Skip to main content
Guttmacher Institute
  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • Contact
Donate
 

International Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health

A journal of peer-reviewed research

Gender Differences in Perceived Benefits of and Barriers to Use of Modern Contraceptive Methods in Rural Malawi

4613520.pdf

Authors

Sarah Huber-Krum, Harvard University Alison H. Norris, The Ohio State University

CONTEXT

Despite the extensive literature on women's perceptions about contraceptive methods, distinctions between specific methods have rarely been investigated, men have often been excluded and comparable data for contraceptive users and nonusers have typically not been collected. The lack of such information may limit family planning programs' effectiveness.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey data from 1,162 women and 621 men were used to examine perceived barriers to and facilitators of use of contraceptive methods (the pill, injectable, subdermal implant, IUD and male condoms). Conditional logit regression analysis was used to examine associations between 13 method-specific perceptions and respondents' preference to use the male condom, injectable or implant among a subsample of 603 women and 295 men.

RESULTS

Men's and women's perceptions differed the most with regard to side effects, sexual pleasure and partner support. The likelihood that a woman preferred to use a method was positively associated with her perception that it does not have side effects, has a desired influence on menstruation, has no impact on conceiving a future pregnancy, is easy to use covertly and was recommended by a friend (odds ratios, 1.3–1.7). The likelihood that a man preferred a method was positively associated with his perception that it has a desired influence on his partner's menstruation (1.7) and that his partner is very supportive of its use (2.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Family planning programs and health care providers should engage with both women and men to counteract misperceptions or negative beliefs about contraceptive methods, and should work to provide accurate information to couples.

Author's Affiliations

Sarah Huber-Krum is research associate, School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. Alison H. Norris is associate professor, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University College, Columbus, OH, USA.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Guttmacher Institute.
Volume 46
August 2020
|
Page 135

First published online: August 26, 2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1363/46e9520
Source / Available for Purchase
http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1363/46e9520

Share

IPSRH

  • About IPSRH
  • Find IPSRH Articles
Guttmacher Institute

Center facts. Shape policy.
Advance sexual and reproductive rights.

Donate Now
Newsletter Signup  Contact Us 
  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • Contact

Footer

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
© 2025 Guttmacher Institute. The Guttmacher Institute is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the tax identification number 13-2890727. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable.