title: Expanding contraceptive options for PMTCT clients: a mixed methods implementation study in Cape Town, South Africa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Clients of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services in South Africa who use contraception following childbirth rely primarily on short-acting methods like condoms, pills, and injectables, even when they desire no future pregnancies. Evidence is needed on strategies for expanding contraceptive options for postpartum PMTCT clients to include long-acting and permanent methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined the process of expanding contraceptive options in five health centers in Cape Town providing services to HIV-positive women. Maternal/child health service providers received training and coaching to strengthen contraceptive counseling for postpartum women, including PMTCT clients. Training and supplies were introduced to strengthen intrauterine device (IUD) services, and referral mechanisms for female sterilization were reinforced. We conducted interviews with separate samples of postpartum PMTCT clients (265 pre-intervention and 266 post-intervention) to assess knowledge and behaviors regarding postpartum contraception. The process of implementing the intervention was evaluated through systematic documentation and interpretation using an intervention tracking tool. In-depth interviews with providers who participated in study-sponsored training were conducted to assess their attitudes toward and experiences with promoting voluntary contraceptive services to HIV-positive clients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following the intervention, 6% of interviewed PMTCT clients had the desired knowledge about the IUD and 23% had the desired knowledge about female sterilization. At both pre- and post-intervention, 7% of clients were sterilized and IUD use was negligible; by comparison, 75% of clients used injectables. Intervention tracking and in-depth interviews with providers revealed intervention shortcomings and health system constraints explaining the failure to produce intended effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The intervention failed to improve PMTCT clients' knowledge about the IUD and sterilization or to increase use of those methods. To address the family planning needs of postpartum PMTCT clients in a way that is consistent with their fertility desires, services must expand the range of contraceptive options to include long-acting and permanent methods. In turn, to ensure consistent access to high quality family planning services that are effectively linked to HIV services, attention must also be focused on resolving underlying health system constraints weakening health service delivery more generally.
authors.affiliation: FHI 360, 359 Blackwell Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701, USA. thoke@fhi360.org.
authors.forename: Theresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hoke
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harries
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Crede
authors.forename: Mackenzie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Constant
authors.forename: Tricia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Petruney
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moodley
mesh_terms: D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods*; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D013019:South Africa
chemical_list: D003270:Contraceptive Agents