The aggregate effect of implementation strength of family planning programs on modern contraceptive use at the health systems level in rural Malawi

To explore the association between the strength of implementation of family planning (FP) programs on the use of modern contraceptives. Specifically, how strongly these programs are being implemented across a health facility’s catchment area in Malawi and the odds of a woman in that catchment area is using modern contraceptives. This information can be used to assess whether the combined impact of multiple large-scale FP programs is leading to change in the health outcomes they aim to improve. We used data from the 2017 Implementation Strength Assessment (ISA) that quantified how much of family planning programs at the health facility and community health worker levels were being implemented across every district of Malawi. We used a summary measure developed in a previous study that employs quantitative methods to combine data across FP domains and health system levels. We tested the association of this summary measure for implementation strength with household data from the 2015 Malawi Demographic Health Survey (DHS). We found that areas with stronger implementation of FP programs had higher odds of women using modern contraceptives compared with areas with weaker implementation. The association of ISA with use of modern contraception was different by education, marital status, and geography. After controlling for these factors, we found that the adjusted odds of using a modern contraceptive was three times higher in catchment areas with high implementation strength compared to those with lower strength. Metrics that summarize how strongly FP programs are being implemented were used to show a statistically significantly positive relationship between increasing implementation strength and higher rates of modern contraceptive use. Decisionmakers at the various levels of health authority can use this type of summary measure to better understand the combined impact of their diverse FP programming and inform future programmatic and policy decisions. The findings also reinforce the idea that having a well-supported and supplied cadre of community health workers supplementing FP provision at the health facility can be an important health systems mechanism, especially in rural settings and to target youth populations.

Download Full-text

The aggregate effect of implementation strength of family planning programs on modern contraceptive use at the health systems level in rural Malawi

10.1101/2020.04.17.046524 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anooj Pattnaik ◽

Diwakar Mohan ◽

Amy Tsui ◽

Sam Chipokosa ◽

Hans Katengeza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Health Facility ◽

Catchment Area ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Summary Measure ◽

Modern Contraceptives ◽

Family Planning Programs ◽

Modern Contraceptive Use ◽

Combined Impact

AbstractBackgroundTo explore the association between the strength of implementation of family planning (FP) programs on the use of modern contraceptives. Specifically, how strongly these programs are being implemented across a health facility’s catchment area in Malawi and the odds of a woman in that catchment area is using modern contraceptives. This information can be used to assess whether the combined impact of multiple large-scale FP programs is leading to change in the health outcomes they aim to improve.Methods and findingsWe used data from the 2017 Implementation Strength Assessment (ISA) that quantified how much of family planning programs at the health facility and community health worker levels were being implemented across every district of Malawi. We used a summary measure developed in a previous study that employs quantitative methods to combine data across FP domains and health system levels. We tested the association of this summary measure for implementation strength with household data from the 2015 Malawi Demographic Health Survey (DHS). We found that areas with stronger implementation of FP programs had higher odds of women using modern contraceptives compared with areas with weaker implementation. The association of ISA with use of modern contraception was different by education, marital status, and geography. After controlling for these factors, we found that the adjusted odds of using a modern contraceptive was three times higher in catchment areas with high implementation strength compared to those with lower strength.ConclusionMetrics that summarize how strongly FP programs are being implemented were used to show a statistically significantly positive relationship between increasing implementation strength and higher rates of modern contraceptive use. Decisionmakers at the various levels of health authority can use this type of summary measure to better understand the combined impact of their diverse FP programming and inform future programmatic and policy decisions. The findings also reinforce the idea that having a well-supported and supplied cadre of community health workers supplementing FP provision at the health facility can be an important health systems mechanism, especially in rural settings and to target youth populations.

Download Full-text

A qualitative exploration of contraceptive use and discontinuation among women with an unmet need for modern contraception in Kenya

Reproductive Health ◽

10.1186/s12978-021-01094-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Susan Ontiri ◽

Lilian Mutea ◽

Violet Naanyu ◽

Mark Kabue ◽

Regien Biesma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Side Effects ◽

Peer Influence ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Unmet Need ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Modern Contraception ◽

Modern Contraceptives ◽

Family Planning Programs ◽

Contraceptive Discontinuation

Abstract Background Addressing the unmet need for modern contraception underpins the goal of all family planning and contraception programs. Contraceptive discontinuation among those in need of a method hinders the attainment of the fertility desires of women, which may result in unintended pregnancies. This paper presents experiences of contraceptive use, reasons for discontinuation, and future intentions to use modern contraceptives. Methods Qualitative data were collected in two rural counties in Kenya in 2019 from women with unmet need for contraception who were former modern contraceptive users. Additional data was collected from male partners of some of the women interviewed. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions explored previous experience with contraceptive use, reasons for discontinuation, and future intentionality to use. Following data collection, digitally recorded data were transcribed verbatim, translated, and coded using thematic analysis through an inductive approach. Results Use of modern contraception to prevent pregnancy and plan for family size was a strong motivator for uptake of contraceptives. The contraceptive methods used were mainly sourced from public health facilities though adolescents got them from the private sector. Reasons for discontinued use included side effects, method failure, peer influence, gender-based violence due to covert use of contraceptives, and failure within the health system. Five reasons were provided for those not willing to use in the future: fear of side effects, cost of contraceptive services, family conflicts over the use of modern contraceptives, reduced need, and a shift to traditional methods. Conclusion This study expands the literature by examining reasons for contraceptive discontinuation and future intentionality to use among women in need of contraception. The results underscore the need for family planning interventions that incorporate quality of care in service provision to address contraceptive discontinuation. Engaging men and other social influencers in family planning programs and services will help garner support for contraception, rather than focusing exclusively on women. The results of this study can inform implementation of family planning programs in Kenya and beyond to ensure they address the concerns of former modern contraception users.

Download Full-text

The role of empowerment in the use of modern contraceptives among women in need of family planning in Burkina Faso: A multilevel analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-17908/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sylvain Y. M. SOME ◽

Christy Pu ◽

Song-Lih Huang

Keyword(s):

Secondary Education ◽

Family Planning ◽

Burkina Faso ◽

Gender Equality ◽

Multilevel Analysis ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Community Level ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Modern Contraceptives ◽

Modern Contraceptive Use

Abstract Background In Burkina Faso, women still have difficulty satisfying their family planning demand because of the patriarchal and gender-unequal society. Despite evidence that women’s empowerment can help, few studies have measured its impact at both community and household levels. Taking into account these two parameters, we looked into the association between women’s empowerment and modern contraception use among Married Women of Reproductive Age (MWRA) with no desire for having children in Burkina Faso. Methods Using the 2010 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), we analyzed data from 4714 MWRA with family planning needs from 573 communities. Indicators of gender equality at the community level were composed of aggregated variables for each primary sampling unit, and domains of women’s agency in households matters were derived with principal component analysis. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to gauge the effects of empowerment on modern contraceptives use adjusted for household socioeconomic status and demographics of women. Results Among MWRA, 30.8% satisfied their demand for family planning using modern methods. At the community level, higher women’s assets ownership (aOR 1.26, CI 1.04 - 1.54), secondary education (aOR 1.45, OR 1.08 - 1.64), and exposure to family planning messages (aOR 1.33, CI 1.08 - 1.64) were associated with more modern contraceptive use; higher ideal number of children was negatively associated (aOR 0.76, CI 0.61 - 0.95). Unexpectedly, higher community prevalence of female genital mutilation was positively associated with contraceptive use (aOR 1.25, CI 1.03-1.52). Women’s agency in household matters, including opposing domestic violence, involved with decisions and enjoying freedom in seeking healthcare were positively associated with use, but only the last domain remained significant in multilevel analysis (aOR 1.29, CI 1.08 - 1.54). Living in richer household, being older, and having secondary education level were also positively associated with modern contraceptive use. Conclusion Gender equality at the community level and women’s situation in the household constitute the context in which women’s demand for family planning is determined. Therefore, promoting gender equality and ensuring women’s entitlement to make life choices have the potential to increase modern contraceptive coverage along with improved life conditions.

Download Full-text

Family planning counseling and its associations with modern contraceptive use, initiation, and continuation in rural Uttar Pradesh, India

Reproductive Health ◽

10.1186/s12978-019-0844-0 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Nabamallika Dehingia ◽

Anvita Dixit ◽

Sarah Averbach ◽

Vikas Choudhry ◽

Arnab Dey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Uttar Pradesh ◽

Married Women ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Modern Contraceptives ◽

Modern Contraceptive Use ◽

Continued Use

Abstract Background We examine the association between the quality of family planning (FP) counseling received in past 24 months, and current modern contraceptive use, initiation, and continuation, among a sample of women in rural Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods This study included data from a longitudinal study with two rounds of representative household survey (2014 and 2016), with currently married women of age 15–49 years; the analysis excluded women who were already using a permanent method of contraceptive during the first round of survey and who reported discontinuation because they wanted to be pregnant (N = 1398). We measured quality of FP counseling using four items on whether women were informed of advantages and disadvantages of different methods, were told of method(s) that are appropriate for them, whether their questions were answered, and whether they perceived the counseling to be helpful. Positive responses to every item was categorized as higher quality counseling, vs lower quality counseling for positive response to less than four items. Outcome variables included modern contraceptive use during the second round of survey, and a variable categorizing women based on their contraceptive use behavior during the two rounds: continued-users, new-users, discontinued-users, and non-users. Results Around 22% had received any FP counseling; only 4% received higher-quality counseling. Those who received lower-quality FP counseling had 2.42x the odds of reporting current use of any modern contraceptive method (95% CI: 1.56–3.76), and those who received higher quality FP counseling at 4.14x the odds of reporting modern contraceptive use (95% CI: 1.72–9.99), as compared to women reporting no FP counseling. Women receiving higher-quality counseling also had higher likelihood of continued use (ARRR 5.93; 95% CI: 1.97–17.83), as well as new use or initiation (ARRR: 4.2; 95% CI: 1.44–12.35) of modern contraceptives. Receipt of lower-quality counseling also showed statistically significant associations with continued and new use of modern contraceptives, but the effect sizes were smaller than those for higher-quality counseling. Conclusions Findings suggest the value of FP counseling. With a patient-centered approach to counseling, continued use of modern contraceptives can be supported among married women of reproductive age. Unfortunately, FP counseling, particularly higher-quality FP counseling remains rare.

Download Full-text

Modern contraceptive use among female adolescents in rural Nigeria: Does exposure to family planning messages matter? A cross-sectional study

Gates Open Research ◽

10.12688/gatesopenres.12904.2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

pp. 627

Author(s):

Victor Chima ◽

Oluwatobi Abel Alawode

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Mass Media ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Female Adolescents ◽

Rural Adolescents ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Modern Contraceptives ◽

Rural Nigeria ◽

Modern Contraceptive Use

Background: The world currently has the highest number of adolescents in all of history. Africa is home to quite a number of them, with most of these adolescents in Africa live in rural areas where they are more disadvantaged and their reproductive decisions could have telling impacts on their lives, family planning (contraception) has been identified as important to avoid such impacts. Factors associated with the use of modern contraceptives among female adolescents have been extensively researched but the importance of mass media family planning messages on modern contraceptives use among female adolescents in rural Nigeria is under-researched, hence this study. Method: This paper uses the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data with a weighted sample size (n=4473) to examine the association between exposure to family planning messages and use of modern contraceptives among female adolescents in rural Nigeria. Results: Findings indicated that exposure to family planning messages on radio and television were significantly associated with modern contraceptive use, however, educational attainment and region of residence were other factors that influenced modern contraceptive use.. Conclusion: The study concludes that family planning messages through mass media especially radio and television are associated with modern contraceptives use among rural adolescents. The continued use of mass media would enhance opportunities to achieve more results, however, other interventions addressing education with objectives of closing the rural-urban socio-economic gap should be encouraged also, as these factors play critical roles in improving uptake of family planning among rural adolescents. Further, messages on modern contraceptive use should be sensitive to regional divides in terms of content and delivery.

Download Full-text

Utilization and associated factors of modern contraceptives during postpartum period among women who gave birth in the last 12 months in injibara town Awi Zone, North-West Ethiopia 2019

10.21203/rs.2.16566/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Getachew Andualem Belete ◽

Almaz Aklilu Getu ◽

Getahun Belay Gela

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Antenatal Care ◽

Postpartum Period ◽

Postnatal Care ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Postpartum Women ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Modern Contraceptives ◽

Modern Contraceptive Use

Abstract Background: The postpartum period is an important entry point for family planning service providers to reduce unintended and too closely spaced pregnancy. A postpartum modern contraceptive service is one of the recommended public health interventions for reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortalities. However, In Ethiopia modern contraceptive use during the postpartum period is low; resulting in unintended pregnancies and unwanted childbearing . there for this study was done to assess utilization and associated factors of modern contraceptives during the postpartum period among women who gave birth in the last 12 months in Injibara Town Awi Zone, North-Western Ethiopia. Methods: A Community based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 01 to 15/2019 on 400 women who gave birth in the last 12 months preceding the survey. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit study subjects. Data was collected using interviewer-administered pretested and structured questionnaires. Data were entered using Epi data 3.5 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. The association between variables was analyzed using Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models and p-value < 0.05 at 95% Confidence interval was considered as statistically significant. Result: The prevalence of modern contraceptive utilization was 58.5% (95% CI: 53.5- 63%) among postpartum mothers. Secondary school and higher educational levels [AOR= 5.02; 95% CI (1.53-16.47)],[AOR= 4.25; 95% CI:(1.32-13.64) respectively)], previous history of abortion [AOR= 3.93; 95%, CI: (1.43-10.84)], having three and four antenatal care visit [AOR= 4.74; 95%, CI: (1.94-11.54)] [AOR= 5.9; 95%, CI: (2.42-14.39) respectively], family planning counselling during antenatal care [AOR=2.81; 95% ,CI: (1.63- 4.86)], having postnatal care [AOR =1.79, 95%, CI: (1.09-2.96)], menses returning after birth [AOR=2.84, 95% CI: (1.77- 4.57)] and resuming sexual activity [AOR= 2.86, 95% CI: (1.71-4.78)] were factors affecting contraceptive use in postpartum period. Conclusion : The prevalence of modern contraceptive use among postpartum women was found to be high in Injibara town. Therefore, strengthen family planning counseling during antenatal care and postnatal care to reduce the missed opportunity of postpartum women to get family planning methods, especially long-acting reversible contraceptives.

Download Full-text

The relationship between spatial access and modern contraceptive use: is proximity to a healthcare facility a determinant of use among women in Kinshasa, DRC?

Gates Open Research ◽

10.12688/gatesopenres.13229.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. 80

Author(s):

Saleh Babazadeh ◽

Julie Hearnandez ◽

Philip Anglewicz ◽

Jane Bertrand

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Unmet Need ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Family Planning Services ◽

Spatial Access ◽

Modern Contraceptives ◽

Contraceptive Services ◽

Modern Contraceptive Use ◽

Sub Saharan

Background: Spatial access has a direct effect on health service utilization in many settings. Distance to health facility has proven to affect family planning (FP) service use in many Sub-Saharan countries. Studies show that women who reside closer to facilities offering family planning services are more likely to use modern contraceptives. However, researchers often test the theory of distance decay. This study analyzed the significance of proximity to family planning services, service availability, and quality of family planning services on modern contraceptive use in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods: We used a pool of four rounds of facility- and population-based survey data in Kinshasa from PMA2020 between 2014 and 2016. We used GPS coordinates to calculate the distance between the health facilities and households. We tested if women who live closer to service delivery points with higher level of availability and quality are more likely to use modern contraceptives or less likely to have unmet need for contraceptive services. Results: 10,968 women were interviewed over four rounds of data collection. Our findings show that living closer to an SDP is not a determinant of modern contraceptive use or having unmet need for FP services. Lack of cognitive access, economic barriers, bypassing the closest facility, and sociocultural norms are strong barriers for women in Kinshasa to use modern contraceptives. Proximity to quality services did not necessarily result in increased FP use among women of reproductive age living in Kinshasa, thus suggesting that a bypass phenomenon may occur when obtaining modern contraceptive services. Conclusions: This study notes that barriers other than proximity to access may be substantial determinants of contraceptive use or unmet need. More research should be conducted that directly measures multidimensional components of access in order to interpret women’s contraceptive seeking behaviors in urban areas of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Download Full-text

The Relationship Between Spatial Access and Modern Contraceptive Use: Is Proximity to a Healthcare Facility a Determinant of Use Among Women in Kinshasa, DRC?

10.21203/rs.2.17656/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Saleh Babazadeh ◽

Julie Hernandez ◽

Philip Anglewicz ◽

Jane T Bertrand

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Unmet Need ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Family Planning Services ◽

Spatial Access ◽

Modern Contraceptives ◽

Contraceptive Services ◽

Modern Contraceptive Use ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: Spatial access has a direct effect on health service utilization in many settings. While, all elements of access are usually affected by service delivery points and client characteristics. Distance to facility has proven to affect family planning service use in many Sub-Saharan countries. Studies show that women who reside closer to facilities offering family planning services are more likely to use modern contraceptives. However, researchers often test the theory of distance decay to observe any association between an increased distance of health facilities and health service utilization. This study to analyze the significance of proximity to family planning services, as well as service availability and quality of family planning services in Kinshasa. Method: We used a pool of four rounds of facility- and population-based survey data in Kinshasa. We tested if women who live closer to service delivery points with higher level of availability and quality are more likely to use modern contraceptives or less likely to have unmet need for contraceptive services. Results: Our findings show that living closer to an SDP is not a determinant of modern contraceptive use or having unmet need for FP services. Discussion: Lack of cognitive access, economic barriers, bypassing the closest facility, and sociocultural norms are among the strong barriers for women in Kinshasa to use modern contraceptives. Our analysis shows that proximity to quality services does not necessarily result in increased FP use among women of reproductive age living in Kinshasa, thus suggesting that a bypass phenomenon may occur when obtaining modern contraceptive services. Conclusion: This study indicates that proximity to facilities does not necessarily equate proximity to methods, nor does it necessarily enable current users or women with an unmet need (potential contraceptive users) to easily obtain services for their method of choice. This study notes that other barriers to access may be substantial determinants of contraceptive use or unmet need. More research should be conducted that directly measures multidimensional components of access in order to interpret women’s contraceptive seeking behaviors in urban areas of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Download Full-text

Spatial variations and associated factors of modern contraceptive use in Ethiopia: a spatial and multilevel analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037532 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. e037532

Author(s):

Teketo Kassaw Tegegne ◽

Catherine Chojenta ◽

Peta Michelle Forder ◽

Theodros Getachew ◽

Roger Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Facility ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Married Women ◽

Spatial Variations ◽

High Fertility ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Modern Contraceptives ◽

Modern Contraceptive Use

ObjectiveTo assess spatial variations in modern contraceptive use and to identify factors associated with it among married women in Ethiopia.DesignCross-sectional analysis of population-based and health facility data.SettingEthiopia Demographic and Health Survey data linked to Service Provision Assessment data.Population8473 married women and 1020 facilities that reported providing family planning services.MethodsA linked secondary data analysis of population and health facility data was carried out. Both multilevel and spatial analyses were conducted to identify key determinants of women’s use of modern contraceptive and spatial clustering of modern contraceptive use.Main outcome measureModern contraceptive use.ResultsAbout 24% of the variation in the use of modern contraception was accounted for by location. A one-unit increase in the mean score of health facilities’ readiness to provide short-term modern contraceptives in a typical region was associated with a 20-fold increase in the odds of modern contraceptive use (adjusted OR (AOR) 20.49, 95% CI 1.44 to 29.54). In the spatial analysis, it was found that Addis Ababa and the Amhara region had high clusters of modern contraceptive use rates. On the other hand, low rates of contraceptive use were clustered in the Afar and Somali regions.ConclusionThere were significant variations in the use of modern contraceptives across the different regions of Ethiopia. Therefore, regions with low contraceptive rates and high fertility rates should be targeted for scaling up and tailoring of services to the culture and lifestyles of the population of those regions.

Download Full-text

Factors that Influence Modern Contraceptive use Among Women Aged 35 - 49 Years and their Male Partners in Gomoa West District, Ghana: A Qualitative Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1103240/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amy Takyi ◽

Miho Sato ◽

Michael Adjabeng ◽

Chris Smith

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Service Providers ◽

Obstetric Outcomes ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Age Group ◽

Male Partners ◽

Contraceptive Methods ◽

Modern Contraceptives ◽

Modern Contraceptive Use

Abstract Background: The use of contraception among women aged 35 to 49 years is imperative due to the risk of unplanned pregnancy and poor obstetric outcomes. However, the use of contraceptives in this age group has been reported to be low. In Ghana, studies are limited that determine factors influencing contraception among women in this age group, in particular the influence of husbands. This study aims to ascertain factors that influence contraception among women aged 35 to 49 years and their male partners. Objectives: The objective of the study was to describe factors that influence modern contraceptive use among women aged 35 to 49 years and their male partners in the Gomoa West District of Ghana. Methods: A total of 44 informants participated in the study. In-depth interviews were conducted remotely for 22 women, 15 male partners of women interviewed, and seven family planning service providers. Twenty-one informants participated in four focus group discussions organized. A simple thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Factors that influenced the use of modern contraceptives were achieved desired family size, counselling by health professionals, health reasons, and influence of male partner. Barriers to using modern contraceptives included religious or socio-cultural reasons, experience or fear of side effects, rumors or misconceptions, and the belief that contraceptive use is a matter for women. Conclusions: This study described factors that influence contraception among women 35 to 49 years and their male partners. All informants used some form of contraception, although traditional contraceptive method users (TCMUs) did not consider traditional contraceptive methods (TCMs) as a form of contraception. Education on effective TCMs as an alternative for non-users of modern contraceptive methods (MCMs) is needed. Strengthening male involvement in family planning and health educational activities could alleviate fear and reduce misconceptions about using modern contraceptives.

Download Full-text