Preaching family planning: Results from an evaluation of a training program for Jordanian religious leaders

Background. Muslim religious leaders (RLs) play an essential role in shaping family planning/reproductive health (FP/RH) attitudes and behaviors of Jordanians. Intervention. The Jordan Health Communication Partnership in partnership with the Jordan Ministry of Awqaf Islamic Affairs conducted training programs for religious leaders to improve RLs' knowledge and efficacy so that they can take a more proactive role in promoting the welfare of the family, including by preaching and/or counseling about FP/RH and modern contraception. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the program. Methodology. This pretest - post-test panel study interviewed the same individuals prior to participation in a three-day training program (May 2011) and again six months post-test (November 2011). A total of 245 men and 145 women completed both pretest and post-test surveys. Results. Compared with the pretest and controlling for sex and age, participants at post-test were significantly more likely to: score high on FP/RH knowledge questions, with female RLs more knowledgeable about RH than was true of male RLs; believe that more types of contraceptive methods are acceptable according to Islamic teachings; and preach or counsel about a wider range of topics related to FP and population. There was, however, no change in RLs' ideal family size of 5 children. Conclusions. Given these findings, it is clear that the training has been particularly effective in areas related to family planning – and this training, augmented with a greater focus on smaller family size, should be expanded to benefit other Muslim religious leaders.