The study explored whether segmenting couples according to their family planning (FP) needs and providing them with timely and right information could improve utilization of long acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) and permanent methods (PM) of FP. The study developed an app and registered couples through it. The registered couples were then segmented and the app sent out customized text messages to these couples informing them about different effective FP methods. Family welfare assistants (FWAs) visited homes of these eligible couples and conducted courtyard sessions using customized behavior change communication (BCC) materials to inform about LARC and PM. Family welfare visitors (FWVs) pro-actively followed up with couples within 72 hours of adapting LARC/PM to provide counselling and immediate treatment for side effects.
The study found that segmented-client communication approach helped to increase LARC use significantly in the intervention area but not in the comparison area. Additionally, LARC and PM use increased by 2.2% in the intervention area compared to a 0.4% decline in the comparison area.
OBJECTIVES
- Increase client-worker contact through technology-based communication and electronic messaging system
- Examine if the electronic messages tailored to the needs of segmented clients help improve acceptance and continuation of methods
- Increase the use of LARC/PM through a segmented-client communication approach in the government family planning service delivery system
STUDY AREA
Gurudaspur Upazila (intervention)
Lalpur Upazila (comparison) under Natore District
PARTNERS
Directorate General of Family Planning
MEASURE Evaluation
STATUS
Completed
DATE OF RESULTS DISSEMINATION
2 July 2020
FOCAL PERSON
Dr. Md. Jasim Uddin jasim@icddrb.org
Resources
Segmented client communication intervention for improving the use of LARC and PM in Bangladesh study report
Segmented client communication intervention for improving the use of LARC and PM in Bangladesh findings presentation
A brief on the segmented-client communication approach for improving the use of LARC and PM in Bangladesh study