Abstract
ObjectivesTo evaluate the cost-effectiveness of self-injected subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) compared to health-worker-administered intramuscular DMPA (DMPA-IM) in Senegal and to assess how including practice or demonstration injections in client self-injection training affects estimates. Study designWe developed a decision-tree model with a 12-month time horizon for a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 injectable contraceptive users in Senegal. We used the model to estimate incremental costs per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted. The analysis derived model inputs from DMPA-SC self-injection continuation and costing research studies and peer-reviewed literature. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness from societal and health system perspectives and conducted one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of results. ResultsCompared to health-worker-administered DMPA-IM, self-injected DMPA-SC could prevent 1402 additional unintended pregnancies and avert 204 maternal DALYs per year for this hypothetical cohort. From a societal perspective, self-injection costs less than health worker administration regardless of the training approach and is therefore dominant. From the health system perspective, self-injection is dominant compared to health worker administration if a one-page instruction sheet is used and one additional DMPA-SC unit is used for training and is cost-effective at $208 per DALY averted when two additional DMPA-SC units are used. Sensitivity analysis showed estimates were robust. ConclusionsSelf-injected DMPA-SC averted more pregnancies and DALYs and cost less from the societal perspective compared to health-worker-administered DMPA-IM and hence is dominant. Using fewer DMPA-SC units for practice or demonstration improves cost-effectiveness of self-injection from the health system perspective. ImplicationsEvidence from Senegal shows that self-injection of DMPA-SC can be dominant or cost-effective from both health system and societal perspectives relative to DMPA-IM from health workers even if women practice injecting or health workers demonstrate with one or two DMPA-SC units. Evidence on whether practice or demonstration is required for client training would be useful.
Highlights
Francophone countries in West Africa have among the lowest rates of modern contraceptive use and highest rates of fertility and maternal
We conducted this study in concert with the Senegal injectable contraceptive continuation study, where women who visited a clinic to receive an injectable contraceptive could choose to be trained to self-inject DMPA-SC or receive a DMPA-IM injection from a health worker [15]. (Health worker administration was the standard of care for injectable contraception in Senegal at the time, but acknowledging that it was not a direct comparison of the same method)
We evaluated the impact of these variables by varying it such that women would switch to either less effective or more effective methods after discontinuing self-injection of DMPA-SC or health worker administration of DMPA-IM, as relevant. c These probabilities are interrelated and sum to 100%
Summary
To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of self-injected subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) compared to health-worker-administered intramuscular DMPA (DMPA-IM) in Senegal and to assess how including practice or demonstration injections in client self-injection training affects estimates. Results: Compared to health-worker-administered DMPA-IM, self-injected DMPA-SC could prevent 1402 additional unintended pregnancies and avert 204 maternal DALYs per year for this hypothetical cohort. From the health system perspective, self-injection is dominant compared to health worker administration if a one-page instruction sheet is used and one additional DMPA-SC unit is used for training and is cost-effective at $208 per DALY averted when two additional DMPA-SC units are used. Conclusions: Self-injected DMPA-SC averted more pregnancies and DALYs and cost less from the societal perspective compared to health-worker-administered DMPA-IM and is dominant. Evidence on whether practice or demonstration is required for client training would be useful
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