Evaluating the impact of an intervention to increase uptake of modern contraceptives among adolescent girls (15–19 years) in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Tanzania: the Adolescents 360 quasi-experimental study protocol

Abstract

IntroductionNigeria, Ethiopia and Tanzania have some of the highest teenage pregnancy rates and lowest rates of modern contraceptive use among adolescents. The transdisciplinary Adolescents 360 (A360) initiative being rolled out across these three countries uses human-centred design to create context-specific multicomponent interventions with the aim of increasing voluntary modern contraceptive use among girls aged 15–19 years.MethodsThe primary objective of the outcome evaluation is to assess the impact of A360 on the modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) among sexually active girls aged 15–19 years. A360 targets different subpopulations of adolescent girls in the three countries. In Northern Nigeria and Ethiopia, the study population is married girls aged 15–19 years. In Southern Nigeria, the study population is unmarried girls aged 15–19 years. In Tanzania, both married and unmarried girls aged 15–19 years will be included in the study. In all settings, we will use a prepopulation and postpopulation-based cross-sectional survey design. In Nigeria, the study design will also include a comparison group. A one-stage sampling design will be used in Nigeria and Ethiopia. A two-stage sampling design will be used in Tanzania. Questionnaires will be administered face-to-face by female interviewers aged between 18 and 26 years. Study outcomes will be assessed before the start of A360 implementation in late 2017 and approximately 24 months after implementation in late 2019.Ethics and disseminationFindings of this study will be widely disseminated through workshops, conference presentations, reports, briefings, factsheets and academic publications.

Sexuality, fertility and family planning characteristics of married women aged 15 to 19 years in Ethiopia, Nigeria and Tanzania: a comparative analysis of cross-sectional data

“…The surveys were part of a comprehensive outcome evaluation to assess the impact of the A360 programme on a number of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes, primarily uptake of voluntary modern contraception among sexually active women aged 15 to 19 years. The full multi-country A360 outcome evaluation study protocol is described elsewhere [17]. Although both married and unmarried women were surveyed in some study regions [17], here we present results for married women only.…”

“…The full multi-country A360 outcome evaluation study protocol is described elsewhere [17]. Although both married and unmarried women were surveyed in some study regions [17], here we present results for married women only.…”

“…In Ethiopia, the programme is being implemented in four regions (Amhara, Oromia, State of Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNP) and Tigray). The baseline survey in Ethiopia was conducted in four woredas (districts) in Oromia region [17].…”

“…In Nigeria, A360 is being implemented in seven southern states (Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Delta and Akwa Ibom) and three northern states (Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Kaduna). The baseline survey of married women aged 15 to 19 years was conducted in four local government areas (LGAs) in Nasarawa State [17].…”

“…In Tanzania, A360 is being implemented in 16 regions (Kagera, Geita, Mwanza, Arusha, Dodoma, Tabora, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Lindi, Mtwara, Mbeya, Iringa, and Morogoro). The baseline survey was conducted in urban and semi-urban wards of Ilemela district, Mwanza region [17].…”