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Men As Contraceptive Users: Programs, Outcomes And Recommendations, Karen Hardee, Melanie Croce-Galis, Jill Gay Jan 2016

Men As Contraceptive Users: Programs, Outcomes And Recommendations, Karen Hardee, Melanie Croce-Galis, Jill Gay

Reproductive Health

Knowledge about reaching men as clients of family planning services in today’s programming environment is still limited. This report reviews 47 current activities, programs, and evidence that affect men’s use of contraceptive methods. The review includes three methods that men use directly, namely condoms, vasectomy, and withdrawal, and one that requires their direct cooperation, namely the Standard Days Method. Evidence comes from: a review of published and grey literature documentation of interventions focused on men as users of contraception in low- and middle-income countries; and interviews with organizations and institutions that are conducting programming and research in the area of …


Day Of Dialogue: Sharing Insights And Evidence On The Female Condom In Ghana, Population Council Jan 2009

Day Of Dialogue: Sharing Insights And Evidence On The Female Condom In Ghana, Population Council

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

This report details a female condom meeting hosted by the Population Council in Ghana on November 24, 2008. Twenty-eight participants representing 17 organizations were in attendance. Meeting presentations included: Female Condom for Programs: Historical Overview; Considerations for Female Condom Strategic Planning; FC-2 Female Condoms; The Female Condom in Ghana: Current State of Affairs; Strategic Planning for FC: What Makes Success? A question-and-answer session was included, as was an analysis exercise, in which participants discussed and outlined the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that should be considered as we move forward with the development of a strategic plan to promote the …


Female-Initiated Prevention: Integrating Female Condoms Into Hiv Risk-Reduction Activities In Kenya, Population Council, Liverpool Vct Care & Treatment Jan 2009

Female-Initiated Prevention: Integrating Female Condoms Into Hiv Risk-Reduction Activities In Kenya, Population Council, Liverpool Vct Care & Treatment

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

The Female Condom (FC) is the only female-initiated prevention product on the market today that provides simultaneous protection against STIs, including HIV, and unintended pregnancy. However, the FC remains limited in supply, not widely available, and underutilized in many settings. Improvements in FC programming are essential to achieve increased uptake and public health impact, and to pave the way for future women’s HIV prevention products. The Population Council’s Female-Initiated Prevention Methods project aimed to stimulate action and generate evidence around FC access through innovative program experimentation. The study was conducted to understand the challenges and opportunities these different access models …


Female-Initiated Prevention Methods (Fipm) In Kenya: Focus On The Female Condom, Martha Brady Jan 2008

Female-Initiated Prevention Methods (Fipm) In Kenya: Focus On The Female Condom, Martha Brady

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

As noted in this brief, the female condom (FC) is the only female-initiated prevention product that provides simultaneous protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Although available for more than a decade, the FC remains limited in supply, not readily available, and underutilized. Obstacles to widespread availability and use are often generalized (e.g., high costs, resistance of partners, or unavailability). With the upcoming second generation of FCs—and ultimately microbicides—being added to female-initiated prevention methods, the need to overcome these impediments with concrete solutions is critical. Government and donor commitment to long-term, sustained supply and program support is essential. …


The Female Condom In Ghana: Exploring The Current State Of Affairs And Gauging Potential For Enhanced Promotion, Reshma Naik, Martha Brady Jan 2008

The Female Condom In Ghana: Exploring The Current State Of Affairs And Gauging Potential For Enhanced Promotion, Reshma Naik, Martha Brady

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

The female condom (FC) is the only safe and effective female-initiated method that provides simultaneous protection against unintended pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. An exploratory exercise was conducted by the Population Council to gain an understanding of the current and historical landscape of FC procurement, distribution, and programming in Ghana and to explore the viability of enhancing national FC promotion. The exercise revealed that a large-scale launch of the FC occurred in Ghana in 2000 and was largely successful in raising product awareness; however, uptake remained low. Momentum has waned since the initial launch and financial …


Increasing Dual Protection Among Rickshaw Pullers In Bangladesh, Ismat Bhuiya, Mizanur Rahman, Ubaidur Rob, M.E. Khan, K.M. Zahiduzzaman Jan 2007

Increasing Dual Protection Among Rickshaw Pullers In Bangladesh, Ismat Bhuiya, Mizanur Rahman, Ubaidur Rob, M.E. Khan, K.M. Zahiduzzaman

Reproductive Health

The main objective of this study, conducted in six urban clinics of Dhaka, Bangladesh was to increase contraceptive use among rickshaw pullers, with special emphasis on condom use. The study tested two strategies to increase access to family planning and reproductive health (RH) information and services: a) an educational campaign together with improved availability of condoms; and b) an educational campaign alone. Findings show that rickshaw pullers’ knowledge on contraceptive methods increased significantly in both the experimental sites compared to the control site. Use of any contraceptive method increased significantly in the experimental sites, and condom use increased significantly in …


Emergency Contraception, Female Condoms And Iuds In Kenya's Public Sector: Findings From A National Diagnostic Assessment, Jill Keesbury, Benter Owino, Spike Bradford Jan 2007

Emergency Contraception, Female Condoms And Iuds In Kenya's Public Sector: Findings From A National Diagnostic Assessment, Jill Keesbury, Benter Owino, Spike Bradford

Reproductive Health

In 2005, the Kenya Ministry of Health, Department of Reproductive Health (DRH), began an initiative to strengthen the provision of emergency contraception (EC) in the public sector. As a first step, 700,000 units of the dedicated EC product Postinor 2 were procured by UNFPA for use in government facilities and select providers were trained on its administration. In 2006, the DRH requested assistance from ECafrique, the African Forum on Emergency Contraception, to expand access to the product. This report documents the results of a diagnostic assessment conducted at the outset of this initiative. It examines the provision and utilization of …


Condom Use And Abstinence Among Unmarried Young People In Zimbabwe: Which Strategy, Whose Agenda?, Ravai Marindo, Steve Pearson, John B. Casterline Jan 2003

Condom Use And Abstinence Among Unmarried Young People In Zimbabwe: Which Strategy, Whose Agenda?, Ravai Marindo, Steve Pearson, John B. Casterline

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

This paper compares the views about abstinence and condom use expressed by young people in Zimbabwe in focus-group discussions with the views underlying national policies and religious and traditional beliefs. Young people’s decisions to adopt one or the other of these risk-reduction strategies may not necessarily indicate genuine individual choices, but rather their deference to adults’ interests as they understand those interests. Policymakers and traditional and Christian leaders promote abstinence as the exclusive strategy for all young people, whereas nongovernmental organizations and the private sector promote condom use. Evidence from the focus-group discussions indicates that adolescents are aware of this …


Using Men As Community-Based Distributors Of Condoms, Cynthia P. Green, Stephanie Joyce, James R. Foreit Jan 2002

Using Men As Community-Based Distributors Of Condoms, Cynthia P. Green, Stephanie Joyce, James R. Foreit

Reproductive Health

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has led program managers to seek approaches to family planning (FP) that will also help combat HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These approaches include use of simplified STI diagnosis and treatment protocols and promotion of male and female condoms. One aspect of condom promotion that is receiving increased attention is the idea of adding men to community-based distribution (CBD) programs. The male latex condom is the only contraceptive method that, when used correctly and consistently, provides protection against STIs, including HIV/AIDS. Currently, an estimated 6 to 9 billion male condoms are used worldwide annually. However, …


The Female Condom: Dynamics Of Use In Urban Zimbabwe, Horizons Program Jan 2002

The Female Condom: Dynamics Of Use In Urban Zimbabwe, Horizons Program

HIV and AIDS

In July 1997, Population Services International (PSI), at the request of the Zimbabwe National AIDS Coordination Programme, launched a social marketing program for the female condom in Zimbabwe. The campaign's intended audience was women in long-term relationships. To avoid the stigma associated with condoms and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, PSI marketed the female condom as a family planning product under the brand name Care™. Approximately one year after the start of the female condom social marketing campaign, the Horizons Program and PSI conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study of female condom users, male condom users, and nonusers of either …


South Africa: Providers Should Encourage Sexually Active Youth To Use Condoms, Frontiers In Reproductive Health Jan 2001

South Africa: Providers Should Encourage Sexually Active Youth To Use Condoms, Frontiers In Reproductive Health

Reproductive Health

To assess the effectiveness of youth centers in reaching adolescents with reproductive health information, life skills, and services, the Reproductive Health Research Unit in KwaZulu Natal and the Population Council conducted an assessment of 12 youth centers and their affiliated peer education programs. The centers were run by the KwaZulu Natal Department of Health, the loveLife program, and the Youth and Adolescent Reproductive Health Program. Researchers also examined young people’s use of condoms as protection against pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. Data sources for this study, conducted in 2000, were an inventory of youth center services, interviews with center staff and clients, …


Acceptability Of The Female Condom After A Social Marketing Campaign In Campinas, Brazil, Horizons Program Jan 2001

Acceptability Of The Female Condom After A Social Marketing Campaign In Campinas, Brazil, Horizons Program

HIV and AIDS

The female condom is a relatively new product that is intended to serve the dual role of protecting against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Recent research has found moderate to high levels of initial trial and acceptance of the female condom among women. However, information is lacking about its continued use, particularly among women at high risk of HIV and other STIs. The female condom was registered in Brazil in January 1997 and since then has been available commercially through DKT, a social marketing organization. In addition to socially marketed female condoms, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has …


Zambia: Peer Educators Can Promote Safer Sex Behaviors, Frontiers In Reproductive Health Jan 2001

Zambia: Peer Educators Can Promote Safer Sex Behaviors, Frontiers In Reproductive Health

Reproductive Health

Zambian adolescents are at high risk of unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV infection due to early sexual initiation, low use of contraceptives and condoms, and other high-risk sexual behaviors. During 1996–1998, CARE Zambia and the Population Council conducted a study to test community-based approaches to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health. CARE Zambia talked to adolescents in four communities outside Lusaka. Using participatory learning and action techniques, researchers identified factors leading to high-risk sexual behaviors, including lack of economic, recreational, and educational opportunities for youth. This information helped to design the study. Two interventions—condom distribution by peer …


Zambia: Los Educadores Juveniles Pueden Promover Comportamientos Sexuales Más Seguros, Frontiers In Reproductive Health Jan 2001

Zambia: Los Educadores Juveniles Pueden Promover Comportamientos Sexuales Más Seguros, Frontiers In Reproductive Health

Reproductive Health

Los adolescentes de Zambia corren un alto riesgo de embarazos no deseados, infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) e infección por el VIH debido a la iniciación sexual temprana, el bajo uso de anticonceptivos y condones, y otros comportamientos sexuales de alto riesgo. Durante 1996–98, CARE Zambia, con el apoyo del Population Council, realizó un estudio para probar estrategias comunitarias para mejorar la salud sexual y reproductiva de los adolescentes. CARE Zambia habló con los adolescentes de cuatro comunidades ubicadas fuera de Lusaka. Los investigadores identificaron, mediante técnicas de aprendizaje y acción participativos, un gran número de factores que producen comportamientos …


The Female Condom: Dynamics Of Use In Urban Zimbabwe, Deanna Kerrigan, Steve Mobley, Naomi Rutenberg, Andrew A. Fisher, Ellen Weiss Jan 2000

The Female Condom: Dynamics Of Use In Urban Zimbabwe, Deanna Kerrigan, Steve Mobley, Naomi Rutenberg, Andrew A. Fisher, Ellen Weiss

HIV and AIDS

In July 1997, Population Services International (PSI), at the request of the Zimbabwe National AIDS Coordination Programme, launched a social marketing program for the female condom in Zimbabwe. To avoid stigma associated with condoms and STI prevention, the female condom was marketed as a family planning product or “contraceptive sheath” under the brand name “Care.” It was initially sold through pharmacies and clinics at a heavily subsidized retail price of US $0.24 for two; distribution has since expanded to other urban outlets, including supermarkets and convenience stores. Approximately one year after the start of the social marketing program, the Horizons …


The Female Condom In Zimbabwe: The Interplay Of Research, Advocacy, And Government Action, Population Council Jan 1999

The Female Condom In Zimbabwe: The Interplay Of Research, Advocacy, And Government Action, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

During the past decade, a significant increase in reported cases of HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe prompted the government, local organizations, and international donors to intensify prevention efforts. As part of this response, in November 1996 Zimbabwe’s National AIDS Coordinating Programme invited Population Services International to launch a social marketing program to promote the female condom, making this protective device widely available for the first time in Africa. After an acceptability study showed that Zimbabwean men and women liked using the female condom, leaders of these organizations encouraged public discussion and media attention, which helped pave the way to approval and introduction …


Youth Talk About Sexuality: A Participatory Assessment Of Adolescent Sexual And Reproductive Health In Lusaka, Zambia, Tamara Fetters, Evans Mupela, Naomi Rutenberg Jan 1998

Youth Talk About Sexuality: A Participatory Assessment Of Adolescent Sexual And Reproductive Health In Lusaka, Zambia, Tamara Fetters, Evans Mupela, Naomi Rutenberg

Reproductive Health

Thirty-six percent of Zambia’s 9 million inhabitants are between 10 and 19 years of age, and most adolescents are sexually active by their mid-teens. Pregnant teenagers have an elevated risk of maternal mortality and complications related to birth. In 1990, at Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital, self-induced abortion accounted for up to 30 percent of maternal mortality, and one-quarter of these deaths occurred in women under 18 years. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major health problem for adolescents, yet only a small proportion protect themselves from pregnancy and STIs. There are many barriers to improving the situation, including opposition by …


Contraceptives And Common Sense: Conventional Methods Reconsidered, Judith Bruce, S. Bruce Schearer Jan 1979

Contraceptives And Common Sense: Conventional Methods Reconsidered, Judith Bruce, S. Bruce Schearer

Reproductive Health

Since the 1960s, the solution to contraception problems has been based increasingly on complexity, not simplicity. The oral contraceptive was developed in the late 1950s using newly discovered synthetic hormones that act in intricate ways on glands in the brain. Intrauterine devices were widely introduced in the 1960s in a host of scientifically engineered configurations that act inside a woman’s uterus. Nearly half of all married couples in the United States who use some method of contraception use either the pill or IUD. In examining emerging social trends and considering the special needs of some large groups for better contraceptives—adolescents, …