EC Gynaecology

Objective: To assess the efficacy of engaging community groups to change knowledge, attitude and practice regarding modern spacing contraceptives.

Method: The pilot study employed a quasi-experimental design in which 10 villages in each of two blocks were identified from Sitapur district in U.P. and assigned to intervention and control domains. A primary social network was created by linking change agents to eligible couples (ECs). The change agents were linked up with ECs and ASHAs to enhance their knowledge of the healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy (HTSP) as well as the process of conception and contraception to facilitate informed choice and service delivery through proper channels.

Findings: Increasing the level of correct knowledge about the different FP methods was associated with increased uptake of modern methods of contraceptives in the intervention area. ECs in the intervention area showed an increased demand for reversible methods beyond condoms among all women even after their first childbirth. This expanded the method mix of contraceptives adopted by women with both spacing and limiting needs. Traditional methods of contraception and levels of abortion continued to be more prevalent in the control area and the communities with a lower level of knowledge.

Conclusion: The study concluded that an enhanced level of knowledge on family planning methods coupled with the support of a social network resulted in increased use of reversible contraceptive methods in the community.

 Keywords: Community Engagement; HTSP; Uttar Pradesh; Change Agents; Correct Knowledge

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