Injectable Contraceptive Research Articles

Use of contraceptive methods by users of a family health strategy of Rondonópolis - MT

Knowing the contraceptive strategies used by women in a given population allows for better planning of guidance actions and distribution of methods by health teams. The purpose of this study was to analyze the use of contraceptive methods by users of a Family Health Strategy (FHS) in Rondonópolis, MT. This is a prospective, cross-sectional and quantitative study. FHS André Maggi users, aged between 18 and 49 years, were included. The sampling was by convenience, being included women who attended the health unit during the data collection period, from February 1st to May 13th, 2021. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire containing information on sociodemographic aspects, clinical trials and use of contraceptives. 110 women participated in the study, with a mean age of 29.1 years. A frequency of 78.38% (n=88) women use contraceptive methods, with a predominance of oral contraceptives (54.55%), injectable contraceptives (13.64%) and male condoms (12.50%). The indication of contraceptive methods was mostly performed by Doctors (47.72%) and Nurses (20.45%). A total of 83 (75.45%) women received guidance on contraception. The users of the FHS studied showed a high prevalence of use of contraceptive methods. It is necessary that the entire multidisciplinary team of the FHS is involved in the use of strategies that seek to promote family planning, taking into account the characteristics of women in the area covered by the unit.

Association between contraceptive use and risk of lower urinary tract infection (LUTI): A case-control study.

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between widely used contraceptive methods and the manifestation of lower urinary tract infections (LUTI) in patients treated in gynecological practices in Germany. This study was based on IQVIA Disease Analyzer database and includes a total of 133,638 females aged between 16 and 50 years who received an initial diagnosis of LUTI including cystitis (ICD-10: N39.0, N30.0) between January 2011 and December 2020 (index date). 1 : 1 matching of LUTI cases to non-LUTI controls was used to investigate the association between predefined criteria and LUTI. A greedy nearest neighbor propensity score method was used to balance cases and controls with respect to age, pregnancy, visit frequency during the observation period, and comorbidities including cancer, diabetes mellitus, and urolithiasis. Univariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between contraceptive prescriptions and LUTI. The general use of any contraceptive method was negatively associated with subsequent LUTI. Injectable contraceptives and pills were negatively associated with LUTI manifestation. There was a significant negative association between monophasic preparations containing <50µg estrogen, triphasic preparations, and progestogen-only preparations and LUTI. By contrast, we found a significant positive association between emergency contraceptives and LUTI. The general application of birth control methods as well as the use of injectable contraceptives and oral contraceptives were negatively associated with LUTI manifestation. In contrast to other birth control methods, the intake of emergency contraception was positively associated with a manifestation of LUTI.

The Relationship between Hormonal Contraceptives and Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) in women using hormonal contraceptives (HCs) are common health hazards all over the world than that of contraceptives non users. Objective: To observe the relationship of hormonal contraceptives with metabolic syndrome. Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, during the period from January to 31 December, 2011. Two hundred women age ranged 20-35 years using hormonal contraceptives were included in this study group. The study group was subdivided into oral contraceptive users (Group B) and injectable contraceptive users (Group C). All the women using hormonal contraceptive were selected from Model clinic and Medicine ward in DMC and also from different areas of Dhaka city. Results: In this study, the BMI value in both oral and injectable contraceptives users were significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher than that of contraceptive non users. Within the study groups, the BMI in oral and injectable contraceptives users for 1-5 years were significantly lower (P&lt;0.001) than that of oral contraceptive users for 6-10 years. The waist circumference (WC) in all oral and injectable contraceptives users for 1-5 years and 6-10 years were significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher than that of contraceptive non users. Conclusion: Percentage of distribution of subjects having metabolic syndrome was higher in women using hormonal contraceptives and increase duration of hormonal contraceptives use progressively increase the level of parameters of metabolic syndrome. So, it may be concluded that women using hormonal contraceptives are more prone to develop metabolic syndrome.

Attitude, Knowledge and Practice of Contraceptive Methods in Rural Areas

Introduction: Promotion of family planning has been shown to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and promotes women empowerment. Contraception is regarded as an important preventive measure against unintended pregnancies. Although contraceptive methods are freely available in Family Planning centers, the utilization is low. Aims And Objectives: To assess the attitude, knowledge and practice of contraceptive methods in rural areas Material and Method: The study was carried in Pak Rd Crescent Medical and Dental College, Dinanath. Duration was 6 months from 1 July 2021 till 31 December 2021. It was a descriptive study. Sample size was 1200. Postoperative patients including caesarean section and spontaneous vaginal delivery and patients coming in outpatient department including antenatal and patients with gynecological problems were included. The women were interviewed regarding knowledge of contraceptive methods and choice to decide these methods. Most of them had knowledge but less number of women agreed to decide family planning method. Results: Usually women who gave interview were between age 31 to 40 years 37.6% and21 to 30 years 33.1%. Maximum parity 2 -4 were 47.1% and P 5 and above were 44.7%. 69.3% of them were illiterate. 86.4% women had knowledge of IUCD, 91.8% regarding COCP and 91.1% about injectable contraceptives.95.6% knew about male condoms. For the practice of contraceptive methods, maximum demand was of male condoms 13.8%, COCP 9.5%, IUCD 4% and injectables 4.6%. The reasons for not practicing family methods were husband and family pressure 30.1%, different myths about contraception 27.2%, family not complete 17.6%, cultural reasons 14.6%, lack of knowledge 8.8% and need for male gender 4.5% Conclusion: Although most of the ladies had knowledge of contraceptive methods but they were reluctant to practice them. Motivation of husband and mother in law is important factor to achieve positive attitude towards contraception. Counselling against myths and false belief is essential. Keywords: IUCD intra uterine contraceptive device, COCP combined oral contraceptive device

Exploring Factors Affecting The Mother's Knowledge about Intrauterine Device (IUD) In Bastiong Karance District of Ternate City

The Family Planning Program as one of the government policies in the population sector, has high implications for quantitative and qualitative health development. To make the family planning program a success, one of the methods used is the contraceptive method. The method of contraception that is considered safe and effective is the intrauterine device (IUD), but its use is still very low compared to other contraceptives. National coverage for active family planning participants is 66%, while North Maluku Province is only 52.4%, with IUD users only 7.4%, far below injectable contraceptives at 63.7%. The purpose of this study was to determine which factors from age, education, occupation and parity were more related to the mother's knowledge about IUD. Using a descriptive method with a non-probability sampling technique, which was taken by accident, for a month to find 67 samples. The results showed that most of the respondents were aged 20-35 years old, had adequate education, employed female employees and had 2-3 children parity. Of the four factors analyzed, it shows that the work factor and the number of children 2-3 people are the respondents who use the IUD the most

Penggunaan Kontrasepsi terhadap Gangguan Siklus Menstruasi di BPM A

Introduction: Indonesia, with a very large population, is committed to implementing the Planning Family and Birth Control as a means of fulfilling international demands in improving the lives of mothers and children. One of the problems with the family planning program is menstrual disorders due to the use of hormonal contraceptives such as a one-month injection and three months of injection contraception, which often become complaints from family planning acceptors. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in the shortest and longest cycle length between the two types of hormonal injection contraception. Method: This research is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Midwife Practice Anastasia Ningrum with samples in the form of hormonal injection family planning acceptors from January 2020 to June 2020 with a sampling technique in the form of accidental sampling. The inclusion criteria in this study were active injection family planning acceptors and had an FP control card with the exclusion criteria in the form of injection contraceptive use ≤ 6 months. The independent variable in this study was the use of 1 month and three months of injection contraceptive, while the dependent variable was the shortest and longest menstrual cycle length. Result: The results of this study involved 70 respondents with the shortest cycle length for injection contraception of 1 month and three months, respectively 28 (21 - 40) days and 60 (28 - 90) days, as well as the longest cycle lengths for injection contraception of 1 month and three months respectively. count is 35 (28 - 90) days and 90 (40 - 90) days. The mean difference between groups using the Mann Whitney test was significant for both the longest cycle and the shortest cycle (p-value &lt;0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant difference between the longest and the shortest cycle length between 1 month and three months of injection contraceptive use.

101. Adolescent and Young Adult Satisfaction and Preference for Subcutaneous Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate

Intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) is a popular contraceptive choice among adolescents and young adults (AYA), however it requires quarterly office visits which are associated with transportation needs and time off school or work. In May 2021, CDC updated the U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use stating that “self-administered subcutaneous DMPA (DMPA-SC) should be made available as an additional approach to deliver injectable contraception

Quantitative thin layer chromatography for the determination of medroxyprogesterone acetate using a smartphone and open-source image analysis

Intramuscular medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) products are commonly used to treat endometriosis and are the most widely used injectable contraceptives worldwide. Therefore, dependable quality screening of MPA injectables is a crucial measure necessary for ensuring that consumers are provided with safe and effective medications. Here, a thin-layer chromatography (TLC) method for MPA identification is combined with image analysis using a smartphone, 3D-printed light box, and open-source ImageJ software. The method's validation included two brands of MPA injectables, both at 150 mg mL−1 dosage. The TLC procedure used was based on the identity test found in The International Pharmacopoeia's Medroxyprogesterone injection monograph. Spots produced on the TLC plates were then photographed using a smartphone camera and quantified using ImageJ's image analysis software. The pixel data collected from each plate's standard spots were compared to the data generated from its sample spots. Data sets collected across multiple TLC plates and numerous days of method performance were evaluated to assess linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, and robustness. Across the range of 75–125% of the target concentration, the method was found to have linearity of standard spots (with R2 generally greater than 0.99), overall accuracy of 101.0% (4.1% RSD), repeatability pooled standard deviation of 2.44%, intermediate precision pooled standard deviation of 3.68%, and observed demonstration of specificity and robustness. In low and middle-income countries (LMICs), quality screening of pharmaceutical products like MPA injectables can be challenging when testing resources are expensive, difficult to procure, or complex to utilize. The results of the TLC/ImageJ method validation suggest that this simple procedure that requires minimal resources may serve as a viable option for reliable quality screening of MPA levels in injectable suspensions.

Hubungan Pengetahuan Ibu, Dukungan Suami dan Peran Tenaga Kesehatan dengan Akseptor KB Suntik Di Poskesdes Surau Kecamatan Muara Jaya Kab. Ogan Komering Ulutahun 2021

Injectable contraception is a contraceptive device in the form of a liquid that is injected into a woman's body periodically and contains hormones. BKKBN supports being a reliable and trusted institution in realizing a balanced growing population and quality family. Factors that affect Mother's Knowledge, Husband's Support and Simultaneous Role of Health Workers with Injectable Family Planning Acceptors at Poskesdes Surau, Muara Jaya District, OKU Regency in 2021. Research This study uses a quantitative method of analytical survey with a Cross Sectional approach, using primary data with a population of 60 people and the number of samples taken using an accedental sampling technique. using injection family planning acceptors (63.3%), good maternal knowledge (70%) and supportive husband support (63.3%). Role of Health Workers value=0.012 with injectable family planning acceptors. Conclusion There is a relationship between mother's knowledge, husband's support and the role of health workers simultaneously with injecting family planning acceptors at Poskesdes Surau, Muara Jaya District, OKU Regency in 2021

Hubungan Lama Penggunaan Kontrasepsi Hormonal Suntik DMPA dengan Kejadian Disfungsi Seksual, Literature Review

The biggest use of contraceptives in Indonesia is 3-month injectable contraceptives, 3- month contraceptives containing Depo Medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) where long-term use of DMPA contraception results in sex hormone deficiency so that the acceptor experiences sexual dysfunction in aspects of sexual desire (libido) and intercourse pain. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the long use of DMPA injectable hormonal contraceptives with the incidence of sexual dysfunction in acceptors based on literature studies. The study used is a literature study with the type of Systematic Mapping Study. Articles are taken from databases in the form of Google Schoolar and Elsevier. The population obtained from the database was 23 articles, then screened using the PEOS framework and obtained as many as 5 articles consisting of four national articles and one international article. The results of the analysis of 5 articles found that the duration of DMPA use &gt;2 years was 52.6% and 61.8% experienced sexual dysfunction. The results of the analysis test on the five articles showed that there was a 100% relationship between the duration of using DMPA injectable contraception and the incidence of sexual dysfunction. DMPA injection family planning acceptors should pay attention to the duration of use to reduce long-term risk, one of which is sexual dysfunction.

Anthropometric Characteristics of Women on Hormonal Contraceptives in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH)

Background: Contraception is essential in population control, determining the number and spacing of children. The use of contraceptives has been on the rise because people do not always have sex for the purpose of procreation. Women of childbearing age prefer hormonal contraceptives, because they are highly effective and their effects are reversible. The aim of the study was to appraise the anthropometric profile of women on hormonal contraceptives.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study included women on hormonal contraceptives from University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (family planning clinic) and those who do not use contraceptives, from University of Port Harcourt Post Graduate School. A total of two hundred (200) volunteers were involved in the study; 100 women on hormonal contraceptives and 100 women who were not under any form of hormonal contraceptive (as control) were randomly selected. Height was measured using a stadiometer and stature meter, weight, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass and body fat percentage was measured using body composition monitor. Mid arm, waist, hip and neck circumference was measured using a measuring tape, while skin fold thickness was measured using a skin fold caliper. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel Data Analysis Tool pack (2019 Edition) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 23.0). T-test was done to determine differences in anthropometric parameters for those on contraceptives and the control, and type of contraceptive (implants and injectables). Significant difference with regards to age and duration of contraception were determined using ANOVA at P &lt; 0.05.&#x0D; Results: Except for skeletal muscle mass, women on hormonal contraceptives have higher but non-significant mean values for all anthropometric parameters compared to the control. Age related differences were not observed for the three (3) age categories involved in the study (20 – 29 years; 30 – 39 years; ≥ 40 years). Type of contraceptive (implants and injectables) also do not have any significant effect on the anthropometric parameters of the study group and the control. Gradual increase in measured parameters were observed over time, but no significant difference was observed over the period of five (5) years as categorized (&lt; 1 year, 1 - 2 years, 3 - 4 years and ≥ 5 years).&#x0D; Conclusion: These findings will be relevant to gynecologists, obstetricians, family physicians , medical anthropologists and research scientists.

Impact of Group Prenatal Care on Contraceptive Use at Twelve Weeks Postpartum.

To compare the prevalence of highly effective contraceptive use by 12weeks postpartum among participants of Centering Pregnancy®, a model of group prenatal care (GPC), and traditional prenatal care (TPC), and to investigate differences in contraceptive method choice by type of prenatal care. We performed a retrospective review of all eligible patients who participated in GPC (n = 143) and a random sample of patients participating in TPC (n = 290) who followed up at our institution within 12weeks of delivery. Our primary outcome was the proportion of participants using a highly effective contraceptive method within 12weeks postpartum. Contraceptives were classified in tiers (Tier 1, long-acting reversible and permanent contraception; Tier 2, oral contraceptive pills, transdermal patch, vaginal ring, or injection; Tier 3, barrier and fertility awareness methods, withdrawal, spermicide; and no method). Tier 1 and Tier 2 methods were considered highly effective. The prevalence of highly effective contraceptive use by 12weeks postpartum was 63.6% (91 of 143) and 63.1% (183 of 290) among participants in GPC and TPC, respectively (p = 0.99). We found no difference in Tier 1 versus other method use (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.05, 95% CI 0.95-1.15, p = 0.34) or Tier 2 versus other method use between groups (aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.89-1.08, p = 0.69), in a multivariable model controlling for demographic and clinical factors. The prevalence of highly effective contraceptive use at 12weeks postpartum was not different between GPC and TPC participants in this study. GPC was not associated with increased use of Tier 1 or Tier 2 contraceptive methods.

Comparison of contraceptive sales before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sales of modern contraceptive methods in Brazil. Methods Monthly sales data were analysed of short-acting reversible contraceptive methods and long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods (implants and intrauterine contraception) and COVID-19 related deaths. Contraceptive methods were grouped as follows: emergency contraception (EC); oral contraception, vaginal rings and transdermal patches; injectable contraception; LARC methods including the copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD); and LARC methods excluding the Cu-IUD. Results Contraceptive sales showed a non-significant increase in 2020 compared with the previous year; average sales ranged from 12.8 to 13.0 million units per month. Sales of injectable contraceptives increased between March and June 2020 and EC pills between June and July 2020; the variation in sales of pills, patches and rings was not significant. Sales of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the etonogestrel (ENG) implant showed three patterns: a decrease in sales between February and May 2020 (coinciding with the closure of family planning services), an increase in sales after May 2020 (coinciding with the first COVID-19-related deaths), and a further increase in sales after July 2020 (corresponding to the increasing number of deaths from COVID-19). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the Brazilian health care system. Since many family planning clinics were closed, sales of most modern contraceptives fell during 2020; however, the increase in sales of the LNG-IUS and ENG implant in the private sector indicates inequitable access to modern contraceptive methods.

The Duration Of Hormonal Contraceptive Use Is Not Related To Weight Gain

Hormonal contraceptives, especially injectable and oral contraceptives, are most widely used by the community, this is because they are easy and affordable to use. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference between the duration of hormonal contraceptive use and weight gain in hormonal family planning (KB) acceptors. This study uses observational analytic with a cross-sectional approach. The population of this study were all hormonal family planning acceptors in Sidoarjo District, Sragen Regency who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The number of samples in this study were 32 respondents who were taken using a consecutive sampling technique. The statistical test used in this study is the Independent T test. The results showed that the average use of hormonal contraception was 86.1 (52.10) months. most of the respondents did not experience an increase in body weight 81.3%,. The results of the statistical test showed a p value of 0.908, which means that there was no difference in the duration of the use of hormonal contraception for family planning acceptors with weight gain.

TINJAUAN HUKUM ISLAM TERHADAP PENGGUNAAN ALAT KONTRASEPSI SUNTIK TIGA BULAN

This paper discusses the Islamic Law Review Against the Use of Three-Month Injectable Contraceptive Devices (Case Study in Samarenda Village, Morowali Regency) which is the object of this research is Islamic law on the use of three-month injectable contraceptives in Samarenda Village, Morowali Regency. The method that the author uses in this paper is a qualitative research method. The results showed that 1). Some of the factors that cause a married couple in Samarenda Village to use contraceptives, including first, because the number of children they have is in accordance with what they want so that they no longer want to add children, both methods are easy to use and have a good level of effectiveness. , thirdly because of the factor of having had bad experiences with previous contraceptives, and fourthly because of economic factors. 2). The view of Islamic law on the use of three-month injectable contraceptives in Samarenda Village, Morowali Regency is not in accordance with Islamic law because it looks at the factors that cause them to use these contraceptives and the reasons they choose to limit the birth rate of children in the family, while in Islam allow the use of contraception to space births.

The Effect of Giving Aloe Vera Extract to Reduce the Vaginal Discharge on DMPA Contraceptive Injection Acceptors in the Working Area of Perumnas Antang Health Center, Makassar City

Background: Vaginal discharge (Flour albus) is a vaginal discharge that is not blood and is accompanied by clinical manifestations of various infections, malignancies or reproductive benign tumors. This symptom does not cause mortality, but morbidity because it always wets the inside of a woman and can cause irritation and itching so it will interfere and reduce the comfort in every activity, especially the sexual activity. The causes of vaginal discharge are varied; one of them is the use of DMPA contraceptive injections. WHO has advised all countries to carry out the traditional medicine in the health sector, including the aloe vera plant. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of administering aloe vera extract to reduce vaginal discharge on DMPA contraceptive injection acceptors. Method: Quasi-experimental (Quasi Experiment) and using a Post-test Only Control Group Design as the research design. The sample size is 30 respondents and using purposive sampling as the sampling method. Results: By using the chi square test, the value of = 0.002 is smaller than the value of = 0.05, so H1 is accepted, Ho is rejected. Conclusion: There is an Effect of Giving Aloe Vera extract to reduce vaginal discharge on DMPA contraceptive injection acceptors in the Working Area of Perumnas Antang Health Center. Keywords: Aloe vera Extract, Vaginal Discharge, and DMPA Injection.

Information Technology Challenges of Family Planning and Reproductive Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic in Lebak District, Indonesia

During the COVID-19 pandemic, all activities are carried out online. One of them is the provision of information on Family Planning and Reproductive Health which must be provided to supervise family planning acceptors so that they do not experience discontinuation of contraceptive use. This study aimed to evaluate the provision of information on Family Planning and Reproductive Health provided online to the public. This study used a One-Shot Case Study design. The intervention given was the provision of contraceptive information through the WhatsApp group. The research sample was married women aged 15-49 years who used the pill and injection contraception in Lebak District. The number of samples in this study was 94 respondents. In this study, about 11% of married women stated that they had difficulty accessing contraceptive services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After being given information on Family Planning and Reproductive Health through WhatsApp groups, 66% of respondents stated that the intervention provided increased knowledge about contraception, 18% complained about the use of quotas, 6.4% stated that they could not understand because they were used to face-to-face. This study also explored information about suggestions for contraceptive service programs, namely 14.9% expects services and providing information on Family Planning and Reproductive Health to be carried out face-to-face and 12.8% recommended free contraceptive services. Conclusion. Providing information on Family Planning and Reproductive Health online is an alternative during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, during contraceptive services, health workers still directly provide information as needed. Information on payment for contraceptive services using health social security agency must be provided to acceptors and contraceptive service activities funded by the national family planning coordinating board must also be informed to increase the coverage of contraceptive use.

Analisis Pengetahuan Tentang Gangguan Menstruasi Dikalangan Akseptor Kb Suntik 3 Bulan

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Background : Injectable contraceptives have several complaints that may occur such as changes in menstruation and no menstruation. Purpose of the study: To describe the knowledge of acceptors of 3-month injectable contraception (DEPO) on menstrual disorders at the Independent Practice Midwife Siti Fatimah Sungai Sipai Martapura. Research method : Using descriptive method with cross sectional approach. Results: The results showed that from 60 respondents, 15 people had good knowledge about menstrual disorders (25%), 20 people had sufficient knowledge (33.4%) and 25 people had less knowledge (41.6%). Conclusion: Injectable family planning acceptors at BPM Siti Fatimah, S.ST Sungai Sipai Martapura still have less knowledge about menstrual disorders.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Community pharmacists’ provision of sexual and reproductive health services: A cross-sectional study in Alberta, Canada

BackgroundIn many countries, pharmacists’ scope of practice enables the delivery of professional pharmacy services related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Studies exploring practices and perspectives regarding a wide range of SRH professional pharmacy services and the extent to which pharmacists are involved in prescribing or administering injections are limited. ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore SRH professional pharmacy services provided by pharmacists, evaluate pharmacists’ self-reported confidence in providing SRH education and determine preferences for additional training. MethodsA cross-sectional Web-based survey was administered to pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Alberta, Canada. The survey was sent via e-mail and was open for 8 weeks between June and August 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. ResultsMost of the 303 participants were female (66%) and received their first pharmacy degree in Canada (69%). Approximately two-thirds had additional prescribing authorization (APA), and 97% had injections authorization; 90% and 94% of participants reported administering injectable contraceptives and human papillomavirus vaccine, respectively, and more than 95% renewed prescriptions for oral contraceptives. Of the participants with APA, approximately 40% reported providing initial prescribing services for contraceptive products. Overall, participants reported confidence in providing SRH education for most topics. Most selected topics for additional training were related to sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections; sexual health concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning; and abortion medications. ConclusionPharmacists in Alberta reported providing a wide range of SRH services and are interested in expanding their SRH role. These findings highlight opportunities to improve access and reduce inequities in the delivery of SRH services through community pharmacies. However, pharmacists’ training needs should be considered.

Informal payments for modern family planning methods at public facilities in Tanzania: room for improvement

BackgroundFinancial access to family planning (FP) is essential to the health and well-being of women in Tanzania. Tanzanian policy dictates that FP methods and services obtained at public facilities are provided for free. However, public sector FP is no longer free when providers solicit informal payments. In this analysis, we investigate the prevalence and amount of informal payments for FP in Tanzania.MethodsWe used data from the 2015–2016 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey to investigate whether informal payments for FP had been effectively eliminated by this policy.ResultsWe found that, at public sector facilities, the majority (84.6%) of women received their current FP method for free (95% confidence interval (CI): 81.9, 87.3), but this proportion varied meaningfully by facility and method type. Injectable contraception was the most commonly used method by women in the lowest wealth quintiles and was most frequently sought by these women from a government dispensary. One in four women (25.8%) seeking injectable contraception from government dispensaries reported paying a fee (95% CI: 19.5, 32.1). Among injectable users who reported payment for their current method, the mean cost at public sector facilities was 1420 Tanzanian Shillings (TSh) and the mean cost at private sector facilities was TSh 1930 (approximately 0.61 United States Dollars (USD) and 0.83 USD, respectively). Among implant users who reported payment for their current method, the mean cost at public sector facilities was TSh 4127 and the mean cost at private sector facilities was TSh 6194 (approximately 1.78 USD and 2.68 USD, respectively).ConclusionThese findings suggest that the majority of women visiting public facilities in Tanzania did not pay informal payments for FP methods or services; however, informal payments at public facilities did occur, varying by facility and method type. Adherence to existing policies mandating free FP methods and services at public facilities, especially government dispensaries, is critical for ensuring contraceptive access among the most economically vulnerable women.