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A qualitative assessment of Ugandan women's perceptions and knowledge of contraception
Author(s) -
Morse Jessica E.,
Rowen Tami S.,
Steinauer Jody,
Byamugisha Josaphat,
Kakaire Othman
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.07.014
Subject(s) - medicine , qualitative research , perception , family medicine , gynecology , social science , neuroscience , sociology , biology
Objective To determine Ugandan women's perceptions and knowledge of contraception. Methods Healthy prepartum women were recruited from a national referral and university teaching hospital to participate in 1 of 5 focus group discussions on contraception. Transcripts were translated and coded by 2 researchers using inductive and deductive methods. Results Forty‐six women participated in the focus group discussions. The major themes that emerged were around family planning as a method to space pregnancies and manage finances, as well as men's roles in decision making regarding contraception. Notable among the many incorrect notions about adverse effects of contraception were fears about cancer and infertility. Conclusion The results indicate that, among the study group of Ugandan women, decision making regarding family planning involves a complex negotiation among women, partners, and families. Furthermore, pervasive myths may hinder a woman's ability to choose safe and effective contraception. These findings are useful to healthcare providers and the greater public‐health community.