Determinants of Husband-Wife Communication about Family Planning and AIDS in Malawi

Eliya M. Zulu, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Gloria Chepngeno, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)

This paper uses qualitative and quantitative data collected from rural Malawi to examine the context, content and determinants of spousal discussion about family planning and HIV/AIDS infection. The data highlight the role of gender relations and imbalances in influencing reproductive health behavior. Women, who mostly initiate these discussions, raise the issues tactfully to avoid appearing to undermine men's authority and integrity. They usually justify use of contraception for their personal health and family welfare, while they justify the need for sexual prudence and fidelity to protect their children from suffering if both parents die from AIDS. There is a high correlation between couple discussion of family planning and HIV/AIDS, although the contexts in which such discussions take place are quiet different. The results highlight the need for IEC programs to pay greater attention to understanding how various target groups comprehend and express their vulnerability to various reproductive health risks.