One urban, young female participant identified a female contraceptive method (the injectable contraceptive) on the male body.
The body map from a younger urban male was quite unique. He was one of the very few participants who could identify and discuss the vasectomy method. He could also identify condoms as a method to prevent pregnancy.
An older male rural participant identified many family planning methods, including natural family planning methods, for females but none for males.
A young urban female identified and discussed natural family planning methods for both females and males.
The overall body mapping findings indicated limited community awareness and understanding about male family planning methods, with many participants unable to identify or describe any such method. Some participants identified male use of female methods, including contraceptive implants.
Participants also identified numerous barriers - like age, marital status, gender, side-effects of contraceptive use, and poor service access, especially for condom use.
Interviews with healthcare providers showed that men have limited direct engagement with the healthcare system concerning family planning services, and that current services focussed mainly on birth spacing for mothers.
It is hoped that findings of this study - that also highlighted the gaps and opportunities on intersectional issues, like gender and age - will be integrated into programming and also used to inform educators and healthcare providers for appropriate health promotion activities in Timor-Leste, says Helen.
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