No abstract

The perspectives of mothers-in-law about intra-household decisionmaking, family size and family planning are investigated, and their views compared with those of their sons and daughters-in-law. Women (717 daughters-in-law), their husbands (717 sons) and their 522 mothers-inlaw were interviewed in eight squatter settlements in Karachi, Pakistan. Decisions about the schooling and health care of children, and the purchase of jewellery, are perceived to lie within the nuclear family domain (i.e. husband and wife). There was a difference in mothers-in-law's, daughters-inlaw's and sons' desire to have more children. Twenty-eight per cent of mothers-in-law versus 58% of daughters-in-law did not want more grandsons/ sons and 36% of mothers-in-law versus 66% of daughters-in-law did not want more granddaughters/daughters. The difference was markedly greater among the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law pairs than in the mother/son pairs. Overall, the mother-in-law's role seems to be somewhat overshadowed by that of her son (family male member), except for limiting family size. It is suggested that mothers-in-law should be included in Information-EducationCommunication (IEC) campaigns about family planning.

We believe that the evidence indicates differences in learning methods inculcated by the system of education prior to entry into the Medical College, notwithstanding the 1-year difference in duration of education.

This paper presents the prevalence of and investigates predictors for specific perceived gynaecological morbidities in Pakistani women. A total of 717 women were identified from eight squatter settlements in Karachi, Pakistan. Detailed information on demographics, contraceptive use and gynaecological morbidities was elicited. The perceived prevalence of uterine prolapse was 19·1% and that of pelvic inflammatory disease 12·8%. The prevalence of uterine prolapse (adjusted odds ratio 1·8; 95% confidence interval 1·0-3·0) was significantly higher among women who married at younger ages (c16 years), independent of education, socioeconomic status and parity. That of pelvic inflammatory disease was significantly higher among those under 21 years of age (adjusted odds ratio 2·3; 95% confidence interval 1·1-4·8), independent of education, socioeconomic status and parity. Young Pakistani women report an immense burden of reproductive ill health, especially those who began sexual activity at an early age.