From teenage unwanted pregnancy to induced abortion: who facilitates links?

PIP: Through use of a semi-structured interview schedule, the abortion decision-making process of 150 Dar es Salaam adolescents (mean age, 17.5 years) admitted with abortion-related complications was analyzed, with particular emphasis on the involvement of social networks. The male partner was the most frequent (47.3%) first confidant after pregnancy was suspected, followed by close relatives (35.1%) and girlfriends (14.0%). 62.0%, 41,7%, and 68.8% of these confidants, respectively, advised the teen to terminate the pregnancy; the remainder tended to express a lack of interest in her predicament. The link to an abortionist was provided by mothers, sisters, or aunts in 33% of cases, by the male partner in 32% of cases, and by girlfriends in another 24%. Male partners were more likely to provide funds for the abortion--especially if the woman was a student--than to help her access an abortionist. When abortion-related complications created a need for hospitalization, only 18% of male partners provided assistance; this burden fell upon female relatives. It is postulated that male involvement, beyond the provision of money, is inhibited by the potential legal and social consequences of illegal abortion in Tanzania.^ieng

6.7% practice family planning. Findings of a baseline survey of knowledge, attitudes and practice in a Tanzanian village.

PIP: This article contains the findings of a 1990 knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey conducted in Mgeta, a subdivision of the rural district of Morogoro, Tanzania. The Family Planning Association of Tanzania (UMATI) carried out the survey with the goal of obtaining baseline information with which to measure the success of an Integrated Family Planning, Nutrition, and Parasite Control (IP) Project, scheduled to be introduced in Mgeta following the survey. UMATI interviewed 310 people (113 males and 197 females) from Mgeta, who comprised 5% of the total target population. The majority of the respondents were between the ages of 20-45, had completed primary education, and made a living from farming. They were also predominantly Roman Catholic. With 4/5 of the respondents already having at least 1 child, the average number of preferred children was 6. 16.5% of the respondents reported that they or their partner had undergone at least 1 abortion. 1/3 (104) of the respondents were aware of a method--modern or otherwise--for preventing unwanted pregnancies. But only 13.8%of all those surveyed (41.3% of those who were aware of family planning) had ever used contraception, and only 6.7% of all the respondents were using contraception at the time of the survey. Despite the low contraceptive prevalence, the overwhelming majority of those with knowledge of family planning believed it is important for improving family and child health, and that is not contrary to their religious beliefs. These findings suggest that in addition to raising awareness, communication programs must also emphasize motivation. The survey also highlights the problem of abortion, which is more widely practiced than contraception, and reveals a positive attitude towards family planning.^ieng

Summary of the Third National Workshop of the Integrated Family Planning, Nutrition and Parasite Control Project.

PIP: The 3rd National Workshop of the Integrated Family Planning/Nutrition Parasite Control Project was held in January 1988, and hosted delegates from Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Mbeya, Morogoro and Arusha, Tanzania. It was observed the Tanzania has problems with population growth, poor economic growth, poor maternal health from frequent childbearing that saps women's strength and reduces agricultural production and poor acceptance of family planning. The integrated approach starts with parasite control as an entry point. People are diagnosed and treated for helminths, and literally see the worms being expelled as their abdominal pain disappears. This builds goodwill, making people more likely to accept family planning. In pilot projects, the attendance at family planning clinics jumped from 9 to 33%. The resulting improved nutritional and health status improves school and work attendance, and especially agricultural production by women, the core of a prosperous nation. Although rates of worm infections remain the same, possibly due to higher reporting, demand for treatment is at an all time high. Participants reported that people are resistant to the idea of building or using latrines, and revert to their old habits when workers leave the area. The traditional birth attendant training program, however, was accepted more readily because of the high credibility of the birth attendants.^ieng