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Meskele M, Sadamo FE, Angore BN, Dake SK, Mekonnen W, Kebede AT, Adinew YM, Shikur B, Assegid M, Firdu N, Seid S, Seifu A. Barriers and enablers to the implementation of immediate postpartum and post-abortion family planning service integration in primary health care units of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A baseline study for implementation research. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303809. [PMID: 39052648 PMCID: PMC11271869 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence indicates that postpartum and post-abortion women accept family planning at a higher rate when offered timely at appropriate sites. Therefore, this study explored barriers and enablers of postpartum and post-abortion family planning utilization in primary health care units of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia, from June 20 to July 25, 2022. METHODS We used a case study strategy of qualitative research using both the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Gender, Youth, and Social Inclusion (GYSI) frameworks was conducted from June to July 2022. We conducted 41 in-depth and key informant interviews and six focus group discussions. We also used Open Code software version 4.02 for coding and further analysis and applied a framework analysis. RESULTS The analysis of this study identified barriers and enablers of postpartum and post-abortion family planning service uptake in five CFIR domains and four GYSI components. The barriers included misconceptions and sole decision-making by husbands, cultural and religious barriers, and healthcare providers paying less attention to adolescents and husbands, which prevented them from using immediate postpartum and postabortion family planning services. The health facilities were not adequately staffed; there was a shortage and delay of supplies and infrastructure, trained staff turnover, and poor accountability among service providers. The existence of community structure, equal access and legal rights to the service, and having waivered services were enablers for postpartum and post-abortion family planning service uptake. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION The current study identified various barriers and enablers to the uptake of postpartum and post-abortion family planning. Therefore, there is a need for high-impact interventions such as targeting male partners and girls, ensuring infrastructure, supplies, and equipment, building staff capacity, and making decisions jointly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengistu Meskele
- Department of Reproductive Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Fekadu Elias Sadamo
- Department of Reproductive Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Banchialem Nega Angore
- School of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Samson Kastro Dake
- Department of Reproductive Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Bilal Shikur
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Meselech Assegid
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Naod Firdu
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Senait Seid
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abiy Seifu
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Buser JM, Pebolo PF, August E, Rana GK, Gray R, Jacobson-Davies FE, Kumakech E, Endale T, Auma AG, Smith YR. Scoping review of qualitative studies on family planning in Uganda. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003313. [PMID: 38959214 PMCID: PMC11221757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Family planning (FP) is an essential component of public health programs and significantly impacts maternal and child health outcomes. In Uganda, there is a need for a comprehensive review of the existing literature on FP to inform future research and programmatic efforts. This scoping review aims to identify factors shaping the use of FP in Uganda. We conducted a systematic search of eight scholarly databases, for qualitative studies on FP in Uganda. We screened the titles and abstracts of identified articles published between 2002-2023 and assessed their eligibility based on predefined criteria. We extracted data from the 71 eligible studies and synthesized the findings using thematic analysis and the Ecological Systems Theory (EST) individual, interpersonal, community, institutional, and policy-level determinants. Findings reveal the interplay of factors at different socio-ecological levels influencing family planning decisions. At the individual level, the most common determinants related to the EST were knowledge and attitudes of FP. Interpersonal dynamics, including partner communication and social support networks, played pivotal roles. Community-level factors, such as cultural norms and accessibility of services, significantly influenced family planning practices. Institutional and policy-level factors, particularly a healthcare system's quality and policies, also shaped use. Other themes included the intersection of HIV/AIDS on FP practice and Ugandan views of comprehensive abortion care. This scoping review underscores the intricate socio-ecological fabric shaping FP in Uganda. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to increase knowledge and awareness of FP, improve access to services, and address social and cultural norms that discourage contraceptive use. Policymakers and program implementers should also consider gender dynamics and power imbalances in FP programs to ensure they are equitable and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M. Buser
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Pebalo F. Pebolo
- Department Reproductive Health, Gulu University Faculty of Medicine, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Ella August
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- PREPSS (Pre-Publication Support Service), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Gurpreet K. Rana
- Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Rachel Gray
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Faelan E. Jacobson-Davies
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Edward Kumakech
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
| | - Tamrat Endale
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Anna Grace Auma
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
| | - Yolanda R. Smith
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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Sileo KM, Muhumuza C, Tuhebwe D, Muñoz S, Wanyenze RK, Kershaw TS, Sekamatte S, Lule H, Kiene SM. "The burden is upon your shoulders to feed and take care of your children, not religion or culture": qualitative evaluation of participatory community dialogues to promote family planning's holistic benefits and reshape community norms on family success in rural Uganda. Contracept Reprod Med 2024; 9:28. [PMID: 38835058 PMCID: PMC11149320 DOI: 10.1186/s40834-024-00290-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family planning has significant health and social benefits, but in settings like Uganda, is underutilized due to prevalent community and religious norms promoting large family size and gender inequity. Family Health = Family Wealth (FH = FW) is a multi-level, community-based intervention that used community dialogues grounded in Campbell and Cornish's social psychological theory of transformative communication to reshape individual endorsement of community norms that negatively affect gender equitable reproductive decision-making among couples in rural Uganda. METHODS This study aimed to qualitatively evaluate the effect of FH = FW's community dialogue approach on participants' personal endorsement of community norms counter to family planning acceptance and gender equity. A pilot quasi-experimental controlled trial was implemented in 2021. This paper uses qualitative, post-intervention data collected from intervention arm participants (N = 70) at two time points: 3 weeks post-intervention (in-depth interviews, n = 64) and after 10-months follow-up (focus group discussions [n = 39] or semi-structured interviews [n = 27]). Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. RESULTS The community dialogue approach helped couples to reassess community beliefs that reinforce gender inequity and disapproval of family planning. FH = FW's inclusion of economic and relationship content served as key entry points for couples to discuss family planning. Results are presented in five central themes: (1) Community family size expectations were reconsidered through discussions on economic factors; (2) Showcasing how relationship health and gender equity are central to economic health influenced men's acceptance of gender equity; (3) Linking relationship health and family planning helped increase positive attitudes towards family planning and the perceived importance of shared household decision-making to family wellness; (4) Program elements to strengthen relationship skills helped to translate gender equitable attitudes into changes in relationship dynamics and to facilitate equitable family planning communication; (5) FH = FW participation increased couples' collective family planning (and overall health) decision-making and uptake of contraceptive methods. CONCLUSION Community dialogues may be an effective intervention approach to change individual endorsement of widespread community norms that reduce family planning acceptance. Future work should continue to explore innovative ways to use this approach to increase gender equitable reproductive decision-making among couples in settings where gender, religious, and community norms limit reproductive autonomy. Future evaluations of this work should aim to examine change in norms at the community-level. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04262882).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn M Sileo
- Department of Public Health, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA.
| | - Christine Muhumuza
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, 30A Plot, 30A York Terrace, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Doreen Tuhebwe
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Diego State University School of Public Health, 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, Makerere University School of Public Health, New Mulago Hill Road, Mulago Kampala, Uganda
| | - Suyapa Muñoz
- Department of Public Health, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Diego State University School of Public Health, 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, New Mulago Hill Road, Mulago Kampala, Uganda
| | - Trace S Kershaw
- Department of Social and Behavioral Science, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Samuel Sekamatte
- Butambala District Health Department, Gombe Hospital, Gombe, Uganda
| | - Haruna Lule
- Global Centre of Excellence in Health (GLoCEH), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan M Kiene
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Diego State University School of Public Health, 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, New Mulago Hill Road, Mulago Kampala, Uganda
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Roudsari RL, Sharifi F, Goudarzi F. Barriers to the participation of men in reproductive health care: a systematic review and meta-synthesis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:818. [PMID: 37143008 PMCID: PMC10158256 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15692-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite emphasizing the importance and benefits of men's active engagement in reproductive health programs, their engagement in reproductive health care is low. Researchers have identified different barriers to men's avoidance of participation in various aspects of reproductive health in different parts of the world. This study provided an in-depth review of the hindrances to men's non-participation in reproductive health. METHODS This meta-synthesis was conducted using keyword searches in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ProQuest until January 2023. Qualitative English-language studies that investigated barriers to men's participation in reproductive health were included in the study. The critical appraisal skills program (CASP) checklist was used to assess the articles' quality. Data synthesis and thematic analysis were done using the standard method. RESULT This synthesis led to the emergence of four main themes such as failure to access all inclusive and integrated quality services, economic issues, couples' personal preferences and attitudes, and sociocultural considerations to seek reproductive healthcare services. CONCLUSION Healthcare system programs and policies, economic and sociocultural issues, and men's attitudes, knowledge, and preferences, influence men's participation in reproductive healthcare. Reproductive health initiatives should focus on eliminating challenges to men's supportive activities to increase practical men's involvement in reproductive healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robab Latifnejad Roudsari
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farangis Sharifi
- Community-Oriented Nursing Midwifery Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Goudarzi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.
- Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.
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Watson D, Chatio S, Barker M, Boua PR, Compaoré A, Dalaba M, Erzse A, Godfrey K, Hofman K, Kehoe S, McGrath N, Mukoma G, Nonterah EA, Norris SA, Sorgho H, Ward KA, Hardy-Johnson P. Men’s motivations, barriers to and aspirations for their families’ health in the first 1000 days in sub-Saharan Africa: a secondary qualitative analysis. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2023. [PMID: 37484540 PMCID: PMC10359544 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2022-000423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe first 1000 days of life are a critical period of growth and development that have lasting implications for health, cognitive, educational and economic outcomes. In sub-Saharan Africa, gender and social norms are such that many men have little engagement with maternal and child health and nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood. This study explores how men perceive their role in three sites in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsSecondary qualitative analysis of 10 focus group discussions with 76 men in Burkina Faso, Ghana and South Africa. Data were thematically analysed to explore men’s perceptions of maternal and child health and nutrition.ResultsMen considered themselves ‘providers’ and 'advisors' within their families, particularly of finances, food and medicines. They also indicated that this advice was out of care and concern for their families’ health. There were similarities in how the men perceive their role. Differences between men living in rural and urban settings included health priorities, the advice and the manner in which it was provided. Across all settings, men wanted to be more involved with maternal and child health and nutrition. Challenges to doing so included stigma and proscribed social gender roles.ConclusionMen want a greater engagement in improving maternal and child health and nutrition but felt that their ability to do so was limited by culture-specified gender roles, which are more focused on providing for and advising their families. Involving both men and women in intervention development alongside policymakers, health professionals and researchers is needed to improve maternal and child health and nutrition.
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Mubangizi V, McGrath N, Kabakyenga JK, Muller I, Stuart BL, Raftery JP, Natukunda S, Ngonzi J, Goodhart C, Willcox ML. Antenatal couples' counselling in Uganda (ACCU): study protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:97. [PMID: 35488317 PMCID: PMC9051788 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Common avoidable factors leading to maternal, perinatal and neonatal deaths include lack of birth planning (and delivery in an inappropriate place) and unmet need for contraception. Progress has been slow because routine antenatal care has focused only on women. Yet, in Uganda, many women first want the approval of their husbands. The World Health Organization recommends postpartum family planning (PPFP) as a critical component of health care. The aim of this trial is to test the feasibility of recruiting and retaining participants in a trial of a complex community-based intervention to provide counselling to antenatal couples in Uganda. METHODS This is a two-group, non-blinded cluster-randomised controlled feasibility trial of a complex intervention. Primary health centres in Uganda will be randomised to receive the intervention or usual care provided by the Ministry of Health. The intervention consists of training village health teams to provide basic counselling to couples at home, encouraging men to accompany their wives to an antenatal clinic, and secondly of training health workers to provide information and counselling to couples at antenatal clinics, to facilitate shared decision-making on the most appropriate place of delivery, and postpartum contraception. We aim to recruit 2 health centres in each arm, each with 10 village health teams, each of whom will aim to recruit 35 pregnant women (a total of 700 women per arm). The village health teams will follow up and collect data on pregnant women in the community up to 12 months after delivery and will directly enter the data using the COSMOS software on a smartphone. DISCUSSION This intervention addresses two key avoidable factors in maternal, perinatal and neonatal deaths (lack of family planning and inappropriate place of delivery). Determining the acceptability and feasibility of antenatal couples' counselling in this study will inform the design of a fully randomised controlled clinical trial. If this trial demonstrates the feasibility of recruitment and delivery, we will seek funding to conduct a fully powered trial of the complex intervention for improving uptake of birth planning and postpartum family planning in Uganda. TRIAL REGISTRATION Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR202102794681952 . Approved on 10 February 2021. ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN97229911. Registered on 23 September 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Mubangizi
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Nuala McGrath
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Social Statistics and Demography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Ingrid Muller
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Beth L Stuart
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - James P Raftery
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sylvia Natukunda
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ngonzi
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Merlin Luke Willcox
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Mubangizi V, Plastow J, Nakaggwa F, Nahabwe H, Natukunda S, Atim F, Mawere B, Laughton M, Muller I, Owokuhaisa J, Coates S, Chambers I, Goodhart C, Willcox M. Assessing changes in knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to use family planning after watching documentary and drama health education films: a qualitative study. Reprod Health 2022; 19:65. [PMID: 35279189 PMCID: PMC8917732 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01370-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of literature on the effectiveness of drama or documentary films in changing knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and behavior of people towards family planning. This study aimed to compare and assess the acceptability of health promotion films based on documentary or drama, and their effect on knowledge, attitudes, and intention to use family planning. METHODS We developed short documentary and drama films about contraceptive implants, using the person-based approach. Their acceptability was assessed in focus group discussions with younger women below 23 years, women over 23 years, men of reproductive age, and health workers in four different areas of Uganda (Bwindi/Kanungu, Walukuba/Jinja, Kampala, and Mbarara). Transcripts of the focus group discussions were analyzed using thematic analysis, to generate themes and examine the key issues. We assessed changes in knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to use family planning after watching the films. RESULTS Sixteen focus groups with 150 participants were carried out. Participants said that the documentary improved their knowledge and addressed their fears about side effects, myths, and implant insertion. The drama improved their attitudes towards the implant and encouraged them to discuss family planning with their partner. The final versions of the documentary and the drama films were equally liked. CONCLUSIONS Viewing a short documentary on the contraceptive implant led to positive changes in knowledge, while a short drama improved attitudes and intentions to discuss the implant with their partner. The drama and documentary have complementary features, and most participants wanted to see both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Mubangizi
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Jane Plastow
- School of English, The University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | | | - Sylvia Natukunda
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Fiona Atim
- Clarke International University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Matthew Laughton
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ingrid Muller
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Judith Owokuhaisa
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Merlin Willcox
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Singh NS, Prabhakar P, Ssali A, Namakula S, Namatovu J, Kapiti R, Kasiri J, Mounier-Jack S. "They will say you want to make their home die": A mixed methods study to assess modern family planning use in partnered South Sudanese refugee and host populations in Northern Uganda. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000348. [PMID: 36962421 PMCID: PMC10022387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The unmet need for family planning among conflict-affected populations is high globally, leaving girls and women vulnerable to unintended pregnancies and poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Ours is the first known mixed-methods study to assess the use of modern family planning (FP) methods amongst married or partnered South Sudanese refugee and host populations in Northern Uganda and to explore differences between them. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in July 2019 which included 1,533 partnered women of reproductive age (15-49 years) from host and South Sudanese refugee communities in Kiryandongo and Arua. Qualitative data were collected in October 2019-January 2020 via 34 focus group discussions and 129 key informant interviews with refugee and host populations, health workers, community and religious leaders, health workers, local authorities and humanitarian actors. Our study did not find large differences between South Sudanese refugee and host populations in regard to modern FP use, though refugees reported somewhat poorer FP knowledge, accessibility and utilisation compared to Ugandan women. Reported barriers to FP use relate to access, quality of services, health concerns and family/community opposition, all of which emphasise the importance of men's gendered roles in relationships, cultural and religious beliefs and lack of agency for most women to make their own decisions about reproductive health. Sexual and gender-based violence related to FP use was reported among both refugee and host populations. Additional barriers to FP use include lack of privacy at the public health facilities which reduces confidentiality, mistrust of health workers, and stockouts of FP commodities. Facilitating factors for FP use included: free government health services; the presence of well-trained health workers; and NGOs who give support to populations and conduct community outreaches. The findings of this study underscore the importance of developing and implementing tailored sexual and reproductive health information and services, especially for modern FP methods, in partnership with South Sudanese refugee and host populations in Northern Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha S Singh
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pallavi Prabhakar
- Independent Evaluation and Research Cell, BRAC Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes Ssali
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- MRC/UVRI & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Sandra Mounier-Jack
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Roy N, Adhikary P, Kabra R, Kiarie J, Mburu G, Dhabhai N, Chowdhury R, Mazumder S. Postpartum contraceptive practices among urban and peri-urban women in North India: a mixed-methods cohort study protocol. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:820. [PMID: 34893054 PMCID: PMC8662907 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum family planning (PPFP) helps women space childbirths, increase exclusive breastfeeding and prevent unintended pregnancies, leading to reduction in maternal, infant and child morbidities and mortality. Unmet need of family planning is highest among women in the postpartum period due to lack of knowledge, cultural and religious barriers, access barriers and low antenatal care service utilization. However, in spite of low prevalence of postpartum family planning practices, birth-to-birth interval is reportedly high in Delhi, India. This study explores the postpartum contraception practices and the relationship between use of postpartum contraception and subsequent child linear growth. METHODS This is a mixed method cohort study on PPFP and is nested within an ongoing "Women and Infants Integrated Interventions for Growth Study" (WINGS). Married women aged 18-30 years who have delivered a live baby are recruited for quantitative interviews at 6 weeks, 6, 12, and 24 months postpartum. In-depth interviews are conducted with a randomly selected sub-sample of women at each of the four time points, 35 husbands and 20 local service providers to understand their perspectives on PPFP practices. DISCUSSION The findings from the study will provide useful insights into couples' contraception preferences and choice of contraception, modern and traditional, initiation time and the effect of birth spacing and contraception use on subsequent linear growth of the child. This knowledge will be of significant public health relevance and will help in designing appropriate interventions for appropriate postpartum contraception use and delivery strategies. The study aims to work address the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights goal of promoting reproductive health, voluntary and safe sexual and reproductive choices for women. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registration number: CTRI/2020/03/023954 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivedita Roy
- Centre for Health Research and Development, Society for Applied Studies, 45 Kalu Sarai, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Priyanka Adhikary
- Centre for Health Research and Development, Society for Applied Studies, 45 Kalu Sarai, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Rita Kabra
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Gitau Mburu
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Neeta Dhabhai
- Centre for Health Research and Development, Society for Applied Studies, 45 Kalu Sarai, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Ranadip Chowdhury
- Centre for Health Research and Development, Society for Applied Studies, 45 Kalu Sarai, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Sarmila Mazumder
- Centre for Health Research and Development, Society for Applied Studies, 45 Kalu Sarai, New Delhi, 110016, India.
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