University of the Philippines-Manila, School of health Sciences

Palo, Leyte

HS 194 : Intensive Clinical Practicum 1

( Family Planning)

Module 1: To enhance student’s knowledge and confidence to provide quality essential

Reproductive Health ( RH ) services to Filipino Families
At the end of this module the student will be able to
1. Define the terms “ values” and “attitude”
2. Examine his/her own values
3. Explain how values and attitudes influence the individual’s decision
4. State the factors that affect clients’ decision making

OVERVIEW

As a health workers, we may find it difficult to provide family planning counseling and
services. Such feeling may arise from diversity of religious beliefs and personal values which are
supported by the strong influence of traditional and cultural values in society. On the other Hand,
they have to recognize the reproductive health needs of a women as we the health worker may be
the only support in the community these women have these needs. We have the responsibility for
making health and Family Planning services available to those who need them by, atleast, referring
them to other health professionals who can provide the needed services

Definitions of Values and attitude

Value is deeply held belief or idea that is important to all individuals. Values can be influenced
by religion, education, or culture and by other personal experiences, values guide us in our
thinking, attitudes, and behavior. Values enhance one’s growth and development as a person and
are affirmed by others. Individual’s values are their unique possessions so we must respect them.

Attitude is a behavior or outward expression that is form by values and beliefs. It is a mental state
and disposition to behave in certain ways and involves interplay of feelings, values and beliefs.

How Client’s Values Affects Decision-Making

Values are important and maybe considered an individual’s treasured possession. They are the
principles that the people use as a guide in coping with stress in their everyday lives.

Different people may have similar or different values, depending on their experience, education,
environment, social exposure, religion, and culture. Values may change through the years but
adequate information, exposure, experience, and education may help other people develop
desirable values. So, when the client is given adequate and appropriate information about a
certain conditions, situations, or practices, he or she will be guided through modeling to adopt
new values. This can be true in making decisions regarding family planning.
The following are some common values that a family planning counselor may confront:

➢ Rural mother still prefer bigger families, while urban women are conditioned to have
smaller families.
➢ When the availability of family planning methods are made public through mass media,
there is increase in the number of clients who go to the clinic for services.
➢ Rumors and misinformation feared by most clients
➢ Health worker advice plays a vital role in clients’ decisions are affected to a great extent
when a health worker promotes family planning. Clients are likely to make voluntary
decisions.
➢ Better quality means higher acceptance by clients of family planning services.
➢ Accessibility of service center and the availability of a contraceptive method in a nearby
clinic makes clients more likely to avail themselves of family planning services.

Factors Affecting Decision-Making

➢ Age Marital status

➢ Number of children word of mouth
➢ Health status culture
➢ Economic status misconceptions
➢ Religious beliefs Politics
➢ Relationship with spouse Significant person experience

Learning Insights

➢ No two people have the same values and attitudes

➢ Understanding our own values can help us better understand the client.
➢ Reflecting our own values can help us set a limit so we do not influence our client’s
decision by sharing our views.
➢ Tough there may be conflicting values between the counselor and the client, the
counselor should not impose his/her own over that of the client
➢ Everyone has the right to his/her own values and attitudes, but these should not interfere
with the way a person performs his/her responsibility as a counselor
➢ There are many factor that can influence how clients make decisions and these should be
respected by the counselor

Activity:
Make a Narrative “ Self Reflection about yourself on your Values and attitude”

Referrences

Department of Health Family Planning Handbook, 2010

Family Planning Counseling Training Manual by IMCH, 2012