The Views of Syrian Immigrant Women on Family Planning and Unplanned Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

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ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the views of Syrian immigrant women on family planning and unplanned pregnancies.MethodsThe study was conducted using a phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods. The study data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, and an “inductive content analysis technique” was used to analyze the data.ResultsThe study identified four main themes. The first theme, “The Meaning of Having Children,” reveals that women view children as the essence of their lives and as a source of security for the future. The second theme, “Opinions on the Number of Children,” highlights that financial concerns and pressure from family and the surrounding environment play a significant role in decisions regarding the number of children. The third theme, “Views on Family Planning,” shows that while women are aware of family planning methods, their use is often limited due to economic, cultural, and religious factors. Lastly, the fourth theme, “Views on Unplanned Pregnancies,” indicates that unplanned pregnancies are commonly regarded as “God’s will,” and abortion is generally deemed inappropriate due to religious beliefs.ConclusionCultural, religious, and economic factors significantly affect women’s access to and use of family planning services.

Keywords

• migration
• women
• family planning
• unplanned pregnancy
• curettage