The role of families in population health: the case of reproductive health of women and adolescents in Mozambique

The family is a key social context within which health is maintained, illness occurs and health-related decisions are made. The family is also a mirror of what happens at the macro-level of society. In the African context, the family concept goes beyond the small nuclear family composed of close relatives and includes extended family members sometimes with a very distant relationship. Tradition influences the organization, the functioning, the decision-making process regarding reproductive health and healthcare-seeking behaviours, ultimately influencing access and usage of healthcare.

Based on a desk review and the author’s personal experience this paper explores family practices and their relation to women’s and adolescent’s reproductive health in Mozambique. It finds that this has been characterized by a high level of morbidity and mortality and at the same time very high fertility and low utilization of health care services and technologies including family planning.

Traditional beliefs, cultural norms, gender imbalance, and myths related to reproductive health have a considerable impact on health-seeking behaviours and ultimately in the access and utilization of health services in Mozambique. Despite the role women play in fostering family health, some practices hinder their possibility to enjoy healthier reproductive life.

In Mozambique, there is a mismatch between the health promotion, prevention and care interventions at the health facilities, and between the messages and practices at the community and family levels. There is a need for a better understanding of the cultural aspect of the community and family level in order to ensure changes in practices and bring about positive change to the the women’s and adolescent’s reproductive health status.