Abstract
Experience suggests that the incorporation of gender approaches into family planning (FP) and reproductive health (RH) programs could increase their impact and sustainability, but further work is needed to examine the interactions between gender norms and FP and to incorporate this understanding into social and behavior change communication (SBCC) in specific social contexts
The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the role of gender norms in reproductive decision-making and contraceptive use among young married men and women in Tanzania. Study methods consisted of open-ended, in-depth interviews with 30 young currently married men, 30 young married women, and 12 older people who influenced FP decisions. Six focus group interviews were also conducted
The findings suggest that gender factors, such as men’s dominance in decision-making, do function as barriers to the use of modern contraceptives, but that fear of side effects among both men and women might be an even more important deterrent. Results from this research will inform the development of SBCC interventions to be tested in a subsequent intervention study in which gender factors and poor information about contraceptive methods will be addressed