Despite the fact that many couples in Central America who use natural family planning methods (NFP) have never received formal instruction, and often incorrectly use their method, few family planning programs provide the information necessary for clients to effectively use a natural method. Providing NFP services – essentially, giving couples the tools to use a periodic abstinence-based method effectively – is an essential element of high quality programs focusing on choice and client empowerment. Nonetheless, multi-method family planning programs rarely offer natural methods. The Ministry of Health and ASHONPLAFA, a Honduran family planning organization, conducted a diagnostic study in Honduras, to explore the extent to which clients make decisions regarding NFP based on informed choice. The study explored how couples decide whether or not to use an NFP method, and whether family planning providers offer accurate information to help their clients make an informed choice. The study was designed to explore informed choice at the community as well as the institutional level. Study methods included 75 simulated client visits to services, 85 exit interviews with family planning users, 40 follow-up in-depth interviews, 30 interviews with providers, and 35 interviews with respondents identified as influential in family planning decisions. Findings suggest that women receiving family planning services in Honduras do not receive adequate information to facilitate informed choice regarding natural methods. Based on these findings, strategies for improving informed choice have been developed and are currently being tested.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of trhe session, participants will be able to: 1. Articulate the role of natural family planning in informed choice. 2. Identify three methods to measure informed choice. 3. Analyze whether or not informed choice exists in family planning services in Honduras. 4. Desribe strategies to improve informed choice
Keywords: Family Planning, Latin American
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.