Testing a proof of concept model for group couples counseling in family planning in Northern Uganda
INTRODUCTION: The post-conflict Acholi sub-region of Uganda is undergoing a period of transition that is influencing access, acceptability and use of family planning (FP). Low FP use and high unmet need for FP in Uganda's northern region provides a unique opportunity to test a community-based g...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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The Pan African Medical Journal
2018-06-01
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| Series: | The Pan African Medical Journal |
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https://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/30/179/pdf/179.pdf
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| _version_ | 1818261930531356672 |
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| author | Lillian Ojanduru Dickens Ojamuge Lauren DuComb Jeannette Cachan Esther Spindler |
| author_facet | Lillian Ojanduru Dickens Ojamuge Lauren DuComb Jeannette Cachan Esther Spindler |
| author_sort | Lillian Ojanduru |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | INTRODUCTION: The post-conflict Acholi sub-region of Uganda is undergoing a period of transition that is influencing access, acceptability and use of family planning (FP). Low FP use and high unmet need for FP in Uganda's northern region provides a unique opportunity to test a community-based group counseling approach to reduce unintended pregnancies among young couples. We share findings from a proof of concept testing model in delivering fertility awareness methods (FAM) to groups of couples by trained non-health community youth agents. METHODS: The group counseling model was developed for couples interested in two FAM-standard days method (SDM) and TwoDay Method-within rural communities in Northern Uganda. WALAN was tested in a three-month proof of concept phase, employing 24 direct observations of group counseling sessions; quantitative interviews with 9 couples using either SDM or TwoDay method; 2 focus group discussions with youth facilitators and; 9 key informant interviews with providers and leaders. RESULTS: The proof of concept results suggest model feasibility and acceptability among participating communities. Couples learned how to use FAM correctly. All 9 interviewed female users reported 100% correct knowledge of method use. Couples also reported high levels of satisfaction for both methods. SDM and TwoDay Method participants reported comfort and satisfaction in learning about FAM in small groups with other couples. CONCLUSION: The proof of concept phase confirmed intervention feasibility, albeit with some model adjustments. The results were used to inform the pilot intervention, launched in April 2016 within 15 other villages in the same region. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-12T18:55:03Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-1675e8f8d5e94beab0edf79462f34f0d |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1937-8688 1937-8688 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-12T18:55:03Z |
| publishDate | 2018-06-01 |
| publisher | The Pan African Medical Journal |
| record_format | Article |
| series | The Pan African Medical Journal |
| spelling | doaj.art-1675e8f8d5e94beab0edf79462f34f0d2022-12-22T00:15:15ZengThe Pan African Medical JournalThe Pan African Medical Journal1937-86881937-86882018-06-013017910.11604/pamj.2018.30.179.1267012670Testing a proof of concept model for group couples counseling in family planning in Northern UgandaLillian Ojanduru0Dickens Ojamuge1Lauren DuComb2Jeannette Cachan3Esther Spindler4 Institute for Reproductive Health (IRH), Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA Save the Children International, Gulu, Uganda Institute for Reproductive Health (IRH), Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA Institute for Reproductive Health (IRH), Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA Institute for Reproductive Health (IRH), Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA INTRODUCTION: The post-conflict Acholi sub-region of Uganda is undergoing a period of transition that is influencing access, acceptability and use of family planning (FP). Low FP use and high unmet need for FP in Uganda's northern region provides a unique opportunity to test a community-based group counseling approach to reduce unintended pregnancies among young couples. We share findings from a proof of concept testing model in delivering fertility awareness methods (FAM) to groups of couples by trained non-health community youth agents. METHODS: The group counseling model was developed for couples interested in two FAM-standard days method (SDM) and TwoDay Method-within rural communities in Northern Uganda. WALAN was tested in a three-month proof of concept phase, employing 24 direct observations of group counseling sessions; quantitative interviews with 9 couples using either SDM or TwoDay method; 2 focus group discussions with youth facilitators and; 9 key informant interviews with providers and leaders. RESULTS: The proof of concept results suggest model feasibility and acceptability among participating communities. Couples learned how to use FAM correctly. All 9 interviewed female users reported 100% correct knowledge of method use. Couples also reported high levels of satisfaction for both methods. SDM and TwoDay Method participants reported comfort and satisfaction in learning about FAM in small groups with other couples. CONCLUSION: The proof of concept phase confirmed intervention feasibility, albeit with some model adjustments. The results were used to inform the pilot intervention, launched in April 2016 within 15 other villages in the same region. https://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/30/179/pdf/179.pdf family planningfertility awareness methodsstandard days methodlactational amenorrhea methodtwoday methodcouples counselinggroup counselingproof of conceptuganda |
| spellingShingle | Lillian Ojanduru Dickens Ojamuge Lauren DuComb Jeannette Cachan Esther Spindler Testing a proof of concept model for group couples counseling in family planning in Northern Uganda The Pan African Medical Journal family planning fertility awareness methods standard days method lactational amenorrhea method twoday method couples counseling group counseling proof of concept uganda |
| title | Testing a proof of concept model for group couples counseling in family planning in Northern Uganda |
| title_full | Testing a proof of concept model for group couples counseling in family planning in Northern Uganda |
| title_fullStr | Testing a proof of concept model for group couples counseling in family planning in Northern Uganda |
| title_full_unstemmed | Testing a proof of concept model for group couples counseling in family planning in Northern Uganda |
| title_short | Testing a proof of concept model for group couples counseling in family planning in Northern Uganda |
| title_sort | testing a proof of concept model for group couples counseling in family planning in northern uganda |
| topic | family planning fertility awareness methods standard days method lactational amenorrhea method twoday method couples counseling group counseling proof of concept uganda |
| url |
https://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/30/179/pdf/179.pdf
|
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