Opinions of imams about family planning and their use of methods in Kayseri, Turkey.

OBJECTIVES

Imams are religious leaders who have significant influence on the social attitudes and behavior of a society. This study examined the views of imams on family planning and their personal preference of birth control methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a pre-prepared questionnaire, an on-site individual interview was conducted face-to-face with each of 164 imams at Kayseri, a city in Central Anatolia.

RESULTS

All of the imams included in the study knew of at least one family planning method. Withdrawal was the most widely known method of family planning (84.2%). Among imams, 88.4% approved the use of birth control. While only 61.8% of the imams used at least one method of family planning, 20.1% used none at all. Of the family planning methods used, we considered 43.1% efficient (modem) and 18.7% inefficient (traditional). The most important factor affecting preference of traditional methods was religious suitability.

CONCLUSION

Contrary to common belief, imams viewed family planning positively and used family planning methods at a rate similar to that of the general public. If provided with accurate information, we believe that imams may have a positive contribution to make in the development of family planning programs.