The Effect of Integrating Postpartum Family Planning Intervention With Maternal & Child Health Services

Overview

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of integrated package interventions within maternal and child health services in improving modern postpartum contraceptive use in northeast Ethiopia. Its primary objective is to enhance the utilization of postpartum contraceptive methods to reduce unmet needs for these methods in the Amhara region of Ethiopia.

One of the advantages of this intervention study is that the provision of postpartum family planning (PPFP) services will not be limited to a few points of contact but will instead be integrated into the entire maternal care continuum. However, many studies in other countries have not used quasi-experimental or intervention study designs. This pre/post-test interventional study with a control group employs extended observation and intervention periods, along with repeated measurements at the aggregate/population level. This approach will better capture changes in postpartum family planning (PPFP) integration and the factors influencing the use of integrated PPFP services. This dissertation research project will contribute to various stakeholders. For health professionals and managers, it will enhance their knowledge and skills regarding the impact of integrating PPFP with maternal health services and its role in improving maternal and child health. It will also identify facilitators and barriers to PPFP integration with maternal and child health services. Healthcare providers will gain leadership and communication skills in client-centered counseling and its effect on postpartum contraceptive use. The study highlights the importance of provider-led PPFP counseling and interventions for postpartum mothers visiting health facilities for maternal and child care services. Reproductive-age mothers will benefit from this study by gaining access to modern contraceptives immediately after childbirth and up to 12 months postpartum. This will improve their health and their children's well-being by enabling them to space or limit births as desired. PPFP use, as shown in prior studies, significantly reduces maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality by preventing unintended pregnancies. Donors and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can use these findings to strengthen healthcare systems through targeted support, including regular mentoring, logistics, and capacity-building training for providers and management teams. Researchers will benefit from this study's findings as a baseline for future research, leveraging its recommendations and addressing its limitations. The project aims to assess the effect of integrating PPFP with maternal and child health services (e.g., postnatal care, delivery, PMTCT, immunization, and under-five childcare) and to identify the level of integration, facilitators, and barriers. Policymakers, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, and regional health bureaus can use these findings to design strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly reducing unmet PPFP needs. One SDG targets improved maternal health through integrated maternal and child health services, which this study supports by promoting PPFP use and advancing maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (2)

Outcomes