Natural family planning, an option in reproductive healthcare : a qualitative study on clinicians’ perceptions

Abstract

Natural family planning (NFP) empowers women to control their reproductive health and approach fertility as a normal biological process. Although substantive literature supports their comparative effectiveness with contraceptive methods, there is a paucity of this knowledge amongst clinicians and users. This study aimed to understand clinicians’ perceptions regarding offering NFP to patients as part of reproductive health care. It explored clinicians’ knowledge of NFP, described their perceptions of their effectiveness, and identified enabling and deterring factors to their use. Basic Interpretive qualitative research design was appropriate in obtaining an in-depth description of this phenomenon. It was conducted in 2018 in two hospitals and clinics in Ekurhuleni health district, located East of Gauteng Province, South Africa. Fifteen doctors and nurses from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds were purposefully selected and interviewed. Transcribed data were analyzed, coded, and recurrent themes identified. Training that empowers clinicians on NFP methods and their effectiveness will improve their willingness to advocate for it and promote patient autonomy by providing comprehensive counseling on family planning methods. Further, a pro-NFP policy would drive training in undergraduate and postgraduate programs and increase public awareness, including early education of male and female children.