Strategies to improve adherence and acceptability of hormonal methods for contraception
RHL practical aspects by Goonewardene M
FIRST CONTACT (PRIMARY CARE LEVEL)
Motivation and repeated intensive counselling could be easily implemented, by a nurse or family health worker who is trained for this purpose and it could be implemented in under-resourced settings at first contact (primary care) level. The follow-up visits should be timed to coincide with the three monthly repeat injection time of DMPA and three packs of COC could be prescribed at a time to enable the same strategy to be adopted. Information leaflets could be given to the women to reinforce counselling.
REFERRAL HOSPITAL (SECONDARY CARE) LEVEL
Medical officers should be trained for intensive counselling regarding discontinuationin both primary and secondary care levels. In addition audio visual aids could be used during the counselling session.
AT HOME OR IN THE COMMUNITY
Women should be given an information leaflet to take home and encouraged to read it again especially in case of any side effects. The information leaflet should contain details of how to contact a service provider if necessary.
This document should be cited as: Goonewardene M. Strategies to improve adherence and acceptability of hormonal methods for contraception: RHL practical aspects (last revised: 15 December 2006). The WHO Reproductive Health Library; Geneva: World Health Organization.