Accurately capturing perspectives on fertility intentions of Kenyan women to improve reproductive life planning counseling (HerChoice)

Abstract

Currently, fertility intentions measures have not been designed for, and in conjunction with, women in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). Utilizing existing scales in LMIC settings may not accurately classify fertility intentions, as they may miss cultural aspects that are important drivers of fertility intentions in LMICs. We conducted a qualitative study to understand women’s feelings about fertility in LMICs and inform development of a new psychometric survey to guide person-centered reproductive health counseling. Common constructs of fertility intentions were identified to draft a preliminary psychometric survey. We recruited 40 women of reproductive age from two family planning clinics in Kenya to participate in in-depth-interviews, where they were asked about the acceptability of the draft survey. The constructs from the preliminary survey were largely found to be acceptable with slight phrasing modifications for clarity and cultural appropriateness. These findings help to inform and refine acceptability of the psychometric survey for women in LMIC settings to better represent women’s fertility intentions, which allows providers offer more nuanced and person-centered care that can empower women to carry out their fertility intentions.