Involving men in reproductive and fertility issues: insights from Punjab

This study explored Pakistani (especially Punjabi) couples' dynamics during their decision processes on fertility intentions and practices, along with community perceptions of male-focused interventions as well as men's suggestions for future intervention strategies. It drew on three sources a 2013 qualitative study in four districts of Punjab province; a targeted analysis of the baseline and endline surveys of the Family Advancement for Life and Health (FALAH 2007-2012) project; and the Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (PDHS) of 1990 - 1991 and of 2006-2007. The four districts of the 2013 qualitative study were Bahawalpur, Jhelum, D.G.3 Khan, and Okara. (The first three were FALAH districts in which interventions were tested, the fourth the control district.) Twelve focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with men only, and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with 26 couples in these four districts in 2013. Participants were identified by key informants. Data from 2, 649 men and 638 couples from the FALAH baseline and endline surveys in 14 selected districts of the FALAH project were reanalyzed to assess the impact of FALAH male-directed interventions on fertility intentions and behavior.