Evaluation of 2 Intervention Models to Integrate Family Planning Into Worker Health and Livelihood Programs in Egypt:...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Reproductive Health
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Background:

• Egypt faces rising fertility rates and increased desired fertility among young, unmarried individuals.
• There is a critical need to enhance family planning (FP) and reproductive health (RH) awareness and demand among youth.
• Previous interventions may not have adequately addressed the specific needs and contexts of young Egyptians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate two distinct intervention models aimed at increasing awareness of and demand for FP/RH services among young Egyptians (18-35 years).
• To assess the impact of integrating FP/RH information into livelihood training and workplace peer education programs.
• To analyze changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to FP/RH services.

Main Methods:

• Two intervention models were tested in Souhag (livelihood training) and Port Said (peer educators, social media) governorates.
• A difference-in-differences analysis compared intervention and comparison groups using pre- and post-intervention phone interviews.
• Data collected from over 3,000 participants in each governorate assessed exposure to FP messages, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.

Main Results:

• The Souhag intervention showed significant improvements in knowledge and attitudes towards FP/RH compared to the control group.
• The Port Said intervention demonstrated less significant changes in knowledge and attitudes between groups.
• Neither intervention model resulted in a statistically significant increase in family planning use among participants.

Conclusions:

• Integrating FP/RH information into livelihood and workplace programs can positively influence young people's knowledge and attitudes.
• Tailoring interventions to specific contexts and target groups is crucial for maximizing impact.
• Further research is needed to identify effective strategies for translating increased awareness and positive attitudes into actual family planning use.