Perception of fertility regulation in a remote community, South Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract: This exploratory study was conducted to describe the traditional methods of contraception and community perception of fertility regulation in a remote rural community of Ethiopia. In-depth interviews were conducted with "key informants" selected from the rural communities of Bensa district, South Ethiopia. Selection of key informants was purposive with the aim of obtaining knowledgeable and articulate individuals. Four categories of individuals were interviewed: elderly men, elderly women, women in reproductive age, and community health workers. The findings are described in three categories: contraception methods, sexual norms and premarital sex, and desired family size. The results showed that, in Bensa Community, postpartum sexual abstinence and prolonged breast-feeding are the main means of fertility regulation. Cultural values regarding sex(postpartum and premarital abstinences) are being disregarded now adays. On the other hand, the effects of unregulated fertility on population growth and societal resources are well perceived by the community. The community expressed willingness to accept modern family planning methods to regulate fertility. Further studies, however, are recommended for a better understanding of the issues using a mixture of quantitative and qualitative research methods. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1999;13(3):217-221]