Knowledge of the ovulatory cycle and its determinants among women of childbearing age in Haiti: a population-based study using the 2016/2017 Haitian Demographic Health Survey

Abstract

Background The knowledge of ovulatory cycle (KOC) is the base for natural family planning methods, yet few studies have paid attention to women’s KOC. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of correct KOC and its determinants among women of childbearing age in Haiti. Methods Data from the nationally representative cross-sectional Haiti Demographic and Health Survey 2016/17 were used. STATA/SE version 14 was employed to analyse the data by computing descriptive statistics, Chi‑square, and binary logistic regression model to assess the socio-economic and demographic predictors of correct KOC. P-value less than 0.05 was taken as a significant association. Results Out of 14,371 women of childbearing age who constituted our sample study, 24.1% (95% CI 23.4–24.8) had correct KOC. In addition, the findings showed that place of residence, respondent’s education level, wealth index, currently working, husband/partner’s education level, contraceptive use, exposure to mass media FP messages, and fieldworker visit were significantly associated with correct KOC. Conclusion Policies should include increasing the literacy at community level as well as of individual women and their partners. Moreover, increasing awareness about family planning should be prioritized, especially for women from poor households and rural areas.

Demographic and socio-economic correlates of knowledge of the ovulatory cycle among tribal women in India: Evidence from the nationally representative survey (NFHS-5)

“…The findings revealed that the level of education of women was positively and expressively associated factors with KOC. Women with secondary education status were 24% more likely to have KOC (AOR: 1.24, 95% CI:1.006–1.528) compared to those with a primary level of education or no education, these findings align with previous studies [ 31 – 34 ]. Similarly, higher and secondary education level of husbands/partners were 2.5 times (AOR: 2.501, 95% CI:1.807–3.461) and 1.6 times (AOR: 1.599, 95% CI:1.305–1.959) more likely to contributes to women’s KOC respectively than no education.…”

“…For our study, we categorized women into two groups according to KOC. Depending on the women’s responses, they were classified as ‘having accurate KOC’ who answered - were at “the middle of the menstrual cycle” and ‘not having accurate KOC’ refers to those who responded the fertile period was “during her period”, “after the period ended”, “before period begins”, “at any time”, “others” and “don’t know” [ 21 ].…”

“…Education about the ovulatory cycle can serve as a catalyst for improved family planning, healthier pregnancies, and the development of more robust and resilient tribal communities. The knowledge of the ovulatory cycle (KOC) is the base for natural family planning methods [ 21 ]. Natural family planning (NFP), introduced in 1970 and distinguished from contraceptives, is part of family planning methods along with contraceptives and fertility awareness-based methods (FABM).…”

“…In the contemporary landscape of public health, where increased health risks, denials, terminations, and a substantial need for modern methods of contraception, it becomes imperative to examine the knowledge of the ovulatory period among reproductive tribal women in India [ 21 ]. This understanding is not merely a matter of academic interest but forms the bedrock for recommending Natural Methods of Family Planning (NMFPs) as a viable alternative to modern contraceptives [ 4 , 24 ].…”

“…However, a significant gap exists in the existing literature. Very few studies have addressed the association of socio-economic factors with the knowledge of the ovulatory cycle (KOC) among indigenous reproductive women [ 4 , 21 , 28 , 29 ]. This gap is particularly concerning given the potential implications of KOC on contraceptive use and reproductive health outcomes.…”