title: The effect of spousal communication on contraceptive use in Central Terai, Nepal.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Family planning has several social and health benefits; it can reduce maternal mortality and the number of unplanned pregnancies, as well as increase educational and economic opportunities. Utilizing quantitative data from an endline household survey (July 2009) and data from focus group discussions, the Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) seeks to determine whether spousal communication increases contraceptive use among married women of child-bearing age in Nepal's Central Terai region.
  
  
  METHODS
  Quantitative household survey and qualitative focus group discussions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Women who discuss family planning with their husbands (OR=7.254), perceive husband approval on family planning (OR=5.558) and have born a son (OR=2.239) are more likely to use a modern contraceptive method. Qualitative data show that several other considerations can be motivating factors for contraceptive uptake.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While results do not explain the direction of causality, it is clear that spousal discussion and partner approval are significant in a woman's decision to use modern contraceptives in the Central Terai region of Nepal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  More research needs to be conducted on the effect of spousal communication and contraceptive use, in particular, the role of frequency, quality, and content of spousal communication, as well as individual motivations.
authors: Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA), Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Washington, DC 20036, USA. zkangyue@gmail.com
authors: Kang
authors: K
authors: Yue
authors: Carolyn
authors: C
authors: O'Donnell
authors: Paul L
authors: PL
authors: Sparks
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D003267:Contraception; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D003469:Culture; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009390:Nepal; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult