Family planning decisions, perceptions and gender dynamics among couples in Mwanza, Tanzania: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundContraceptive use is low in developing countries which are still largely driven by male dominated culture and patriarchal values. This study explored family planning (FP) decisions, perceptions and gender dynamics among couples in Mwanza region of Tanzania.MethodsTwelve focus group discussions and six in-depth interviews were used to collect information from married or cohabiting males and females aged 18–49. The participants were purposively selected. Qualitative methods were used to explore family planning decisions, perceptions and gender dynamics among couples. A guide with questions related to family planning perceptions, decisions and gender dynamics was used. The discussions and interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed manually and subjected to content analysis.ResultsFour themes emerged during the study. First, “risks and costs” which refer to the side effects of FP methods and the treatment of side -effects as well as the costs inherit in being labeled as an unfaithful spouse. Second, “male involvement” as men showed little interest in participating in family planning issues. However, the same men were mentioned as key decision-makers even on the number of children a couple should have and the child spacing of these children. Third, “gender relations and communication” as participants indicated that few women participated in decision-making on family planning and the number of children to have. Fourth, “urban–rural differences”, life in rural favoring having more children than urban areas therefore, the value of children depended on the place of residence.ConclusionFamily Planning programs should adapt the promotion of communication as well as joint decision-making on FP among couples as a strategy aimed at enhancing FP use.

Dynamics in Family Patterns in Tanzania: The Case of Kijitonyama Ward, Kinondoni District, Dar Es Salaam Region, Tanzania

“…The findings of this study confirm the previous findings by Manyama (2016), Mosha (2013) and Mhando (2011) who found that the value of children in the Tanzanian families cannot be overemphasized. Children's value is linked to social and economic assistance in the families.…”

“…The informants argued that the patriarchal system will continue to dominate because it is deeply rooted in the Tanzanian culture and has proved to maintain order (Male informant, 43 years, primary education, Kijitonyama). Similar observation on elevated mens' position in decision making in the Tanzanian families was also made by Mosha et al (2013), Mwageni et al (1998) and Rweyemamu (1999). Other informants also argued that egalitarian system will also flourish in the future because of increased opportunities to education, massive sensitization on gender equality altogether have some impact on the social organization of the Tanzanian societies (Female informant, 34 years, Diploma education, Kijitonyama).…”

“…One of the striking impressions is that the informants are aware of how families are mediated by the changing economy and would wish to respond to that by bearing a manageable number of children. The trend towards small family size particularly in the urban areas in Tanzania has also been renowned by numerous scholars including; Greene (2000), Joseph (2010), Mosha (2013), MoHCDGEC (2016), Mwageni (1998) and NBS (2013).…”

Influence of Knowledge of Spousal Fertility Cycles on Male Reproductive Health Participation in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

“…The results also indicate that higher number of children was observed among those who had lower knowledge of their partners" ovulation dates. Notably, males who were interested in their spouse"s sexual health had lower household sizes than their counterparts 36,37 . Although the difference is not statistically significant in this study, linking it with results from other studies, points to a likely association between knowledge of a partner"s sexual health, controlled household sizes as well as practice of family planning -important statistics that demand due consideration when formulating reproductive health interventions or family planning and family spacing control policies.…”

Context-specific Factors and Contraceptive Use: A Mixed Method Study among Women, Men and Health Providers in a Rural Ghanaian District

“…Unintended pregnancies resulting from unplanned pregnancies are the consequences of poor contraceptive use in most developing countries 9 . Consequently, when faced with an unintended pregnancy, women may resort to an unsafe abortion if adequate safe abortion services are not available 6,10,11 . In Ghana, unmet need levels for family planning stands at 29.9% in recent 2014 Demographic Health Survey (DHS) results 12 .…”