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Allisyn C. Moran, MHS, Maternal and Neonatal Health Program, JHPIEGO Corporation, 1615 Thames Street, Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21231, (410) 537-1891, amoran@jhpiego.net, Abel Bicaba, MD, MPH, Consultant Independant en Sante Publique, 06 BP 9150, Ouagadougou, 06, Burkina Faso, Rebecca S. Dineen, MS, Africa Office, JHPIEGO, 1615 Thames street, Baltimore, MD 21231, and Caroline Blair, MBA, Georgetown University, Institute for Reproductive Health, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20008.
The need for appropriate family planning (FP) services in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is substantial and growing, and unmet need for FP in SSA has increased in recent decades. The Standard Days Method (SDM), a natural family planning method developed by the Institute for Reproductive Health/Georgetown University, is based on the “fertile window” during a woman’s menstrual cycle, using a simple set of color-differentiated counting beads (Cycle BeadsTM ) for women to avoid intercourse in that period. DHS data (1998-1999) suggest potential demand for the SDM in Burkina Faso, with unmet need estimated at 26%. A simple, natural method such as SDM may contribute to enhanced reproductive and family health for Burkinabe women and couples. A 15-month pilot study on the acceptability and feasibility of SDM was conducted in three FP clinics. After training, health providers received periodic supervision as well as in-depth interviews at 6 and 12 months. SDM was offered to women as part of routine FP services. Women accepting SDM were enrolled in the study, and information on knowledge, attitudes and use of the method was collected at enrollment and again at one month and six months. Focus groups were also conducted with SDM users and their partners. Key findings show it is feasible to introduce the SDM as a natural family planning method in Burkina Faso and that is acceptable to women and to providers. Relevance for similar settings in SSA will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by JHPIEGO