A Qualitative Study of the Dynamics of Contraceptive Use in Cambodia, Malawi and Nigeria

Nancy Yinger, EngenderHealth
Stella Babalola, Johns Hopkins University

The goal of this qualitative study, which is taking place in Cambodia, Malawi and Nigeria, is to contribute to the knowledge base about contraceptive choice, with an emphasis on long acting and permanent methods (LA/PMs). Specific objectives are to: >Deepen understanding of decision-making related to LA/PMs among clients who have chosen to use, clients with unmet need, service providers and influentials; >Support assessment of the particular obstacles faced by poor clients in accessing LA/PMs; >Deepen understanding of differences between LA & PM decisions; >Contribute contextual information to policy dialogues on family planning programs and policies The work is being carried out using a range of qualitative methodologies: key informant interviews, focus group discussions, community mapping, piles sorts and multidimensional scaling. Each country team will use identical methodologies to allow comparisons across the three countries, all of which have low contraceptive prevalence but varying rates of LA/PM use. 