in adolescent socialization and the transfer of health information. This study compares family planning knowledge of adolescent girls in households with and without a resident grandmother. Two main types of family planning knowledge were assessed: (1) modern contraceptive knowledge and (2) healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy knowledge. This study is a secondary data analysis of the 2017 Suaahara II cross-sectional survey in 16 of Nepal's 77 districts. Family planning knowledge among 769 adolescent girls was assessed and compared between those living with a grandmother (n = 330) and those not living with a grandmother (n = 439). An analysis of the relationship between co-residence and family planning knowledge was carried out using multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders and clustering. Additionally, we used the same method to analyze the association between grandmothers' family planning knowledge and that of co-resident adolescents. The odds of correct adolescent modern family planning knowledge were 1.81 (95% CI = 1.27,2.58) times higher in households with a grandmother. The study also identified higher odds of adolescent knowledge of modern contraceptives in households where grandmothers also had correct knowledge (OR 2.00, 95%, CI = 0.97,4.11), although this association was not statistically significant at the 0.05 alpha level. There was insufficient evidence to support the association between grandmother's co-residency and correct adolescent knowledge of the healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy. This study provides support for expanding adolescent reproductive health to include the role of senior women in promoting and transmitting health care knowledge to younger women in the household.

Knowledge, Attitudes of Pregnant Women and Practices of Women Who Have Recently Given Birth on Contraception in the Immediate Postpartum Period at Principal Clinic of the Togolese Association of Family Well-Being Planning Center (ATBEF)

Background: The use of modern contraceptive methods contributes to the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality. The initiation of a contraceptive method in the immediate postpartum period is one of the strategies to avoid missing out on contraceptive opportunities. This strategy will reduce the unmet need for contraception which is still high in the country. Objective: To describe the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women and the practices of women who have given birth about immediate postpartum contraception. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted at the main clinic of ATBEF from 20th March to 20th October 2020. Our study included pregnant women whose gestational age was greater than or equal to 37 weeks of amenorrhea who came for prenatal consultation or for any other consultation and then gave birth in the center. Data collection was based on a survey form. Data analysis and entry was done with the Epi info 2000 version 6.04 software. The parameters studied were: socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women about contraception in the immediate postpartum period, and contraceptive practices of the women who gave birth. Results: During the study period, 201 women were selected for the survey. The average age of the respondents was 26.2 years. They were nulliparous in 41.3% of cases. Our respondents had knowledge of modern contraceptive methods in 82.10% of cases. About 59.2% of the respondents had an unfavourable attitude towards the adoption of contraceptive methods in the immediate postpartum period. The main reason was adverse effects in 33.6%. Of the 82 women who had a favourable attitude, 29 women had adopted a contraceptive method after delivery, which corresponds to a rate of use of 14.4% of the respondents. The main reason for non-adoption of a contraceptive method after childbirth for those who had a favourable attitude was the opposition of the husband in 34%. Conclusion: Couple counselling during prenatal and postnatal care and intensified awareness raising on planning and ideal spacing of pregnancies for health will increase the number of contraceptive users in the immediate postpartum period.

Spatial distribution and factors associated with modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Nigeria: A multilevel analysis.

BackgroundEvidence suggests that in countries with high fertility and fecundity rates, such as Nigeria, the promotion of modern contraceptive use prevents approximately 32% and 10% of maternal and child mortality, respectively. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution of modern contraceptive use and its predictors among women of reproductive age in Nigeria.MethodsThe study employed a cross-sectional analysis of population-based data involving 24,281 women of reproductive age in Nigeria. The study adopted both multilevel and spatial analyses to identify the predictors of modern contraceptive use and its spatial clustering among women in Nigeria.ResultsModern contraceptive use among the study population in Nigeria ranged from 0% to 75%, with regional variations. The spatial analysis showed that areas with a low proportion of modern contraceptive use were Sokoto, Yobe, Borno, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Taraba and Delta. Areas with a high proportion of modern contraceptive use were Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Federal capital territory, Plateau, Adamawa, Imo, and Bayelsa. The multilevel analysis revealed that at the individual level, women with secondary/higher education, women from the Yoruba ethnic group, those who had four children and above, and those exposed to mass media had higher odds of using modern contraceptives. On the other hand, women who were 35 years and above, those who were married, and women who were practicing Islam were less likely to use modern contraceptives. At the household/community level, women from the richest households, those residing in communities with medium knowledge of modern contraceptive methods, and women residing in communities with a high literacy level were more likely to use modern contraceptives.ConclusionThere were major variations in the use of modern contraception across various regions in Nigeria. As a result, areas with low contraceptive rates should be given the most deserving attention by promoting contraceptive education and use as well as considering significant factors at the individual and household/community levels.

Beyond counting intended pregnancies among young women to understanding their associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundIn this article we report the prevalence and determinants of intended or wanted pregnancies among young women 15–24 y of age in selected sub-Saharan African countries.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used pooled data from current Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019 in 29 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The sample size comprised 14 257 young women (15–24 y of age). Multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to present the results as adjusted odds ratios.ResultsThe prevalence of intended pregnancies was 67.7%, with the highest and lowest prevalence in Gambia (89.9%) and Namibia (37.7%), respectively. Intended pregnancy was lower among young women who had knowledge of modern contraceptives, those with a secondary/higher education and those with four or more births. Lower odds of intended pregnancy were observed among young women in the richer wealth quintile and those who lived in southern Africa.ConclusionsTo reduce intended pregnancies in sub-Saharan African countries such as Gambia, Burkina Faso and Nigeria, there is a need for government and non-governmental organisations to recalibrate current and past interventions such as investment in increasing formal education for women and poverty alleviation programmes, as well as augmenting job creation, including skill-building. These interventions have to be sensitive to the cultural realities of each setting, especially with regards to early marriages and womanhood.

The gap in contraceptive knowledge and use between the military and non-military populations of Kinshasa, DRC, 2016-2019.

The objective of this study is to assess change over time in the modern contraceptive prevalence rate (MCPR) and related variables among married women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in the military population in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, compared to women in the non-military population, based on cross-sectional surveys in 2016 and 2019. Data among women living in military camps were collected as a special study of contraceptive knowledge, use, and exposure to FP messaging, for comparison to women in the non-military population from the annual PMA2020 survey. Both used a two-stage cluster sampling design to randomly select participants. This analysis is limited to women married or in union. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was used to compare the military and non-military populations. The socio-demographic profile of women in the military camps differed between 2016 and 2019, which may reflect the more mobile nature of this population. In both populations, knowledge of modern contraceptive methods increased significantly. Similarly, use of a modern contraceptive method also increased significantly in both, though by 2019 women in the military camps were less likely to use modern contraception (24.9%) than their non-military counterparts (29.7%). Multivariate analysis showed no significant difference in the amount of increase in MCPR for the two populations. Among contraceptive users in both populations, the implant was the leading method. Potential effects of FP programming were evident in the military population: exposure to FP messaging increased (in comparison to a decrease among the non-military population). Moreover, women who had lived in the camps for 4+ years had a higher MCPR than those living in the camps for less than four years. This study demonstrates the feasibility and importance of collecting data in military camps for better understanding contraceptive dynamics among this specialized population.

Religious Leaders' Knowledge of Family Planning and Modern Contraceptive Use and Their Involvement in Family Planning Programmes in Burkina Faso: A Qualitative Study in Dori in the Sahel Region.

IntroductionIt is necessary to understand religious leaders’ perceptions of modern contraceptive use and their role in influencing fertility behaviour for the successful adoption of family planning, especially in societies where the religious leaders’ opinions can have a significant influence on individuals’ reproductive decisions. This study, therefore, aimed to assess religious leaders’ knowledge of family planning and their involvement in family planning programmes in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso.MethodsThis is a qualitative study comprising in-depth individual interviews with twenty-one religious’ leaders in the town of Dori in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso. An interview guide was used for data collection. This interview guide was developed based on the central themes and sub-themes determined for the research, namely, the religious leaders’ knowledge of modern contraception, the inclusion of information on modern contraception during religious activities and the relationship between religious leaders and reproductive health services. All interviews were recorded and transcribed in French using Microsoft Word. The verbatims were then coded for content analysis. The analysis method chosen was that of thematic analysis.ResultsThe results of the study showed that religious leaders had good knowledge about family planning including modern contraceptive methods and fertility regulation through birth spacing. Regarding their involvement in family planning programme, religious leaders said they were not involved enough. However, the results of the study showed that leaders are reluctant to promote the use of FP methods.ConclusionAlthough religious leaders are knowledgeable about family planning, they are still reluctant to promote the use of modern contraceptive methods in their communities. To do so, efforts are needed to sensitise and mobilise them in family planning programmes. The cooperation of local religious leaders will help promote family planning and improve Burkina Faso’s performance on the Sustainable Development Goals through the achievement of the demographic dividend in the country.

Knowledge, beliefs and perceptions of religious leaders on modern contraceptive use in Burkina Faso: a qualitative study.

Introductionin Burkina Faso, despite the strategies implemented to increase the use of contraceptives, the prevalence rate of modern contraceptives remains low. Religion is an important part of the socio-cultural fabric of many communities. Besides, religious leaders play an essential role in adopting and using contraceptive methods to support family health. The study objective was to explore the knowledge, beliefs and perceptions of religious leaders about modern contraceptives among women of childbearing age.Methodsdata were collected in September 2018 from twenty-one religious' leaders of the urban municipality of Dori. Study participants were selected based on reasoned sampling with maximum variation (sex, religion, age, residence and level of education). We conducted semi-structured individual interviews, non-participant observations and documentary review.Resultsreligious leaders have a good knowledge of modern contraceptive methods, but they prefer traditional contraceptive methods and abstinence. They consider modern contraception as abortion and female sterilization and emphasize birth spacing. Furthermore, religious leaders lack training on contraception and have no real links and exchanges with sexual and reproductive health services. As a result, their assessment of the quality of these services is very mixed.Conclusionreligious leaders play a crucial role in improving modern contraceptive methods in Burkina Faso. Close collaboration with family planning services should, at all times, be maintained. The implementation of training and educational activities for religious leaders could help raise modern contraceptive use in Burkina Faso.

Socio-Demographic and Economic Characteristics Associated with Current Use of a Modern Contraceptive Method by Women in Kita, Mali

The objective of this study is to analyse the socio-demographic and economic characteristics associated with the current use of a modern contraceptive method by women in Kita, Mali. This research is of interest because it will determine the nature of individual and economic determinants associated with current use of modern contraception. The methodology was based on a literature search and a quantitative survey and analytical study (bivariate analysis). The questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 281 women aged 15 - 49 years who had had at least one child. The bivariate logistic regression analysis revealed socio-demographic and economic characteristics associated with current use of a modern contraceptive method. The study found that 19.6% of women of reproductive age [WRA] were using a contraceptive method at the time of the survey. The characteristics associated with this practice are: age, number of living children, level of knowledge of modern contraceptives, the woman’s attitude towards contraception, the identity of the person who decides on all care in the household, and the level of education. In contrast, marital status and access to family planning information are not statistically significantly associated with current contraceptive use by [WRA]. Consideration of these relevant characteristics will improve the effectiveness of ongoing family planning programmes in this city.