Influence of Social Networks on Family Planning Use among Married Men and Women: A Case of Mvomero District, Tanzania

Abstract

This paper was about the influence of social network on family planning (FP use among married men and women) in Mvomero District of Morogoro Region. The study employed the cross section study design, involving 128 married men and women. The choice of respondents was done through multistage sampling which involved purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Interview and focus group discussions were used as the methods of data collection. Quantitative data was collected using semi structured questionnaire and qualitative data were collected using FGDs guide and key informant interview guide. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that majority of married men and women in Mvomero were still young, having at least a primary school education and in monogamous marriage. Nearly one third of them were not using any FP methods and of the methods used, pills and injectables dominated. Most married men and women had social networks of both males and females, though most married women had more females and married men had more males in their networks. Further, Married women tended to discuss more on FP use with their social networks than married men (especially pills and injectables). However, nearly all social network members encouraged married men and women to use family planning which is a commendable thing to do. It is therefore recommended that interventions targeting to increase FP information and therefore use among married men and women through social networks should be designed and implemented targeting both females and males. There is also a need to encourage men to participate fully in FP, reproductive and health issues as in most of the households in Tanzania, they are the decision makers. It is expected that through their participation, they will support and encourage their partners to use FP methods.