Abstract

The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUS) is one of the most effective contraceptive methods, and it has noncontraceptive health benefits, including treatment for women with heavy menstrual bleeding. In 2016, Marie Stopes International Organisation Nigeria (MSION) expanded LNG IUS provision through training and support to 9 mobile outreach teams, 105 social franchise clinics, and 20 public-sector providers in 17 states. Information about the LNG IUS was added to awareness-raising materials, and community mobilizers provided information on the LNG IUS alongside other voluntary family planning methods. In 2016, Marie Stopes International, MSION, and FHI 360 examined clients' and providers' experiences with the LNG IUS to assess the potential for further scale-up of the method as part of a comprehensive approach to family planning in Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was used including analysis of routine service data, supplemental data specific to LNG IUS clients, and in-depth interviews with LNG IUS clients, providers, and key opinion leaders. Just under 1,000 LNG IUS were inserted from September 2016 to December 2017 in 16 states in channels supported by MSION, representing 0.4% of all long-acting and reversible contraceptive (LARC) services provided by the participating providers during this time frame. The vast majority (82%) of LARCs provided were implants. A small pool of providers was responsible for providing almost half of the LNG IUS services. Common reasons for women choosing the LNG IUS were reduced menstrual bleeding (61%), long-acting duration (52%), effectiveness (49%), and discreetness (42%). Almost 80% of the users first heard about the method from a provider. Almost all users and providers reported positive experiences with the method, noting the noncontraceptive benefits and fewer side effects compared with other methods. All providers who were interviewed said they would continue offering the LNG IUS. Several key opinion leaders mentioned a total market approach incorporating both public and private sectors would be needed to successfully scale up the LNG IUS. Reduced menstrual bleeding and fewer side effects compared with other methods were identified as important attributes of the LNG IUS by clients, providers, and key opinion leaders. Challenges to uptake of the LNG IUS include difficulty with introducing a new method within a busy service delivery infrastructure and limited awareness and demand-generation activities on the LNG IUS specifically. A comprehensive product introduction approach with coordinated demand- and supply-side activities may be required for this method to reach its full potential.

Highlights

  • The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG levonorgestrel intrauterine system. a Source (IUS)) is one of the most effective contraceptive methods, and it has noncontraceptive health benefits, including treatment for women with heavy menstrual bleeding

  • As part of the global Family Planning 2020 (FP2020) initiative launched in 2012, the government of Nigeria has committed to reducing unmet need for family planning and increasing modern contraceptive prevalence to 27% among all women by 2020,7 compared with a prevalence of 11% in 2013.8 Data from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey indicated that 13% of all women in Nigeria had an unmet need for family planning.[8]

  • Most (83%, n=95) of the participating providers delivered fewer than 10 levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUS) services during the 16-month program, while 9 providers (8%) (4 mobile outreach teams and 5 social franchise clinics) provided on average 58 LNG IUS services each

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Summary

Introduction

The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUS) is one of the most effective contraceptive methods, and it has noncontraceptive health benefits, including treatment for women with heavy menstrual bleeding. The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUS), a long-acting and reversible contraceptive (LARC) method, is one of the most effective forms of contraception available and has important noncontraceptive health benefits, such as treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding and potential alleviation of anemia in some women. Recent targeted initiatives in both the public and private sectors have led to increased voluntary uptake of LARCs ( implants) in Nigeria, including among lowerincome women and women living in the more rural and conservative northern states[10] who often have limited or no access to family planning

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