RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare dyadic (marital) functioning between users of natural family planning (NFP) and users of artificial methods of contraception (AMC). METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in healthy, over eighteen-year-old couples living in stable relationships recruited from primary and secondary health centers in Santiago, Chile. Participants were assessed using a structured interview on sociodemographic and sexual aspects. Primary outcome, marital functioning, was studied using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-eight couples were studied, sixty-nine in each user group. Both groups had a similar average time living together (124.3 vs. 126.9 months). DAS results were consistent with functional couples in both groups, but on average, the NFP group had a significantly higher DAS score than AMC. After controlling for age, socioeconomic status, time in the relationship, and religious commitment in multivariable analysis, the NFP group had a 47 percent (odds ratio = 1.47) greater possibility of having a functional marital score above the cutoff (DAS > 114) when compared with the AMC group. The AMC group reported more frequency of sexual intercourse but similar sexual satisfaction. Most (>60 percent) of the NFP couples mentioned that their methods improved their relationship. CONCLUSION: There are sociodemographic differences between both groups, explained partly by unequal access to NFP centers. Both groups have DAS scores within functional range, but NFP users have a higher probability of being in that functional range. This study of mentally and emotionally healthy couples highlights the importance of family planning methods on intimate relationships. Summary Marital functioning is affected by family planning methods. A structured interview and a specific inventory to address conjugal functioning were applied to a group of healthy couples who live in stable relationships and are users of natural family planning (NFP) or artificial methods of contraception (AMC). The results were consistent with functional couples in both groups, but on average, the NFP group had a significantly higher score than the AMC group. The use of NFP explained this difference. This study of mentally and emotionally healthy couples highlights the importance of family planning methods on intimate relationships.
RESUMO
Introducción: El uso de métodos naturales para regular la fertilidad requiere de cooperación y aceptación en las parejas usuarias. Nuestra hipótesis es que esta dinámica psicosexual influencia positivamente la percepción de la calidad de la intimidad conyugal. Diseño del estudio: Cohorte prospectiva con análisis pre y post intervención utilizando el PAIR (instrumento desarrollado para el análisis de la intimidad conyugal). Resultados: Un total de veinte parejas fueron estudiadas luego de que cumplieran todos los criterios definidos previamente. El análisis descriptivo mostró un aumento en los valores positivos en ambos sexos al comparar la evaluación inicial con la posterior a 6 meses de uso del registro de fertilidad. El índice de convencionalidad mostró valores elevados, tanto dentro de la pareja como al compararse con las demás. Los resultados evidencian satisfacción en la intimidad conyugal en todas las áreas evaluadas. En las mujeres, y a los 6 meses de uso, la experiencia de intimidad mejora en todas las áreas excepto en el área social. En los hombres, mejora la experiencia en todas las áreas, incluyendo el área social. Al analizar el área recreacional, tanto en hombres como en mujeres, hay un aumento significativo en la experiencia de intimidad luego de la intervención. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados sugieren que el aprendizaje y uso de los métodos naturales para regular la fertilidad tiene efectos beneficiosos en la percepción de la intimidad conyugal.
Background: the use of NFP demands cooperation and acceptance between the couple. We propose that this psychosexual dynamics could influence the perception on the quality of the couple's intimacy. Study design: a prospective cohort with pre and post intervention analysis using the PAIR (Personal Assessment of Intimacy Relationships) instrument. Results: Twenty couples fulfilled the prerequisites for study. The descriptive analysis showed an increase in the positive values for both sexes between the initial taking of test, and after six months. The conventionality index showed high values, but very similar in the members of each couple, and also between couples. The results show satisfaction of couple intimacy in all areas. At six months the experience of intimacy in women increases in all areas, except in the social area. Among men the experience of intimacy increases in all areas and significantly in the social area. In the case of the recreational area, for women as much as for men, the increase is significant after the intervention. Conclusions: It seems that couples who learn and use natural family planning methods have a better perception of their intimacy.