Tell them you are planning for the future: gender norms and family planning among adolescents in northern Uganda

Type Journal Article - International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics
Title Tell them you are planning for the future: gender norms and family planning among adolescents in northern Uganda
Author(s)
Volume 123
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2013
Page numbers e7-e10
URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020729213003779
Abstract
Objective
To understand how social norms about gender and reproduction shape fertility desires and use of family planning among adolescents in post-conflict northern Uganda.

Methods
A study was conducted in 2 post-conflict districts in north-central Uganda. Life histories were collected from 40 adolescents (20 males, 20 females). In-depth interviews were conducted with 40 individuals (20 males, 20 females) who were identified as significantly influencing the lives of adolescents in research areas. Data were analyzed through inductive and deductive approaches, facilitated by the qualitative software program ATLAS.ti (v.5.6).

Results
Rigid gender norms and post-conflict economic realities create an environment in which young people struggle to bridge the gap between idealized and experienced gender roles. Social changes brought about by the conflict, combined with cultural values and gender norms, strongly influence fertility desires and contraceptive use. Despite support for smaller, spaced families, gendered barriers to adolescent use of family planning and access to services are significant, even among married couples.

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