Socio-Cultural Factors in Decisions Related To Fertility in Remotely Located Communities: The Case of Suri Ethnic Group
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Date
2003-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
A qualitative study was conducted in Surma woreda, Southern Nations, Nationalities,
and People’s Region (SNNPR) in order to investigate the socio-cultural factors in
decisions related to fertility in Suri ethnic group. Key informants were selected by
heterogeneous and snowball sample selection techniques. Key informant in – depth
interviews using open-ended questions and observations using checklists were the
data collection techniques. Data analysis was done manually in the field and using
computer software for handling qualitative data. The Suri has an old tradition of child
spacing practice. The reason for their child spacing practices are related to child
welfare especially related to child feeding practices, maternal well being for fear of
maternal depletion as a result of closely spaced births and the violent way of life that
the Suri people often find themselves in. The traditional methods used for child
spacing include the rhythm method, post – partum sexual abstinence, and prolonged
breastfeeding. Traditional sexual norms such as polygamy and extramarital relation in
men and the pastoralist way of life support child spacing practice using the traditional
methods. In instances of unwanted pregnancy, the Suri try to induce abortion using
local materials and plants. Recommendations were given to establish reproductive
health services in the area as well as strengthening the already existing traditional
family planning method by providing scientific and reliable information
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Socio-Cultural Factors