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African Journal of Primary Health Care... Oct 2018Sexual and reproductive decision-making has emerged as an important health indicator in family reproductive health issues. While there is evidence of male dominance in...
BACKGROUND
Sexual and reproductive decision-making has emerged as an important health indicator in family reproductive health issues. While there is evidence of male dominance in sexual and reproductive health decisions, the role of socio-demographic factors on women's decision to use contraception is not well understood.
AIM
This study aimed at exploring the socio-demographic factors associated with married women's decision-making to use contraception.
SETTING
The study was conducted in Mahikeng local municipality in the Modiri Molema District Municipality.
METHODS
Data were generated in Mahikeng from married and cohabiting women, aged 18-49 years, from a survey comprising 568 participants. Data were collected on women's demographic characteristics and contraceptive behaviour. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine factors related to decision-making on contraceptive use.
RESULTS
The result revealed that 57% of the participants were currently using contraception and 45% stated jointly-made decision regarding the use of contraception. Decisions on use of contraceptives were associated with education, occupation, religion, duration of union and home language. Other factors associated with decision-making on contraceptive use were perception on husband's right to sex, use of force for sex and spousal communication about sex.
CONCLUSION
Empowering women to use contraception to meet their fertility desire should aim at improving their socio-economic status and spousal communication. Family planning providers should recognise socio-cultural barriers under which the relationships exist and how women can navigate these contextual factors.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Contraception; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Marriage; Middle Aged; Religion and Sex; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Women; Young Adult
PubMed: 30326719
DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v10i1.1431 -
Journal of Biosocial Science Oct 1989This study surveys 100 married and 100 unmarried primiparous mothers, attending the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, with regard to their contraceptive practice,...
This study surveys 100 married and 100 unmarried primiparous mothers, attending the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, with regard to their contraceptive practice, their planning of their pregnancy and the timing of their first antenatal visit. Nineteen per cent of the married women, but 64% of the unmarried women, had never used any contraceptive method. The contraceptive pill was the most popular method for both groups, but while three in five of the married women had at some time used the pill, only a little more than one in five of the unmarried women had ever used it. One quarter of the women who had used contraception reported that their pregnancy was the result of a failure in their contraceptive method. Eighty-nine per cent of the single group and 20% of the married had not planned their pregnancy. None of the married women, but almost a quarter of the single, delayed their first antenatal visit until after they were 20 weeks pregnant.
Topics: Contraception Behavior; Female; Humans; Ireland; Marriage; Mothers; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Unwanted; Single Parent
PubMed: 2808465
DOI: 10.1017/s0021932000018113 -
Social Science Research Sep 2021This article documents how opportunity and change in the U.S. occupational structure shaped patterns of occupational assortative mating between 1970 and 2015-2017....
This article documents how opportunity and change in the U.S. occupational structure shaped patterns of occupational assortative mating between 1970 and 2015-2017. Trends in occupational assortative mating have often been cited as potentially contributing to the rise in economic inequality-the idea that doctors increasingly marry doctors instead of nurses-thereby exacerbating the concentration of resources among advantaged households. Previous estimates of trends in occupational assortative mating are now decades old and their impact on household inequality has not been quantified. Our results show large-scale change. The prevalence of dual-professional couples nearly tripled between 1970 and 2015-2017. Changes were especially large among particular occupational combinations. For instance, male doctors have become increasingly likely to be married to female doctors, and male lawyers to female lawyers. Almost all of the changes in occupational assortative mating patterns, however, are accounted for by changes in the distributions of spouses' occupations, for example, the rise of women in professional occupations. Because of this, the contribution of occupational assortative mating to the rise in economic inequality has been small. In the absence of any association between spouses' occupations, observed increases in household earnings inequality would have been reduced by 5%. Although this is a small portion of overall changes in inequality, it is much larger than prior estimates of the effects of educational assortative mating on inequality, which recent studies have estimated to be essentially zero.
Topics: Educational Status; Family Characteristics; Female; Humans; Income; Male; Marriage; Spouses
PubMed: 34429208
DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2021.102600 -
International Review of Psychiatry... Aug 2016Realization of right to marry by a person is an exercise of personal liberty, even if concepts of marriage and expectations from such commitment vary across cultures and... (Review)
Review
Realization of right to marry by a person is an exercise of personal liberty, even if concepts of marriage and expectations from such commitment vary across cultures and societies. Once married, if an individual develops mental illness the legal system often starts to discriminate against the individual. There is no doubt that every individual's right to marry or remain married is regulated by their country's family codes, civil codes, marriage laws, or divorce laws. Historically mental health condition of a spouse or intending spouse has been of interest to lawmakers in a number of ways from facilitating divorce to helping the individual with mental illness. There is no doubt that there are deeply ingrained stereotypes that persons with mental health problems lack capacity to consent and, therefore, cannot enter into a marital contract of their own free will. These assumptions lead to discrimination both in practice and in law. Furthermore, the probability of mental illness being genetically transmitted and passed on to offspring adds yet another dimension of discrimination. Thus, the system may also raise questions about the ability of persons with mental health problems to care, nurture, and support a family and children. Internationally, rights to marry, the right to remain married, and dissolution of marriage have been enshrined in several human rights instruments. Domestic laws were studied in 193 countries to explore whether laws affected the rights of people with mental illness with respect to marriage; it was found that 37% of countries explicitly prohibit marriage by persons with mental health problems. In 11% (21 countries) the presence of mental health problems can render a marriage void or can be considered grounds for nullity of marriage. Thus, in many countries basic human rights related to marriage are being flouted.
Topics: Divorce; Global Health; Humans; Marriage; Mentally Ill Persons
PubMed: 27499263
DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2016.1210577 -
Journal of Biosocial Science Mar 2007This study examines the reproductive success of men and women in rural Ethiopia as a function of their marital status, specifically by comparing polygamously and...
This study examines the reproductive success of men and women in rural Ethiopia as a function of their marital status, specifically by comparing polygamously and monogamously married individuals. In line with predictions from evolutionary theory, polygamy is beneficial to male reproductive success (i.e. producing larger numbers of surviving offspring). The success of polygamously married females depends on wife rank: the first wives of polygamous husbands do better than monogamously married women and much better than second or third wives. These effects are mirrored in child nutritional status: the children of second and third wives have lower weight for height. Due to potential, largely unmeasurable differences in marriageability (quality) between individuals, it was not possible to support a model of either resource-holding polygyny combined with female choice or female coercion into unwanted marriages. First wives of polygamously married men marry at a younger age and attract a higher brideprice, suggesting that both the males and females in the marriage are likely to be of higher quality (due to wealth, family status or some other factor such as beauty). Unions that end up monogamous are likely to be between slightly lower quality individuals; and second and third wives, who marry at the oldest ages and attract the lowest brideprice, may be 'making the best of a bad job'. The relatively long gap between first and second marriages may mean that first wives of highly marriageable males can enjoy considerable reproductive success before their husbands marry again.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anthropometry; Child; Child Development; Child Welfare; Child, Preschool; Demography; Ethiopia; Family Characteristics; Female; Fertility; Humans; Male; Marital Status; Marriage; Maternal Age; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Reproduction; Rural Population
PubMed: 16817989
DOI: 10.1017/S0021932006001441 -
Sexually Transmitted Infections Apr 2009To explore how sexual and marital trajectories are associated with HIV infection among ever-married women in rural Malawi.
OBJECTIVE
To explore how sexual and marital trajectories are associated with HIV infection among ever-married women in rural Malawi.
METHODS
Retrospective survey data and HIV biomarker data for 926 ever-married women interviewed in the Malawi Diffusion and Ideational Change Project were used. The associations between HIV infection and four key life course transitions considered individually (age at sexual debut, premarital sexual activity, entry into marriage and marital disruption by divorce or death) were examined. These transitions were then sequenced to construct trajectories that represent the variety of patterns in the data. The association between different trajectories and HIV prevalence was examined, controlling for potentially confounding factors such as age and region.
RESULTS
Although each life course transition taken in isolation may be associated with HIV infection, their combined effect appeared to be conditional on the sequence in which they occurred. Although early sexual debut, not marrying one's first sexual partner and having a disrupted marriage each increased the likelihood of HIV infection, their risk was not additive. Women who both delayed sexual debut and did not marry their first partner are, once married, more likely to experience marital disruption and to be HIV-positive. Women who marry their first partner but who have sex at a young age, however, are also at considerable risk.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings identify the potential of a life course perspective for understanding why some women become infected with HIV and others do not, as well as the differentials in HIV prevalence that originate from the sequence of sexual and marital transitions in one's life. The analysis suggests, however, the need for further data collection to permit a better examination of the mechanisms that account for variations in life course trajectories and thus in lifetime probabilities of HIV infection.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Coitus; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Malawi; Marriage; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Rural Health; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Young Adult
PubMed: 19307337
DOI: 10.1136/sti.2008.033969 -
PloS One 2021A growing body of literature provides important insights into the meaning and impact of the right to marry a same-sex partner among sexual minority people. We conducted... (Review)
Review
A growing body of literature provides important insights into the meaning and impact of the right to marry a same-sex partner among sexual minority people. We conducted a scoping review to 1) identify and describe the psychosocial impacts of equal marriage rights among sexual minority adults, and 2) explore sexual minority women (SMW) perceptions of equal marriage rights and whether psychosocial impacts differ by sex. Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework we reviewed peer-reviewed English-language publications from 2000 through 2019. We searched six databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, JSTOR, and Sociological Abstracts) to identify English language, peer-reviewed journal articles reporting findings from empirical studies with an explicit focus on the experiences and perceived impact of equal marriage rights among sexual minority adults. We found 59 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Studies identified positive psychosocial impacts of same-sex marriage (e.g., increased social acceptance, reduced stigma) across individual, interpersonal (dyad, family), community (sexual minority), and broader societal levels. Studies also found that, despite equal marriage rights, sexual minority stigma persists across these levels. Only a few studies examined differences by sex, and findings were mixed. Research to date has several limitations; for example, it disproportionately represents samples from the U.S. and White populations, and rarely examines differences by sexual or gender identity or other demographic characteristics. There is a need for additional research on the impact of equal marriage rights and same-sex marriage on the health and well-being of diverse sexual minorities across the globe.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Marriage; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Social Stigma
PubMed: 33956825
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249125 -
Community Dentistry and Oral... Aug 2016This study aimed to assess the pathways from modifiable risk factors to oral health status in husbands and wives, and correlation in oral health KAP and status between...
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to assess the pathways from modifiable risk factors to oral health status in husbands and wives, and correlation in oral health KAP and status between married couples in Hong Kong.
METHODS
This was a cross-sectional survey using a combination of random household and purposive sampling. Socio-economic status (SES), smoking, oral health knowledge (K), attitudes (A), and practices (P) of individuals were collected by questionnaire. Tooth status, periodontal status, and oral hygiene status were collected by oral examination.
RESULTS
Altogether, 432 families (359 husbands and 419 wives) with a 5- to 7-year-old child participated in this study. Husbands' oral health status was found to be directly associated with their oral health behaviors and smoking habit and indirectly with their socio-economic status, oral health knowledge, and attitudes. The explained variance of husbands' oral health status was 47.2%. Wives' oral health status was only directly associated with their oral health behaviors and indirectly with their socio-economic status, oral health knowledge, and attitudes. The explained variance of wives' oral health status was 53.2%. The correlation coefficient between couple's oral health practices and status was 0.98 and 0.43, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The hypothesized pathways from socio-economic status and modifiable factors to the oral health status in husbands and wives are not rejected. Oral health practices and status were correlated among married couples.
Topics: Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Hong Kong; Humans; Male; Marriage; Oral Health; Oral Hygiene; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 27071352
DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12228 -
Psychological Reports Jun 2000Correlates of sexual satisfaction were identified in a sample of older married women. A 70-item questionnaire was mailed to an age-stratified sample of 5,000 married...
Correlates of sexual satisfaction were identified in a sample of older married women. A 70-item questionnaire was mailed to an age-stratified sample of 5,000 married persons, including 1,000 married women over the age of 50. Usable questionnaires were received from 148 participants (14.8% return rate). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis, using sexual satisfaction as the dependent variable, yielded five predictor variables that accounted for a significant portion of the variation in sexual satisfaction (Cumulative R2 = .73). These results serve as a reminder that sexual interactions cannot be compartmentalized but must be considered within the context of the overall marriage relationship. Given the low return rate, interpretations should be limited until replication with an adequate sample has been completed.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aging; Female; Humans; Marriage; Menopause; Middle Aged; Reference Values; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 10932565
DOI: 10.2466/pr0.2000.86.3c.1107 -
BMC Women's Health May 2018Cousin marriages, in the Netherlands most frequently between Turkish or Moroccan couples, are at higher risk of having offspring with recessive disorders. Often, these...
BACKGROUND
Cousin marriages, in the Netherlands most frequently between Turkish or Moroccan couples, are at higher risk of having offspring with recessive disorders. Often, these couples not perceive or accept this risk, and it is hardly considered a reason to refrain from family marriages. Preconception carrier screening (PCS) is offered to Jewish groups, and more recently in the Netherlands, to genetically isolated communities. In this study, Dutch Moroccan and Turkish women's perspectives on preconception carrier screening (PCS) and reproductive choices were explored.
METHODS
Individual interviews were held with Dutch Turkish and Moroccan consanguineously married women (n = 10) and seven group discussions with Turkish and Moroccan women (n = 86). Transcripts and notes were analyzed thematically.
RESULTS
All women welcomed PCS particularly for premarital genetic screening; regardless of possible reproductive choices, they prefer information about their future child's health. Their perspectives on reproductive choices on the basis of screening results are diverse: refraining from having children is not an option, in vitro fertilization (IVF) combined with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was welcomed, while prenatal genetic diagnosis (PND), termination of pregnancy (TOP), in vitro fertilization with a donor egg cell, artificial insemination with donor sperm (AID), and adoption, were generally found to be unacceptable. Besides, not taking any special measures and preparing for the possibility of having a disabled child are also becoming optional now rather than being the default option.
CONCLUSIONS
The women's preference for PCS for premarital screening as well as their outspokenness about not marrying or even divorcing when both partners appear to be carriers is striking. Raising awareness (of consanguinity, PCS and the choice for reproductive options), and providing information, screening and counseling sensitive to this target group and their preferences are essential in the provision of effective health care.
Topics: Adult; Child; Consanguinity; Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Marriage; Mass Screening; Netherlands; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Qualitative Research; Risk Assessment; Spouses; Turkey
PubMed: 29855391
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-018-0574-4