Gaps and evidences on programming postpartum family planning services in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Postpartum family planning (PPFP) is one of the strategic efforts mentioned in the National Family Planning Strategy 2011/12 and National FP Costed implementation plan 2015-2020 of Nepal. Postpartum women are recognized as one of the groups that need attention to strengthen FP services in the country. Methods: We conducted a situational analysis in Nepal from December 2019 to May 2020, to identify the needs, gaps and provide evidence for strengthening future programming in this area using a combination of three methods: (i) non-systematic literature review using Google Scholar, Pubmed, and grey literature, (ii) secondary analysis using the dataset from Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2016 that was based on a two-stage, stratified, nationally representative sample of households, and (iii) virtual assessment in purposively selected eight health facilities using a standard checklist related to PPFP. Results: Results show a lower modern contraceptive uptake (22.6%) and higher unmet need (31.5%) among postpartum women compared to all currently married women (43% and 24% respectively). Three most commonly used modern contraceptive methods among postpartum women in Nepal are injectables (8%), male condoms (7%), and oral contraceptive pills (3%). The PPFP services are available only in limited health facilities and were not integrated in Antenatal care (ANC), Postnatal care (PNC), childbirth and immunization services. Provision of family planning counseling during the ANC period is not recorded in the ANC card. Male partners do not participate in family planning counseling. Similarly, the uptake of family planning services at immunization, child health, and postnatal clinics is not recorded. Conclusion: This analysis provided evidence of the current status of PPFP in the country. There are gaps and challenges especially in strategy and guidelines, training, regular supply of commodities, awareness of PPFP, recording and reporting of PPFP. These gaps should be addressed with appropriate strategies.