The quality of family planning services in rural China.

This article provides a preliminary analysis of three aspects of service quality in four rural counties in China--the availability of contraceptive methods, information given to users, and provider knowledge about methods. Contraceptive choice and characteristics of contraceptive use by women in the study areas are also examined. The data are derived from a survey carried out by the authors during 1987, under the auspices of China's State Family Planning Commission. The survey was conducted in four rural counties located in Fujian and Heilongjiang provinces. A total of 318 married women of reproductive age were randomly selected and interviewed. All family planning service sites serving the women were visited and a sample of service providers was interviewed. No shortage of contraceptives existed in any of the counties, but variations in community wealth and local procurement practices have resulted in the acquisition of an IUD with high failure rates. Although providers believe they inform women about method choices and side effects, women were poorly informed about the methods they selected. Not all providers who insert IUDs and distribute pills were knowledgeable about contraindications and side effects of the methods. Ever-use of contraception was nearly 100 percent, but most women, especially in Heilongjiang, have only used one method: the IUD or sterilization. Improvements in quality, especially in method mix, providers' level of knowledge, and the quality and quantity of information provided to users will likely improve contraceptive continuation, client satisfaction, and women's health.     

Availability,practices and acceptance of postabortion contraceptive services in health facilities: A study in six states of India

ObjectiveTo assess the availability of and practices around postabortion contraceptive services in health facilities, and document women’s acceptance of postabortion contraception in six Indian states.Study DesignWe conducted a survey of 4001 public and private health facilities that provide abortion-related care in six Indian states. In this analysis, we assess the availability and range of contraceptive methods offered, the protocols and practices around postabortion contraceptive counseling, the extent to which facilities require women to adopt contraception, and contraceptive uptake among women.ResultsAlthough some contraceptive methods and information were available at a majority of facilities (75–97%), the range of methods was lacking and the information provided to women varied considerably by state. 8–26% of facilities required women seeking induced abortions to accept a modern contraceptive method. Only half to two-thirds of postabortion patients adopted a modern method.ConclusionThe limited number of methods offered in facilities suggests that some women may not obtain the method they desire, or get information about the full range of methods that should be available. While contraceptive uptake should be voluntary, the requirement imposed by some facilities for women to adopt a modern contraceptive method in order to obtain an abortion must be addressed.ImplicationsSome 15.6 million Indian women had an induced abortion in 2015. Understanding the provision of postabortion contraceptive services in health facilities, including counseling, is necessary to inform policies and practices to better enable women and couples to make informed decisions to prevent future unintended pregnancies.     

知情选择社区干预对农村已婚育龄妇女避孕知识的影响

目的评估避孕节育知情选择社区干预对农村已婚育龄妇女避孕知识的影响。方法在三个农村项目县,干预社区在计划生育常规工作的基础上,开展知情选择社区干预,对照社区开展计划生育常规工作。通过结构式问卷调查测量育龄妇女的避孕知识水平,评估干预的效果。结果无论是不同种类避孕方法的知识还是避孕知识的不同方面比较,干预组的增加值均高于对照组,两组得分增加值均数之比最高为长效不可逆类避孕方法,达到4.00;最低为长效可逆类避孕方法,两组之比为1.65。避孕知识不同方面的比较,两组增加值均数之比最高为用法知识,达到8.15;最低为原理知识,增加值均数之比为1.93。干预组避孕知识总体增加值为对照组的2.54倍。结论避孕节育知情选择社区干预可以帮助农村已婚育龄群众提高避孕知识水平。     

Effect of shared contraceptive experiences on IUD use at an urban abortion clinic

BackgroundWe studied the effect of contraceptive social networking on postabortion intrauterine device (IUD) uptake. This study explores whether women who have heard personal stories of IUD use are more likely to use an IUD for postabortion contraception.Study DesignWe surveyed 299 women undergoing induced abortion at San Francisco General Hospital's Women's Options Center before and after contraceptive counseling. Both English- and Spanish-speaking women, aged 15 years and older, were surveyed.ResultsFifty percent of women surveyed chose to use an IUD for postabortion contraception. Women choosing IUDs were more likely than women choosing other contraceptives or no contraceptives to be multiparous, Latina and interested in IUDs prior to contraceptive counseling. Disclosure of personal IUD use by a clinic staff member was independently associated with the decision to use an IUD (odds ratio 8.1, 95% confidence interval 3.8–17.2).ConclusionsWomen undergoing abortion in an urban clinic have knowledge and high acceptance of IUDs, and sharing of contraceptive experiences is common among women of all demographics. Controlling for demographics and prior knowledge of IUDs, sharing of personal IUD experiences by providers is significantly associated with IUD use.     

Young Women’s Knowledge,Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives

BackgroundThe present study explored 18- to 30-year-old women’s knowledge and perceptions of the long-acting, reversible contraceptives (LARCs) Mirena and Implanon in a Midwestern state in the United States.MethodsA telephone survey (n = 543) and 18 focus groups (n = 106) were conducted with women across a rural, Midwestern state. During the telephone survey, women answered questions related to their awareness and knowledge of two LARCs. During the focus groups, participants were asked to respond to questions related to their awareness, knowledge, behaviors, and perceptions of LARCs.ResultsIn the telephone survey, half of the women reported hearing of Mirena. Only 8.0% of women had heard of Implanon. In the focus groups, most women reported knowing little about LARCs. Benefits associated with other contraceptives were not associated with LARCs. Women were concerned about potential side effects and problems stemming from using a contraceptive that is new to them.ConclusionIncreased use of LARCs would likely reduce the unintended pregnancy rate. As described, although some young women are aware of these long-term contraceptive options, there is still a need to educate women on their availability, use, and potential benefit.     

Transdermal Contraception as a Model for Adolescent Use of New Methods

Purpose

To examine the factors related to adolescents' decisions to use the transdermal contraceptive patch (patch) so as to develop a model for understanding how adolescents decide to use new contraceptive methods.

Methods

We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 18 young women aged 15–21 years who had experience using the patch. Data were analyzed using a two-stage method informed by grounded theory.

Results

We constructed a two-level model, encompassing individual, social, and environmental factors, to explain adolescents' decisions to use a new method of hormonal contraception. Social and environmental influences on the decision-making process included media, social network experiences and opinions, healthcare providers, and partner relationships. These in turn affected the following individual factors in the decision to use the patch: individual characteristics, method knowledge and beliefs, method support, and past contraceptive experience. The newness of the patch permeated all levels of the decision-making process.

Conclusions

This model provides a framework for understanding the use of new contraceptive methods and can inform clinical strategies for contraceptive counseling with adolescents.     

四川省农村育龄妇女避孕方法知情选择干预项目研究报告

目的:评价开展避孕节育知情选择活动对四川省农村育龄妇女的避孕节育知识和知情选择的知识、能力、态度和避孕行为等影响。方法:在四川省兴文县的2个乡开展持续1·5年的、以社区为基础、20~49岁的已婚育龄妇女为对象的干预性研究,干预活动包括组织社区宣传活动、发放宣传资料、播放录像带、组织讲座、面对面的宣传和开展同伴教育,分析干预效果。结果:干预组育龄妇女对避孕方法的使用、原理、优点、缺点得分明显高于对照组,且在干预后避孕方法使用率及使用避孕套的比例均高于干预前;避孕方法使用的最终决定者由干预前计划生育服务人员转变为干预后为本人。结论:集知识、信息、咨询与服务为一体的社区避孕节育知情选择干预项目的实施,可显著提高农村育龄妇女的避孕节育知识水平和她们选择避孕方法的能力。     

Disability-competence training influences health care providers’ conceptualizations of disability: An evaluation study

BackgroundOften, health care providers’ approach to people with disabilities is grounded in a medical model perspective. This view highlights individual deficits and does not foster patient-centeredness. Learning about and adopting a more social model, focused on creating accessible and inclusive approaches and environments, could help providers to reshape their attitudes about disability, dismantling barriers to care.ObjectiveThis study used innovative methods to evaluate a recorded, online disability-competence training for health care providers. It was hypothesized that the training would 1) shift providers’ conceptualizations of disability away from a medical model view toward a social model view of disability and 2) equip providers with actionable strategies to improve access to care for people with disabilities.MethodsQuantitative and qualitative evaluation data were analyzed for n = 192 training participants. Measures included participants’ pre- and post-training conceptualizations of disability, proposed actions steps to facilitate patient-centered care, and measures of satisfaction and self-assessed knowledge gain.ResultsBoth hypotheses were supported. After the training, participants’ conceptualizations of disability were more reflective of the social model, and participants were better able to articulate specific action steps they could take to promote accessible, responsive care.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that health care provider training can positively affect providers’ knowledge, outlook, and approach to caring for people with disabilities. Its findings can inform broader efforts aimed at systematically changing the way health professionals are educated and trained to provide care in disability-competent ways.     

Exploring Young Adults' Contraceptive Knowledge and Attitudes: Disparities by Race/Ethnicity and Age

BackgroundHalf of pregnancies in the United States are unintended, with the highest proportions occurring among Blacks, Hispanics, and teenagers. Understanding differences in knowledge and attitudes about contraception by race/ethnicity and age can improve efforts to reduce disparities in unintended pregnancy.MethodsThis analysis used data from the 897 female respondents in National Survey of Reproductive and Contraceptive Knowledge, a survey exploring young adults' knowledge and attitudes about contraception and pregnancy. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess racial/ethnic and age group differences in knowledge and attitudes about contraceptives.FindingsHispanics and teenagers (aged 18–19) had lower awareness of available contraceptive methods, and lower knowledge about individual methods compared with White women and young adults (age 20–29). For example, Hispanics (74%) and teenagers (77%) were less likely to have heard of the intrauterine device (IUD) than were White women (90%) and young adults (90%), and were less likely to know that a woman experiencing side effects could switch brands of oral contraceptive pills (72% of Hispanics vs. 86% of White women; 76% of teenagers vs. 90% of young adults). Hispanics born outside the United States had lower knowledge about contraceptives than U.S.-born Hispanics. For example, foreign-born Hispanics were less likely than U.S.-born Hispanics to have heard of the IUD (59% vs. 82%) or the vaginal ring (55% vs. 95%).ConclusionsLower contraceptive knowledge among teenagers and Hispanics, particularly immigrants, suggests the importance of disseminating family planning information to these women as one means to address disparities in unintended pregnancy.     

Contraceptive knowledge and use among women with intellectual,physical, or sensory disabilities: A systematic review

Background

Women spend most of their reproductive years avoiding pregnancy. However, we know little about contraceptive knowledge and use among women with disabilities, or about strategies to improve contraceptive knowledge and decision-making in this population.

闵行区新婚女性对避孕方法的知晓和使用情况调查

目的:了解闵行区新婚女性对避孕方法的知晓及使用情况,为进一步实施干预和提高育龄妇女的生殖健康水平提供依据。方法:采用面对面的方式对450名登记结婚的新婚女性进行避孕知识问卷调查。结果:调查对象对避孕套、口服避孕药的知晓率较高,达到95%以上,避孕率为83.33%;使用率最高的避孕方法是避孕套,满意率最高的是口服避孕药;避孕知识主要来源于报刊、杂志、书籍。结论:生殖健康服务要真正实现避孕知情选择,必须开展各种形式的健康教育,让人们全面、正确地掌握避孕知识和信息,提高其避孕知识水平和避孕意识。     

Contraceptive usage among Jamaican women with sickle cell disease

Background

The usage of contraceptive methods in young women with sickle cell disease (SCD) and the factors affecting usage are unknown.

Study design

Young women (N=132) with SCD attending the Sickle Cell Unit were interviewed regarding their contraceptive usage. SPSS version 12 was used for data analysis.

Results

Sixty-four (48%) of women with SCD were using a contraceptive method. The more commonly used methods were condoms (n=25, 39%) and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) (n=18, 28%). Of the nonusers, 52% were not sexually active. The reasons for nonusage in sexually active women included the desire to become pregnant (17), belief that they were unable to get pregnant (11) and health concerns (7). A majority had been informed about contraceptive methods by a trained professional. Sixty-seven percent agreed with at least one of the common Jamaican myths regarding contraceptive usage.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that 92% of these women with SCD were using contraceptive methods or had reason not to do so. Subjects had been educated about contraceptive methods and appeared to be uninfluenced by local myths regarding contraceptive usage.     

Quality of care in family planning services in rural Mozambique with a focus on long acting reversible contraceptives: a cross-sectional survey

Background

In Mozambique, both the government and partners have undertaken efforts over the last decade to improve FP (family planning) services, especially through training health care providers and promoting the uptake of LARCs (Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives). Despite this, uptake of FP methods has not increased significantly. This study aims to examine women’s knowledge on LARCs, including their main sources of information, and the quality of care of FP services in rural areas.

Methods

We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study, interviewing 417 women leaving FP consultations in 15 health facilities in Maputo Province, Mozambique. The main quality outputs measured were: 1)discussed, preferred and received contraceptive methods, 2)information received on usage and side-effects, 3)client-provider interaction, 4)being informed about the need for a follow-up visit 5)health examinations conducted and travel time to the facility. In addition, knowledge on LARCs was measured among the clients as well as sources of information regarding FP methods. Taking into account the design effect of the study, Chi-square statistics were used to detect differences between groups and linear regression analyses to identify associations between sources of information and higher knowledge.

Results

We found that IUDs (intrauterine devices) and implants were discussed in 23 and 33% of the consultations respectively, but only administered in a very few cases(<?1%). Half of the women were counselled on side-effects of contraceptives; this did not differ between first time clients and follow-up clients. Almost all women(98%) were satisfied with the received service and 83% of the women found the waiting time acceptable. Health examinations were performed on 18% of the women. Overall, women’s knowledge about LARCs was poor and misconceptions are still common. Women who had received FP information through outreach activities had better knowledge than those counselled at a facility.

Conclusions

Our study highlights that only a minority of the women received information regarding LARCs during the consultation and that usage is almost non-existent. Counseling about all types of contraceptives during the consultation is sub-optimal, resulting in poorly informed clients. Multifaceted long-term interventions, focusing on both users and providers, are needed to improve uptake of contraceptives (including LARCs) in rural areas.