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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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 and Rokhaya Nguer, PhD, Population Council, Yoff Tonghor Villa No. 12, BP 8648, Dakar, Senegal.
Considering the cultural and social acceptability of new reproductive health initiatives prior to their introduction is an essential element of program success. Drawing from numerous in-depth, open-ended interviews with key informant local religious leaders, we examine their views and reactions to the practice of family planning and to the proposed introduction of a new fertility awareness-based method, the Standard Days Method. In Senegal, the influence of Islam can be seen and felt in every day life. It was, therefore, deemed important to gather input from native religious leaders to examine how their own personal views and their religion's teachings (or their interpretation of those teachings) might influence their own and the population's receptivity to a new family planning method. In general, Senegalese Muslim leaders approved of family planning provided it is used to space and not to limit births. They also believed a couple should come to an agreement in advance rather than a woman simply refusing her husband. The Standard Days Method was perceived as acceptable and positive because it preserves the health of the woman and thus, her family. The presentation will include highlights of the findings, a discussion of the potential influence of local religious leaders in matters of sexual and reproductive health, and the implications of this influence for the successful and culturally appropriate launching of new family planning and reproductive health initiatives.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will
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.