Evidence from cluster surveys on the association between home-based counseling and use of family planning in conflict-affected Darfur

Objective To examine the association between home counseling and awareness and use of modern family planning (FP) methods among women in internally displaced person (IDP) camps in conflict-affected West Darfur, Sudan. Methods In a community-based cross-sectional study, two questionnaire-based surveys were performed in three camps. Home-based counseling had been introduced in March 2006. An initial survey (February 2007) and a follow-up survey (April 2009) targeted women of child-bearing age. A sample of 640 randomly selected women aged 15–49 years who had experienced pregnancy after joining the camp were interviewed for each survey. Results Overall, modern FP use increased from 10.9% (70/640) in 2007 to 21.6% (138/640) in 2009 (P < 0.001). As compared with the initial survey, women in the follow-up survey were more likely to be aware of and to use any modern FP method (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9–7.4; and aOR 2.8, 95% CI 2.0–4.1, respectively). Contraceptive pills were the most common modern method used. Home counseling and loss of a child under 5 years were the most significant predictors of awareness and use of modern FP methods. Conclusion After the introduction of home-based FP counseling for couples and FP services in clinics, women’s awareness and use of modern FP methods increased in a conflict-affected setting.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291556028_Evidence_from_cluster_surveys_on_the_association_between_home-based_counseling_and_use_of_family_planning_in_conflict-affected_Darfur