“Family planning will mean that there will not be any babies” - Knowledge, beliefs, and acceptance of contraception among South Sudanese women

Abstract

Objective: Explore knowledge, beliefs and acceptance of modern family planning methods among South Sudanese women. Methods: Ancillary analysis of qualitative data gathered from field notes taken during six Home Based Life-Saving Skills workshops conducted between 2013 and 2017. Participant responses recorded verbatim and analyzed through content analysis. Results: Sixty-eight women participated in discussions. An overarching theme "double-edged sword" evolved from the narratives. Upheaval from villages in South Sudan to refugee camps in northern Uganda has changed reproductive health norms with favorable and unfavorable consequences. Within that theme, three sub-themes evolved, cultural norms, changing times, and desire to learn. Cultural norms were to abstain from sex while breastfeeding 2 to 3 years, considered the one acceptable family planning method. Women had very little knowledge of modern contraception, including condoms, but desired to learn and teach others. Participants recognized traditional ways of child spacing and avoiding pregnancy were no longer sufficient and contraceptive methods (outside of abstinence) were important to prevent mistimed pregnancy. Conclusions: Efforts to increase knowledge, understanding and use of modern family planning methods must be sensitive to cultural norms.