Social norms in promoting family planning: a study in Niger

Abstract

Despite the progress made in the domain of family planning, the practice of the latter remains a current issue around the world, particularly in emerging and developing countries. This study examines the impact of traditional values and norms regarding family planning in Niger. Self-reported data were gathered – by means of a questionnaire – as to the variables likely to influence family planning practices (through contraceptive use). Participants were married females ( N = 200), between 21 and 50 years of age. The data were analysed using SPSS 15.0 software. The findings suggest that subjective norms have a direct effect on contraceptive use among women with no formal schooling, living in either rural or urban settings. For women with some formal schooling, it was their attitude towards family planning that had a direct effect on family planning practices. Suggestions for devising targeted family planning messages based on cultural values and norms have been proposed.