Spousal Communication Research Articles

Barriers to modern contraceptive use in rural areas in DRC

Recent research in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has shown that over a quarter of women have an unmet need for family planning and that modern contraceptive use is three times higher among urban than rural women. This study focuses on the reasons behind the choices of married men and women to use contraception or not. What are the barriers that have led to low levels of modern contraceptive use among women and men in DRC rural areas? The research team conducted 24 focus groups among women (non-users of any method, users of traditional methods and users of modern methods) and husbands (of non-users or users of traditional methods) in six health zones of three geographically dispersed provinces. The key barriers that emerged were poor spousal communication, sociocultural norms (especially the husband’s role as primary decision-maker and the desire for a large family), fear of side-effects and a lack of knowledge. Despite these barriers, many women in the study indicated that they were open to adopting a modern family planning method in the future. These findings imply that programming must address mutual comprehension and decision-making among rural men and women alike in order to trigger positive changes in behaviour and perceptions relating to contraceptive use.

Predictors of Use of Contraception among Married Women of Reproductive Age in a Rural Area of Nepal

Background: Universal access to family planning is a human right, central to gender equality and women’s empowerment, and a key factor in reducing poverty. Use of contraception can prevent pregnancies related complication, helps in improving the health of mother and children and improve quality of life.Objective: to find out the predictors of use of contraception among married women of reproductive age (15-49 years).Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was adopted to find out the predictors of use of contraception among married women in Morang District. Cluster Random Sampling technique was used and sample size was 281. Data was collected by face to face interview technique by pretested questionnaire. Chisquare, bivariate, multivariable logistic regression model was used, and statistical significance was determined with a 95 % confidence level.Results: Mean age of the respondents was 29.52±5.64 years. Current contraceptive prevalence rate was 39.9%. The significant predictors associated with use of contraception were education status of husband (Adjusted Odd Ratio [AOR]=0.331, 95% CI= 0.144-0.759), being desire of children (AOR=2.564, 95%CI=1.060-6.198), spousal communication on contraception (AOR=5.120, 95%CI=2.460-10.656), husband approval on contraception (AOR=8.048, 95%CI=4.047-16.006), and prior use of contraception (AOR= 0.122, 95% CI=0.055-0.272). The common barriers of utilization of contraception were husband disapproval (57.4%) followed by fear of side effects (29.6%).Conclusion: Contraceptive prevalence rates were low. So, continued joint efforts are required to increase use of contraception to improve maternal and child health. It is recommended to involve male in family planning.Journal of Advanced Academic Research, Vol. 3, No. 3, 2016, page: 89-99

Why don't you share your satisfaction with me?

Healthy spousal communication of marital and sexual expectations is one of the most important factors to improve the quality of sexual relations in marriage. This paper has attempted to explore women's expectations of men for having pleasurable sex in a monogamous and steady sexual relationship within the context of Iran. In this qualitative study, 20 interviews were conducted in Tehran from December 2013 to May 2014. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling, face-to-face, in-depth, and semistructured interviews. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative conventional content analysis. The research was designed with regard to Lincoln and Guba's four major rigor criteria in qualitative investigation. Women's expectations for having enjoyable sex were classified in two areas: (1) marital components and (2) sexual components. Marital components included romantic relationships, attention, respect and admiration, appreciation, man's loyalty, and having compatibility. Sexual components included enough sexual skills, good sexual function, and commitment to equity in sex. This research helps to identify women's expectations for having a gratifying sexual relationship and thus contributes to enhanced sexual satisfaction, as well as marital stability and continuity.

Comparative study on knowledge and practice of family planning methods among married Chepang and Brahmin/Chhetri men in Korak VDC of Chitwan district

The purpose of this study was to compare knowledge and practice of family planning methods among Chepang and Brahmin/ Chhetri men. Chepang are more disadvantage ethnicity of Nepal therefore by examine the knowledge and practice of family planning in these two groups it will be helpful to find out whether or not family planning program has been reach to un-reach group. Data were collected from the 1st Jestha 2070 to 31 Jestha 2070 (15.5.2013 to 14.6.2013) through interview methods. The average age group of both the respondents was between 26-35yrs. Majority of respondents had knowledge about both temporary and permanent (56.8 percent Chepang and 50.9 percent Brahmin/Chhetri). While most of the family planning information was obtained through a health worker (88.2 percent Chepang and 79.4 percent Brahmin/Chhetri). Family planning using was 42.1 percent in Chepang and 40.2 percent in Brahmin/Chhetri. Temporary family planning method was found to be commonly used (74.4 percent Chepang and 73.1 percent Brahmin/Chhetri). Spousal communication seemed to exist by two third portions in both the groups and the most common topic for discussion was about family and family size.

Sociocultural Influences on the Transmission of HIV From Husbands to Wives in Cambodia: The Male Point of View.

The purpose of the study was to explore, within cultural and societal contexts, the factors of spousal HIV transmission as described by the experiences of HIV-positive Cambodian men. Using qualitative research methods, the researchers collected data from in-depth interviews with 15 HIV-positive Cambodian men of seroconcordant couples recruited from an HIV/AIDS clinic in Phnom Penh. Using a model of HIV transmission from husbands to wives, the questions were designed to elicit the men’s perspectives on the topics of promiscuity, masculinity, condom use in marriage, the image of the ideal Cambodian woman, and attitudes toward sex and marriage. Directed content analysis was used to analyze the interview data. The main results were as follows: (a) men involved with sex workers perceived this as a natural behavior and a necessary part of being an approved member in a male peer group, (b) married men never used condoms during sex with their wives prior to their HIV diagnosis, (c) men perceived a good wife as one who is diligent and loyal to her husband, and (4) men’s attitudes toward sex and marriage (e.g., sex perceived as a part of life pleasure) differed from those of their wives. Promoting honest spousal communication about sexuality, maintaining men’s marital fidelity, and increasing women’s comfort in the use of sexual techniques are suggested as strategies for reducing HIV transmission within marriage in Cambodia. Future interventions should focus on reshaping men’s behaviors and changing cultural norms to protect them and their spouses from HIV infection.

Jaboya ("Sex for Fish"): A Qualitative Analysis of Contextual Risk Factors for Extramarital Partnerships in the Fishing Communities in Western Kenya.

Extramarital partnerships exacerbate high HIV prevalence rates in many communities in sub-Saharan Africa. We explored contextual risk factors and suggested interventions to reduce extramarital partnerships among couples in the fishing communities on Lake Victoria, Kenya. We conducted 12 focus group discussions with 9-10 participants each (N=118) and 16 in-depth interviews (N=16) with fishermen and their spouses. Couples who participated were consented and separated for simultaneous gender-matched discussions/interviews. Interview topics included courtship and marriage, relationship and sexual satisfaction, extramarital relationships and how to intervene on HIV risks. Coding, analysis, and interpretation of the transcripts followed grounded theory tenets that allow analytical themes to emerge from the participants. Our results showed that extramarital partnerships were perceived to be widespread and were attributed to factors related to sexual satisfaction such as women needing more foreplay before intercourse, discrepancies in sexual desire, and boredom with the current sexual repertoire. Participants also reported that financial and sociophysical factors such as family financial support and physical separation, contributed to the formation of extramarital partnerships. Participants made suggestions for interventions that reduce extramarital partnerships to minimize HIV risks at the community, couple, and individual level. These suggestions emphasized improving community education, spousal communication, and self-evaluation for positive behavior change. Future studies can draw upon these findings as a basis for designing community-owned interventions that seek to reduce community-level HIV risk through a reduction in the number of sexual partners.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Modern Contraceptive Utilization among Married Women in Reproductive Age Group in Misha Woreda Hadiya Zone, South Ethiopia

Background: The continuing growth of the world population has become an urgent global problem. Ethiopia, like most countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is experiencing rapid population growth at a rate of 2.6%. Promotion of family planning in countries with high birth rates has the potential to reduce poverty and hunger and avert 32% of all maternal deaths and nearly 10% of childhood death. Objective: To estimate prevalence and associated factors of modern contraceptive utilization among married women in reproductive age group in Misha Woreda Hadiya Zone, South Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June 2013. Multistage Stratified sampling technique was employed for the study. I interviewed 581 currently married women of reproductive age group (15-49) years. The collected data was entered and analyzed using EPI-INFO version 3.5 and SPSS version 16.0 statistical program. Crude and adjusted odds ratios from bi-variant and multi-variant analyses were used to measure association between modern contraceptive use and independent variables. Results: The prevalence of modern contraceptive method was 23.924% with 95% CI (0.205%,0.273%). Final multiple logistic regression analysis showed that residence [(OR 2.86 with 95% CI (1.13,7.28)], possession of radio [(OR 3.43 with 95% CI (2.07,5.68)], income [(OR 5.00 with 95% CI (2.11,11.85)], knowledge [(OR 4.92 with 95% CI (3.05,7.93)] and communication with their partners [OR 3.3 with 95% CI (1.36,9.66)] were found significantly associated with utilization of family planning methods. Conclusion: The utilization of modern contraceptive method was low. Contraceptive utilization was associated with some socio-economic, socio-demographic and socio-psychological factors like age, residence, family monthly income, knowledge and spousal communication. It is also associated with different sources of information. Recommendation: One to five health development armies should be strengthen by Woreda health office, health facilities and health posts to improve modern contraceptive use to achieve Millennium development goals.

Effects of Birth Control Empowerment Program for Married Immigrant Vietnamese Women in South Korea.

Aims of the researchers were to develop an birth control empowerment program (BCEP) designed to help married immigrant women in Korea to plan their pregnancies. This study was as a randomized controlled trial to verify the effects of the BCEP. The BCEP was developed based on Falk-Rafael (2001)'s Empowerment caring model. The program was offered once a week, for 90 minutes per session, for a total of 10 weeks. The BCEP incorporated group instruction, group discussion, and counseling. The eligible participants were randomly assigned to either experimental group (n=23) or control group (n=23). Participants in the intervention group had significantly better outcomes in contraceptive knowledge (p<.001), contraceptive self-efficacy (p=.014), perceived contraceptive control (p<.001), sex-related spousal communication (p<.001), and sexual autonomy (p=.009). The BCEP was effective intervention method, which can promote family planning practices among married immigrant women.

Honey Let's Just Keep the Doors Openn: A Critical Study on the Abrogation of Spousal Privileged Communication in Canada and Its Implications in Criminology

The doctrine of spousal privileged communication existed in the common law and the Canadian law for centuries until it was abruptly abrogated in the year 2015 by the previous conservative government in light of the victims’ rights movement, without much debate or discussion in the parliament. Communications between spouses (and now partners) were privileged on the ground that they were so closely identified with each other than an aura of bias would surround any testimonial evidence they may present before a court against their partner, due to an inherent or vested interest in the trial. Until 2015, the reason this privileged communication was protected, with some limitations, was due to the preservation of marital harmony. Why was the preservation of marital harmony no more a social value in Canada? I argue that this unfounded and abrupt abrogation was unwarranted and since the same was done without any research, it will have long term implications in criminology. Therefore, this paper has three key aims, firstly, to explore the concept, meaning and the origin of spousal privileged communication in Canada and the commonwealth including the reasons behind safeguarding and fostering spousal relationships over other relationships. Secondly, the applicability and scope of spousal privileged communication in Canada pre and post 2015, i.e. Bill C-32 that abrogated spousal privileged communication in Canada. Chapter 2 will also address some key points that contradicts the intention of the legislature behind abrogating spousal privileged communication. Thirdly, the paper argues that the spousal privileged communication should have been retained, and draws upon evidence from criminological, sociological and legal realms to define four key reasons why this is so. This paper essentially calls for further understanding of the causal mechanisms that flow from the abrogation of this spousal privilege and for monitoring future outcomes through longitudinal studies.

Male labor migration, patriarchy, and the awareness-behavior gap: HIV risks and prevention among migrants’ wives in Armenia

ABSTRACTUnlike in most of the world, HIV incidence in the former Soviet Union continues to rise. While international labor migration has been identified as a potentially important contributor to this trend, most attention has been focused on risks of male migrants themselves. This study uses recent household survey data to examine HIV-related perceptions and actions of migrants’ left-behind wives in Armenia. Multivariate logistic regression analyses show that migrants’ wives are significantly more likely to suspect their husbands of extramarital sex than are non-migrants’ wives. The analyses detect greater worries about HIV infection and a higher likelihood of spousal communication on HIV matters among migrants’ wives, compared to non-migrants’ wives, but these differences are largely explained by the suspicion of husband’s extramarital sex. Finally, no difference between the two categories of women in the probability of consistent condom use with husbands is found. These findings are interpreted within the context of patriarchal culture and unequal gender relations in Armenian society as they are further reinforced by male migration. Implications of these findings for policies to increase women’s awareness of HIV risks associated with migration and their ability to reduce those risks are discussed.

Gender-Based Violence in Rural Uttar Pradesh, India: Prevalence and Association With Reproductive Health Behaviors.

This study explores the prevalence of different forms of domestic violence and their impact on women's reproductive health behavior in rural Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. Data were collected as a part of a large household survey carried out in 2009-2010. A multistage stratified systematic sampling design was used. A total of 4,223 married women aged 15 to 49 years and 2,274 husbands of these women were interviewed. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analyses. More than one third of married women in rural UP had experienced one or more forms of violence, such as verbal abuse, physical manhandling, and sexual abuse by their spouse. Nearly 47% of the women had experienced some form of violence during their last pregnancy. Significant associations were found between violence and incorrect reproductive health behaviors, pregnancy complications, poor birth preparedness, poor likelihood of institutional delivery, limited postnatal care, and limited spousal communication for family planning. After controlling for socio-economic variables in multivariate analysis, only pregnancy complications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.40, 1.85]) and lack of delivery preparedness (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = [0.68, 0.93]) were found to be significantly associated with violence. Husband's attitude and reporting of violence by their wives in different situations were not significantly associated. This study provides evidence of the association of violence on the reproductive health behavior of married women in rural India. The results argue for frontline health workers to identify and counsel pregnant women experiencing violence during antenatal check-up to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

Counseling Women and Couples on Family Planning: A Randomized Study in Jordan.

This article evaluates the effects of involving men in family planning counseling in Jordan using a randomized experiment. We randomly assigned a sample of 1,247 married women to receive women-only counseling, couples counseling, or no counseling. We measured the effects of each type of counseling on family planning use, knowledge, attitudes, and spousal communication about family planning. Compared to no counseling, couples counseling led to a 54 percent increase in uptake of modern methods. This effect is not significantly different from the 46 percent increase in modern method uptake as a result of women-only counseling. This outcome may be due, in part, to lower rates of compliance with the intervention among those assigned to couples counseling compared to women-only counseling. To realize the possible added benefits of involving men, more tailored approaches may be needed to increase men's participation.

Spousal Communication During Military Deployments

Military deployments are stressful for service members and partners. Communication is an important factor in trying to maintain a relationship during these separations. This article presents a brief overview of communication in long-distance relationships for context, then reviews articles on communication during military deployments. This review reveals that emerging technology has resulted in an increase in the ability to communicate during deployment, although some studies suggest that access to such technology may vary. The few empirical studies that examine new communication technologies have found that different media (e.g., video calling vs. letters) may serve different functions in communication during deployment (e.g., facilitating problem discussion vs. providing tangible reminders of the partner). Military specific concerns, such as restrictions on communication and the potential for communication to distract service members from their mission, also appear to be important factors. The article concludes with clinical and research recommendations.

A community-based, mixed-methods study of the attitudes and behaviors of men regarding modern family planning in Nigeria

ObjectivesTo investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and extent of involvement of men in family planning in Nigeria, and to evaluate spousal communication regarding family planning. MethodsA community-based, mixed-methods study enrolled participants in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria between January 11 and June 30, 2012. Quantitative surveys including semi-structured interviews were used to collect information from married men regarding their knowledge and attitudes to modern family planning. The qualitative components constituted focus group discussion sessions and in-depth interviews that included married men, married women, religious leaders, community leaders, and family-planning providers. ResultsQuantitative surveys were completed by 152 men; 99 (65.1%) reported that they would accompany their wives to family-planning clinics in the future, 116 (76.3%) reported approving of the use of modern contraception by their wives, and 132 (86.8%) reported wanting to know more about family planning. Both quantitative and qualitative aspects of the study indicated that husbands were the major decision makers regarding family size, choice of contraceptive, and pregnancy timing. ConclusionIn terms of fertility goals and family planning, men were the primary decision makers; consequently, obtaining their support and commitment to family planning is of crucial importance in Nigeria.

Community Dialogue to Shift Social Norms and Enable Family Planning: An Evaluation of the Family Planning Results Initiative in Kenya.

IntroductionUse of family planning (FP) is powerfully shaped by social and gender norms, including the perceived acceptability of FP and gender roles that limit women’s autonomy and restrict communication and decision-making between men and women. This study evaluated an intervention that catalyzed ongoing community dialogues about gender and FP in Siaya county, Nyanza Province, Kenya. Specifically, we explored the changes in perceived acceptability of FP, gender norms and use of FP.MethodsWe used a mixed-method approach. Information on married men and women’s socio-demographic characteristics, pregnancy intentions, gender-related beliefs, FP knowledge, attitudes, and use were collected during county-representative, cross-sectional household surveys at baseline (2009; n11 = 650 women; n12 = 305 men) and endline (2012; n21 = 617 women; n22 = 317 men); exposure to the intervention was measured at endline. We assessed changes in FP use at endline vs. baseline, and fitted multivariate logistic regression models for FP use to examine its association with intervention exposure and explore other predictors of use at endline. In-depth, qualitative interviews with 10 couples at endline further explored enablers and barriers to FP use.ResultsAt baseline, 34.0% of women and 27.9% of men used a modern FP method compared to 51.2% and 52.2%, respectively, at endline (p<0.05). Exposure to FP dialogues was associated with 1.78 (95% CI: 1.20–2.63) times higher odds of using a modern FP method at endline for women, but this association was not significant for men. Women’s use of modern FP was significantly associated with higher spousal communication, control over own cash earnings, and FP self-efficacy. Men who reported high approval of FP were significantly more likely to use modern FP if reporting high approval of FP and more equitable gender beliefs. FP dialogues addressed persistent myths and misconceptions, normalized FP discussions, and increased its acceptability. Public examples of couples making joint FP decisions legitimized communication and decision-making with spouses about FP especially for men; women described partner support as key enabler of FP use.ConclusionsOur evaluation demonstrates that an intervention that catalyzes open dialogue about gender and FP can shift social norms, enable more equitable couple communication and decision-making and, ultimately, increase use of FP.

The Relationship between Spousal Communication and Financial Arguments and Stress between Young Married Couples

Finances are regarded as one of many argument matters between spouses, which in turn can cause financial stress. This article investigated the relationship between spousal communication, financial ...

Women's Empowerment and HIV Prevention in Rural Malawi

ABSTRACTThis study examines the impact of women's empowerment on attitudes toward HIV prevention using the Malawi Diffusion and Ideational Change Project (MDICP), a panel dataset of over 1,200 married women in rural Malawi from 1998 to 2008. Results indicate that an increase in women's bargaining power promotes adequate HIV prevention strategies, namely condom use within marriage and HIV-related spousal communication. Own income, language skills, and awareness of options outside marriage also play an important role. By estimating a constant for each individual in the sample, the analysis controls for the impact individual-specific, nonmeasurable characteristics have on attitudes toward prevention. It captures the impact of HIV campaigns and increases in HIV prevalence over time on prevention behavior by using (regional) time trends. The findings are highly comparable across different econometric specifications and suggest substantial gains from placing greater emphasis on women's empowerment to effectively combat the spread of HIV, particularly in developing countries.

Quality of Spousal Relationship on Procurement of Abortion in Peri-Urban Nigeria.

The quality of spousal relationship may influence the acceptance of the status of pregnancies and the decision to procure abortion; however, this relationship has largely been unexplored. The objective of this paper is to assess the influence of specific dimensions of relationship quality on abortion procurement. Data from the 2010 Family Health and Wealth Survey site were used to assess the association between relationship quality and induced abortion among 763 ever-pregnant married or cohabiting women in Ipetumodu, South-west Nigeria. Abortion question though not directly related to current time, however, it provides a proxy for the analysis in such context where abortion is highly restrictive with high possibility of underestimation. The association between relationship quality and abortion risk was analyzed using bivariate and multivariate (logistic regression) methods. Only 7.9% of women 15-49 years reported ever having induced abortion. Communication was the only dimension of relationship quality that showed significant association with history of induced abortion (aOR = 0.42; 95% C.I. = 0.24-0.77). The paper concludes that spousal communication is a significant issue that deserves high consideration in efforts to improve maternal health in Nigeria.

Spousal approval, communication and contraceptive behaviour in rural Nigeria

Background/Aims: In developing countries such as Nigeria, many people do not practise family planning despite its associated benefits. Studies have found links between spousal approval and communication and family planning. However, the interrelationship between these two variables and family planning has not been examined and quantified. This article investigates the association between spousal approval and communication and the use of family planning in Jesse Kingdom, Nigeria. Methods: A structured interview schedule administered by trained female interviewers was used to collect data from 824 female participants of reproductive age. A chi-squared test was used to determine the association between spousal approval and communication and the use of family planning. Results: Spousal approval and communication were found to increase the uptake of family planning services. Of the respondents (38.3%) whose husbands approved of family planning methods, nearly two thirds reported using contraception, whereas respondents (24.6%) whose husbands disapproved of family planning had never used such methods. Conclusions: Social support from male partners is important in decisions about contraceptive use by women. The need for men to be targeted by family planning services was identified, which will enable them to support their wives' use of family planning services or take responsibility themselves for contraceptive use.

Relationships among spousal communication, self-efficacy, and motivation among expectant Latino fathers who smoke.

Cigarette smoking is a prevalent problem among Latinos, yet little is known about what factors motivate them to quit smoking or make them feel more confident that they can. Given cultural emphases on familial bonds among Latinos (e.g., familismo), it is possible that communication processes among Latino spouses play an important role. The present study tested a mechanistic model in which perceived spousal constructive communication patterns predicted changes in level of motivation for smoking cessation through changes in self-efficacy among Latino expectant fathers. Latino males (n = 173) and their pregnant partners participated in a couple-based intervention targeting males' smoking. Couples completed self-report measures of constructive communication, self-efficacy (male partners only), and motivation to quit (male partners only) at 4 time points throughout the intervention. Higher levels of perceived constructive communication among Latino male partners predicted subsequent increases in male partners' self-efficacy and, to a lesser degree, motivation to quit smoking; however, self-efficacy did not mediate associations between constructive communication and motivation to quit smoking. Furthermore, positive relationships with communication were only significant at measurements taken after completion of the intervention. Female partners' level of perceived constructive communication did not predict male partners' outcomes. These results provide preliminary evidence to support the utility of couple-based interventions for Latino men who smoke. Findings also suggest that perceptions of communication processes among Latino partners (particularly male partners) may be an important target for interventions aimed at increasing desire and perceived ability to quit smoking among Latino men. (PsycINFO Database Record