Amani Mukiza

University of Rwanda, Rwanda

Title: Family planning attitudes and perception among religious leaders and followers in Rwanda

Abstract

Background: Religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping attitudes and behaviours in the society, particularly regarding sensitive topics like family planning. There is 16% unmet need for family planning in Rwanda. Rwanda is a country known for its cultural diversity and religiosity, with the convergence of religious values and modern healthcare practices. This study intended at determining the perception and attitudes of religious leaders and followers towards family planning in Rwanda.

Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted from September to December 2022 in five districts of Rwanda including three urban and two rural. Twenty key informant interviews and twenty focus group discussions were conducted among men and women of reproductive age (15 to 45 years) who were registered as followers and leaders of catholic, protestant, Muslims, Pentecost and other churches. The translate was transcribed and arranged using Atlas.ti 8 software. The content analysis technique was used to analyse the data, important statements from participants were quoted. The study was approved by University of Rwanda institution review board prior to data collection (approval no:300/cmhs IRB/2022)

Results: The study recruited 384 respondents including 234 women (61%) and 109 men (39%). According to the marital status 160 (42%) were single, 155 (40%) married, 34 (9%) divorced and 35 (9%) cohabitate. According to the religious belief of study respondents, 86 (22.4%) belonged to the Catholic church and 88 (23%) were protestants, 67 (17.4%) were Muslim, and 84 (22%) were from Pentecostal churches and while 59 (15.4%)attended other religious denominations. Some religious followers perceived family planning as a personal decision which should not be influenced by religious leaders, however other religious followers reported not to use contraception as influenced by religious teachings. Religious leaders from Pentecost church presented negative attitudes towards family planning; However, Catholics emphasized on promoting natural contraception methods. Protestants and Muslims were not against the use of either modern or natural contraception methods.

Conclusion: Religion influence family planning for its followers and religious leaders from different churches demonstrated both negative and positive attitudes towards family planning.

Biography

WILL BE UPDATED SOON

2nd International Conference on Gynecology and Obstetrics

Amani Mukiza

Title: Family planning attitudes and perception among religious leaders and followers in Rwanda

Abstract

Biography

Organization Location

Mail us at

Our Social Presence

Call us at