P-59 The Influence of Family Dynamics on Contraceptive Use in Madagascar and the Ensuing Impact on Family Well-Being

The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between family influence, contraceptive use, and family well-being. A survey was administered in the Vatovavy Fitovinany region of Madagascar, which has one of the lowest contraceptive prevalence rates in the country. The survey collected data on family dynamics and knowledge and practice of family planning. Data were retained for 768 Malagasy couples. Multiple regression was used to determine (1) the relationships between contraceptive use and two levels of family dynamics and extended family influence and (2) whether the two levels of family dynamics and contraceptive use were associated with four types of well-being: psychological, physical, intellectual, and economic. There is evidence that while both spousal dynamics and extended family influence were associated with contraceptive use, spousal dynamics showed a stronger relationship. Analyses regarding well-being were inconclusive overall but suggest that spousal dynamics may also have a greater association with well-being than extended family influence. We recommend increased support for family planning promotion and training that includes couples as a unit rather than women only. Also, family planning can be promoted during community outreach in order to increase understanding and acceptance within the community, which includes extended family members

P-06 Hungry for Attention: The Right to Food in Madagascar

Surprisingly and unfortunately, in spite of the fertile arable land and a favorable climate, Madagascar is one of the most chronically food insecure countries in the world. In southern regions, where droughts are most frequent, food insecurity affects 68 percent of households. The “right to food” is a fundamental human right and its realization is essential to the fulfillment of other human rights. To realize people’s right to food means to both empower people and hold governments accountable. The degree of food insecurity in Madagascar can be used as a proxy for the degree to which the right to food has been realized. In light of this, the state of Madagascar has failed in its obligation to respect its citizens’ right to food and this failure should lead to questions about the sovereignty rights of Madagascar at the very least, and even the legitimacy of the state itself. Not only has Madagascar failed in its obligation to respect its citizens’ right to food, it has also failed to both protect and fulfill the right to food within its borders. Our research attempts to answer the question: “What are the perceptions of the Malagasy people towards the right to adequate food?” We explore similarities and differences in perceptions between citizens, civil society members, and government