TITLE:
Preferences and Motivations of Women Who Use Traditional Contraceptive Methods to Avoid Pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
AUTHORS:
Nestor Bationo, Patrice Alain Ngangue, Dieudonne Soubeiga, Yacouba Pafadnam, Abibata Fleur Barro, Hermann Pilabre, Ahmed Kabore, Sulpice Adognibo, Maxime K. Drabo
KEYWORDS:
Natural Methods, Family Planning, Sub-Saharan Africa, Women
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Sexual Medicine,
Vol.12 No.2,
April
7,
2022
ABSTRACT: Introduction: When it comes to family planning, requirements and preferences vary
among couples. Because of their mixed effectiveness, traditional contraceptive
methods are often associated and accounted as unmet needs. However, interest in
these methods is growing significantly. Nevertheless, knowledge of the reasons
for the decision and using traditional contraceptive methods remains limited.
The purpose of this study was to identify the preferences and motivations of
women who use traditional contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancy in
Sub-Saharan Africa. Method: A literature search was conducted in three
electronic databases (PubMed/Biomed Central/Medline, Embase, CINAHL). Two independent
individuals selected the eligible quantitative, qualitative, and mixed studies published
between 2011 and 2020. We conducted a narrative synthesis to organize and group
preferences and motivations that facilitate traditional contraceptive methods
use. Results: Abstinence, withdrawal, breastfeeding, rhythm method were the main preferences to contraceptive planning
methods identified. Factors influencing the use of traditional contraceptive
methods were the lack of knowledge, the side effects, the bad experience with
the modern contraceptive methods, spousal communication around family planning,
the husband’s opposition to modern methods, availability, accessibility, and the absence of side
effects as well as the character of the traditional methods, the fact of living
in an urban environment as well as the age beyond 30 years. Conclusion: This review identified preferences and motivations for using traditional
contraceptive methods. These findings could be considered in different family
planning programs to understand their role and help to estimate the
contraceptive prevalence better.