[Participation of the couple and of the man in reproductive health: client and provider perspectives of CEMOPLAF services. General report. Final report of project]

This study of couple and male participation in reproductive health was conducted in 1998 to assist the Medical Center for Family Orientation and Planning (CEMOPLAF) in designing new initiatives that take into account the experiences and views of female clients service providers partners and male clients. 3670 women in union who attended CEMOPLAF clinics for medical consultations 448 accompanying partners 106 male clients and 53 service providers were interviewed. The findings revealed that participation is already extensive and generally regarded favorably by staff and clients. Partners had accompanied 72% of clients on at least one visit to CEMOPLAF or similar clinics and 96% of the clients planned to discuss visit results with their partners. 89% stated they would like their partner to accompany them on their next similar visit. 26% who had ever received counseling reported the partner was present and only 1 of 505 clients did not like having the partner present. 94% of clients reported agreement with the partner about family planning prior to adoption of the most recent method. Under 3% of clients reported changing terminating or continuing a method at the partners insistence. Widespread support was found among both clients and providers for CEMOPLAF initiatives to increase service offerings to men. The study results indicate that CEMOPLAF offers excellent conditions for initiatives aimed at increasing services to couples and partners and services for men.