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Male partner influence on family planning and contraceptive use: perspectives from community members and healthcare providers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Source :
- Reproductive Health, Vol 16, Iss 1, Pp 1-15 (2019), Reproductive Health
- Publication Year :
- 2019
- Publisher :
- BMC, 2019.
-
Abstract
- Background South Africa faces numerous reproductive challenges that include high rates of unplanned and adolescent pregnancies. The uptake and utilization of family planning services and modern contraception methods depend on numerous factors. The male partner plays a key role in reproductive health but data on this topic are outdated or have a predominant HIV prevention focus. The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of male partners on family planning and contraceptive (FP/C) uptake and use within the contemporary South African setting, and to identify further areas of exploration. Methods This qualitative study was conducted in a community and healthcare provision setting in the eThekwini District in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Data were collected from twelve community-based focus group discussions (n = 103), two healthcare providers focus group discussions (n = 16), and eight key informant individual in-depth interviews. Following a constructionist paradigm and using the health utilization behaviour model, data were analysed using thematic analysis, allowing a robust and holistic exploration of the data. Results The data from this study revealed the complex and evolving role that male partners play in FP/C uptake and use within this setting. Key themes from the data elucidated the dual nature of male involvement in FP/C use. Culturally influenced gender dynamics and adequate understanding of FP/C information were highlighted as key factors that influenced male attitudes and perceptions about contraceptive use, whether positively or negatively. Male opposition was attributed to limited understanding; misunderstandings about side-effects; male dominance in relationships; and physical abuse. These factors contributed to covert or discontinued use by female partners. Pathways identified through which male partners positively influenced FP/C uptake and access include: social support, adequate information, and shared responsibility. Conclusions Understanding the role that male partners play in FP/C uptake and use is important in preventing unintended pregnancies and improving family planning policy and service delivery programmes. By identifying the barriers that male partners present, appropriate strategies can be implemented. Equally important is identifying how male partners facilitate and promote adherence and use, and how these positive strategies can be incorporated into policy to improve the uptake and use of FP/C.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Male
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
medicine.medical_specialty
Facilitators
Adolescent
Service delivery framework
Health Personnel
Sex Education
Male partners
lcsh:Gynecology and obstetrics
Young Adult
03 medical and health sciences
South Africa
0302 clinical medicine
Pregnancy
Health care
medicine
Humans
030212 general & internal medicine
Family planning
Contraception Behavior
Qualitative Research
lcsh:RG1-991
Family planning policy
Reproductive health
030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine
Influencers
business.industry
Research
Community Participation
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Men
Middle Aged
Focus group
Sexual Partners
Contraception
Reproductive Medicine
Family Planning Services
Family medicine
Female
Thematic analysis
business
Psychology
Barriers
Qualitative research
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17424755
- Volume :
- 16
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Reproductive Health
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....5add57fdb774410cda374798570e0bbf