Community and health systems barriers and enablers to family planning and contraceptive services provision and use in Kabwe District, Zambia

• DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3136-4
• Publication Date: 2018-05-31T07:05:45Z
• Authors: Adam Silumbwe; Theresa Nkole; Margarate Nzala M...; Cecilia Milford; Joanna Paula Cordero; Yolandie Kriel; Joseph Mumba Zulu; Petrus S. Steyn
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Community Health

Unmet need for contraception results in several health challenges such as unintended pregnancies, unwanted births and unsafe abortions. Most interventions have been unable to successfully address this unmet due various community system level factors. Identifying these inhibiting enabling factors prior implementation of forms the basis planning efforts increase met needs. This qualitative study was part formative phase a larger research project that aimed develop an intervention needs through participation. The specific component reported here explores barriers enablers family contraceptive services provision utilisation at systems levels. Twelve focus group discussions were conducted with members (n = 114) two healthcare providers 19). Ten in-depth interviews held key stakeholders. Kabwe district, Zambia. Interviews/discussions translated transcribed verbatim. Data coded organised using NVivo 10 (QSR international), analysed thematic analysis. Health include long distances facilities, stock-outs preferred methods, lack policies facilitating schools, undesirable provider attitudes. Community comprise women's experience side effects, myths, rumours misconceptions, societal stigma, negative traditional religious beliefs. On other hand, consist political will from government expand access, integration services, couples counselling, availability personnel offer basic methods mix. Functional structures, desire delay pregnancy, knowledge are level. These findings highlight should be considered by policy, program planners implementers design programmes, ensure sustained uptake increased services.