**4. Attitudes affecting family planning**

Attitude refers to the positive or negative feelings or tendencies of an individual about an idea, an object or a symbol. According to Bohner, the attitude is anything that a person actually possesses and that he realizes later. According to Arkonaç, attitude, generally attributed to many academicians, is a tendency which is attributed to a person and which creates his feelings and behaviors related to a psychological object in an orderly way. Attitudes naturally affect beliefs as well. Faith includes true or false information, opinions and beliefs based on personal experimentation or external sources. All variables affecting family planning cause behavior to occur [24, 25].

Behaviors and attitudes play an important role among the choice of using family planning methods and so it effects the change of fertility status and population rate indirectly. In order to promote the usage of an effective method, attitudes and behaviors play an important role on preference of choosing a family planning method. The identification of attitudes that affect the use of the family planning method by individuals is an important factor contributing to the scheduling of family planning services [26–28].

The basis of most attitudes depends on childhood and is generally acquired through direct experience, reinforcement, imitation and social learning. The most important feature is that once they have developed, they are very resistant to change [29]. Studies conducted in different countries have found that most women know the methods of family planning but have a lack of practice. This is due to the fact that individuals are in a negative and prejudiced attitude toward modern methods. It is known that positive or negative attitude affects the use of family planning method. It is considered important to examine the current attitudes and determinants in order to spread the choice of effective method [26–28].

use contraceptives and without desire to prevent pregnancy are responsible for about 38% of

Giving expanded alternatives to different methods, if available, can help to meet some of their needs and increase their usage of contraceptives. Extension of accessibility for different method can reduce contraceptive discontinuation by 8%. Beside this, wider range of options may cause some of women (62%) who have unmet needs to become users [18]. For example, an increase in the availability of a new method may increase the contraceptive prevalence by 8 points [19]. Finally, some users will need contraception to protect against sexually transmitted

There are very few studies comparing outcomes among women who have unmet need, depending on whether they are planning for future contraceptive use or not. Analysis of Cross-sectional Demographic and Health Sector (DHS) data reported that 26–83% of women who were unmet need in 48 countries thought to use any contraceptive [21]. Additionally, DHS data show that participants were considered to have unmet needs regardless of their attitudes toward their next pregnancy who indicated that they were pregnant or amenorrheic and wanted this pregnancy or had their last pregnancy. However, most of these women do not desire to get pregnant again in a short span of time, and say that they are willing to use contraceptives. Ross and Winfrey indicate that 40% of postpartum women in 27 countries are

Between 2006 and 2009, 32% of 2853 women who were married during the survey period between the ages of 13 and 49, got pregnant at least once. Women with or without unmet need in these pregnancies were significantly more equally divided in terms of contraception (30 and 33%). All pregnancies among women who have unmet need are considered unwanted. However, 40% of unmet need pregnancies were among those who said they did not want more children; this result was interpreted as those women changed their childbearing inten-

Attitude refers to the positive or negative feelings or tendencies of an individual about an idea, an object or a symbol. According to Bohner, the attitude is anything that a person actually possesses and that he realizes later. According to Arkonaç, attitude, generally attributed to many academicians, is a tendency which is attributed to a person and which creates his feelings and behaviors related to a psychological object in an orderly way. Attitudes naturally affect beliefs as well. Faith includes true or false information, opinions and beliefs based on personal experimentation or

Behaviors and attitudes play an important role among the choice of using family planning methods and so it effects the change of fertility status and population rate indirectly. In order to promote the usage of an effective method, attitudes and behaviors play an important role on preference of choosing a family planning method. The identification of attitudes that affect the use of the family planning method by individuals is an important factor contributing to

external sources. All variables affecting family planning cause behavior to occur [24, 25].

tions, stopped using the method or were exposed to contraceptive failure [23].

women with unmet needs.

36 Family Planning

infections such as human immunodeficiency virus [20].

intend to use a method within the next year [22].

**4. Attitudes affecting family planning**

the scheduling of family planning services [26–28].

Individuals obtain information about family planning methods, emotionally empower them with information and ultimately turn their attitudes toward information into positive or negative behavior. Individuals also respond to the reactions they have through the process of transformation into behavior [2].

Individuals' attitudes for family planning methods are influenced by some characteristics, such as economic factors, sociocultural factors, environmental factors, location, age, educational, traditional beliefs, religion, family type and level of knowledge. It is known that these factors have effects on turning the attitudes into behaviors. Attitude is a notional concept and although it cannot be observed directly, the effects on behavior are well known [30, 31].

Individuals get the knowledge of family planning methods, then they transcribe it emotionally by themselves. After all they combine them with their attitudes and positive or negative behavior is ready for decision of which method is suitable for them [32].

Many anthropologists have insisted that reproductive behavior or decisions made in relation to family planning is not only decided by economic factors, but also affected by sociocultural factors such as fertility preferences or values related to having children. Further, political issues such as national population policy or reproductive health programs, are also influential matters. Subsequently, anthropologists emphasize that it is very important to understand what social, cultural or structural factors may shape peoples thoughts and behaviors [33].

In early 1970s, two factors were found to affect the fertility behavior of women. Surveys on sex preferences have used deductions from attitude and behavior charts due to inadequate direct scales. In this regard it is possible to distinguish three groups of countries: countries where it is reasonable to choose male siblings; male siblings are preferred due to certain criteria; and countries with no sexual preference systematically. There is a period during which the transition from high fertility to low fertility requires couples to decrease the number of family members but yet not practitioners of contraception. Those who do not use any contraception methods, among those at any age, who want to limit their family size are far more numerous than those in developed societies compared to the developing societies. When education is considered as one of the variables of modernization, it is understood that inconsistent behavior tends to decrease with education [34].

By 1980s, comparable data for a large number of developing countries participating in the World Fertility Survey (WFS) have become available. Cross-national studies based on WFS data confirmed that education generally exerts a negative influence on fertility. But even at low levels of socioeconomic development, where education had a negligible, a negative association emerged after a critical level of schooling, was reached [35]. A pronounced preference of parents to have male children has been noted in a number of countries, although a desire of a balanced number of sons and daughters is also common [12].

In recent years, the idea that it is significant to understand the sociocultural contexts in demographic studies has gradually expanded [33]. Some studies have mentioned the importance of the role of men in reproductive health and their influence on decision-making and behavior related to reproduction [36, 37]. As mentioned above, many family planning programs have focused mainly on women. Even though men are increasingly being "involved" in reproductive health programs, the view of men still seem to be that they are peripheral and problematic [36].

among family members, sharing of responsibilities, etc.), gender roles, beliefs of society, marriage models (polygamy, same place, same family marriage, relatives marriage, etc.), sexual behaviors (premarital, out-of-marriage relationships, marriage prohibitions, etc.), using or not using contraceptive methods vary from community to community [41]. Properties of family, economic circumstance of community, the ban of some contraceptive methods in that society, opinion about abortus, concerns about using several contraceptive methods, population policies, gravidity, religion, the idea of sin, traditional practices, etc.; all of which are among the most important factors determining health status. Some are not direct health care determinants

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Having a strong religious identity affects willingness of women to discuss contraception with their partners/families/communities and an unwillingness to consider accessing it and eventually using it. Similarly, the institutionalized religious doctrines intersect with cultural beliefs in a society which bestows man as the overall head of the house and, such beliefs are inherently subsumed in a patriarchal structure, where women have been relegated as a weaker gender and could only measure their freedom of choice within the acceptable framework.

There are large differences by region. Contraceptives are used by almost all of the world's married or majority members. In 2015, 64% of married or in-union women between 15 and 49 years of age in the world were using any form of contraception. However, the use of contraceptives was much lower in less developed countries (40%), and was especially low in Africa (33%). Among other large geographical regions, the use of contraceptives increased

Furthermore, place of residence has an impact on the use of contraceptive, and is higher in urban areas than in rural areas [42, 43]. The factors revealing these differences are better availability of social services such as education, access to health services, information and family planning services [44]. The results of a study support that social factors such as place of resi-

In this study, urban women were found more likely to use contraceptives compared to rural women [44]. Another study showed that utilization of family planning methods was found more in women of age group 30 or more, parity four and more, educational level up to high school and above and those of higher socioeconomic status whereas their residential area (urban or rural) was not found an influencing factor on practice of family planning by them. This study showed that all the women, both in urban and rural area, were willing to adopt a family planning method in future. All the women interviewed were in favor of practicing family planning. However, only 55.9% women were found to have used some form of family planning. When comparing modern and traditional methods, the difference between the preferences of future family planning methods between urban and rural areas is statistically significant. Conservative use of the condom in rural areas (44.6%) and modern methods in urban areas (32.3%) seem to be at the highest level of future use preferences. The study also revealed a good knowledge and favorable attitude toward future use

significantly in 2015 from 59% in Oceania to 75% in North America [14].

dence, affect the contraceptive utilization patterns.

of family planning methods [45].

but may be preparatory, adjuvant or preventative [41].

**4.3. Location**

#### **4.1. Socioeconomic factors**

Gender indicates the characteristics, positions and roles of man and woman in all social relationships. But in most studies on family planning, women are usually on the front line of factors that affect socioeconomic outcomes. For age, a commitment to supporting gender equality in economic outcomes has underlined women's empowerment.

However, despite important advances toward equality, differences in the socioeconomic outcomes of men and women still persist. If the population is increasing by forcing natural resources and economic opportunity, the necessity of implementing effective and adequate family planning in the society is emerging. With industrialization, families have better economic opportunities and social security. Thus, aggravating living conditions and taking more roles in women's work life reduces the desire to have many children.

It is accepted by many scientist upon that human rights are an integral part of the economic process, and that it is impossible to support that process without women. Consequently, it is necessary to expand the aims of existing societies to include the interests of women.

Everywhere in the world, men have an important role in the socioeconomic progress of women. When designing social sex-based policies, ignoring women increases both their effectiveness and inequality. The use of fertility and contraception in developing countries are associated with socioeconomic status and other relevant factors [38].

The withdrawal method is the most commonly used birth control method in the world. There are not enough data on whether withdrawal method choice is influenced by variables such as socioeconomic status and education [39]. It was demonstrated that withdrawal use is quite common among young US females in different study. Because nearly one-third of females aged 15–24 years in study nationally representative sample indicated that they had recently used withdrawal [40].

#### **4.2. Sociocultural factors**

In every cultural group events such as coitus, pregnancy and birth show differences. In a society, appropriate conditions for fertility and bringing the child to the world, pregnancy, how birth will be, what the prenatal and postnatal care standards are, the 'birth culture' that is peculiar to the collective and tries to preserve the basic approaches, perhaps changing a little from generation to generation and taught to other generations.

Economic conditions of the society (distribution of income, employment opportunities, etc.), family structure (which is common among the core/extended family models, relationships among family members, sharing of responsibilities, etc.), gender roles, beliefs of society, marriage models (polygamy, same place, same family marriage, relatives marriage, etc.), sexual behaviors (premarital, out-of-marriage relationships, marriage prohibitions, etc.), using or not using contraceptive methods vary from community to community [41]. Properties of family, economic circumstance of community, the ban of some contraceptive methods in that society, opinion about abortus, concerns about using several contraceptive methods, population policies, gravidity, religion, the idea of sin, traditional practices, etc.; all of which are among the most important factors determining health status. Some are not direct health care determinants but may be preparatory, adjuvant or preventative [41].

Having a strong religious identity affects willingness of women to discuss contraception with their partners/families/communities and an unwillingness to consider accessing it and eventually using it. Similarly, the institutionalized religious doctrines intersect with cultural beliefs in a society which bestows man as the overall head of the house and, such beliefs are inherently subsumed in a patriarchal structure, where women have been relegated as a weaker gender and could only measure their freedom of choice within the acceptable framework.

#### **4.3. Location**

In recent years, the idea that it is significant to understand the sociocultural contexts in demographic studies has gradually expanded [33]. Some studies have mentioned the importance of the role of men in reproductive health and their influence on decision-making and behavior related to reproduction [36, 37]. As mentioned above, many family planning programs have focused mainly on women. Even though men are increasingly being "involved" in reproductive health programs, the view of men still seem to be that they are peripheral and problematic [36].

Gender indicates the characteristics, positions and roles of man and woman in all social relationships. But in most studies on family planning, women are usually on the front line of factors that affect socioeconomic outcomes. For age, a commitment to supporting gender

However, despite important advances toward equality, differences in the socioeconomic outcomes of men and women still persist. If the population is increasing by forcing natural resources and economic opportunity, the necessity of implementing effective and adequate family planning in the society is emerging. With industrialization, families have better economic opportunities and social security. Thus, aggravating living conditions and taking more

It is accepted by many scientist upon that human rights are an integral part of the economic process, and that it is impossible to support that process without women. Consequently, it is

Everywhere in the world, men have an important role in the socioeconomic progress of women. When designing social sex-based policies, ignoring women increases both their effectiveness and inequality. The use of fertility and contraception in developing countries are

The withdrawal method is the most commonly used birth control method in the world. There are not enough data on whether withdrawal method choice is influenced by variables such as socioeconomic status and education [39]. It was demonstrated that withdrawal use is quite common among young US females in different study. Because nearly one-third of females aged 15–24 years in study nationally representative sample indicated that they had recently

In every cultural group events such as coitus, pregnancy and birth show differences. In a society, appropriate conditions for fertility and bringing the child to the world, pregnancy, how birth will be, what the prenatal and postnatal care standards are, the 'birth culture' that is peculiar to the collective and tries to preserve the basic approaches, perhaps changing a little

Economic conditions of the society (distribution of income, employment opportunities, etc.), family structure (which is common among the core/extended family models, relationships

necessary to expand the aims of existing societies to include the interests of women.

equality in economic outcomes has underlined women's empowerment.

roles in women's work life reduces the desire to have many children.

associated with socioeconomic status and other relevant factors [38].

from generation to generation and taught to other generations.

**4.1. Socioeconomic factors**

38 Family Planning

used withdrawal [40].

**4.2. Sociocultural factors**

There are large differences by region. Contraceptives are used by almost all of the world's married or majority members. In 2015, 64% of married or in-union women between 15 and 49 years of age in the world were using any form of contraception. However, the use of contraceptives was much lower in less developed countries (40%), and was especially low in Africa (33%). Among other large geographical regions, the use of contraceptives increased significantly in 2015 from 59% in Oceania to 75% in North America [14].

Furthermore, place of residence has an impact on the use of contraceptive, and is higher in urban areas than in rural areas [42, 43]. The factors revealing these differences are better availability of social services such as education, access to health services, information and family planning services [44]. The results of a study support that social factors such as place of residence, affect the contraceptive utilization patterns.

In this study, urban women were found more likely to use contraceptives compared to rural women [44]. Another study showed that utilization of family planning methods was found more in women of age group 30 or more, parity four and more, educational level up to high school and above and those of higher socioeconomic status whereas their residential area (urban or rural) was not found an influencing factor on practice of family planning by them. This study showed that all the women, both in urban and rural area, were willing to adopt a family planning method in future. All the women interviewed were in favor of practicing family planning. However, only 55.9% women were found to have used some form of family planning. When comparing modern and traditional methods, the difference between the preferences of future family planning methods between urban and rural areas is statistically significant. Conservative use of the condom in rural areas (44.6%) and modern methods in urban areas (32.3%) seem to be at the highest level of future use preferences. The study also revealed a good knowledge and favorable attitude toward future use of family planning methods [45].

#### **4.4. Age**

The age of women plays an important role in the process of deciding when women will start and finish the process of giving birth and how long to wait after the birth of the next child. Also the use of family planning method varies according to the age of the woman. As women get older, their need for contraception and the rate of contraception decreases [45, 46].

**4.6. Gender**

fertility and birth is always dominant.

Reproduction is a dual commitment, but in most of the world it is often seen as the responsibility of women entirely, and many family planning programs have focused mainly on women. Men are often described as forgotten reproductive health clients in family planning services.

Factors Affecting the Attitudes of Women toward Family Planning

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The role of men in family planning population planners have received more interest in recent years as they begin to notice the importance of male influence on reproductive decisions around the world. Up to this point, many activities are in the effort to determine or develop the knowledge and attitudes of men about family planning. While men play a direct and major role in deciding contraceptives, they play an indirect role as a dominant factor in women's economic, social and family needs. The role of men in decision-making on women's

The United State Agency for International Development has addressed women's participation in many aspects of family planning, such as condom promotion through social marketing or community-based distributors, training and promotion of vasectomy and Information and Education Campaigns to increase awareness and knowledge and to influence behavior change. The prevalence of contraceptive method use in married men was found to be approximately 15.0%, about 6.0% in their wives and 16.0% in couples. The mean age of participants was 38.3 ± 9.0 and the respondents' spouses were 32.7 ± 8.4. The percentage of married men who do not know how to read and write is 52.0 and 77.5% of their spouses are illiterate. Most married men were now using condoms and their wives were now using oral pills. Most married men (97.0%) were aware of common contraceptive methods. The research findings showed that married men who are illiterate and younger do not exchange ideas or allow their spouses to do family planning and that they do not even discuss family planning with their wives [53–55].

In another study, among married men about their contraceptive use and fertility preference reported interesting findings concerning male involvement in family planning decisions. The report also revealed that majority of the men have supportive attitude toward contraception use and recommended to strengthen efforts to convert the positive attitudes to positive behav-

The reasons for inclusion of men in reproductive health issues are multifaceted. Above all, men have their own reproductive health concerns and their involvement should not be seen as a tool for better female reproductive health. Also, men's sexual health and reproductive health welfare and behavior directly affect their partners. Besides decisions about reproduc-

Male methods of contraception, such as coitus interruptus and condoms, although they have historically played a far greater role than women's methods, are denigrated as being unreliable or associated with extramarital sex, respectively. Birth control pills have been put in place of birth control, but responsibility should be shared by partners regardless of pregnancy, no matters which of them desires. The prominence of behavioral factors is due to the fact that

In the private arena, men can directly influence women's economic and social progress. In many societies men still say the last words about family planning and reproductive health,

iors to achieve greater success in family planning programs [56].

tive health occur in relationships between men and women [57].

most of the contraceptive failures originate from human error [58].

In a study, it was demonstrated that younger women, often have a stronger fertility desire than older women. In this study, 26% of the women aged 15–24 wanted another child within 2 years compared to 16% among women aged 25–34 [47]. The use of pills and condoms are preferred more when the average age is lower. When the contraceptive use of married and fertile women is examined according to their age, it is observed that middle-aged women tend to use the family planning method more than younger and older ones [48]. Another study, demonstrated that use of contraception was maximum (84.8%) in 30 years and more and minimum (2.2%) in 20 years age [45]. Similarly NFHS-III, India reported more use of contraceptive by women of higher age group and parity [49].

Maternal age at first birth is an important determinant of the quality of life of the woman and the baby, maternal and child health and general fertility level.

#### **4.5. Education**

Women's education has a great influence on many health indicators and is one of the most commonly studied determinants of the use of contraception and unmet need. Women's attitudes toward family planning are influenced by experiences such as education and pregnancy. It was found that women who had a primary school graduate or higher education, had 1–3 pregnancies and did not want more children in the future got higher scores on the family planning attitude scale. As the level of education increases, the number of children required decreases [50]. The reason for this can be explained by the opportunity to learn about family planning and to raise awareness about the issue.

Similarly, as women's education levels increase, awareness increases. Sociocultural characteristics play an important role in this issue [51]. Education contributes significantly to the quality of women's lives. Improving women's access to education and encouraging continuous and constant exposure would significantly increase use of family planning and reduce unmet need.

In societies with high levels of education and socioeconomic status, marriage, pregnancy and childbearing age occur at a later stage and therefore the need for contraceptive methods increases. Using contraceptive methods prevent advanced pregnancies and high fertility. As the interval between births increases, the number of high-risk pregnancies decreases and maternal mortality declines. It was identified that the use of effective modern methods, intrauterine devices and oral contraceptives, increased as the education level and socioeconomic status of the women improved.

Failure rate of contraceptive methods is reduced by informing pairs. Visual and audiovisual media play an important role in information provision and in creating awareness. Education and counseling services are most accessible and suitable for prenatal and postnatal periods [52].

#### **4.6. Gender**

**4.4. Age**

40 Family Planning

**4.5. Education**

unmet need.

status of the women improved.

The age of women plays an important role in the process of deciding when women will start and finish the process of giving birth and how long to wait after the birth of the next child. Also the use of family planning method varies according to the age of the woman. As women get

In a study, it was demonstrated that younger women, often have a stronger fertility desire than older women. In this study, 26% of the women aged 15–24 wanted another child within 2 years compared to 16% among women aged 25–34 [47]. The use of pills and condoms are preferred more when the average age is lower. When the contraceptive use of married and fertile women is examined according to their age, it is observed that middle-aged women tend to use the family planning method more than younger and older ones [48]. Another study, demonstrated that use of contraception was maximum (84.8%) in 30 years and more and minimum (2.2%) in 20 years age [45]. Similarly NFHS-III, India reported more use of contraceptive by

Maternal age at first birth is an important determinant of the quality of life of the woman and

Women's education has a great influence on many health indicators and is one of the most commonly studied determinants of the use of contraception and unmet need. Women's attitudes toward family planning are influenced by experiences such as education and pregnancy. It was found that women who had a primary school graduate or higher education, had 1–3 pregnancies and did not want more children in the future got higher scores on the family planning attitude scale. As the level of education increases, the number of children required decreases [50]. The reason for this can be explained by the opportunity to learn about family

Similarly, as women's education levels increase, awareness increases. Sociocultural characteristics play an important role in this issue [51]. Education contributes significantly to the quality of women's lives. Improving women's access to education and encouraging continuous and constant exposure would significantly increase use of family planning and reduce

In societies with high levels of education and socioeconomic status, marriage, pregnancy and childbearing age occur at a later stage and therefore the need for contraceptive methods increases. Using contraceptive methods prevent advanced pregnancies and high fertility. As the interval between births increases, the number of high-risk pregnancies decreases and maternal mortality declines. It was identified that the use of effective modern methods, intrauterine devices and oral contraceptives, increased as the education level and socioeconomic

Failure rate of contraceptive methods is reduced by informing pairs. Visual and audiovisual media play an important role in information provision and in creating awareness. Education and counseling services are most accessible and suitable for prenatal and postnatal periods [52].

older, their need for contraception and the rate of contraception decreases [45, 46].

women of higher age group and parity [49].

planning and to raise awareness about the issue.

the baby, maternal and child health and general fertility level.

Reproduction is a dual commitment, but in most of the world it is often seen as the responsibility of women entirely, and many family planning programs have focused mainly on women. Men are often described as forgotten reproductive health clients in family planning services.

The role of men in family planning population planners have received more interest in recent years as they begin to notice the importance of male influence on reproductive decisions around the world. Up to this point, many activities are in the effort to determine or develop the knowledge and attitudes of men about family planning. While men play a direct and major role in deciding contraceptives, they play an indirect role as a dominant factor in women's economic, social and family needs. The role of men in decision-making on women's fertility and birth is always dominant.

The United State Agency for International Development has addressed women's participation in many aspects of family planning, such as condom promotion through social marketing or community-based distributors, training and promotion of vasectomy and Information and Education Campaigns to increase awareness and knowledge and to influence behavior change. The prevalence of contraceptive method use in married men was found to be approximately 15.0%, about 6.0% in their wives and 16.0% in couples. The mean age of participants was 38.3 ± 9.0 and the respondents' spouses were 32.7 ± 8.4. The percentage of married men who do not know how to read and write is 52.0 and 77.5% of their spouses are illiterate. Most married men were now using condoms and their wives were now using oral pills. Most married men (97.0%) were aware of common contraceptive methods. The research findings showed that married men who are illiterate and younger do not exchange ideas or allow their spouses to do family planning and that they do not even discuss family planning with their wives [53–55].

In another study, among married men about their contraceptive use and fertility preference reported interesting findings concerning male involvement in family planning decisions. The report also revealed that majority of the men have supportive attitude toward contraception use and recommended to strengthen efforts to convert the positive attitudes to positive behaviors to achieve greater success in family planning programs [56].

The reasons for inclusion of men in reproductive health issues are multifaceted. Above all, men have their own reproductive health concerns and their involvement should not be seen as a tool for better female reproductive health. Also, men's sexual health and reproductive health welfare and behavior directly affect their partners. Besides decisions about reproductive health occur in relationships between men and women [57].

Male methods of contraception, such as coitus interruptus and condoms, although they have historically played a far greater role than women's methods, are denigrated as being unreliable or associated with extramarital sex, respectively. Birth control pills have been put in place of birth control, but responsibility should be shared by partners regardless of pregnancy, no matters which of them desires. The prominence of behavioral factors is due to the fact that most of the contraceptive failures originate from human error [58].

In the private arena, men can directly influence women's economic and social progress. In many societies men still say the last words about family planning and reproductive health, the use of family resources, including spouses and girls' participation in the labor market, and medical and educational spending.

Men's positive approach makes it easier for women to access and use family planning services, and as a result, availability and continuity in services is ensured [66–68]. Participation of men in family planning involves using more male-oriented methods and supporting their partners in using the family planning method. It is very important for men to decide which method to use in family planning and to act together with women during the selection use

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Men should be able to lead and support his wife or use one of these methods himself. As a wife and a husband, they may be more aware of the needs of their spouse and family members and may make better plans for their children's future. Positive attitudes of men in family planning can enable their spouses to use their methods and go to the health institution regularly. They can also play an important role in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

Men's attitudes will be used in women's reproductive health decisions family planning methods. Many factors affect women's use of the family planning method, such as the educational status of women and their spouses, the number of children they have, the family structure, the point of view of men toward family planning and the disapproval of spouse or family elders [66, 68]. Dissatisfaction against existing methods in developed countries leads to new

In Zimbabwe, despite men report having "the final say" in contraceptive use, women are the ones responsible for obtaining contraceptives. These and other studies show that couples in contraceptive use are incompatible. The primary conclusion in past research is that men are on the contraception for the purpose of spacing for restricting family size. Men want more children, this suggests that reproductive health programs or policies in developing countries should occur in both genders. Note that most of the conclusions are derived from surveys where individuals prefer their own preferences and preferences. For this reason, it is necessary to work more accurately to measure the "unmet needs" of women, the difference

One of the problems generated by unmet need for family planning is the occurrence of unwanted pregnancies that have impact on abortion. Given that one of the four pregnancies in the world is intentionally terminated, there is also evidence of male opinion about abortion, an important element in contraception. Abortion is perhaps the best example of a direct relationship between laws and policies and inadequate reproductive health outcomes, and in many countries it is men who write, confirm, and enforce abortion. For example, married women in Turkey need permission from their spouse to have an abortion. This situation is about Islamic law. In addition, men can directly influence women's decisions about abortion. For example, in an amniocentesis and abortion inquiry in New York, Rapp found that spouses' beliefs were largely influential on the rejection of prenatal tests such as contraceptive use or amniocentesis. According to her results, women who felt that her partners would love and help increase a handicapped child were less likely to undergo such test, relying heavily on her partner's beliefs about the attraction of a handicapped child in their decisions about. The study by Browner for Colombia demonstrated the strong influence that spouse have on women's abortion decisions. When it is expressed directly or when it perceives that it will be abandoned,

and follow-up of methods [62].

through the use of condoms regularly [62, 69].

between fertility preferences and the use of contraception [59].

methods of searching for men [70].

In developed countries, men have limited participation in child care and domestic affairs; this situation places a great burden on women's education and professional life. The role of men in developing countries is even more important in patriarchal structures that supervise the health decisions of women of their husbands or other family members. Women's reproductive health is influenced by men's policy makers, male health care providers and men's services. Men also affect women's reproductive health as partners and ancestors.

Accordingly, understanding the behaviors and beliefs of the man about fertility and family planning is very important for the design of successful reproductive health policies. Poor knowledge of reproductive health issues among males may pose barriers for women to seek care for these problems [59].

Men as the heads of government and ministers of state, design and implement policies as leaders of religious and faith-based institutions, judges, chiefs of armies and other power organs. But they do not support women's priorities and needs. As public authorities, they also exercise control over a wide range of resources, such as health, education, transport or finance. This situation continues gender inequality in many parts of the world [59].

Presently, decision-makers are looking for ways and programs to involve men in reproductive health decisions, including family planning and support for safe motherhood. Previous programs have established that a supportive partner facilitates women's reproductive health and contraceptive usage. Women have been the main target of family planning campaigns at the expense of their male counterparts for a long time. Despite this, a greater percentage of women using contraception use a male contraceptive method or a contraceptive method that requires male cooperation [60].

The cause why men have a varied attitude than women and men exposed to family planning counseling at different levels and in the process of decision making, men have different experiences [61]. The authoritarian and patriarchal structure of family relationships also necessitates the approval of the man in using the family planning method. While most of the men in developing countries agree that responsibility is shared by couples, they believe that women should use family planning methods [62].

One of the biggest obstacles to men's participation in reproductive health is the inadequacy of information. Only male information about the contraception is not important, but also how it is used and its effectiveness is important. Various studies have examined how cultural and social organizations influence contraceptive patterns. Studies in Ghana and Nigeria show that women are at high level influence of male's population to contraceptive decisions; however the converse may not be true. In addition, men are effective at the first decade of reproductive marriage and up to the first four children. Males want more children in families with fewer members and it is seen how important the number of surviving children is for women [63, 64].

The importance of men's involvement in policy designs and research on reproductive health is also emphasized by other researchers. Bankole and Zulu claim that contraceptive unmet need data in Sub-Saharan Africa derives from data collected only for women [64, 65].

Men's positive approach makes it easier for women to access and use family planning services, and as a result, availability and continuity in services is ensured [66–68]. Participation of men in family planning involves using more male-oriented methods and supporting their partners in using the family planning method. It is very important for men to decide which method to use in family planning and to act together with women during the selection use and follow-up of methods [62].

the use of family resources, including spouses and girls' participation in the labor market, and

In developed countries, men have limited participation in child care and domestic affairs; this situation places a great burden on women's education and professional life. The role of men in developing countries is even more important in patriarchal structures that supervise the health decisions of women of their husbands or other family members. Women's reproductive health is influenced by men's policy makers, male health care providers and men's

Accordingly, understanding the behaviors and beliefs of the man about fertility and family planning is very important for the design of successful reproductive health policies. Poor knowledge of reproductive health issues among males may pose barriers for women to seek

Men as the heads of government and ministers of state, design and implement policies as leaders of religious and faith-based institutions, judges, chiefs of armies and other power organs. But they do not support women's priorities and needs. As public authorities, they also exercise control over a wide range of resources, such as health, education, transport or

Presently, decision-makers are looking for ways and programs to involve men in reproductive health decisions, including family planning and support for safe motherhood. Previous programs have established that a supportive partner facilitates women's reproductive health and contraceptive usage. Women have been the main target of family planning campaigns at the expense of their male counterparts for a long time. Despite this, a greater percentage of women using contraception use a male contraceptive method or a contraceptive method that

The cause why men have a varied attitude than women and men exposed to family planning counseling at different levels and in the process of decision making, men have different experiences [61]. The authoritarian and patriarchal structure of family relationships also necessitates the approval of the man in using the family planning method. While most of the men in developing countries agree that responsibility is shared by couples, they believe that women

One of the biggest obstacles to men's participation in reproductive health is the inadequacy of information. Only male information about the contraception is not important, but also how it is used and its effectiveness is important. Various studies have examined how cultural and social organizations influence contraceptive patterns. Studies in Ghana and Nigeria show that women are at high level influence of male's population to contraceptive decisions; however the converse may not be true. In addition, men are effective at the first decade of reproductive marriage and up to the first four children. Males want more children in families with fewer members and it is seen how important the number of surviving children is for women [63, 64]. The importance of men's involvement in policy designs and research on reproductive health is also emphasized by other researchers. Bankole and Zulu claim that contraceptive unmet

need data in Sub-Saharan Africa derives from data collected only for women [64, 65].

services. Men also affect women's reproductive health as partners and ancestors.

finance. This situation continues gender inequality in many parts of the world [59].

medical and educational spending.

42 Family Planning

care for these problems [59].

requires male cooperation [60].

should use family planning methods [62].

Men should be able to lead and support his wife or use one of these methods himself. As a wife and a husband, they may be more aware of the needs of their spouse and family members and may make better plans for their children's future. Positive attitudes of men in family planning can enable their spouses to use their methods and go to the health institution regularly. They can also play an important role in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases through the use of condoms regularly [62, 69].

Men's attitudes will be used in women's reproductive health decisions family planning methods. Many factors affect women's use of the family planning method, such as the educational status of women and their spouses, the number of children they have, the family structure, the point of view of men toward family planning and the disapproval of spouse or family elders [66, 68]. Dissatisfaction against existing methods in developed countries leads to new methods of searching for men [70].

In Zimbabwe, despite men report having "the final say" in contraceptive use, women are the ones responsible for obtaining contraceptives. These and other studies show that couples in contraceptive use are incompatible. The primary conclusion in past research is that men are on the contraception for the purpose of spacing for restricting family size. Men want more children, this suggests that reproductive health programs or policies in developing countries should occur in both genders. Note that most of the conclusions are derived from surveys where individuals prefer their own preferences and preferences. For this reason, it is necessary to work more accurately to measure the "unmet needs" of women, the difference between fertility preferences and the use of contraception [59].

One of the problems generated by unmet need for family planning is the occurrence of unwanted pregnancies that have impact on abortion. Given that one of the four pregnancies in the world is intentionally terminated, there is also evidence of male opinion about abortion, an important element in contraception. Abortion is perhaps the best example of a direct relationship between laws and policies and inadequate reproductive health outcomes, and in many countries it is men who write, confirm, and enforce abortion. For example, married women in Turkey need permission from their spouse to have an abortion. This situation is about Islamic law. In addition, men can directly influence women's decisions about abortion. For example, in an amniocentesis and abortion inquiry in New York, Rapp found that spouses' beliefs were largely influential on the rejection of prenatal tests such as contraceptive use or amniocentesis.

According to her results, women who felt that her partners would love and help increase a handicapped child were less likely to undergo such test, relying heavily on her partner's beliefs about the attraction of a handicapped child in their decisions about. The study by Browner for Colombia demonstrated the strong influence that spouse have on women's abortion decisions. When it is expressed directly or when it perceives that it will be abandoned, the abortion rate increases [59]. Getting men involved in the family planning program will lead to increase the usage of contraceptives methods as a result will improve the continuous use of male method.

**Author details**

\*, Yasemin Korkut<sup>2</sup>

4 Family Health Center, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

sity Health Sciences Institute; 2009

ijgo.2011.05.027. PMID: 21885049

Guttmacher Institute: New York; 2012

factsheets/fs351/en/ [Accessed: 2017/10/20]

PMID: 22784531

5 Ilic State Hospital, Erzincan, Turkey

\*Address all correspondence to: nazsensoy@yahoo.com

, Selcuk Akturan3

1 Department of Family Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

[1] Akgun S, Bakar C. Üreme sağlığı epidemiyolojisi: Türkiye'de doğurganlık ve aile planla-

[2] Çayan A. 15-49 yaş evli kadınların aile planlaması yöntemlerine ilişkin tutumlarının kullandıkları kontraseptif yöntemler ile ilişkisi [thesis]. Aydın: Adnan Menderes Univer-

[3] Ahman E, Shah IH. New estimates and trends regarding unsafe abortion mortality. International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. 2011;**115**:121-126. DOI: 10.1016/j.

[4] Ahmed S, Li Q, Liu L, Tsui AO. Maternal deaths averted by contraceptive use: An analysis of 172 countries. Lancet. 2012;**380**:111-125. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60478-4.

[5] Susheela S, Jacqueline D. Adding It Up: Costs and Benefits of Family Planning Services.

[6] Moazzam A, Armando S, Asma R, Mario F, Marleen T. A global research agenda for family planning: Results of an exercise for the setting of research priorities. Bulletin of the

[7] Cleland J, Conde-Agudelo A, Peterson H, et al. Contraception and health. Lancet. 2012;

[8] Family Planning 2020. Washington, DC: Family Planning 2020; 2012. Available from:

[9] Family Planning/Contaception. 2017. Available from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/

World Health Organization. 2014;**92**:93-98. DOİ. DOI: 10.2471/BLT.13.122242

**380**:149-156. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60609-6. PMID: 22784533

http://www.familyplanning2020.org [Accessed: 2017-10-26]

2 Department of Family Medicine, Dumlupinar University, Kutahya, Turkey

3 Department of Family Medicine, Erzincan University, Erzincan, Turkey

ması. Turkish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2006;**3**:9-18

, Mehmet Yilmaz<sup>4</sup>

, Canan Tuz3

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.73255

Factors Affecting the Attitudes of Women toward Family Planning

and

45

Nazli Sensoy<sup>1</sup>

Bilge Tuncel5

**References**

Identifying individuals' attitudes and behaviors toward the family planning, completing missing information and correcting false information are important to be able to provide an effective family planning service and for planning the training and consultancy services to be given to the women.

Health workers should be guided to choose the right method and use it correctly. This helps couples enhance the quality of their sexual lives. In order to potent scale up reproductive health service provision to meet the present-day and future needs, a sufficient number of educated health care professionals should be available. However, the inadequacy of health workers prevents the provision of family planning services, especially in rural areas. Experiences from some developing countries show that community-based family planning services have been used successfully to deliver family planning methods including distribution of pills as well as injectable contraceptives [71, 72].

Even though literature on uptake as well as methods used for family planning at community level in developing countries is available, literature on perceptions and attitudes of women toward the use of family planning services offered by community health workers is scarce [73].

Adults need more information about how family planning is useful in the severity and severity of known contraceptive side effects. A new literature survey of modern contraceptive use from qualitative research mentions about obstacles similar to contraceptive use for women, such as lack of knowledge, access and fear of side effects. In addition to school-based programs, media campaigns can help remove the myths surrounding the perceived health effects of contraceptive use.

In addition, more researches are needed among younger couples to develop communication and counseling about the family planning. This can be achieved by encouraging more male participation in contraceptive communication and decision-making processes, which may lead to increased use of family planning, better management of side effects and improved health relationships. As young women communicate with their peers and supportive family members, programs that encourage, build and support social networks will provide safe spaces for young adults to talk about the family planning and where they can access services [74].

As a result, more researches are needed in regards to knowledge and attitudes toward contraception use. The knowledge level in many countries of the world is high among both men and women, but the use of contraception is still low. In the future, qualitative research is needed for the reasons behind non-use contraception. Determination of attitudes and fears affecting contraception use could be a huge driver for increasing the prevalence.

#### **Conflict of interest**

There is no conflict of interest regarding the publication between authors.
