Title: Family planning evaluation--data, methods and research issues with special reference to Africa.

POPLINE Document Number: 061595

Author(s):

Teklu T

Source citation:

In: Developments in Family Planning Policies and Programmes in Africa. Legon, Ghana, University of Ghana, Regional Institute for Population Studies [RIPS], 1989. :230-56.

Abstract:

Evaluation of the impact of family planning program efforts in Africa can be carried out through statistical measures of changes in the numbers of contraceptive acceptors or in knowledge of and attitudes toward family planning as well as an examination of fertility statistics such as the crude birth rate and the age-specific fertility rate. From a data requirement perspective, the contraceptive prevalence method (an estimate of the number of births averted and the reduction in the crude birth rate that is attributable to contraceptive use) is most valuable for sub-Saharan countries; however, the differences between observed and potential fertility is too small to be of significance in all countries except Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius. In fact, Mauritius is the only sub-Saharan country with data of sufficient quantity and quality to allow an evaluation of the impact of family planning programs. It is essential, however, that research be undertaken to determine the causes of the wide gap between knowledge of contraceptive methods and actual use, especially of modern methods. Such research could begin in the 16 countries of sub-Saharan Africa that accept family planning as an integral component of maternal-child health care. Specific targets should be set in terms of fertility and infant mortality, and evaluation techniques designed to measure progress. The United Nations should be encouraged to develop software that could be used in such evaluations. Other data sources include periodic national surveys, censuses, and service statistics.

Keywords:

Africa, Sub Saharan
Family Planning Program Evaluation
Data Sources
Evaluation
Demographic Effectiveness
Program Effectiveness
Population Policy
Family Planning Acceptors
Service Statistics
Sampling Studies
Knowledge
Attitude
Fertility Changes
Fertility Measurements
Family Planning Programs
Goals
Changes
Africa
Developing Countries
Family Planning
Data Collection
Research Methodology
Program Evaluation
Programs
Organization and Administration
Social Policy
Policy
Program Activities
Studies
Psychological Factors
Behavior
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Planning
Social Change