Modern Contraception Initiation: Does Involving Husbands Make a Difference?
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Date
1991-04
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
A field trial to initiate modern contraception (Me) was conducted in Kotebe Awraja, Addis Ababa Administrative Region, between August 1990 and January 1991. The purpose of the field trial was to examine what effect involving husbands in a family planning (FP) intervention program would have on the initiation of modern contraception (Me) by the couple. A total of 528 married women aged 15-49 were included in the study, randomly divided into two groups on the basis of "blocked" assignments to home visitors. The experimental group, totaling 267 received the intervention package with their husbands, while the control group, totaling 261 received the intervention package without the involvement of their husbands. The FP intervention package was the same. A baseline interview conducted to assess socio-demographic, reproductive, knowledge and attitudes of the wives, as well as of their husbands prior to group assignment did not reveal any statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups. Of the 528 married couples who were entered into the study, 106 initiated Me. A statistically significant higher proportion of couples in the experiment group initiated Me as compared to those in the control group. (relative risk 1.61), 95%CI (1.13, 2 . 3), p < .007. The younger age of wife and husband, higher educational level of wife, greater number of barriers identified to use MC, and having a husband's support were positively associated with the verified initiation of MC . It is concluded that FP programs for married women of reproductive age which include husbands have a higher degree of success than those only directed to wives. It is therefore recommended that future family planning programs should include men and that further investigation of its effectiveness be implemented .
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Keywords
Contraception, Initiation