Users´ perspectives on the quality of family planning services in Mozambique: a case study

¹Faculty of Health Sciences, Lúrio University, Bairro de Marrere, Rua, Nampula, Mozambique, ²Faculty of Agriculture, University Mussa Bin Bique, Nampula, Mozambique, ³Faculty of Health Sciences, Lúrio University, Nampula, Mozambique, ⁴Faculty of Health Sciences, Ryerson University, Saskatoon, Canada, ⁵Faculty of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada

^&Corresponding author
Paulo Pires, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lúrio University, Bairro de Marrere, Rua, Nampula, Mozambique

Introduction    

In most national healthcare systems, quality assessment is limited to the perspective of caregivers or health policymakers; and many studies are still designed according to these criteria. User´s opinions have not yet universally received full legitimacy to evaluate the quality of care. However, users' satisfaction assessment has been increasingly important in ensuring health care quality and guidance in the health sector, with both services and policy. Africa is the region in the world with the lowest prevalence of contraception use (33% of women of sexually active age) [1]. Mozambique, a country of scarce resources in sub-Saharan Africa, has a high fertility rate (5.2 children per woman), a widening of the pyramid age base (53% of the population is less than 17-years old), and an increasing population that threatens the country's development [2]. Universal access to family planning (FP) has one of the highest rates of benefits for cost among all the various strategic options for development [3]. One of the goals of the strategic guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) on FP, is to maximize the impact of explicit and tacit knowledge, including research, through its dissemination and application) [4]. In 2017 Mozambique had a high maternal mortality rate (451.6 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births) and one of the known causes was the low use of FP, especially in rural areas, where most of the population (66.6%) lives.

Among other causes for low utilization is the bias introduced by health professionals (HPs) in the prescription of contraceptives, due to prejudice and insufficient training, as has been reported in other African countries [5]. Family planning can reduce mortality associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Effective use of contraception reduces mortality, by enabling women to delay first pregnancies, space births more widely, and reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, which sometimes end in clandestine induced abortion [6]. These facts led the Mozambican Government to place FP as a priority in the Strategic health plan 2014 - 2019 [7]. Family planning consultations (FPCs) are part of the women and children's health program (WCH), available in primary health care (PHC), and provided in health centers (HC). Family planning services began in 1977 as an intervention within the WCH protection program, and then were established nationwide in 1980, with services delivered at all different levels of the national public health system [8]. The use of modern contraceptives was estimated in a recent study in Natikiri, a district on the outskirts of the city of Nampula, the capital of the province with the same name, at 47% for adults and 18% for adolescents [9]. Among the causes that lead to such a low use of contraception are PHC services deficiencies, as reported in a baseline study conducted by our team at the very beginning of the research. The baseline study showed a low level of knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and FP [10]. So we intended to assess the users 'opinion about FP visits quality at the Marrere Health Center (MHC), to further understand how we might consequently increase the use and quality of the FP services.

Methods     

Study design: we deployed a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Study setting: surveys applied from 28^th June to 3^rd July at the family planning services at MHC in Natikiri administrative neighborhood, Nampula City, Northern Mozambique.

Participants: a sample of 137 users of one FP visit in MHC. Non-probability sampling methods were used (i.e, opportunity sampling and convenience sampling). All participants signed an informed consent term, including a separate agreement for those under 18 years of age, and answered verbally in Macua (local language) or Portuguese as they preferred. The survey took about 20 minutes on average to complete.

Variables: independent variables were age in years, gender, the community of residence, educational level, and obstetric history (i.e, number of pregnancies, place of delivery, number of spontaneous and provoked interruptions of pregnancy, and date of first ante-natal consultation). Dependent variables focused on the assessment of the principles of good care, including communication with the patient, privacy and confidentiality, information about FP, and general satisfaction. Further, open questions explored positive and negative aspects of service delivery. The survey was designed based on a five-point Likert scale (i.e, always, most often, sometimes, rarely, never).

Data sources: this study was conducted by a team from the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) of Lúrio University (UniLúrio) in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, as part of the implementation research project alert community for a prepared hospital care continuum (ACPH), which spanned from 2016-2020. It took place during the 5th semester of ACPH project, and after conducting two years of health education interventions on SRH and FP with the local population. In addition, prior to conducting this study, we trained the health professionals (HPs) in humanized care and family-friendly visits, as well as introduced various technological improvements in the health unit (HU) (e.g. obstetric ultrasound and a new operating room for Cesarean sections). Participants were asked to take part in a closed survey, including three open questions, previously tested, and validated. Surveys were administered by students from UniLúrio´ s FHS Research Group, professionally trained, unknown by the subjects, and after signing an ethical and scientific commitment form.

Bias: participants´ potential bias was addressed by pretesting the questionnaire in a local language, applying it by an unknown research assistant, and assuring a private setting without any HP in total confidentiality. Data collection' potential bias was addressed, evaluating the questionnaires´ quality of filling by two different research assistants and a principal investigator.

The sample size was defined considering a margin of error of 5% in the evaluation of the studied parameters, for the monthly population average using those services (161 consultations per month over the first half of 2019 which had 966 users). The level of precision desired for each indicator was based on the amplitude of the 95% confidence interval. The formula used to calculate the sample size was

Quantitative variables: the level of precision desired for each indicator was based on the amplitude of the 95% confidence interval.

Statistical methods: the data were introduced in a database by the same students supervised by a statistics Professor [11]; then proceeded to the descriptive statistical treatment of data using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®) 22.0, having calculated absolute and relative frequencies, mean and standard deviation. No subgroups were considered.

Ethics: the study complied with all the recommendations of the Declaration of Helsinki (2013) and was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Committee on Bioethics for Health at Lúrio University (02/CBISUL/16), as well as by the Behavioral Research Ethics Board of the University of Saskatchewan (15-112).

Results     

We surveyed 141 FP visit users, all belonging to the ethnic-language group Emacua, 131 (92.9%) were female with a mean age of 27.7 years (minimum 14, maximum 68). Of these, 14 (9.9%) were adolescents, one male, and 13 (93%) female, between 14 and 18 years old (average age of 16.6 years). Of the 139 households evaluated, 107 (77%) come from Natikiri, and the rest from urban Nampula. Their attained school level is detailed in Table 1. Evaluating the number of pregnancies (users' own figure or that of their companion), we found an average of 3.7 pregnancies per woman (minimum 0 and maximum 19). In the adolescent group, the number of pregnancies varies between 0 and 3 (average 0.8). Of 141 evaluated users, 21 (14.8%) never had a pregnancy; of 120 who had been pregnant, 52 were unaware of the date of the first antenatal consultation (ANC) and 69 (57%) were able to inform. On average, they attended the 1^stANC in week 20 (2^nd trimester); 22 (32%) performed it during the 1^st trimester. Regarding the number of hospital deliveries, we found an average of 2.9 per user (minimum 0, maximum 10), and the occurrence of 67 home births (an average of 0.49 per users, minimum 0 and maximum 11). In the adolescent group, 8 (62%) had 9 pregnancies (average 1.1) and they all delivered at hospital maternity, with no home deliveries being reported. Spontaneous pregnancy interruption (miscarriage) was reported in 30 cases (an average of 0.22 per users, minimum 0, and maximum 3) and voluntary interruption in 11 cases (an average of 0.08 per users, minimum 0, and maximum 2). In the adolescent group, spontaneous pregnancy interruptions were not reported, but one case with two voluntary interruptions (an average of 0.2 per users, minimum 0, and maximum 2). The assessment of principles of good care is detailed in Table 2. We highlight the following results: the users are greeted and they are offered a seat (always 65%, most of the time 11.6% ); the HP asks their name (always 75.5%, for adolescents 69.2%); users feel welcome at the consultation (always 60.7%, for teenagers 57%); they are motivated to return to the consultation (always 54.7 %, for adolescents 64%).

Other responses are less favorable: the HP does not present himself (never 51.8%, 43% for adolescents); the HP explains what will happen during the visit (always 43.6%); clearly clarifies issues related to health status (always 46%, for adolescents 36%); asks if they have any questions (never 40%, for teens 43% ) or summarizes the most important information at the end of the consultation (always 48.6%, for teenagers 43%). Concerning communication with the users', HPs do encourage little participation of the husband, partner, or companion (never 49.6%, for teens 71%); clarify doubts cordially using simple and clear language (always 51.4%, for adolescents 64%); encourage them to ask questions (always 39.3%, for teenagers 50%). “Asking about users expectations” never occurred with 41.4 % (50% for teens) and the explanation of physical examination was reported by a small majority (always 50%, for teens 57%). Appropriate privacy during the appointments was mentioned by most users' (always 61.4 %) as well as the absence of third parties (always 62.1%). Confidentiality information was reported by a minority (always 42.1%, for adolescents 36%) as well as consent for family information about health issues (always 38.6%, for adolescents 57%). Most users were informed about FP advantages (always 61.9%) and about three different types of contraceptives (always 56.1%, for adolescents 71%), but about contraceptive side effects, a significant number (never 39.6%, adolescents 43%) did not receive information. The overall evaluation of users' satisfaction in the FP visits shows the majority are satisfied (Table 3).

Answering the open question about what they liked about the service, 130 women (90.9 %) liked it in general (good service, information, provision of contraceptives, professional empathy, counseling, speed), 4 (2.8%) do not comment and 9 (6.3%) did not like it. Answering the open question about what they did not like about the service, 82 women (57.7%) liked everything without pointing out any negative points; 18 (12.7%) did not comment, and 42 (29.6%) reported several problems: no clarification of doubts (8.5%), poor communication, lack of privacy, poor quality service (each respectively 2.1%), illegal charges, consultation interruptions to speak on the phone (each respectively 1.4%). Answering the open question about what they would change to make the service better, 52 women (36.6%) pointed out several issues, referring to the need to improve service quality (10.6%) and communication (8.5%), speed in attendance (6.3%), contraceptives availability (2.8%), eliminating illegal charges, facilitating a change of methods, not communicating on the phone during the consultation (each 2.1% respectively, improving privacy (1.4%); 62 (43.7%) users would do nothing and 28 (19.7%) do not know how to answer.

Discussion     

Most users of FP visits are adult women with low school level, and do not bring their partner to the consultation, confirming the FP service monthly statistical summary relating to May 2019 Table 4, documenting activities carried out in the FP consultation. Our study group was generally satisfied with the quality of care in the FP consultations service, though the HPs did not always proceed according to the rules of good care and the FP protocol of the Ministry of Health (MOH). These FP service users live predominantly in rural areas and 85% had been pregnant (an average of 4 pregnancies per woman, below the Mozambican fertility rate, considering that the group is on average 28 years old). Of these 57% are able to inform the date of the first ANC (on average in the 20^th week, 2^nd trimester), compared with 32% having performed it in the first trimester, according to other studies carried out in developing countries [11]. The average number of 2.9 hospital deliveries per woman is under the pregnancy rate, resulting from the persistence of home births, when delivery is supported by a traditional birth attendant. Our results also showed that there was a little participation by men during the appointments. We deemed this to be less than optimal as FP services and the discussions involved should also include the husbands.

The HPs were found to have shortcomings in information and communication with patients, for example the general lack of self-presentation or the lack of information on contraceptives, more pronounced in the group of teenagers. However, international human rights law requires HUs, services and contraceptives to be accessible to all without discrimination, including physical and economic access as well as access to information [12]. Health professionals, though, generally comply with MOH guidelines regarding privacy and confidentiality requirements, but less so with adolescents, demonstrating the need to deepen their technical and social preparation. These findings are like those in another study in Burkina Faso [13]. In general, users reported complaints, leading to recommendations to improve the service: better quality of care (enhanced communication with HP, including the HP not to talk on the phone during the consultation), reduce waiting delay, increase contraceptives availability, end illicit charges, facilitate the change of methods, and enhance privacy.

It has been demonstrated that successful changes in the practice of FP need a broad support, from political commitment beyond the health sector, from notable champions and partner collaboration, religious and community leaders, community provision of services, establishment of effective strategies and systems, and with adequate technical preparation of HPs [14]. In developing countries, FP programs must include strategic interventions to reduce unmet needs for contraception and unwanted early pregnancies in adolescents [15]. It is also recommended to have patients at the center of health care strategies to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of PHC [16]. For this to happen they must somehow be part of the decision-making process. As limitations of this study, we point the location where the surveys were administered (inside MHC). Hence, we believe that some answers might have been influenced by this environment. The application of a likert rating scale may have been confusing to participants, due to the fact that our sample had basic education and perhaps had difficulties on abstract conceptualization, especially Macua speakers in the interpretation of terms like “always” and “often”, “sometimes” and “rarely”. We should also consider that services evaluation by means of production statistics, being a major activity for the planning and management of health services, still lacks an organic and integrated approach, adapted to the HPs skills [17].

Conclusion     

The low use of contraceptive methods increases fertility rates in Mozambican women, explaining the African demographic explosion. Family Planing services are central to all maternal health programs, and we found that most FP service users at MHC were satisfied with the consultation, though with some incisive criticism and suggestions. HP's were generally practicing according to the MOH privacy and confidentiality protocol, but there are still important deficiencies in good care principles, especially with communication and information with users, particularly regarding contraceptive side effects and enabling access to contraceptives, which are more pronounced when it comes to the adolescent group, and one of the reasons for poor FP adherence. Reinforcement of HP's training for FP consultation is recommended, with the objective of promoting FP in PHC and protecting women and families´ health, including the reduction in adolescent pregnancies. Overall, the provision of such FP services is an important strategy to achieve universal health coverage and promote the country's development.

Competing interests     

The authors declare no competing interests.

Authors' contributions     

PP: study protocol conception and design, data analysis and interpretation, article draft, final approval of the version to be published; MM: study protocol design, data treatment, analysis and interpretation, article draft, final approval of the version to be published; CM: study protocol design, data analysis and interpretation, article draft, final approval of the version to be published; DZ: study protocol design, data interpretation, article draft, final approval of the version to be published. RS: study protocol conception and design, data interpretation, article draft, final approval of the version to be published; CB: study protocol conception and design, data interpretation, article draft, final approval of the version to be published. All the authors have read and agreed to the final manuscript.

Acknowledgments     

We extend a special thanks to Iyara Mongo, Delmar Mutereda, Asimbawe Kiza and members of Lúrio University Students Researchers Group: Abraão João, Alvido Muaviraca, Bondy Lourenço, Chabuca António, Felizardo Cabral, Jeremias Moquito, Magaios Hassani, Ngulwe Saide, Rainer Araibo, Rossan Benjamim and Zubair Salamo.

Tables     

Table 1: educational level of users' of the family planning consultation

Table 2: level of users' satisfaction at family planning consultation

Table 3: monthly statistical summary of family planning consultation service at Marrere Health Center, May 2019

Table 4: answers to the survey on family planning visits quality assessment, in the opinion of users'

References