ISLAMABAD-
While the average number of births by women has drastically dropped from six in 1950’s to a little over three in recent years in Pakistan, Pakistani men have shown increasing interest about family planning and contraception due to the financial challenges of raising large families.
This concern has increased spousal communication about family size and contraceptive use, says a recent study.
Carried out by the Population Council with funding from the World Bank through the Bank-Netherlands Partnership Program (BNPP), the study found that men indeed want fewer children and are eager to receive technical information about family planning.
The study explored couples’ decision making processes regarding family size and contraceptive choices. It also looked at community perceptions of male-focused family planning interventions and men’s suggestions for future intervention strategies.
The qualitative study took place in four districts in Punjab, Pakistan and consisted of focus group discussions with men and in-depth interviews with couples.
Data from existing quantitative baseline and surveys in the same area were also reanalyzed to assess the impact of male-directed interventions on fertility intentions and behaviour.
Key findings of the study included that over the last two decades, there has been a drastic change in men’s attitudes towards family planning and their readiness to be involved increased access to information and services.
As more children incur greater expenses, economic concerns have stimulated communication between husbands and wives on family size and contraceptive use, notes the study.
The study shows strong interest among men in family planning programs. Male group meetings conducted by an educated and skillful medical practitioner are suggested (both by men and women) as the most appropriate intervention for providing men with method-specific knowledge.
On involving religious leaders in family planning programs, the study showed mixed opinions with women more in favour than men.
Those in favour of involving religious leaders suggest that they be trained and discuss family planning with reference to the Quran and Hadith.
Role of media in population control was supported less by men than women, primarily due to the impression that providing details on contraceptive methods on media is uncomfortable for family audience.
The male respondents in the study have suggested recruiting male health workers in communities, with roles similar to Lady Health Workers, providing services to men at the community level.
The study concludes that the supply side issues are the main factors hindering couples’ adoption of family planning and must be addressed.
Men’s positive attitudes and their readiness to be involved in family planning programs suggest it is an ideal time for direct health interventions for men in Punjab.
A focused effort to mobilize men through male-specific interventions is likely to increase the demand for contraceptives but these interventions have to be backed up by an improvement in the supply of contraceptives and availability of family planning services in accessible facilities, adds the study.
