Men as family planning stakeholders
Despite the fact that men are often the decision-makers in family planning matters, many studies suggest that men lack sufficient knowledge about family planning, spacing, and the variety of available contraceptives to make life-affirming, informed choices. Advancement and adoption of contraceptive technology demands male support. Women should expect support from partners and kin in her environment to understanding and coping with the responsibility and changes in menstrual cycle accompanying a variety of methods of contraception.
There are a variety of broader implications surrounding male responsibility and involvement in family planning. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association of 6,695 husbands aged 15-65 in the state of Uttar Pradesh revealed that men with less than five years of formal education, had more than one child, or were classified as extremely poor were factors that were all independently associated with elevated odds of (self-reported) incidence and frequency of abuse.
Both pre- and extra-marital sex, symptoms of STIs and unplanned pregnancies account for elevated odds of physical and sexual spousal abuse, even when controlling for social and demographic factors. In fact, “Abuse was more common among men who did not practice contraception than among those who did (49% vs. 42%), and was reported more frequently by men who had experienced an unplanned pregnancy than by those who had not (52% vs. 44%).” The study indicated that each variable was most strongly associated with nonconsensual sex without physical force.
Respond.
There are a plethora of policy, advocacy and intervention responses that readily emerge from these findings. First, rejecting violence as a means of conflict resolution and expressing power, particularly in family dynamics, is a worthy, long-term aim that must underscore any effort thereafter. Next, expanding access to contraceptive knowledge and technology synergistically increases life-choices for both men and women; this is a step towards raising standards of education and reducing poverty- both of which positively correlate with reduced spousal abuse and increased contraception acceptance and use. Then, alleviating the mal-effects of poverty lessens the unnecessary burden carried by women and allows men to assume greater responsibility for their lives.
Unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections decrease the overall quality of life of both partners. Behavior Change Communication efforts to thwart these factors must target both men and women accordingly. The eventual outcome enhances the lives of women and families overall. Expanding the basket, knowledge, availability and usage of contraceptives must consider both women and men, and the synergy in focusing on the empowerment of all genders. Behavior Change Communication can address both the immediate symptoms and eventual outcomes towards reproductive justice, exploiting the links between male responsibility, various forms of abuse and contraceptive acceptance.
There are a variety of broader implications surrounding male responsibility and involvement in family planning. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association of 6,695 husbands aged 15-65 in the state of Uttar Pradesh revealed that men with less than five years of formal education, had more than one child, or were classified as extremely poor were factors that were all independently associated with elevated odds of (self-reported) incidence and frequency of abuse.
Both pre- and extra-marital sex, symptoms of STIs and unplanned pregnancies account for elevated odds of physical and sexual spousal abuse, even when controlling for social and demographic factors. In fact, “Abuse was more common among men who did not practice contraception than among those who did (49% vs. 42%), and was reported more frequently by men who had experienced an unplanned pregnancy than by those who had not (52% vs. 44%).” The study indicated that each variable was most strongly associated with nonconsensual sex without physical force.
Respond.
There are a plethora of policy, advocacy and intervention responses that readily emerge from these findings. First, rejecting violence as a means of conflict resolution and expressing power, particularly in family dynamics, is a worthy, long-term aim that must underscore any effort thereafter. Next, expanding access to contraceptive knowledge and technology synergistically increases life-choices for both men and women; this is a step towards raising standards of education and reducing poverty- both of which positively correlate with reduced spousal abuse and increased contraception acceptance and use. Then, alleviating the mal-effects of poverty lessens the unnecessary burden carried by women and allows men to assume greater responsibility for their lives.
Unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections decrease the overall quality of life of both partners. Behavior Change Communication efforts to thwart these factors must target both men and women accordingly. The eventual outcome enhances the lives of women and families overall. Expanding the basket, knowledge, availability and usage of contraceptives must consider both women and men, and the synergy in focusing on the empowerment of all genders. Behavior Change Communication can address both the immediate symptoms and eventual outcomes towards reproductive justice, exploiting the links between male responsibility, various forms of abuse and contraceptive acceptance.
posted by Diepiriye at 10:44 AM
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