The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45624

Loveleen Johri, MD, DNB (Obs&Gy)¹, Yogender Gupta, Phd¹, and Rebecka Lundgrer, Ms². (1) Population and Reproductive Health Sector, CARE India, 27, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi, 110 016, India, New Delhi, 110 016, India, 91- 11- 6164101, ljohri@careindia.org, (2) Reproductive Health Research, Georgetown University, Washington, 3800, Reservoir Road, Washington DC, WA 20007

India`s Family Planning Program dates back to 1950s but the fertility rate is still above expected levels. One of the factors responsible for high fertility, is the limited choice available for birth spacing methods. India`s Family Planning Program offers only oral pills, Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (Cu T 200) and Condoms as spacing methods whereas the unmet need for birth spacing is highest among women below 24 years of age. To expand the informed choice for birth-spacing, CARE India, is conducting an Operations Research on the Standard Days Method (SDM) jointly with Georgetown University, Washington, in 48 villages of their community based, reproductive health project in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh state. SDM is based on educating women about their fertile and infertile days. Other study objectives are, to determine whether male and female volunteers can successfully teach the method, explore user satisfaction, effectiveness and continuation rates. The study also compares the effect of providing information and counseling on SDM to women alone, versus men and women both (24 women focussed villages and 24 with male involvement). To make the rural women understand about their fertile periods, an educational tool-necklace has been adapted and field tested from the one developed by Georgetown University, Washington. This paper shares the study design, project implementation strategies and changes in perception, acceptability and use of SDM in the two models as compared with the baseline. The results will provide vital information to guide the potential of introduction of SDM into the Family Planning Program of the Government of India.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss and receive feedback from the experts for scaling up of the Standard Days Method in the larger field area and subsequent incorporation in the National Family Planning Program.

Keywords: Family Planning, Contraception

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: CARE India; Georgetown University, Washington
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.