The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #48243

Gabremaskal Habtemariam, PhD¹, Mizanur Rahman, PhD², Mengistu Asnake, MD¹, Senait Tibebu, MSc¹, and Sheila Webb². (1) Pathfinder International-Ethiopia Office, 9 Galen Street, Suite 217, Watertown, MA 02472, (617) 924-7200, ghainsworth@pathfind.org, (2) Technical Services, Pathfinder International, 9 Galen Street, Suite 217, Watertown, MA 02472

With one of the lowest CPRs (8 percent), Ethiopia has a significant demand for FP services. More than two-thirds of Ethiopian men and women prefer to space or limit the number of children they have and 36 percent of women have an unmet need for FP (DHS 2000). To increase access to FP/RH services, Pathfinder International and eight local NGOs began providing community-based FP/RH services in districts across the country. The services include the provision of information, pills, and condoms as well as referrals to clinics for further RH services. To assess the impact of these services, in June 2001 Pathfinder conducted a rapid survey of 4874 reproductive-aged women in the catchment areas of eight NGOs. Among the findings, CPR among all women ranged from 19.5% to 37%. The most popular methods were pills and injectables, with these two accounting for at least 80% of overall contraceptive use. Stated reasons for non-use of contraception included wanting a child, perceived health reasons, religious reasons, not married, and lack of knowledge about contraceptive methods. Overall knowledge about FP/RH ranged between 60% to 94% and only 24% correctly answered 3 out of 5 questions about HIV/AIDS prevention. These rates indicate the need for better IEC efforts in the project areas. Survey results confirm that there is unmet need for contraception among Ethiopian women, and that with access to appropriately designed FP information and services, their rates of contraceptive use will increase. Increased investment in FP/RH services, particularly those that are community-based, is suggested.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to

• describe the elements of a successful community-based family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) services program;
• recognize the merits of a rapid survey in assessing the impact of services; and
• discuss the issue of demand for contraception and reproductive health services in Ethiopia.

Keywords: Community-Based Care, International Family Planning

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.