Prolonged sexual abstinence after childbirth: gendered norms and perceived family health risks. Focus group discussions in a Tanzanian suburb

Mbekenga, Columba K.

Prolonged sexual abstinence after childbirth: gendered norms and perceived family health risks. Focus group discussions in a Tanzanian suburb

dc.contributor.author	Mbekenga, Columba K.
dc.date.accessioned	2022-03-28T11:35:34Z
dc.date.available	2022-03-28T11:35:34Z
dc.date.issued	2013
dc.description.abstract	Background Prolonged sexual abstinence after childbirth is a socio-cultural practice with health implications, and is described in several African countries, including Tanzania. This study explored discourses on prolonged postpartum sexual abstinence in relation to family health after childbirth in low-income suburbs of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods Data for the discourse analysis were collected through focus group discussions with first-time mothers and fathers and their support people in Ilala, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Results In this setting, prolonged sexual abstinence intended at promoting child health was the dominant discourse in the period after childbirth. Sexual relations after childbirth involved the control of sexuality for ensuring family health and avoiding the social implications of non-adherence to sexual abstinence norms. Both abstinence and control were emphasised more with regard to women than to men. Although the traditional discourse on prolonged sexual abstinence for protecting child health was reproduced in Ilala, some modern aspects such as the use of condoms and other contraceptives prevailed in the discussion. Conclusion Discourses on sexuality after childbirth are instrumental in reproducing gender-power inequalities, with women being subjected to more restrictions and control than men are. Thus, interventions that create openness in discussing sexual relations and health-related matters after childbirth and mitigate gendered norms suppressing women and perpetuating harmful behaviours are needed. The involvement of males in the interventions would benefit men, women, and children through improving the gender relations that promote family health.	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Mbekenga, C.K., Pembe, A.B., Darj, E., Christensson, K. and Olsson, P., 2013. Prolonged sexual abstinence after childbirth: gendered norms and perceived family health risks. Focus group discussions in a Tanzanian suburb. BMC international health and human rights, 13(1), pp.1-11.	en_US
dc.identifier.other	https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-698X-13-4
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/936
dc.language.iso	en	en_US
dc.publisher	BMC international health and human rights	en_US
dc.subject	Prolonged sexual abstinence	en_US
dc.subject	After childbirth	en_US
dc.subject	First-time parents	en_US
dc.title	Prolonged sexual abstinence after childbirth: gendered norms and perceived family health risks. Focus group discussions in a Tanzanian suburb	en_US
dc.type	Article	en_US