Uptake, satisfaction, and quality of family planning services in Pakistan: before and during Covid-19 outbreak: Stocktaking with clients of a private sector organisation.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To report the uptake, satisfaction, and quality of family planning services in the clients of a private sector organisation during Covid-19 in Pakistan and compare it with the situation before Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS: This paper is based on the client exit interview data collected before and then after the outbreak of Covid-19, using a structured questionnaire. Clients were chosen at the exit of the social franchise (SF) clinics, situated in rural and peri-urban areas, and beneficiaries of the outreach services delivery channel in the remote rural area. Descriptive analysis was carried out in SPSS, and frequencies and percentages were computed. RESULTS: All respondents were married women of reproductive age (MWRA) with an average age of 30 years, with either no or very low literacy levels. During the pandemic, overall utilization of the intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) declined, while the condom remained popular. Client satisfaction remained high in both service delivery channels during a pandemic. However, some results varied vis-à-vis the residence of the client. CONCLUSIONS: All respondents were married women of reproductive age (MWRA) with an average age of 30 years, with either no or very low literacy levels. During the pandemic, overall utilization of the intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) declined, while the condom remained popular. Client satisfaction remained high in both service delivery channels during a pandemic. However, some results varied vis-à-vis the residence of the client.