Childbearing and Contraceptive Decision Making Amongst Afghan Men and Women: A Qualitative Analysis |
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| Authors: | Sadia Haider Catherine Todd Malalay Ahmadzai Shakira Rahimi Pashtoon Azfar Jessica L. Morris |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts, USA;2. Department of Obstetrics &3. Gynecology , College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York, New York, USA;4. United Nations Children's Fund , Afghanistan Office , Kabul, Afghanistan;5. Ministry of Public Health , Kabul, Afghanistan;6. JHPIEGO Corporation, Afghanistan Office , Kabul, Afghanistan;7. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco, California, USA |
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| Abstract: | Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios and lowest contraceptive prevalence rates globally. Limited information is known regarding Afghan men and women's attitudes toward childbearing, child spacing, and contraceptive use, which is essential for delivery of appropriate services. We conducted a qualitative study among postpartum couples enrolled at maternity hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan. We identified important themes that highlight the complex inter-relationship between acknowledged risks of childbearing, desire for family planning, rationales for limited contraceptive use, and sociocultural barriers to contraceptive use. We offer practical recommendations for application of findings toward family planning and maternal mortality reduction programs. |
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