More articles from ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- Adding a Question About Method Switching to the Method Information Index Is a Better Predictor of Contraceptive Continuation
Adding the question “Were you told about the possibility of switching to another method if the method you selected was not suitable?” to the Method Information Index (MII) was associated with better contraceptive continuation. This MIIplus variable includes another domain of quality of care, and thus better reflects voluntary contraceptive use and continuation.
- Using a Human-Centered Design Approach to Determine Consumer Preferences for Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Ghana
Through focus group discussions and human-centered design exercises, middle-class Ghanaians communicated the need to address convenience, comfort, and aesthetics when designing a bed net for their demographic. Illustrative attributes for consideration by private-sector manufacturers include a more convenient way to hang the net, a more attractive silhouette, and a zipper to provide ease of entry and exit while keeping the area sealed from mosquitos.
- Cell Phone Counseling Improves Retention of Mothers With HIV Infection in Care and Infant HIV Testing in Kisumu, Kenya: A Randomized Controlled Study
Tailored, one-on-one counseling delivered via cell phone was very effective in retaining mothers with HIV in care and in promoting infant HIV testing and antenatal and postnatal care attendance. The highest risk of loss to follow-up among women with HIV accessing PMTCT services was prior to delivery and then after infant HIV testing at 6 weeks. Challenges include continued limited access to cell phones, difficulty with reaching participants on the phone, and poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy for a substantial percentage of the population.
- “It's Not Like Taking Chocolates”: Factors Influencing the Feasibility and Sustainability of Universal Test and Treat in Correctional Health Systems in Zambia and South Africa
Universal test and treat may be feasible even in highly resource-constrained correctional facilities. Sustainability and impact of such services require a supportive policy environment, robust service delivery systems, adequate resourcing, and close attention to the psychosocial factors influencing incarcerated persons' willingness to engage in HIV treatment.
- The Challenges of Transition From Donor-Funded Programs: Results From a Theory-Driven Multi-Country Comparative Case Study of Programs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia Supported by the Global Fund
Transitioning from donor funding toward domestic financing for HIV and TB programs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia presents major challenges. It will require a substantial multipronged approach through well-planned collective and coordinated responses from global, bilateral, and national partners.
- Associations Between Practices and Behaviors at the Health Facility Level and Supply Chain Management for Antiretrovirals: Evidence from Cameroon, Namibia, and Swaziland
Using antiretrovirals (ARVs) as tracer products, we identified the following key practices that may affect supply chain management at the facility level: order verification, actions taken when stock is received, changes in prescription and dispensing due to ARV stock-out, actions to ensure patient adherence, and communication with other affiliated facilities and higher-level supply chain management. We propose a set of indicators to measure these practices.
- Successfully Engaging Private Providers to Improve Diagnosis, Notification, and Treatment of TB and Drug-Resistant TB: The EQUIP Public-Private Model in Chennai, India
Based on a participatory program design that addressed the self-described needs of private providers, a local NGO offered the providers access to rapid diagnostics and support for notification and patient treatment including free anti-TB drugs. The model resulted in high provider participation, contributing more than 10% of the overall TB case notifications, and an 89% treatment success rate for drug-sensitive TB.
- Factors Affecting Continued Use of Subcutaneous Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA-SC): A Secondary Analysis of a 1-Year Randomized Trial in Malawi
Community health workers can adequately provide DMPA-SC directly or train women on self-injection.
- Scaling Up Misoprostol to Prevent Postpartum Hemorrhage at Home Births in Mozambique: A Case Study Applying the ExpandNet/WHO Framework
Facilitating factors for this community-level scale up in 35 districts included strong government support, local champions, and a national policy on preventing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Challenges included a lack of a systematic scale-up strategy, limited communication of the PPH policy, a shift from a universal distribution policy to application of eligibility criteria, difficulties engaging remote traditional birth attendants, and implementation of a parallel M&E system.
- Association Between the Quality of Contraceptive Counseling and Method Continuation: Findings From a Prospective Cohort Study in Social Franchise Clinics in Pakistan and Uganda
Higher scores on the 3-question Method Information Index (MII)—measuring client-reported receipt of contraceptive information—was associated with continued use of family planning over 12 months. We recommend incorporating use of the MII in routine assessments of family planning service quality.