Family Planning Providers’ Experiences and Perceptions of LongActing Reversible Contraception in Lilongwe, Malawi

Abstract

Less than 2% of Malawian women use long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). We describe experiences of Malawian family planning providers, focusing on LARC. We conducted a mixed-methods study using questionnaires and focus group discussions with providers in Lilongwe. Data were analyzed separately and triangulated. Most (58%) participants saw over 30 patients daily. Only 19% had ever inserted IUC. Qualitative data were complementary; participants noted that LARC provision was important, though hindered by lack of experienced providers, work burden, and low demand. Future efforts to improve LARC access in Lilongwe must address both supply and demand-side barriers. (Afr J Reprod Health 2016; 20[2]: 62-71).Keywords: Family planning, long-acting reversible contraception, Malawi. RésuméMoins de 2% des femmes malawiennes utilisent la contraception de longue durée d'action réversible (CLDR). Nous décrivons les expériences des prestataires de planification familiale malawienne, en nous concentrant sur CLDR. Nous avons effectué une étude des méthodes mixtes à l'aide des questionnaires et des discussions de groupes cibles avec les fournisseurs à Lilongwe. Les données ont été analysées séparément et ont été triangulées. La plupart (58%) des participants ont vu plus de 30 patientes par jour. Seulement 19% avaient déjà inséré DIU. Les données qualitatives etaient complémentaires; les participants ont noté que la provision de la CLDR était importante, quoique entravée par le manque de fournisseurs expérimentés, la charge de travail, et la faible demande. Les futurs efforts pour améliorer l'accès à la CLDR à Lilongwe doit s'occuper des deux barrières de coté de l'offre et de la demande. (Afr J Reprod Health 2016; 20[2]: 62-71).Mots-clés: planification familiale, contraception de longue durée d'action réversible, Malawi.

Prevalence and factors associated with postpartum use of long-acting reversible contraception in Bukombe District, Geita Region, Tanzania: a community- based study

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Effect of family planning interventions on couple years of protection in Malawi

“…Skilled healthcare providers are critical in family planning programs to meet the supply‐side needs for family planning provision. Inadequately trained staff could be a barrier to the provision of family planning, especially LARC . Therefore, the present intervention included staff training and on‐the‐job mentoring after the courses to ensure the staff became competent.…”

Demand for Family Planning Satisfied With Modern Methods in Urban Malawi: CHAID Analysis to Identify Predictors and Women Underserved With Family Planning Services

“…It is likely that most urban women in Malawi aged 40 years and above have already attained their desired fertility, and would therefore like to use long-acting and permanent methods (LAPMs) to stop childbearing. Yet, short-term methods such as pills and injectables which are prone to discontinuation and may not satisfy the peculiar needs of these women are still the dominant modern contraceptive methods in Malawi, with less than 10% of all contraceptive users relying on LAPMs (32,33). One study in the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe, found that majority of the FP clinics did not offer IUD or female sterilization services (33).…”