Utilization of family planning services in the Governorate of Zarqa, Jordan

Quantitative and qualitative methods are used to explore family planning (FP) utilization in four clinics with different models of provision in Zarqa Governorate in Jordan. Constraints to utilization at the service level are identified based on service observations and the perspectives of providers. Service statistics, clinic observations, and focus group discussions were used to compare utilization patterns and to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the different models of provision. Findings show that FP provision is still fragmented and "techno-patriarchal" in Jordan. Strengthening coordination mechanisms between the service sectors and addressing men are important strategies to increase FP utilization that are transferable to other countries of the Middle East and the developing world.