M. E. Khan

Behind closed doors: A qualitative study of sexual behaviour of married women in Bangladesh

This paper, based on in-depth interviews of 54 women selected from both rural and urban areas, analyses the sexual behaviour of married women in Bangladesh. The study reveals that at the time of marriage girls have very limited knowledge about sex and married life. In a few cases, this has a significant bearing on later sexual behaviour and the expression of sexuality. The study also indicates that, despite normative restrictions, many women find ways of communicating about sex and sexuality with their husbands, and most enjoy their sexual life. Communication on contraception is almost desexualized and generally occurs early in their married life. In most cases, discussion of sex or contraception is initiated by husbands. These findings encourage new efforts to prevent the transmission of STIs/HIV and make married life sexually more enjoyable. The study reveals considerable variation in the sexual behaviour of women with respect to sexual negotiation, sex during menstruation and forced sex. Findings suggest the need for further studies to identify and address the factors causing such variations and producing undesirable reproductive health outcomes.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Experience of Marriage and Sexuality among Newly-Married Women in Gujarat, India: An Exploratory Study:

This article, based on an exploratory study, assesses the sexuality, sexual, and reproductive behavior of young newly-married women and men in rural Gujarat, India. This article focuses on the women. A conceptual framework utilizing socioeconomic background, societal norms about sexuality, mass media exposure, husband-wife communication, and knowledge and attitude was developed to link to sexual behavior. The often colorful and vivid qualitative data suggest considerable premarital needs yet to be met by families or social welfare agencies. The findings confirm how poorly prepared both men and women are for dealing with sexual experience in their marriage and how this lack of preparation and understanding causes such social and behavioral problems such as physical coercion, anxiety, and unhappy marital unions.

Sexual Violence within Marriage: A Case Study of Rural Uttar Pradesh, India

A qualitative study of sexual violence within marriage in rural Bangladesh. The extent of and reasons for sexual coercion in marriage are analyzed and diagramed in a synthesis of the findings. Direct quotes from wives provide a realistic cultural context. Health education program interventions are suggested.

Generating Demand for Contraceptives in India: A Case Study of IEC Activities in Uttar Pradesh

The article presents a review of current Governmental family welfare program information, education and communications (IEC) activities in Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India (139 million in 1991). The review is based on available literature. The extent of general outreach of mass media as well as constraints and problems related to provision of appropriate IEC are discussed. Suggestions for improvement are made, particularly in terms of interpersonal communication.

Challenges in Introducing New Contraceptive Methods: A Case Study of India

Increasing choice and introducing new contraceptive methods in the National Family Welfare Program in India could play a significant role in increasing adoption of contraception and meeting the unmet need of a large proportion of couples. However, inclusion of any new contraceptive method in India has to face many challenges at different steps: from clinical trials, administrative processes, acceptance in the national program, and reaching the intended beneficiaries. Having a good product is necessary but not sufficient for widespread accessibility, acceptance, and use. This article reviews the challenges based on the available policy documents, literature review, and discussions with senior program managers of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and development organizations. It concludes that comprehensive strategic planning is needed to address all possible barriers to ensure new contraceptive access at an affordable price by the beneficiaries it is intended for.

Operations Research Diagnostic Studies: Formative Evaluation in India, Indonesia, Pakistan:

This article summarizes findings from three family planning operations research (OR) diagnostic studies conducted during 1991-93 by the Population Council in collaboration with national family planning staff in India Indonesia and Pakistan with US Agency for International Development funding. The research was under the auspices of the Asia and Near East Operations Research/Technical Assistance Project. The studies yielded important empirical data upon which managers can make sound program decisions. It is clear that much remains to be accomplished with regard to strengthening program policy in-service training field supervision counseling and the quality of care in all three countries. The evolution of family planning OR and the reporting and use of findings are discussed. Executive summaries are also presented for the situational analysis of public family planning services in Pakistan the Norplant implant use-dynamics diagnostic study in Indonesia and a literature synthesis on the state of family planning in Uttar Pradesh India.

The State of Family Planning in Uttar Pradesh, India: A Literature Synthesis

A 1993 review of the state of the family welfare program in the State of Uttar Pradesh (UP) India. With 139 million people, UP is larger than all but six countries in the world. This synthesis of previous studies and recent Census and other existing data provides: 1) a socio-economic and demographic profile with emphasis on fertility and mortality; 2) a review of family size and family planning preferences; 3) an evaluation of the performance of the family welfare services in place; and 4) a review of the extent of involvement of NGOs and the organized sector in the family welfare program.