"Using contraceptives is abandoning our culture": A qualitative study of contraceptive use among Somali women in Finland.

OBJECTIVE

Several studies have reported that Somalis have negative attitudes about using modern contraceptives. However, little attention has been paid to the differences in Somali women's attitudes toward contraceptives across generations and the attitude change happening overtime in Somali women's attitudes toward contraception. This study explores attitudes toward contraceptives and factors influencing contraceptive use, among first- and second-generation Somali women living in Finland.

METHODS

The study follows a qualitative design with data collection using in-depth interviews. Sixteen women were interviewed regarding their knowledge of, attitude toward, and use of contraceptives. Eight of the study participants were first-generation and eight were second-generation Somali women living in Finland. The data were analyzed using a thematic approach guided by a cultural anthropology framework.

RESULTS

Three main themes emerged in the data analysis: (1) Culture influencing Somali women's attitudes toward contraceptives; (2) information sources can work differently within the same cultural group; and (3) Somali women's perspectives on contraceptives change over time. Cultural, religion, taboo, and knowledge resources are used to understand the whole concept of Somali women's attitude toward and use of contraceptives. Hence, the study shows the diverse opinions of Somali women. According to the informants the main underlying factors influencing Somali women's attitudes toward contraceptives were education, culture, misinterpreted religion, and social pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the Finish resident women interviewed for this study, Somali culture do not support the use of modern contraceptives. Even though attitudes towards contraceptives are slowly changing, there is a need for SRH education, particularly among first-generation Somalis. Second-generation women are generally more open to the use of modern contraceptives. The study also draws attention to the need to improve the training of health care professionals regarding the handling of culturally sensitive topics such as contraception use.