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Scoping review of qualitative studies investigating reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among men and women across Rwanda

Author

Listed:
  • Julie M Buser
  • Ella August
  • Gurpreet K Rana
  • Rachel Gray
  • Olive Tengera
  • Faelan E Jacobson-Davies
  • Madeleine Mukeshimana
  • Diomede Ntasumbumuyange
  • Gerard Kaberuka
  • Marie Laetitia Ishimwe Bazakare
  • Tamrat Endale
  • Yolanda R Smith

Abstract

Background: Research efforts in Rwanda to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are increasing; however, comprehensive literature reviews on SRHR are limited. This scoping review examines individual and contextual factors shaping knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the domains of: 1) family planning, 2) abortion care, and 3) other SRHR in Rwanda. Recognizing that individual, community, and societal factors influence RH, this review is guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. Methods: Eligible studies were conducted in Rwanda, included males and/or females of any age, and were published within the past 20 years. Studies reporting views of only healthcare or other professionals were excluded. Results: Thirty-six studies were included. The majority addressed individual and contextual considerations. At the individual level, studies explored knowledge about SRHR problems while at the interpersonal level, the support and attitudes of men and community members for adolescent SRHR were investigated. In terms of healthcare organization, maternal health practices, increased access to family planning programs, and the need for sexually transmitted infection programs was explored. At the social and cultural level, researchers investigated beliefs and traditional gender roles. Regarding public health policy, studies mentioned promoting and increasing funding for SRHR and reducing gender inequities. Conclusion: Our findings can inform SRHR research programs, public health campaigns, and policy advances in Rwanda.

Suggested Citation

  • Julie M Buser & Ella August & Gurpreet K Rana & Rachel Gray & Olive Tengera & Faelan E Jacobson-Davies & Madeleine Mukeshimana & Diomede Ntasumbumuyange & Gerard Kaberuka & Marie Laetitia Ishimwe Baza, 2023. "Scoping review of qualitative studies investigating reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among men and women across Rwanda," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(3), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0283833
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283833
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ernestina Coast & Nicola Jones & Umutoni Marie Francoise & Workneh Yadete & Roberte Isimbi & Kiya Gezahegne & Letisha Lunin, 2019. "Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Ethiopia and Rwanda: A Qualitative Exploration of the Role of Social Norms," SAGE Open, , vol. 9(1), pages 21582440198, March.
    2. Neal R. Haddaway & Matthew J. Page & Chris C. Pritchard & Luke A. McGuinness, 2022. "PRISMA2020: An R package and Shiny app for producing PRISMA 2020‐compliant flow diagrams, with interactivity for optimised digital transparency and Open Synthesis," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 18(2), June.
    3. Hilary M Schwandt & Angel Boulware & Julia Corey & Ana Herrera & Ethan Hudler & Claudette Imbabazi & Ilia King & Jessica Linus & Innocent Manzi & Madelyn Merrit & Lyn Mezier & Abigail Miller & Haley M, 2021. "“…we have to think first what we are going to feed our children before we have them …”: Rwandan women use family planning to provide a better life for their children," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(4), pages 1-14, April.
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