Effectiveness of community-based interpersonal communication for generating family planning demand in key groups

The study aimed to document the impact of interpersonal communication (IPC) activities on increasing volume of family planning clients, new users, long term contraceptive uptake, post-partum, and post abortion family planning uptake at the associated health facilities of the Sabz Sitara Network.

A comparative secondary analysis of retrospective programme service delivery data from two groups of providers was performed. The exposure variable is defined as receipt of IPC. The six outcome variables are volume of: family planning (FP) clients, FP clients less < 25 years, intra-uterine device (IUD) insertions, post-partum FP clients (PPFP), users, and post-abortion FP (PAFP) clients.

The increase in client volume in IPC supported providers is significant for all the FP outcomes when adjusted for provider qualification and location. The adjusted model shows a significant increase of 10 more FP clients, 2 more youth clients and IUD insertions each, 3 more new users, and 1 more client for post abortion services.

The IPC intervention has a positive and significant impact on increasing client volume for all related FP outcomes at the associated provider facilities. Location and qualification of providers seem to moderate the impact. Considering qualification, and geo-social demographics of the area to tweak intervention intensity and design will help amplify the associated beneficial outcomes and minimize underperformance. To maximize return on investment, subsequent evaluations should help determine the ideal time frame required to achieve and sustain the positive results.