The Current Barriers and Management Strategy to Increase the Use of Long Acting Reversible Contraception Methods in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Long acting reversible contraception methods (LARCs) are ideal pregnancy prevention options for many women compared with shorter-term methods. Aim: to assess the current barriers and management strategy to increase the use of LARCs in Egypt. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional design was used. The study was conducted at 5 family planning units at Sharkia governorate, Egypt. A representative sample composed of 225 woman from the total (84404) between the period from January to December 2018. The tool used was A Structured interview questionnaire tool that consists of two parts; Socio-demographic characteristics and barriers of LARC to assess the barriers against use of LARC. And a strategy plan design was performed to increase the awareness and the use of LARCs. Results: The main barriers against the use of LARCs were cognitive barriers in both groups followed by requiring woman to return for check-ups and socio cultural barriers (50.7%, 15.6%, 14.6%) respectively. Conclusion: There are many barriers against the use of LARC. A strategy that promote LARCs uptake by targeting specific barriers may guide women to high uses of this methods. Recommendations: Increase women's awareness about the importance of using family planning methods especially LARCs.Key words: Long acting reversible methods, Barriers, Management strategy.