Determinants of Male Involvement in Family Planning Services in Tarime District, Tanzania

This study examined the determinants of male involvement in family planning services in Tarime District, Tanzania. Specifically, at attaining four objectives, first to assess the levels of male involvement in family planning services, second, to examine people’s perception about family planning services, third, levels of male support of their partners in the use of contraceptives. Lastly, to evaluate the intervention measures of men’s involvement in family planning services. Social cognitive theory and theory of planned behaviour were used to understand the interface individual behaviour and social realities on modern family planning services. Cross sectional research design was used and data collecting tools used were survey questionnaire, in depth interview guide and focus group discussion guide. The sample size was 108 males and the sampling was largely done randomly. The analysis of quantitative data was done by using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics while the qualitative data were subjected to thematic and content analysis. The major findings show that the acceptability of modern family planning services among people in the study community was moderated with a little more than half (55%) of sampled men reported to have used family planning service. Knowledge was high (96%) in the study community; this does not indicate that knowledge can be translated into practice. Evidence from logistic regression revealed that education, having children and age were statistically significant, at different P value level as they affect likelihood of family planning usage. The study recommends that, relevant stakeholders should ensure availability, accessibility and sustainable advocacy for use of family planning services Keywords: Male involvement, family planning, contraceptive, Tarim

Recognition, Perceptions and Treatment Practices for Severe Malaria in Rural Tanzania: Implications for Accessing Rectal Artesunate as a Pre-Referral

OBJECTIVES: Preparatory to a community trial investigating how best to deliver rectal artesunate as pre-referral treatment for severe malaria; local understanding, perceptions of signs/symptoms of severe malaria and treatment-seeking patterns for and barriers to seeking biomedical treatment were investigated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: 19 key informant interviews, 12 in-depth interviews and 14 focus group discussions targeting care-givers, opinion leaders, and formal and informal health care providers were conducted. Monthly fever episodes and danger signs or symptoms associated with severe malaria among under-fives were recorded. Respondents recognized convulsions, altered consciousness and coma, and were aware of their risks if not treated. But, these symptoms were perceived to be caused by supernatural forces, and traditional healers were identified as primary care providers. With some delay, mothers eventually visited a health facility when convulsions were part of the illness, despite pressures against this. Although vomiting and failure to eat/suck/drink were associated with malaria, they were not considered as indicators of danger signs unless combined with another more severe symptom. Study communities were familiar with rectal application of medicines. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Communities' recognition and awareness of major symptoms of severe malaria could encourage action, but perceptions of their causes and poor discrimination of other danger signs – vomiting and failure to feed – might impede early treatment. An effective health education targeting parents/guardians, decision-makers/advisors, and formal and informal care providers might be a prerequisite for successful introduction of rectal artemisinins as an emergency treatment. Role of traditional healers in delivering such medication to the community should be explored