Indicators for evaluating contraceptive care in primary health care: a scoping review

To map, in the literature, the indicators used to evaluate contraceptive care in Primary Health Care services.

Scoping review based on the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and on the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute, encompassing studies published between 1994 and 2023. Six databases and two grey literature repositories were searched. Data collection was conducted in pairs and independently. The analysis employed a deductive approach, with indicators categorized into the dimensions of structure, process (clinical-care and organizational process), and outcome, as well as into subdimensions, according to Donabedian's framework.

A total of 37 studies were included, mostly cross-sectional, focusing on women of reproductive age. Process-related indicators were the most frequent, particularly those linked to the clinical-care component. In the structure dimension, the availability and provision of contraceptive methods stood out. In the outcome dimension, contraceptive method use was the most frequently assessed aspect.

There is a need for more specific indicators to evaluate the content of information provided, user satisfaction, and contraceptive discontinuation rates. It is important to broaden the scope of evaluation by incorporating the perspectives of health professionals and addressing issues related to sexually transmitted infections within contraceptive care.