The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42038

Erin Elizabeth Anastasi, MHS, Institute for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Georgetown University School of Medicine, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW, 3 PHC, Washington, DC 20007, 202-687-1392, anastase@georgetown.edu, Virgile Capo-Chichi, PhD, LEADD (Laboratoire d'etudes appliquées aux dynamiques de développement), Voie pavée derrière le Stade de l'Amitié, Carré no. 2022, Zogbohouè, Cotonou, Benin, Séraphin Vissoh, MD, MPH, Consultant, c/o LEADD, Voie pavée derrière le Stade de l'Amitié, Carré no. 2022 - Zogbohouè, Cotonou, Benin, and Rokhaya Nguer, PhD, Population Council, Yoff Tonghor Villa No. 12, BP 8648, Dakar, Senegal.

Couples worldwide use a variety of methods and techniques to avoid pregnancy over the course of their reproductive lives. A significant number of couples throughout the world report using a fertility awareness-based or traditional method of birth spacing at some point. However, results of such method use have been mixed, in part due incorrect information about fertility. The feasibility and acceptability of introducing a new fertility awareness-based method of family planning (the Standard Days Method) was assessed in two West African countries with low contraceptive prevalence rates. The presentation will offer an overview of findings from over 25 focus groups and 60 interviews conducted among men, women, health care providers, and community leaders in Senegal and Benin. Data regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors with respect to family planning use, fertility knowledge, and potential demand for a new method of birth spacing based on an understanding of female fertility will be discussed. Results revealed that women and men were eager to learn about their fertility and recognized the potential reproductive health benefits of doing so. Findings indicate a potential demand for a simple method that builds upon and improves traditional practices and is perceived as a culturally appropriate means of enabling couples to gain greater control over their fertility.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to

• Identify traditional and periodic abstinence-based practices used by couples in Africa (and worldwide) to delay or prevent pregnancy.
• Understand how a general lack of knowledge of the fertile time of the woman's menstrual cycle leads to undesired pregnancies.
• Recognize the potential for a simple, fertility awareness-based method of family planning to contribute to the reduction of such undesired pregnancies.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.