Chelsea M Cooper1, Salahuddin Ahmed2, Peter J Winch3, Anne Pfitzer4, Catharine McKaig4, Abdullah H Baqui3. 1. Jhpiego, Baltimore, USA. Electronic address: chelsea.cooper@jhpiego.org. 2. Jhpiego, Baltimore, USA; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA. 3. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA. 4. Jhpiego, Baltimore, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Postpartum women face uncertainty about timing of return to fecundity. Many women wait to use contraception until menses return, resulting in unintended pregnancies. This study explored the use of behavior change communication to address perceptions of postpartum return to fecundity and contraceptive adoption. METHODS: This study, which took place in Sylhet District in Bangladesh, explored knowledge and perceptions about postpartum return to fecundity and used the Steps to Behavior Change framework to assess the reported influence of a leaflet and fictional story ("Asma's Story") incorporated within community health activities. The study relied on in- depth interviews and focus group discussions. RESULTS: The study revealed nearly universal exposure to Asma's Story. Reported shifts in perceived susceptibility to pregnancy, benefits of pregnancy spacing, and increased social support for postpartum family planning (PPFP) were noted. However, only approximately one third of women were using a modern contraceptive method. CONCLUSIONS: Using a fictional story offers a promising approach for motivating shifts along the continuum. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It is recommended that Asma's Story be incorporated within future efforts to scale up PPFP in Bangladesh, and that similar approaches be tailored and tested in other countries.
OBJECTIVES: Postpartum women face uncertainty about timing of return to fecundity. Many women wait to use contraception until menses return, resulting in unintended pregnancies. This study explored the use of behavior change communication to address perceptions of postpartum return to fecundity and contraceptive adoption. METHODS: This study, which took place in Sylhet District in Bangladesh, explored knowledge and perceptions about postpartum return to fecundity and used the Steps to Behavior Change framework to assess the reported influence of a leaflet and fictional story ("Asma's Story") incorporated within community health activities. The study relied on in- depth interviews and focus group discussions. RESULTS: The study revealed nearly universal exposure to Asma's Story. Reported shifts in perceived susceptibility to pregnancy, benefits of pregnancy spacing, and increased social support for postpartum family planning (PPFP) were noted. However, only approximately one third of women were using a modern contraceptive method. CONCLUSIONS: Using a fictional story offers a promising approach for motivating shifts along the continuum. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It is recommended that Asma's Story be incorporated within future efforts to scale up PPFP in Bangladesh, and that similar approaches be tailored and tested in other countries.
Keywords:
Bangladesh; Behavior change communication; Breastfeeding; Entertainment education; Family planning; Narratives; Postpartum care; Postpartum family planning; Stages of change; Steps to behavior change
Authors: Chelsea M Cooper; Mary Drake; Justine A Kavle; Joyce Nyoni; Ruth Lemwayi; Lemmy Mabuga; Anne Pfitzer; Mary Makungu; Elizabeth Massawe; John George Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-04-13 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Chelsea M Cooper; Angella Ogutu; Everlyn Matiri; Hannah Tappis; Devon Mackenzie; Anne Pfitzer; Rae Galloway Journal: Matern Child Health J Date: 2017-10