POPLINE Document Number: 075967
Author(s):
Foreit JR
Leon FR
Aramburu CE
Source citation:
[Mexico City, Mexico], Population Council, Region Latinoamericana y del Caribe, 1991 Jul. 54 p. (Documentos de Trabajo No. 25)
Abstract:
The issue of community distribution of contraceptives entails the election of the methods, restrictions of the disposal of methods, the availability of the methods, and the competence of the provider. Technical competence includes understanding the history of the client as well as the client's age, obstetrical history, motivation, and opinion about the proper method that assures the absolute attention of the individual client for the most appropriate contraception mode. Evaluation of technical competency is done by knowledge surveys, tests of family planning knowledge such as Breve's test containing 48 items, however, this test is often hampered by functional illiteracy. The application of techniques and evaluation about contraceptive distribution are similar to those carried out by PRICOR for developing indicators for spacing fertility for the use of community health workers. Improvement strategies include continuous quality control, prioritization of clients, selection, certification, and orientation of distributors, training and instruction, such as technical competence of distributors amply documented in the operative investigation of Profamilia Colombia. Supervision, incentives, and evaluation such as self-evaluation of maximization of protection against pregnancy in terms of couple years of protection are addressed. Good interpersonal relations between the provider and the client are vital to develop the necessary strategy for implementation. This collaboration with the client entails client privacy, confidentiality, informed selection, dedication, empathy, honesty, tact, and sensitivity. The continuation mechanism includes the role of the community in distribution. The client also has to be provided information on the benefits and risks of contraceptives methods. Costs of specific programs, their subsidization and the costs of abandonment and supervision are also examined.
Keywords:
Latin AmericaIndex page
Contraceptive Agents
Community-Based Distribution
Client-Staff Relations
Program Evaluation
Interpersonal Relations
Counseling
Developing Countries
Americas
Contraception
Family Planning
Nonclinical Distribution
Distributional Activities
Program Activities
Programs
Organization and Administration
Behavior
Clinic Activities