Pregnancy Intentions and Need for Contraception among Women in Luanda Province, Angola

Divya Vohra, University of California, Berkeley
Aidan Tait, University of California, Berkeley
Ndola Prata, University of California, Berkeley

Using in-depth interviews with Angolan women of reproductive age living in Luanda Province, this study sought to explore their pregnancy intentions, the role of their families in these decisions, and how these preferences translated into contraceptive use. Preliminary review of the interviews has illuminated the social and familial importance of having large families and the role of gender inequities and relationship dynamics in determining a woman’s fertility intentions. Additionally, misinformation about the safety and efficacy of hormonal contraceptive methods were a major barrier to use, with many women reporting fear of hormonal contraception because it might harm their fertility. Detailed analysis of interview transcripts have yet to be completed, and should yield richer, more detailed information about these concepts. This study provides an important first step to understanding the complex interplay between familial and societal influence on a woman’s perceptions of contraception and family planning services in Luanda Province.