Involving Men in Reproductive and Fertility Issues : Insights from Punjab
Pakistan's slackening in its fertility transition is a cause of concern internationally, as well as within the country. This study has a twofold aim of exploring couples' dynamics during decision processes regarding fertility intentions a...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Other Health Study |
| Language: | English en_US |
| Published: |
World Bank, Washington, DC
2014
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/2013/08/18665186/involving-men-reproductive-fertility-issues-insights-punjab http://hdl.handle.net/10986/16987 |
| Summary: | Pakistan's slackening in its
fertility transition is a cause of concern internationally,
as well as within the country. This study has a twofold aim
of exploring couples' dynamics during decision
processes regarding fertility intentions and practices along
with community perceptions of male-focused interventions and
men's suggestions for future intervention strategies.
The findings are based on three data sources. The primary
data source is a 2013 qualitative study in four districts of
Punjab province. The second data source is secondary
analysis of the baseline and end line surveys of the Family
Advancement for Life and Health (FALAH 2007-2012) project.
The third data source is the Pakistan Demographic Health
Survey (PDHS) 1990-1991 and 2006-2007, which were used to
assess trends over two decades. The 2013 qualitative study
was in four districts of Punjab, namely Jhelum, Bahawalpur,
D.G. Khan, and Okara. The first three were FALAH districts
in which interventions were tested, while the fourth was
chosen as a control district. A total of 12 focus group
discussions were conducted with men, and in-depth interviews
were conducted with 26 couples in these districts. Data from
2,649 men and 638 couples from the FALAH baseline and end
line surveys were analyzed to assess the impact of FALAH
male-directed interventions on fertility intentions and
behavior. This study seeks to explore the decision-making
process of couples in the move from intentions to fertility
behavior. It also examines the readiness of men to be
involved in family planning (FP) programs through different
male-centered interventions. In-depth interviews (IDIs) with
couples are especially direct in gauging spousal perception
of the partner's FP approval or disapproval. The study
focuses on urban and semi-urban areas of Punjab province and
can be used, at least indicatively, for interregional and
temporal analyses within the Pakistani context. |
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