Marital Functioning in Couples Practicing Periodic Abstinence for Family Planning

Sergio Barroilhet, Camila Señoret, Ximena Mallea, Rosemarie Fritsch, Paul Vöhringer, José Antonio Arraztoa*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To compare dyadic (marital) functioning between users of natural family planning (NFP) and users of artificial methods of contraception (AMC). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in healthy, over eighteen-year-old couples living in stable relationships recruited from primary and secondary health centers in Santiago, Chile. Participants were assessed using a structured interview on sociodemographic and sexual aspects. Primary outcome, marital functioning, was studied using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Results: One hundred and thirty-eight couples were studied, sixty-nine in each user group. Both groups had a similar average time living together (124.3 vs. 126.9 months). DAS results were consistent with functional couples in both groups, but on average, the NFP group had a significantly higher DAS score than AMC. After controlling for age, socioeconomic status, time in the relationship, and religious commitment in multivariable analysis, the NFP group had a 47 percent (odds ratio = 1.47) greater possibility of having a functional marital score above the cutoff (DAS > 114) when compared with the AMC group. The AMC group reported more frequency of sexual intercourse but similar sexual satisfaction. Most (>60 percent) of the NFP couples mentioned that their methods improved their relationship. Conclusion: There are sociodemographic differences between both groups, explained partly by unequal access to NFP centers. Both groups have DAS scores within functional range, but NFP users have a higher probability of being in that functional range. This study of mentally and emotionally healthy couples highlights the importance of family planning methods on intimate relationships. Summary Marital functioning is affected by family planning methods. A structured interview and a specific inventory to address conjugal functioning were applied to a group of healthy couples who live in stable relationships and are users of natural family planning (NFP) or artificial methods of contraception (AMC). The results were consistent with functional couples in both groups, but on average, the NFP group had a significantly higher score than the AMC group. The use of NFP explained this difference. This study of mentally and emotionally healthy couples highlights the importance of family planning methods on intimate relationships.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)155-166
Number of pages12
JournalThe Linacre quarterly
Volume85
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2018

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was funded by grant from University of los Andes: FAI PSI 002-06.

Publisher Copyright:
© Catholic Medical Association 2018.

Keywords

  • contraceptives
  • dyadic function
  • marital satisfaction
  • natural family planning

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Marital Functioning in Couples Practicing Periodic Abstinence for Family Planning'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this