“Misinformation [about contraception] can cause fear among the public,” said Mama Oliva Bhanni, a Family Empowerment and Welfare Cadre (PKK) from Linamnutu Village, South Central Timor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province.
The impact of public belief in contraceptive method myths is indeed very serious. A number of residents in Linamnutu Village, South Central Timor, are afraid to use contraception due to widespread myths. Consequently, they have not been able to ideally plan Family Planning (KB) by spacing out pregnancies.
One myth still prevalent in the community is that vasectomy can cause male reproductive organs to become unable to erect or lead to impotence. Furthermore, there are also residents who still believe that implant and IUD (Intrauterine Contraceptive Device) methods can get lost inside the body.
Dispelling public belief in myths is not easy. This is acknowledged by the PKK Cadre named Mama Oliva Bhanni. For years, she has tried to educate women to consult with local midwives for family planning during Posyandu services in her village. However, not all women have this awareness.
Mama Olivia being met by the team from CIS Timor Foundation. Photo by: CIS Timor Foundation
She felt more motivated to provide information about family planning after attending discussions and training activities organized by IPAS Indonesia Foundation in collaboration with CIS Timor Foundation. These activities discussed issues surrounding reproductive health, gender, and women’s rights, such as family planning.
“As a woman, I feel that pregnancy planning using family planning is very crucial. Therefore, information related to family planning must also be valid,” she stated.
After attending the training, Mama Olivia often shared the material not only during Posyandu activities. Wherever there was a gathering, such as rice planting or family meetings, she approached to conduct outreach. She felt confident because the material presented in the training was perceived as more comprehensive.
One resident successfully convinced by Mama Olivia is Mama Erni Nome. She finally decided to use family planning after a long process, starting from providing information, discussions, and outreach with her family.
Mama Olivia stated that Mama Erni had fears because she often heard that using contraceptive implants would make it difficult for her to be active. Because of that myth, she never wanted to use contraception and was even afraid to ask existing health workers.
“Mrs. Erni had a fear of using family planning at that time, but I tried to convey the available information slowly and without coercion,” she added.
After receiving information and guidance from Mama Oliva, she agreed with her husband to go to a health facility to use contraceptive implants. Since using the implant, Mama Erni has felt happy because she now has time to take care of herself and her family properly.
From this process, Mama Oliva realized that rural communities need to receive accurate and correct information.
A 2023 report by BKKBN (National Population and Family Planning Board) shows that the rate of modern contraceptive use in NTT is still below the national average. Specifically, it stands at 42.2% compared to the national average of 59.40%.
Discussion on reproductive health in Linamnutu Village. Photo by: CIS Timor Foundation
The results of an assessment analysis by IPAS Indonesia Foundation in NTT show that one factor contributing to the low rate of modern contraceptive use is the lack of access to credible information about family planning. Many women in NTT do not continue contraceptive use after the first application due to limited access to information and the strong persistence of public belief in myths.
Through the TAKENUSA Project (Joint Determination for Nusa Tenggara Women), IPAS Indonesia Foundation aims to strengthen cadres to become leaders in encouraging women to realize their reproductive rights, including family planning. Additionally, we also train midwives to enhance their skills in providing family planning services.
This project is expected to reduce the Maternal Mortality Rate and prevent stunting. By practicing family planning, women can space out pregnancies. This increases the opportunity for families to achieve prosperity.