The Interplay Between Sexuality and Family Planning as Perceived by Couples in the Rural Areas

This study was conducted to identify variations in perceptions between married couples in family planning. Particularly, it aimed to determine the socio-demographic profile of respondents, their knowledge, beliefs, and practices onfamily planning and to elicit information about the level ofcooperation or coercion in a relationship and the role of sex in the decision to use contraception. An interview schedule coupled withfocus group discussion (FGD)was used in gathering the data needed in the study. Respondents were couples from the upland municipalities of Ilocos Sur. Data gathered were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using frequency distribution and percentage. Both family planning acceptors and non-acceptors were interviewed. Results showed that both sets of respondents are aware of the benefits of family planning. However, they had limited knowledge about the facts and scientific information on family planning. Non-acceptors generally relied on hearsays which affected their perception on family planning methods. Moreover, rural couples believed that family planning methods affect the couple's sexual drive. Non-acceptors believed that sexual drives decreases to a minimal extent but acceptors believed that it increases to a great extent. This indicates the negative perceptions of non-acceptors on family planning and the positive effects that contraceptives bring in enhancing the sexual relationship of acceptors. It is recommended, then that there should be an intensive information and dissemination on family planning at the community level to erase whatever negative notions that people have about contraceptives.