Expanded Program for Immunization, a Missed Opportunity for Postpartum Family Planning Utilization

Enhancing Postpartum Family Planning Utilization Through Integration With Expanded Program for Immunization in Sidama, South Ethiopia: A Quasi Experimental Study

This study is aimed to enhance postpartum family planning by integrating family planning information with infant immunization services, which is the most widely utilized health services globally.

In this study, a before-and-after type of quasi-experimental study will be conducted in purposely selected health centers Sidama region, Ethiopia. base line assessment of postpartum contraceptive utilization rate will be done which will be followed by an intervention. The intervention consists of screening, counseling for family planning and referring mothers coming for infant immunization services to family planning units. All mothers coming for infant immunization service will be screened for and counseled for family planning and those who will be voluntary to take any method will be referred to family planning unit. All mothers who will not be voluntary will be re-counseled by the next visit.

Finally, the effect of this intervention on postpartum contraceptive utilization rate will be reassessed. The expected outcome will be to see an improved contraceptive uptake during the first year after delivery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• all women visiting health facilities for infant immunization for at least two times will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women who are in difficulty of communicating during the study period will be excluded.