Getting to intent: Are social norms influencing intentions to use modern contraception in the DRC?
Outcomes: Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways This study demonstrates that social norms significantly influence intentions to use modern contraception in Kinshasa, DRC — but the influence varies by gender. Men are more affected by descriptive norms (what others do), while women are more influenced by injunctive norms (what others approve of). These findings highlight the need for social norms interventions, like MFF, to differentiate approaches and messaging by gender, engage relevant reference groups (such as faith leaders and mothers-in-law), and consider both direct and indirect pathways through which norms shape behavior.
Objectives To assess whether community-level social norms related to family planning (FP) and gender equity influence men’s and women’s intentions to use modern contraception prior to a church-based gender-transformative intervention in Kinshasa.
Methods The study used baseline survey data from 900 participants across 17 church congregations enrolled in the Masculinité, Famille, et Foi (MFF) intervention. Researchers employed exploratory factor analysis to identify social norms constructs and structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the relationship between these norms and contraceptive use intentions, analyzing men and women separately.
Intervention Details MFF is a gender-transformative intervention targeting newly married couples and first-time parents through church-based activities. It engages faith leaders and communities in reflections and actions to support gender equality, reduce GBV, and promote FP use. This study captures data prior to intervention rollout.
Results Four social norms constructs were identified: injunctive and descriptive FP norms, and injunctive norms around household chores and childcare. Among women, injunctive FP norms and injunctive gender-equity norms around childcare were significantly associated with intention to use contraception. For men, descriptive FP norms and knowledge of FP availability were more influential. Faith leaders, spouses, and peers were important reference groups, but their relative influence varied.
Conclusions Social norms are key predictors of contraceptive intentions, with gender-specific patterns. To be effective, FP interventions should tailor their normative change strategies by gender and life stage, incorporate influential reference groups, and address both attitudes and structural barriers to FP access and use.
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