Effectiveness of a Family Planning Education Program on Contraceptive Utilization among Women in Sudan- a Quasi Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: While family planning services play a crucial role in preserving maternal health and mitigating maternal mortality rates, Sudan, despite its integration into the primary healthcare system since 1985, continues to grapple with elevated maternal mortality rates, coupled with persistently low utilization rates. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was designed to assess the impact of a family planning education program on contraceptive utilization rate among women in Sudan. Methodology: A quasi experimental study was used to achieve the aim of the study. Cluster sample technique was used to involve 456 reproductive-age women. This study was carried out in two local area at Khartoum north locality in Khartoum state (Aldaroshab and Alkadro area). Aldaroshab Area was randomly selected to act as the intervention group. Alkadro Area was acted as a control group, data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of 30 questions covering different aspects of family planning. Participants were divided into experimental and control groups, and pre-and post-tests were conducted to determine the utilization rate, the data were entered into SPSS version 23 for analysis, p-value <0.05. Results: The study found significant increase in the level of utilization rate of the studied population regarding family planning after attendance of the educational program. The use of the participants family planning methods was 114(50%) of them at pre intervention measurement and by 190(83.3%) at post intervention measurement. (P = 0.001 < 0.05). The utilization of natural methods, contraceptive pills, and injectable methods has significantly increased from (5.2%, 26.2% and 5.3%) to (15.4%, 34.2% and 15.8%) respectively. Conclusions: The study concludes that a family planning education program significantly increases the level of contraceptive utilization rate in Sudan. Recommendation : Simplification and maximum utilization of the family planning health education programs