Abstract:
Background: Prolonged sexual abstinence after childbirth is a socio-cultural practice with health implications, and
is described in several African countries, including Tanzania. This study explored discourses on prolonged
postpartum sexual abstinence in relation to family health after childbirth in low-income suburbs of Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania.
Methods: Data for the discourse analysis were collected through focus group discussions with first-time mothers
and fathers and their support people in Ilala, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Results: In this setting, prolonged sexual abstinence intended at promoting child health was the dominant
discourse in the period after childbirth. Sexual relations after childbirth involved the control of sexuality for ensuring
family health and avoiding the social implications of non-adherence to sexual abstinence norms. Both abstinence
and control were emphasised more with regard to women than to men. Although the traditional discourse on
prolonged sexual abstinence for protecting child health was reproduced in Ilala, some modern aspects such as the
use of condoms and other contraceptives prevailed in the discussion.
Conclusion: Discourses on sexuality after childbirth are instrumental in reproducing gender-power inequalities,
with women being subjected to more restrictions and control than men are. Thus, interventions that create
openness in discussing sexual relations and health-related matters after childbirth and mitigate gendered norms
suppressing women and perpetuating harmful behaviours are needed. The involvement of males in the
interventions would benefit men, women, and children through improving the gender relations that promote
family health.