Role of social network in decision making for increasing uptake and continuing use of long acting reversible (LARC) methods in Pakistan

Abstract

Plain English summary High proportion of married women do not use an effective contraceptive method and is a public health concern that is associated with unintended pregnancies, unwanted births, and unsafe abortions. This is also associated with increased risks of pregnancy and childbirth-related maternal morbidity. The decision to initiate use and continue the use of contraceptives is influenced by a number of factors. A greater understanding of these factors will inform policymakers, programmers, and other stakeholders to strengthen family planning and other health intervention programs to achieve the SDGs targeted maternal and under-5 child mortality reduction. Thus, the main objective of this study was to understand the social influences in initiating and continuing use of an LARC methods for contraception in a rural setting in Pakistan, using qualitative research. The analysis was done from a total of 27 women, aged 15–49 years, who started the use of long acting reversible contraceptive in the year preceding the study. The findings have an implication for policymakers, programmers, health care providers, and other stakeholders to evaluate and strengthen the provision of different contraceptive methods and improve support provided to women through the family planning programs. The findings of this study strongly recommended the provision of quality counseling on side effects and availability of contraceptive methods, peer support, and support for decision-making regarding long acting reversible contraceptive use.

Keywords

• Long acting reversible contraceptives
• Contraceptive use decision making
• Social networks
• Pakistan
• Married women
• Family planning