Family Planning Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Married Men and Women in Rural Areas of Pakistan: Findings from a Qualitative Need Assessment Study

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a qualitative assessment aimed at exploring knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding family planning and factors that influence the need for and use of modern contraceptives. A descriptive exploratory study was conducted with married women and men aged between 15 and 40. Overall, 24 focus group discussions were conducted with male and female participants in three provinces of Pakistan. The findings reveal that the majority knew about some modern contraceptive methods, but the overall contraceptive use was very low. Knowledge and use of any contraceptive method were particularly low. Reasons for not using family planning and modern contraception included incomplete family size, negative perceptions, in-laws' disapproval, religious concerns, side-effects, and lack of access to quality services. The majority preferred private facilities over the government health facilities as the later were cited as derided. The study concluded the need for qualified female healthcare providers, especially for long term family planning services at health facilities instead of camps arranged occasionally. Addressing issues around access, affordability, availability, and sociocultural barriers about modern contraception as well as involving men will help to meet the needs and ensure that the women and couples fulfill their childbearing and reproductive health goals.

Perception and attitude of mothers toward family planning in Southern Nigeria

“…this result is also in agreement with findings obtained from studies from other geopolitical zones of nigeria, uganda and Pakistan [7,14,17,18]. Knowledge and awareness of available health care services or risky health behavior among married women could be influenced by education, wealth and media exposure, as demonstrated by a study on awareness and behavior regarding sexually transmitted diseases (stDs) and hIV/aIDs in bangladesh [19].…”

“…Knowledge and awareness of available health care services or risky health behavior among married women could be influenced by education, wealth and media exposure, as demonstrated by a study on awareness and behavior regarding sexually transmitted diseases (stDs) and hIV/aIDs in bangladesh [19]. It is, however, noteworthy that awareness about contraception does not translate into willingness to practice the same; besides, general awareness about contraception could embellish inadequate knowledge that might be laced with misinformation and misconceptions [14,17].…”

“…some of the factors identified include inadequate knowledge, as well as misconceptions and myths about the use of modern contraceptives [7,13]. some of the myths about contraception in africa are the belief that use of contraceptives is associated with health problems, that contraceptives have serious side effects and that contraceptives could cause infertility [7,13,14].…”

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Yemeni Women Attending Primary Healthcare Centers in Sana’a City towards Family Planning

“…In Ghana, female teachers' level of knowledge and practice of FP was high (26). However, the level of awareness of FP and contraceptive methods was found to be quite acceptable and the level of contraceptive use was unsatisfactory in rural areas of Pakistan, Khartoum, Mbouda district in Cameroon, southern Nigeria and Jimma zone of Ethiopia (27)(28)(29)(30)(31).…”

Aspects That Hinder Integration Of Men In Reproductive Planning: An Integrative Review

“…In these countries, there is a preference for large families, as well as there are religious issues and concerns that women have extramarital relations [24][25][26]. In these contexts, patrilineal traditions to preserve family lineages value the presence of children and encourage large families, as having many children indicates wealth and financial security.…”