Alia I. Mahadeen

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 Mothers’ Beliefs About the Causes of Cancer in Their Children and Their Impact on the Maternal Role

Background: Arab culture and Islamic beliefs contribute to values and practices regarding cancer. Mothers in Jordanian society are expected to be the primary caregivers to children. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore Jordanian mothers’ beliefs regarding the causes of cancer in their children and their impact on their role as mothers. Design: A descriptive, qualitative design was used. Individual interviews were conducted with Jordanian mothers (n = 51) of hospitalized children with cancer. Results: Causes of cancer were attributed to supernatural explanations and biomedical explanations. The impact of cancer on these mothers’ lives varied. For some, their child’s illness resulted in stronger family bonds, whereas for others, the families suffered a state of disequilibrium. Conclusions: Cultural beliefs helped assign meaning to their children‘s illness. The maternal role of Jordanian women was partially fulfilled or inadequately performed, which in turn affected the functioning and coping abilities of the entire household.

Psychosocial wellbeing of infertile couples in Jordan

Background The psychological and social impact of infertility on married couples alerted researchers in developing countries to consequences of infertility and the need to not underestimate the problem. Aim To examine the psychosocial wellbeing of infertile couples in Jordan. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study design was used to collect data regarding depression, psychological distress, life satisfaction, coping, optimism and perceived social support from 248 infertile couples using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected from May to August 2016. Results One hundred and sixty-four (66%) of the infertile couples had moderate to severe depression. Infertile couples had a high level of psychological distress, low level of life satisfaction, and yet a high level of optimism that the infertility is temporary. Participants had moderate ability to cope, moderate to high level of perception of social support from family and others, and low from friends. There were significant differences in depression and optimism between men and women (P < 0.05). Conclusion Jordanian infertile couples face several psychosocial problems that need psychological counselling.