The effectiveness of community based distribution of injectable contraceptives using community health extension workers in Gombe State, Northern Nigeria.
This study reports on findings of a pilot of community-based distribution (CBD) of injectable contraceptives in two local government areas (LGAs) of Gombe State, Nigeria. From August 2009 to January 2010, the project enrolled, trained and equipped community health extension workers (CHEWs) to distribute condoms, oral and injectable contraceptives in communities. The project mobilized communities and stakeholders to promote Family Planning (FP) services in the selected communities. Using anonymised unlinked routine service data, the mean couple years of protection (CYP) achieved through CBD was compared to that achieved in FP clinics. The CBD mean CYP for injectables- depo medroxy-progesterone acetate (DMPA) and norethisterone enantate was higher (27.72 & 18.16 respectively) than the facility CYP (7.21 & 5.08 respectively) (p < 0.05) with no injection related complications. The CBD's mean CYP for all methods was also found to be four times higher (11.65) than that generated in health facilities (2.86) (p < 0.05). This suggests that the CBD of injectable contraceptives is feasible and effective, even in a setting like northern Nigeria that has sensitivities about FP.
FHI360, Plot 1073 J.S Tarka Street, Area 3 Garki Abuja, Nigeria.
Rabiatu A
RA
Abdul-Hadi
Moyosola M
MM
Abass
Bolatito O
BO
Aiyenigba
Lolade O
LO
Oseni
Solomon
S
Odafe
Otto N
ON
Chabikuli
Mohammed D
MD
Ibrahim
Christoph
C
Hamelmann
Oladapo A
OA
Ladipo
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003150:Community Health Workers; D017280:Condoms; D019111:Single-Use Internal Condom; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D009640:Norethindrone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; C024319:norethindrone enanthate; D009640:Norethindrone