This study explores the role of men and their mothers in women’s reproductive health decisions in Armenia. Drawing from results of focus groups undertaken to assess the feasibility of introducing the Standard Days Method (SDM), a new simple fertility-awareness based method of family planning, we examine the attitudes of men, women, and mothers-in-law regarding reproductive health and family planning.
Armenia is in a difficult stage of its development with extreme unemployment rates and profound poverty. As in other former Soviet Union countries, abortion is the primary means of family planning in Armenia.
The SDM requires that women abstain from unprotected intercourse for 12 days each cycle if she wishes to avoid pregnancy. Focus groups were undertaken with potential users, husbands and mothers-in-law of potential users, to assess the acceptability of the method. Results revealed an important role of mothers-in-law in couples’ reproductive health and family planning decisions. This is significant because the SDM requires the full cooperation and support of the man. Cultural norms in Armenia are such that if a husband does not wish to abstain or use a barrier method during the fertile days, the wife cannot refuse him. If he listens to his mother, however, her opinion of the method may affect its effectiveness. The presentation will include highlights of results of these focus groups, a discussion of the dynamics of mother-in-law influence, and consideration of the implications of this influence for the potential acceptance and successful use of the SDM.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to: (1) recognize the potential role of mothers of married men in reproductive health decision-making in a country with a very high abortion rate; (2) identify the views of older women in the community relating to reproductive health and family planning, and (3) understand the implications of the mother-in-law’s influence for potential acceptance and successful use of a family planning method.
Keywords: Decision-Making, Eastern Europe
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Institute for Reproductive Health, Georgetown University
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.