142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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Ensuring male participation to meet unmet family planning needs: An Aligarh experience

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Sunday, November 16, 2014

Prabhat Jha, M. Phil, JNU, New Delhi, INDIA , Urban Health Initiative, Urban Health Initiative, Aligarh, INDIA, Aligarh, India
Umam Farooq, MSW , Urban Health, UHI, Aligarh, India
Zakia Arshad, MBBS, MS (OB & GYN) , FHI360, Urban Health Initiative, Aligarh, India
Shikha Singhal, Post Gaduate in Nutrition science , CARE International, Urban Health Initiative (UHI), India, Aligarh, India
Somendra Singh, PG , Social Development, VMBKS, Aligarh, India
Introduction: Use of modern contraceptive methods has increased fourfold in India since the 1970s. A focused information, education, and communication strategy was designed and implemented to reach men and couples who want no more children. Access to and quality of services for Non Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) were also improved in the same location.

Methods: The strategy was implemented in 188 slums covering total population of 777,215. Firstly we identified and organized information booths at locations where men gather, such as main intersections or “Chauraha”. At these locations information was provided on family planning method options, including NSV, both in small groups and through one on one discussion. The information included where it can be availed, and the government compensation available to cover transport cost to the facility and loss of wages. The service was also publicized through loud speakers to the general population in nearby slums, along with evening community meetings.

Results:  A sharp increase in male sterilization acceptors was observed:  from 34 NSV acceptors in 2010 prior to the intervention to 301 cases in 2011, 608 cases in 2012, and 703 cases in 2013.

Conclusion:  Reaching men with family planning information at locations and times where they naturally gather, increases access to information along with easy access to male sterilization, is a very effective to meet the need for and to increase the use of long acting and permanent contraception. Men are ready participants in family planning when information and services are convenient, safe, and easily available, and affordable.

 

 

Learning Areas:

Advocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Communication and informatics
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning

Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate Male Participation in Family Planning

Keyword(s): Family Planning, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am City Manager, working in Aligarh city, India on Family Planning Initiatives
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.