Working paper : ethnographic research for family planning policy development -- Abidjan, Cote d"Ivoire, 1991

As part of this effort, an ethnographic assessment of FP in Cote d"Ivoire was conducted in 1991 to determine attitudes about the changing shape and role of the modern Ivoirian family and the actual and desired role of the government, society, and family in maternal health and birth spacing. This paper reports selected results of that study to aid in the development of a culturally appropriate population policy for Cote d"Ivoire, where the fertility rate is 7.4 and the rate of contraceptive use only 3%. Data were collected from focus groups and individual interviews with policy makers, health providers, and potential FP consumers in Abidjan. Results suggest the following. (1) There is support for FP among all three groups of respondents. (2) FP should be promoted as a means of increasing Ivoirian family solidarity. (3) The target for FP services should include fecund women and their mates, influential members of their extended family, as well as youth. (4) FP training for health providers should emphasize interpersonal as well as technical skills. (5) The degree to which the consumers will financially support a fee-based FP service is uncertain and needs further assessment. The need to obtain and use data that reflect the desires of potential consumers when developing program strategies is apparent from this study. Includes references.