Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards family planning among women in the rural southern region of Jordan.

Data about family planning among women in rural and remote areas of Jordan are lacking. This study explored the prevalence of use and knowledge and attitudes towards family planning among rural Jordanian women. A descriptive study was conducted with 807 ever-married women aged 15-49 years in a household survey of 29 villages in the southern region of Jordan. The most common contraceptive methods ever used were oral contraceptive pills (31.1%); intrauterine device (24.8%) and withdrawal (19.5%). Of the women interviewed, 37% were currently using contraception. Being pregnant (11%) and breastfeeding (10%) were the most reported reasons for not using contraceptives. None of the women reported obtaining supplies or the cost of them as barriers, while opposition from husband or family members or religious reasons were reported by less than 1% of the women. About 95% of the women agreed that using family planning had positive advantages for health. The results highlight some educational needs among these women.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards family planning among women in the rural southern region of Jordan

Data about family planning among women in rural and remote areas of Jordan are lacking. This study explored the prevalence of use and knowledge and attitudes towards family planning among rural Jordanian women. A descriptive study was conducted with 807 ever-married women aged 15-49 years in a household survey of 29 villages in the southern region of Jordan. The most common contraceptive methods ever used were oral contraceptive pills [31.1%], intrauterine device [24.8%] and withdrawal [19.5%]. Of the women interviewed, 37% were currently using contraception. Being pregnant [11%] and breastfeeding [10%] were the most reported reasons for not using contraceptives. None of the women reported obtaining supplies or the cost of them as barriers, while opposition from husband or family members or religious reasons were reported by less than 1% of the women. About 95% of the women agreed that using family planning had positive advantages for health. The results highlight some educational needs among these women

Jordanian health care providers' perceptions of post-partum health care.

PURPOSE: This qualitative descriptive study explored Jordanian health care providers' perceptions of the health care that they provide for post-partum mothers. METHODS: Thirty Jordanian health care providers (physicians, nurses and midwives) participated in three focus group discussions. A content analysis approach was used to analyse the data as appropriate for descriptive qualitative inquiry. FINDINGS: Health care providers indicated that the care they deliver includes breastfeeding, family planning, childcare and laboratory tests. Health care providers reflected confidence in the care given but indicated the need for continuing education, more resources and expressions of appreciation. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide insights into Jordanian health care providers' perspectives on post-partum health care and emphasized the importance of enhancing utilization of such care in Jordan. It is suggested that the Jordanian Ministry of Health develop a comprehensive plan of educational offerings for providers, with a standardized educational programme for post-partum women. It is essential that all health care facilities provide high-quality post-partum health care that meets the needs of the maternal/infant dyad. Like all qualitative descriptive studies, generalizability of the results may be limited to similar situations and cultures.

Menopause: a qualitative study of Jordanian women's perceptions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to describe the perceptions of Jordanian midlife women about making the menopausal transition. METHODS: Audio taped interviews were conducted with 25 peri-menopausal Jordanian women. Interviews were analysed as appropriate for descriptive qualitative inquiry. RESULTS: The major theme generated was 'A Life Transition', which included: a time of no more reproductive obligations, changing from the burdens and obligations of reproductive roles and responsibilities to freedom, relief and rest; a time for managing peri-menopausal symptoms; and a time for growing into a wise woman and accepting aging as a part of life. NURSING IMPLICATIONS: These data can assist healthcare providers to provide culturally competent health care to midlife Jordanian women. Support groups may be helpful to facilitate connections between midlife women, increase self-awareness, assist women to come to value their menopausal experiences, to manage their symptoms appropriately through self-care measures and healthcare interventions and to more fully embrace being 'wise women'.

Jordanian women's perceptions of post-partum health care.

PURPOSE: This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore Jordanian childbearing women's perceptions of their needs for health care and the post-partum healthcare services they received. METHODS: Twenty-four Jordanian childbearing women participated in the focus groups. Discussions focused on infant and maternal health concerns, access to post-partum health care, including family-planning services, the characteristics and behaviour of healthcare providers, and suggestions for the provision of quality maternal post-partum health care. FINDINGS: The majority of the women indicated that most of the services perceived and provided during the post-natal period were related to child care. They indicated that they attend post-natal visits mostly for treatment, family planning and/or child care and stated that they have not been told about the post-natal visits during pregnancy, or after giving birth. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings provided insight and understanding of women's perspectives on post-partum health care and implied a need to translate qualitative findings into clinical practice guidelines. It is suggested that the Jordanian Ministry of Health develops a comprehensive plan to improve educational offerings for post-partum women, and ensure that all healthcare facilities offer affordable and high-quality post-partum health care.