Abstract

PIP: This, the 1st KAP survey to be conducted in Chad, surveyed 1222 women aged 12-49 at 6 health or social centers in N'Djamena in 1988, and summarized the information obtained from 21 focus groups. The sujbects were 25 years old on average; 94% were in union; 33% were in polygamous marriages, usually older women. 8% of Muslims and 17% of Christians were in a consensual union. Educational achievement was higher among younger women and Christians. 49% had income from the informal economy. Most valued the economic advantages of large families, which they believed resided in ancestors. Some noted the poulation pressures of urban living. 27% stated they were pregnant. Fertility was lower among Christians and those in monogamous marriages. Women of higher socioeconomic status had more children. Average age of 1st pregnancy was 16 years, lower in Muslims and uneducated women. Average weaning age was 17.8 months; average postpartum abstinence was 4.6 months, longer among Christians. The mean desired birth spacing interval was 26 months. 89% desired more children. The average ideal family size was 7.25, 8.6 for those 29 years old. The concept of birth planning was new to most, and ocnsidered a European idea contrary to African traditions. 31% could name a modern birth control method, increased to 58% with prompting, but only 3.2% had used one, and 1.3% were currently using. The cost of modern contraceptives is prohibitive for Chadians whose average GNP is $129. 56% expressed an interest on modern contraception for spacing, indicating a large unmet need.