Social and psychological aspects of tubal ligation in Zaire: a follow-up study of acceptors
Bertrand, J.T.; Kashwantale, C.; Balowa, D.; Baughman, N.C.; Chirwisa, C.
International Family Planning Perspectives 17(3): 100-107
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0190-3187 DOI: 10.2307/2133294Document Number: 316174
Voluntary surgical sterilization is currently the most widely practised method of family planning in the world. A 1987/88 survey of 453 Zairian women from rural and urban sites who had had a tubal ligation found that, on average, the women were 37 years old and had seven living children at the time of the operation. Those married numbered 92%, and of these, 95% had consulted with their husbands before undergoing the procedure. Only 40% of the women had spoken with another woman who had undergone tubal ligation before having the operation themselves, and less than 25% had discussed their operation with other family members or friends. The two main reasons for having had the operation were 'health' and 'had enough children'. Most of the women said they had experienced no change at all or a change for the better in their health, ability to do physical labour and marital relations. However, 14% admitted having some regret over the operation; regret was associated with having five or fewer children, feeling pressured into the decision, and believing their husband had tried to have children with another woman. Although the women who had undergone the operation were generally positive about the sterilization, they were reluctant to discuss it openly with friends and neighbours.