Men and reproductive health in rural Pakistan: the case for increased male participation

Objectives In Pakistan, the role of men has always been considered to dominate in the decision-making process pertaining to women's fertility and birth spacing. This study was done to explore men's knowledge, perceptions and behavior on various reproductive health issues. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 180 married adult males in 12 rural districts of Pakistan in 2000. The study was qualitative, utilizing tools such as in-depth and key-informant interviews. Results The findings pointed out gaps in knowledge and misconceptions among men on a range of reproductive health issues and stress the need for health education. The findings suggest that strategies such as couple counseling, door-to-door campaigns by village-based male family planning workers and small group meetings could be effective. This study indicates a pressing need for incorporating effective intervention strategies, both at the community and the clinic level, backed with efficient counseling, motivation, and provision of services with appropriate education of males in rural areas. Conclusion The findings suggest that investment into promotion of healthy fertility control practices among men will be effective in the near future, as they are interested in acquiring new knowledge and are willing to become partners.     

Reproductive health and HIV awareness among newly married Egyptian couples without formal education

Objective

To assess awareness of several reproductive health and HIV issues and to determine the sources of reproductive health knowledge.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 150 randomly recruited, newly married couples without formal education attending gynecology or andrology outpatient clinics in Cairo, Egypt, was conducted from January 2012 to January 2013. Participants were interviewed separately and asked to respond to a semi-structured questionnaire on reproductive health and HIV awareness.

Results

Most participants had not received premarital counseling or undergone premarital testing. Awareness about HIV was relatively high: 117 (78.0%) women and 128 (85.3%) men had heard of HIV and had some awareness of the modes of HIV transmission. Only 24 (16.0%) women had ever used a condom compared with 36 (24.0%) men. Only two men out of the 150 couples questioned were aware of the free HIV hotline. Television and friends were the main sources of reproductive health knowledge.

Conclusion

Routine premarital counseling and testing by reproductive health, gynecology, and andrology specialists need to be enforced. Mass media is an essential source of knowledge about HIV and reproductive health. Premarital, reproductive health, and HIV education programs need to be improved.     

Fertility-related knowledge and information-seeking behaviour among people of reproductive age: a qualitative study

Some potentially modifiable factors adversely affect fertility and pregnancy health. To inform a fertility health promotion programme, this study investigated fertility knowledge and information-seeking behaviour among people of reproductive age. This was a qualitative study involving six focus group discussions with women and men who intended to have children in the future and eight paired interviews with couples who were actively trying to conceive. Participants (n?=?74) themselves generally claimed ‘low’ to ‘average’ levels of knowledge about fertility. Most of them overestimated women’s reproductive lifespan and had limited knowledge about the ‘fertile window’ of the menstrual cycle. The Internet was a common source of fertility-related information and social media was viewed as a potential effective avenue for dissemination of messages about fertility and how to protect it. Most participants agreed that primary health care providers, such as general practitioners (GPs), are well placed to provide information regarding fertility and pregnancy health. This study identified several gaps in knowledge among people of reproductive age about factors that influence fertility and pregnancy health negatively. Addressing these knowledge gaps in school curricula, primary care and health promotion would assist people to realize their reproductive goals and reduce the risk of infertility and adverse obstetric outcomes.     

Infertility in rural Ghana.

OBJECTIVES: This study measured the prevalence of self-reported infertility, as well as the level of knowledge of causes of infertility. Infertility was defined as failure to achieve conception after a minimum of 12 months of exposure. METHODS: Prevalence and knowledge of infertility were assessed in a representative community-based survey using a structured questionnaire in a rural district in Ghana among a random sample of 2,179 men and women from 15 to 49 years. RESULTS: The prevalence of infertility was 11.8% among women and 15.8% among men. The knowledge of causes of infertility was limited; only 46.5% of the respondents reported any cause. Most respondents failed to identify reproductive tract infections as causes of infertility. CONCLUSIONS: Infertility in Ghana and other sub-Saharan countries deserves more recognition as a public health problem. Prevention and treatment of infertility should be incorporated in reproductive health programs, while male participation in reproductive health programs and research needs to be encouraged. Public education about the causes of infertility is recommended.     

The impact of health education on reproductive health knowledge among adolescents in a rural Nigerian community.

This intervention study was to evaluate the impact of reproductive health education on the knowledge and attitude of adolescents in a rural Nigerian community to reproductive health issues. It compared adolescents in a secondary school (study group), which received health education on reproductive health with another secondary school (control group), which did not receive any. The impact of the programme was evaluated with a pre-test baseline knowledge and post-test gain in the knowledge 6 weeks later, using the same questionnaire. A total of 180 students selected by systematic sampling from each of the two randomly selected schools in Item, a rural community in south-east Nigeria participated in the programme. While all the respondents have heard of reproductive health and could identify at least one of its components, their knowledge of it prior to the health education were defective and were obtained mainly from peers and the mass media. Such information was incomplete and often coloured with cultural and religious bias. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) gain in correct knowledge following the health education. The students in the study group showed a positive and permissive attitude towards reproductive health education and there was a drop in risky sexual behaviour following the intervention. Pre-marital sex (94.3%), pregnancy prevention and abortion (88.5%) and sexually transmitted infections (82.8%) were common reproductive health problems raised by the students. Reproductive health education as part of the school curriculum will provide an effective means of improving knowledge and reducing reproductive health problems among adolescents in developing countries.     

Effectiveness of a video intervention on fertility knowledge among university students: a randomised pre-test/post-test study

Objectives: Recent evidence has shown that young adults have poor knowledge about reproductive health and fertility, and that interventions are needed to increase fertility awareness. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a brief video in increasing knowledge about fertility and infertility in young adults.

Methods: We carried out a two-arm, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial with a pre-test/post-test design (NCT02607761, ClinicalTrials.gov). The sample was composed of 173 undergraduates who completed a self-report questionnaire. Participants were randomly assigned to exposure or no exposure to an educational video about reproductive health and infertility (intervention group, n?=?89; control group, n?=?84).

Results: At baseline, participants revealed poor knowledge of infertility risk factors and fertility issues, and average knowledge of the definition of infertility. Interaction effects between group and time were found for all variables targeted in the video. Participants in the intervention group significantly increased their knowledge of fertility issues, infertility risk factors and the definition of infertility. No significant differences in post-test knowledge were observed in the control group, except for the age at which there is a marked decrease in female fertility.

Conclusions: A short video intervention is effective in increasing short-term knowledge about reproductive health and infertility. If future research using longer intervals corroborates our findings, video intervention could be a useful tool in public health prevention campaigns.     

上海婚前体检男女青年生殖健康知识状况分析

目的:了解上海地区婚前体检男女青年的生殖健康知识水平,为更有效地在未婚青年中开展性教育提供科学依据。方法:采用结构式问卷对上海三个市区和两个郊县婚前体检的男女青年各2580名进行调查。结果:男女青年具有一定的生殖生理、避孕及性病知识,但明显不足,特别是与妊娠有关的生理知识、避孕知识和性病防治知识。男女青年现有的知识主要来自学校教育、书报传媒以及同学朋友。他们认为最理想的知识来源途径主要有学校教育、书报传媒和医院宣教。结论:应加强学校、家庭与社会的性教育,提高未婚青年的生殖健康知识水平。     

Gender and health analysis of sexual behaviour in south-western Nigeria

This paper reports the main results of a series of interviews conducted among the Yoruba of south-western Nigeria. Fifty men and fifty women differing in socio-demographic backgrounds were studied. The study revealed that during their first sexual experience, Yoruba girls are at risk of contacting sexually transmitted diseases and of having unplanned pregnancies because of the traditional control measures and lack of adequate sex education even among those from non-traditional backgrounds. Choice of marriage partner is influenced by the kin, which encourages early marriage and multiple sexual relationships through polygyny. Yoruba men do not like contraceptives and the women suffer more of the consequences of sexual relationships than men. Sexual decision-making in Yoruba culture is characterised by certain specific problems of structural and cultural origins such as separate lifestyle of men and women, seeing the discussion of sexuality as a taboo, male dominance, and the perceived side effects of contraceptives. There is need for expanded sexual and reproductive health education strategies targeted at both males and females in this community especially among the adolescent group.     

Mapping men’s anticipations and experiences in the reproductive realm: (in)fertility journeys

This paper examines men’s experiences of fertility/infertility against a backdrop of changing understandings of men’s role in society and medical possibilities. It presents findings from two qualitative research projects on men’s experiences of engagement with reproductive health services as they sought to become fathers and anticipate impending fatherhood. The findings from both projects provide insights into men’s experiences of (in)fertility and their engagement with services set against cultural ideals of masculinity. Discussions of reproduction have historically focused most centrally upon women’s bodies and maternal processes, leaving little space for consideration of men’s experiences and perspectives. While women’s experiences of infertility/fertility have been characterized in relation to productive or faulty biological processes, male infertility has been largely invisible and male fertility typically assumed. This context provides a difficult terrain for men in which to contemplate the potential of not being able to father a child. The findings discussed in this paper illuminate the ways in which men talk about and make sense of their reproductive journeys. In doing so, it challenges current understandings of masculinity and reproductive bodies and highlights the need to rethink how men are treated in reproductive spheres and how services to men are delivered.This paper examines the results of two interview studies that explored men’s experiences of fertility and infertility against a backdrop of changing understandings of men’s role in society and rapidly changing medical possibilities. It draws together two separate qualitative research projects that explored men’s experiences of seeking to become fathers. One followed men as they became fathers for the first time, the other was a study of men’s experiences of infertility. The findings from both projects are analysed to provide insights into men’s experiences of fertility and infertility and their engagement with health services, set against current social and cultural ideas of masculinity. Before the advent of fertility treatment, discussions of reproduction focused almost exclusively on the woman’s body. Pregnancy and childbirth was women’s business. There was little consideration of men’s experiences and perspectives. Although male factor infertility is now a leading cause of couples seeking treatment, the focus remains the woman. As assisted reproduction treatment has developed over the last half-century, most social and psychological research has explored the woman’s perspective. The findings discussed in this paper illuminate the ways in which men try and make sense of their own successful or unsuccessful reproductive journeys. In doing so it challenges current understandings of masculinity and reproductive bodies. It also highlights how we need to perhaps rethink how men are treated in reproductive spheres and how services to men are delivered.     

Reproductive health: knowledge and opinions of university students in Erzurum, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of reproductive health and the opinions of university students towards reproductive health education and family planning services. METHODS: A questionnaire about reproductive health knowledge and the opinions of students was submitted to 673 systematically and randomly selected students at Ataturk University. A set of 39 questions was used to determine the level of knowledge of reproductive health. RESULTS: The level of reproductive health knowledge was below the theoretical mean value. An association was found between gender, residential area, parents' education and sibling number with the reproductive health knowledge score. Most of the students approved of formal reproductive health education (88.4%). Approval of family planning services was lower than that of reproductive health education (71.6%). The percentage of men who support family planning services and reproductive health education was lower than that of women. Students who had graduated from Islamic religious schools had more negative opinions towards family planning services. CONCLUSIONS: University students lack knowledge about reproductive health and most of them agree that reproductive health education should be given in schools. Knowledge about reproductive health differs significantly depending on some sociodemographic variables. Some students have negative opinions towards family planning services and reproductive health education.     

Women still bearing the blows in reproductive health

Only women can experience the health threats of pregnancy and childbirth. Responsibility for the survival, growth, and development of children falls mainly on their shoulders. Sexually transmitted diseases cause more severe effects in women than men. Women are 3 times more likely to use contraceptives than men Yet female contraceptive methods are more of a threat to health an are male methods. Even though infertility occurs in both men and women, in most countries, women face its negative social and psychological effects more often than do men. Besides, almost everywhere, social and economic indicators show women to be of lower status than men. For example, female literacy rates in developing countries are 33% lower than those of male, even though leaders have known for a long time that female education improves use of health care and family planning services. Furthermore, females are at a disadvantage from birth in terms of education, nutrition, and society which places them at high risk of adverse health. Some societies even endorse method to prevent women from enjoying sexual intercourse. Premarital sex and adolescent pregnancy are increasing worldwide, which adds to women's already high burden. In Argentina, women less than 18 years of age, especially those in rural areas and little education, have higher fertility rates than those older than 18 years. They tend to be ignorant of reproductive processes, but familiar with contraceptives; yet, only 40% of sexually active adolescents had ever used them. Besides, teenage males think that concern about becoming pregnant is the female's responsibility. Indeed, women's status and reproductive health are interrelated. Ability to regulate their own fertility strengthens women's status, but if they cannot do so, they cannot go to school, be employable, or make their own decisions.     

Ukrainian medical students’ attitudes to parenthood and knowledge of fertility

Objectives: The aim of our study was to investigate Ukrainian medical students’ intentions and attitudes in relation to future parenthood, and their knowledge about fertility. Methods: A classroom survey was carried out of randomly selected groups among 3568 Russian-speaking medical students. The response rate was 88.8%; 858 were female and 407 were male; the mean age was 20.6 (standard deviation [SD] 2.4) years. Results: One in four male and 16% of female respondents did not want to have children, 3.3% had children and 17% wanted one child only. Female respondents wished to have their first child when they were 24.4 (SD 2.4) years of age, and male respondents when they were 26.8 (SD 3.4) years of age. Around 60% of respondents reported there was a pronounced decline in female fertility after the age of 45 years. Conclusions: The desire to have children in the future is not apparent among medical students, especially not among men. Gaps in students’ knowledge about fertility need to be addressed by sexual and reproductive education.     

Awareness and practices of contraception among Pakistani women attending a tertiary care hospital.

Pakistan is one of the most populous nations in the world, with an annual growth rate of 2.8 and high total fertility rate, even among developing nations. The Pakistan Reproductive Health and Family Planning Survey highlighted the wide gap between knowledge (97%) and use of contraceptives (28%) among currently married women. Our actual need is to enhance contraceptive practice in our country. This study was designed to investigate contraceptive knowledge and practice in Pakistani women attending a tertiary care hospital. This questionnaire-based study was conducted at the Gynaecology Unit II of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 204 married women of reproductive age were interviewed by a registrar to record their age, occupation, educational status, number of children, knowledge about contraceptive methods, source of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of contraception. About 57% of women were between 26 and 35 years of age, while 52% of men were between 31 and 40 years. Educational status of the majority of females was below matriculation (33%), while 34% males were above matriculation; 88% of females were housewives and less than 1% of men were out of work. Regarding the social status of couples, 64% were living on income less than 5000 rupees /month (about 60 pound sterling). Of the women, 67% were para 2-5; 68% had some sort of awareness regarding contraception. The main source of information was television (26%) and relatives (24%). The majority knew about the pill (68%) and IUCD (55%). Only 47% were using some sort of contraception. The most common method chosen was the barrier method (15%), followed by IUCD (10%) and the pill (10%). The least common methods were sterilisation (2%) and the rhythm method (2%); 85% of the women and 74% of the men in the study group had a positive attitude toward contraception. In order to improve contraceptive use in Pakistan we need to use multiple media sources to educate couples and their parents regarding contraceptive services, strengthen the perceptions that religion not only allows but also recommends family planning and to create awareness among women to have their rights and opinions about the size of family. The concept of differentiation between sons and daughters should be discouraged. In addition government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should organise groups to provide counselling and promotion of contraceptive services at the doorstep. We must act as a team to control our growth rate for economic stabilisation of the country and to raise the living standards of our people.     

Reproductive health: knowledge and opinions of university students in Erzurum,Turkey

Background: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of reproductive health and the opinions of university students towards reproductive health education and family planning services. Methods: A questionnaire about reproductive health knowledge and the opinions of students was submitted to 673 systematically and randomly selected students at Ataturk University. A set of 39 questions was used to determine the level of knowledge of reproductive health. Results: The level of reproductive health knowledge was below the theoretical mean value. An association was found between gender, residential area, parents' education and sibling number with the reproductive health knowledge score. Most of the students approved of formal reproductive health education (88.4%). Approval of family planning services was lower than that of reproductive health education (71.6%). The percentage of men who support family planning services and reproductive health education was lower than that of women. Students who had graduated from Islamic religious schools had more negative opinions towards family planning services. Conclusions: University students lack knowledge about reproductive health and most of them agree that reproductive health education should be given in schools. Knowledge about reproductive health differs significantly depending on some sociodemographic variables. Some students have negative opinions towards family planning services and reproductive health education.     

Gender differences in cues that affect condom use among adolescents in Lomé, Togo

A population-based sample study of adolescent women and men from Lomé, Togo, was conducted to examine their responses to personal experiences with AIDS. Information was obtained on youth reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and practices, including attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and personal experience with AIDS. Multivariate results demonstrate that an important factor that distinguishes adolescent male condom users from non-users of condoms is the knowledge of someone who died of AIDS. Conversely, personal experience with AIDS was unrelated to reported condom use among adolescent women. The results illustrate that reproductive health programmes directed towards adolescents need to target men with messages different from women. Sexually active men respond to personal experience with AIDS by adopting condoms whereas women may have less control over condom use and have other strategies such as abstinence and fidelity to protect themselves from AIDS and unintended pregnancies.     

Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge in Cystic Fibrosis Female Patients and Their Parents

IntroductionThe changing outcomes for young cystic fibrosis (CF) patients means that reproductive health issues have become an integral part of CF management.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and experiences of reproductive and sexual health issues in women with CF and to investigate the knowledge and reproductive health attitudes of their parents.Main Outcome MeasuresAssessment of reproductive and sexual health knowledge in female CF patients and their parents.MethodsA questionnaire study directed to 120 Polish women with CF aged 16 years and older and their parents.ResultsSixty-four patients and their parents responded to the questionnaire. Sixty-eight percent of the patients started sexual intercourse at a mean age of 19.2 years. Eighty-four percent of all sexually active women reported that they did not use any form of contraception. Only 32.8% of women understood the problems connected with their own and male fertility in CF. Popular scientific publications and other CF patients were identified as the most important source of information. Only 23% of parents understood the problems connected with female fertility in CF; 44% of parents thought that man with CF had normal fertility. Seventy-five percent of the women and 40% of the parents felt that sexual health discussions should begin between age 12 and 14 years with a CF doctor and the mother.ConclusionsOur study showed that significant knowledge gaps exist regarding fertility issues in both CF patients and CF parents. Women with CF have some general knowledge about sexual issues but insufficient knowledge to have a safe sexual life. The results helped us to develop the educational program for CF patients. Korzeniewska A, Grzelewski T, Jerzyńska J, Majak P, So?oniewicz A, Stelmach W, and Stelmach I. Sexual and reproductive health knowledge in cystic fibrosis female patients and their parents. J Sex Med 2009;6:770–776.     

‘If I had known the fertility health facts sooner…’ Knowledge gaps as a barrier to effective fertility management: findings from the understanding fertility management in contemporary Australia survey

Background: Optimal fertility management enables women and men to avoid and achieve conception and parenthood when desired. A lack of knowledge about sexual, reproductive and fertility matters may impede a person’s ability to manage their fertility effectively. Little is known about current gaps in fertility knowledge among Australians.

Purpose: To identify information and knowledge gaps about fertility management among women and men of reproductive age living in Australia.

Method: A sample of 18- to 50-year-old women and men (N?=?2235) randomly recruited from the Australian Electoral Roll in 2013. Respondents completed a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire that concluded with the option to provide free-text comments elaborating on their fertility management. These comments were analysed thematically to identify gaps in fertility management knowledge and information.

Results: Of the 519 participants’ comments, 472 were included in the analysis: 366 (77.5%) from women and 106 (22.5%) from men. Most comments related to contraception or fertility problems. Two themes about contraception were identified: (1) lack of information and knowledge about contraception and concerns about side-effects and (2) inadequate contraceptive education. Two themes about fertility problems were identified: (1) a lack of information and knowledge about fertility and (2) difficulties conceiving, including access to assisted reproductive treatments and other therapies. No major gender or age differences were identified across the themes.

Conclusions: Many Australian women and men would welcome education and public health campaigns about contraceptive options and age-related fertility decline. Such interventions may enable women and men to manage their fertility and achieve their reproductive goals.     

男性参与计划生育状况及其影响因素分析

目的:分析男性参与计划生育状况及其影响因素。方法:对全国31个省16 994名已婚育龄妇女进行问卷调查。结果:近10年来,有48.05%的男性与妻子讨论过避孕,25.75%的男性参加过计划生育/生殖健康培训,14.90%的男性参与避孕方法决策,27.59%的男性曾经使用过避孕套,5.10%的男性采用男性绝育术。多因素分析结果提示:男性参与与居住地(城镇/农村)、本人或妻子的文化程度等有较大关联。结论:我国男性尤其是农村男性参与计划生育程度有待提高。建议加大男性参与宣传教育的力度,扩展男用避孕方法种类以及全面推进避孕方法知情选择。     

Information sources and level of knowledge of contraception issues among Greek women and men in the reproductive age: a country-wide survey.

OBJECTIVE: Good reproductive health depends to a great extent on how well informed people are on contraception issues. Contrary to the situation existing in many European countries, in Greece there has been a lack of studies investigating how well informed Greek women and men are. Also, the sources on which they draw are equally important. The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge of Greek women and men on issues of contraception, with the ultimate goal of identifying which groups should be the focus of prevention planning programs. METHOD: A country-wide survey was conducted through a self-administered questionnaire. The sample, numbering 1500 people, was representative of the Greek population aged 16-45 years. RESULTS: A key finding was that only a small percentage of the respondents were able to answer correctly 50% or more of the questions on knowledge of basic contraceptive issues (30.6% of women and 14.7% of men). Regarding sources of information, media and friends were reported as the primary sources of information for men of all ages and young women. The gynecologist becomes a significant source of consultation for women only after the age of 25 years. Even then, only 4% of women visiting a gynecologist do so to obtain information on prevention of pregnancy. The majority of women asking professional advice have already experienced an unwanted pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The need for health education is apparent, especially for young people.