Spousal Family Planning Communication Dynamics in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Previous experiences show that family planning programs have focused on women’s attitudes, behaviours and determinants ignoring the role of men. This lack of active involvement and approval of husbands to family planning often hampers effective and continuous use of family planning methods. Couples can make better reproductive decisions if they discuss family planning matters more openly and frequently. The objective of this study was to assess the level of spousal family planning communication in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 12 kebeles of Harar Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System. A total of 2,700 currently married couples of whose wives were in the reproductive age participated in the study. The selection of the study participants was made using simple random sampling, and data were collected using an interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using Stata version 12. Results: The level of spousal family planning communication was high (89.6%) (95% CI, 89%, 91%). However, the level of effective spousal family planning communication was low (38%) (95% CI, 36%, 40%). Frequency of spousal family planning communication was also very low, that is, 8.6% women and 8.4% men reported frequent communication. The major reasons for absence of spousal family planning communication were religious prohibition, belief that it is not necessary to discuss about family planning and cultural taboos. Conclusion: Policies and programmes aimed at promoting family planning should give due emphasis for men and husband-wife effective communication about family planning. Family planning information, education and communication programmes should be strengthened.