Research Report

C-Change conducted qualitative research in May 2009 to explore factors that influence contraceptive choices of young women attending universities. The researchers conducted 10 focus group discussions (FGD) with women attending universities in Tirana, Albania. These findings are being used to help design and improve communication activities carried out by C-Change in Albania.

This report presents the findings from research carried out in selected cities in Albania to evaluate the family planning activity initiated by C-Change to increase knowledge of modern contraception among young men and women and help them to make more informed reproductive choices.

A media campaign along with an interpersonal communication component effected increases in knowledge and awareness of modern contraception. A longer interval will be required to show that there was sustained change in contraception uptake.

This study reports on research carried out in Tanzania to examine the role of gender norms in decision making among young married women and men on issues of family planning and contraceptive use. The study found that gender factors such as men’s dominance in decision-making and cultural norms that condone a man beating his wife if she uses contraceptives secretly are barriers to use of modern contraceptives. The research also found that fear of side effects of modern contraceptives was a significant deterrent.

This report presents the findings from the baseline survey of multiple and concurrent partnerships (MCP) in Lesotho. The objective of the study was to collect population-based data related to the MCP knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Basotho men.