Examining Progress and Equity in Information Received by Women Using a Modern Method in 25 Developing Countries

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Reproductive Health
• Family Planning

Background:

• Effective contraceptive counseling requires thorough information exchange between providers and clients regarding methods, side effects, and reproductive intentions.
• Limited data exist on the evolution and cross-national variations in contraceptive information exchange.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in contraceptive information exchange over time in developing countries using the Method Information Index (MII).
• To analyze variations in information exchange across countries, regions, and demographic subgroups.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Demographic and Health Survey data from 25 developing countries, comparing two survey periods approximately five years apart.
• Calculated the Method Information Index (MII), a Family Planning 2020 indicator, to quantify information exchange aspects.

Main Results:

• The average MII across 25 countries rose from 34% to 39% over time, with individual country MIIs ranging from 13% to 65%.
• Information exchange improved in 15 countries and declined in 10. Higher MII scores were observed for implant users compared to sterilization users.
• The index was generally higher in urban areas, and increased with women's education and household wealth.

Conclusions:

• Developing countries present opportunities to enhance provider-client information exchange in contraceptive care.
• Concerted efforts from family planning programs and donors are necessary to achieve these improvements.