No description available.

Background Contraceptive prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa is low compared to other regions of the world. Despite this, some countries within the sub-Saharan African region, such as Malawi, have been identified as champions of contraceptive use within the region but still face many reproductive health challenges, such as a high total fertility rate of 5.7 births per woman (Malawi Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS), 2011). The purpose of the study is to examine the prevalence of the use of modern contraception given different dimensions of family structure and what significant relevance this may have in creating contextually appropriate family planning interventions. A literature search of studies on family structure in Africa shows little evidence of such a study in Malawi. Methodology The study was cross-sectional and made use of the 2010 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS). It focused on women of reproductive ages (15-49 years). A total of 12, 490 women made the sample of the study. In order to address the objectives, descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were conducted to assess the levels and patterns of modern contraceptive use in Malawi. Lastly, binary logistic regression was carried out in order to test the association between different dimensions of family structure and modern contraceptive use. Results The study established that the prevalence of modern contraceptive use in women of reproductive age (15-49) in Malawi was estimated at 48%. The study showed that family structure did have an influence on modern contraceptive use. Specifically the likelihood of modern contraceptive use was higher among women with larger family sizes. The association between sex composition of children and modern contraceptives was also significant. Findings further showed that women in female-headed households were less likely to use modern contraceptives compared to women in male-headed households. Conclusion Family structure was found to have an influence on modern contraceptive use in Malawi. The study findings have implications towards achieving the reproductive goals of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (2011-2016) and the Malawi Health Sector Strategy Plan of (2011-2016) or future policies which have important reproductive health goals for women.

Thesis (MPH)--University of Limpopo, 2010. / Introduction The neglect of men with respect to their role in family planning has contributed to a situation in which men remained passive or non-participatory in reproductive health related studies and have generally not been included in most of research on family planning and use of modern contraceptives (Mbizvo & Basset, 1996). Family planning saves women’s and children’s lives and improves the quality of life. In addition, family planning reduces fertility and help to relieve the pressures that rapidly growing populations place on economic, social and natural resources. Men’s participation in family planning can improve women and children’s health. Men are heads of families and play dominant roles in decision making crucial to women’s lives and women’s reproductive health. Aim and the objectives of the study: The aim of the study was to identify and describe factors affecting the participation of men attending out - patient services at Qoaling Filter Clinic. Methods and materials: • Study design The study used a descriptive cross sectional design. The factors were identified, described and the differences between the factors and participation determined. • Study population The population for the study consisted of men between 18 and 50 years who attended out-patient services at Qoaling Filter Clinic. • Study setting The data was collected from Qoaling Filter Clinic which is situated the southern region of Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. It is a mini hospital. • Sampling and sample size A cluster sampling was used. The researcher developed a sampling frame. Men who met the inclusion criteria were selected randomly. The formula used to compute the sample size was n/ [(1-(n/population)]. The sample size was 94. Results The findings of this study indicated that men knew some of the family planning methods. There was no difference in participation of men in family planning between men with more or less knowledge. There was a relationship between age, residing area, knowledge and participation. The majority of men indicated that if they were given information and there were special clinics for men, family planning services utilization would increase and they can be more involved in family planning services and support their wives and partners. Conclusion Men’s knowledge on family planning can improve their participation in utilizing the services and supporting their partners. Through participation men can help slow the spread of HIV and AIDS and sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies and criminal abortions

No description available.

No description available.

Thesis (M.A.P.S.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 35-36).

Thesis (M.A.P.S.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 35-36).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin-Madison. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-101).

No description available.

No description available.