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WHEN ANCIENT MEETS MODERN: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POSTPARTUM NON-SUSCEPTIBILITY AND CONTRACEPTION IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 2007

MARK BROWN
Affiliation:
Centre for Census and Survey Research, University of Manchester, UK

Summary

Extended durations of postpartum non-susceptibility (PPNS) comprising lactational amenorrhoea and associated taboos on sex have been a central component of traditional reproductive regimes in sub-Saharan Africa. In situations of rising contraceptive prevalence this paper draws on data from the Demographic Health Surveys to consider the neglected interface between ancient and modern methods of regulation. The analysis reports striking contrasts between countries. At one extreme a woman’s natural susceptibility status appears to have little bearing on the decision to use contraception in Zimbabwe, with widespread ‘double-protection’. By contrast, contraceptive use in Kenya and Ghana builds directly onto underlying patterns of PPNS. Possible explanations for the differences and the implications for theory and policy are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

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