Family Planning in Conflict: Survey Results from Three African Countries
Author Information
Author(s): Therese McGinn, Judy Austin, Katherine Anfinson, Ribka Amsalu, Sara E. Casey, Shihab Ibrahim Fadulalmula, Anne Langston, Louise Lee-Jones, Janet Meyers, Frederick Kintu Mubiru, Jennifer Schlecht, Melissa Sharer, Mary Yetter
Primary Institution: RAISE Initiative, Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
Hypothesis
What are the baseline measures of family planning knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among women in conflict-affected areas?
Conclusion
Women living in crisis situations desire family planning services, but these services are often inadequate.
Supporting Evidence
- Knowledge of modern contraceptive methods was low, with use under 4% in four sites.
- 30% to 40% of women reported not wanting a child within two years.
- Only one-third of health facilities had the necessary staff and supplies for family planning.
Takeaway
Women in conflict zones want help to plan their families, but there aren't enough services to help them.
Methodology
Household surveys and health facility assessments were conducted in six conflict-affected areas to measure family planning knowledge and service availability.
Limitations
The surveys were conducted over different time periods and in multiple languages, which may have affected understanding.
Participant Demographics
Women of reproductive age, mostly married or in union, with low education levels and a mean age between 27.3 and 28.9 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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