Assessment of Quality of care in Family Planning services in Gambella Town Public Health facilities, Gambella regional State, Southwest Ethiopia, 2011

Abstract

Background: Good quality family planning services helps individuals and couples meet their reproductive health needs safely and effectively. Quality family planning service is also an important determinant of acceptance and continuation rates, and therefore a major contributor to increase the number of contraceptive users and sustainability of the services. Objective: To assesses Quality of care in Family Planning services in Gambella Town Public Health facilities, Gambella regional State, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: Facility based cross-sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection was conducted in March 2011. A pre-tested structured closeended questionnaire for client exit interview, and structured checklist for observation of client-providers‟ interaction and facility audit was used for quantitative data collection. A total of 422 clients for exit interview and [22] FP counseling session was systematically included in the study unit. A semi-structured in-depth interview guide was used to capture relevant information from key informant. Result: The most commonly used family planning method was the injectable, 351 (83.8%), followed by the pill, 65 (15.4%). Large proportion, 337 (80.2%), of clients were not well-informed about the side effect of the method and 331 (78.9%) of clients were also not informed what to do if they faced problem with the method. Two hundred thirty (54.8%) of clients were not advised as the method does not protect against HIV /AIDS & STIs. Similarly 284(67.3%) of clients were not encouraged to use condoms as a second methods. Majority, 394 (93.4%) of clients said that waiting time was reasonable and short to get services. As well as all of clients were informed when to return for follow-up visit and granted with reminder cards, 418(99.1%) of clients were also responded that they will come back for the next appointment. The overall clients‟ satisfaction with family planning service provision was found 257 (60.9%). There were acute shortage of different contraceptive methods, IEC materials, Copy of MOH guideline of family planning services in Ethiopia and lack of trained man power. Conclusion: This study revealed several constraints in the provision of FP services with improved quality of care, which can be implied as area of possible improvement.