title: Review of performance-based incentives in community-based family planning programmes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One strategy for improving family planning (FP) uptake at the community level is the use of performance-based incentives (PBIs), which offer community distributors financial incentives to recruit more users of FP. This article examines the use of PBIs in community-based FP programmes via a literature search of the peer-reviewed and grey literature conducted in April 2013.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 28 community-based FP programmes in 21 countries were identified as having used PBIs. The most common approach was a sales commission model where distributors received commission for FP products sold, while a referral payment model for long-term methods was also used extensively. Six evaluations were identified that specifically examined the impact of the PBI in community-based FP programmes. Overall, the results of the evaluations are mixed and more research is needed; however, the findings suggest that easy-to-understand PBIs can be successful in increasing the use of FP at the community level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For future use of PBIs in community-based FP programmes it is important to consider the ethics of incentivising FP and ensuring that PBIs are non-coercive and choice-enhancing.
authors.affiliation: Independent Consultant, Riverside Park Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Nicole M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Bellows
authors.affiliation: Director, Reproductive Health Program, Population Council, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Askew
authors.affiliation: Associate, Population Council, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bellows
mesh_terms: D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012052:Reimbursement, Incentive / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*
keywords: community health workers; family planning service provision; incentives; performance-based incentives; reimbursement; reproductive health politics