Family planning when “green” is queen: Exploring the potential for fertility awareness-based methods (FAM) in U.S. Title X clinics
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This presentation was given at the American Public Health Association in 2009 by the Institute for Reproductive Health at Georgetown University.
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Family planning when “green” is queen: Exploring the potential for fertility awareness-based methods (FAM) in U.S. Title X clinics
- 1. Family planning when “green” is queen: Exploring the potential for fertility awareness-based methods (FAM) in U.S. Title X clinics Katherine Lavoie, Myriam Hernandez-Jennings, Renee Marshall, Beatriz Reyes, Renee LaForce, Rebecka Lundgren APHA 2009
- 6. Partners
- 8. WHO Strategic Approach: 3 phases
- 9. Methods
- 12. Results
- 21. Moving to phase 2…
- 26. For more information: www.irh.org
Hinweis der Redaktion
- 7% of 62 million = 4.3 million women Title X authorizes grants “to assist in the establishment and operation of voluntary family planning projects which shall offer a broad range of acceptable and effective family planning methods and services (including natural family planning methods, infertility services, and services for adolescents).” Among perfect users of NFP, the percentage of women experiencing an unintended pregnancy during the first year of use ranges from two to five percent, depending on the method. The effectiveness of many of the NFP methods with perfect use is equal to or more effective than many other contraceptives, including the contraceptive sponge, male and female condom, diaphragm, and cervical cap. Although natural family planning (NFP) methods are explicitly referenced in the Title X statute, the utilization of NFP methods remains low among clients seeking services in Title X-funded clinics. Recent data from the Family Planning Annual Report (FPAR) show that in 2006, less than one percent of female Title X clients (9,702 females) relied on fertility awareness methods (also known as NFP) methods as their primary method of pregnancy prevention. Family Planning Annual Report (FPAR) is the only source of annual, uniform reporting by all Title X-funded services grantees. A revised FPAR data collection system was implemented in 2005, and the definition of fertility awareness methods changed at that time. The current FPAR definition stipulates that “fertility awareness method (FAM) refers to family planning methods that rely on identifying potentially fertile days in each menstrual cycle when intercourse is most likely to result in a pregnancy.” Included in this definition are: rhythm/calendar, Standard Days™, Basal Body Temperature, Cervical Mucus, and Symptothermal Methods. The percentage of Title X clients using NFP is consistent with national rates of NFP use reported by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). The percentage of women 15 – 44 years of age who stated that they currently used NFP as their current contraceptive method was also less than one percent.
- To evaluate whether integrating SDM helps to increase FAM availability and use
- Mention international experience with SDM Mention prior US experience with SDM at Planned Parenthood and Tri-City
- Strategic Approach to contraceptive introduction has been developed, tested and refined. The approach has moved from a focus on the introduction of a single technology to one that emphasizes the need to examine the entire method mix, clients’ and community members’ needs and perspectives, and the capacity of the service delivery system to provide quality services, prior to making decisions about contraceptive introduction. the introduction of contraceptive methods should focus not on a technology-driven approach, but rather on how a new method responds to peoples' needs and rights, as well as on how it enhances overall quality of care and broadens the options available to clients [1]. Systems consideration Decision to offer new method should be based on needs perceived by stakeholders Strategy should be developed through a participatory, transparent process that focuses on client needs and quality services Can increase the likelihood of sustainable, replicable services (Simmons 2007)
- Phase I: Needs assessment Phase II: SDM integration and evaluation (Research phase) Phase III: Use of research results for policy and planning
- Results of the needs assessment will be used to tailor the integration plan to the specific context.
- Study staff collected the service statistics for each of the participating clinics for 2008 (Table X). These data indicate that the number of FAM users from each of the participating clinics is negligible. However, since some providers reported teaching about FAM and/or distributing CycleBeads, FAM use is likely underreported. Managers were interviewed to assess the feasibility of SDM integration. Study staff discussed a range of issues with the managers including role of each type of staff in SDM integration, how SDM would fit into family planning counseling, what forms would be used or created to document and/or consent SDM users, type and duration of SDM training, how SDM may be incorporated into educational materials and outreach activities, paying for SDM clients, CycleBeads storage, and how clinic relationships with external organizations could help or hinder the integration process. No manager anticipated significant problems to integrate the method into systems. Existing multi-method educational materials do not include SDM. These methods are currently not in billing forms. A solution will have to be identified to ensure users are properly tracked. Written protocol and consent forms may need to be developed and integrated, but this would also be feasible. Financing was not an issue at this time because clinics could be reimbursed for counseling time for SDM, and because CycleBeads were donated by IRH. However, CycleBeads procurement was identified as an obstacle to future integration and scale up because they are not covered by insurance plans.
- A total of 24 staff involved in providing family planning services to clients were interviewed from the study clinics. This group included 8 clinicians, 3 nurses, and 13 non-clinical staff who served as counselors and health educators. Provider interviews revealed that FAM availability at the clinics was limited. At all of the clinics, the counselors and health educators lacked information about FAM and therefore were not able to offer it. In the case that a client requested a natural method, the counselor would refer the client to the clinician. Most of the clinicians indicated they had some experience offering FAM/NFP but did not offer it on a regular basis. As one clinician said, “This is not part of my counseling routine, but if someone wanted it, I’d go over it.” Some clinicians have their own way of teaching how to use NFP and have calendars they can give to patients to track their menstrual cycle. Two clinicians had undergone training on SDM and had given out a couple sets of CycleBeads.
- In general, providers at all of the clinics were in favor of offering a FAM – and in particular, the SDM – in order to meet the needs of their clients seeking such a method. “The more options available to our clients, the better,” was a sentiment echoed by staff at all of the sites. Nearly all providers said they would be very comfortable offering SDM and having their clients use it, although some added a caveat, such as “as long as the client is comfortable with the risks involved and has all the information necessary,” and “as long as the patient is responsible.” In particular, the Modesto site serves a large Hispanic and Catholic population among whom staff felt the method would be well accepted. Modesto staff also mentioned that the method might appeal to migrant workers because the method requires no follow-up or resupply. At the Lawrence site, providers mentioned that there were many myths about birth control and fear of side effects, particularly among the first generation Latino immigrant community and therefore they might be interested in the method in particular. Outreach staff at the Lawrence site said they had already been talking about the method in community talks and found that it has sparked interest, saying “people are always very eager to hear about it when I bring it up.”
- Providers cited various factors that may inhibit FAM availability and uptake. Some providers were skeptical about the effectiveness of FAM, and one provider said that she would offer FAM only to someone who couldn’t use hormones or was seeking pregnancy. Providers also had concerns about client’s interest in and ability to use SDM. They thought that lower effectiveness rates for FAM might discourage potential users, and that clients’ general lack of fertility awareness might result in a lack of confidence in the method. Some providers thought that the method would not work for some women who might forget to track their menstrual cycle daily using CycleBeads, or who had multiple partners. One mentioned that the people who would be most likely to want the method would not be likely to visit the clinic. More than one provider thought that the method might not be appropriate for teens due to their maturity level.
- Participants in all the focus groups said they knew of some if not many women who wished to avoid a pregnancy but were not using a family planning method. The main reasons they stated for this included fear or dislike of side effects caused by hormonal methods, lack of confidence in methods due to past method failure, and belief that they will not get pregnant. They also mentioned that difficulty remembering to take a pill every day, laziness and/or procrastination to go to the clinic or use a method, and male reluctance to use condoms or get a vasectomy were reasons why some couples did not use a method. Additional reasons for not using a method included lack of knowledge of method options, perceived cost, and the fact that intercourse was unplanned. One group mentioned the teachings of the Catholic faith as a factor. Here is a sample of quotes: “ I’ve tried a couple of different birth control methods and I haven’t liked a lot of them. I have bad reactions.” “ Me personally, I never have time to go to the doctor to get birth control, and I didn’t have any health insurance for a period of time.” “ My boyfriend thinks that it’s my responsibility to find protection or get birth control. He doesn’t like condoms.” “ For some women, methods do not work. So they do not want to use anything.” “ I [know someone] who can’t remember to take the pill, so she just took herself off of it.”
- Participants in all the groups felt there was a need for new family planning methods in order to have more choices. They stated that the ideal method would be highly effective, natural with no hormones or side effects, non-invasive, safe, and inexpensive. Participants expressed the desire for a method that did not require daily action (so that forgetfulness would not adversely affect method use) and that only needed to be obtained once a year. “ Another option is good. People can try it.” “ Oh yes, we need something new. At least, I am tired of the pill.” “ [An ideal method is] something without hormones, that is natural, without bad side effects.” “ [I’d like something with] no side effects, weight gain, mood changes, or irregular bleeding, etc.” “ I don’t like the idea of something in me all the time and that I can’t take out.” “ An ideal method is one that works and you don’t have to work too hard to keep track of it.” “ I think it would be great for males to have to take on some of the responsibility as well, so that it is two people, especially when you are in a relationship.”
- The facilitator of each focus group then told the participants about the Standard Days Method and CycleBeads and explained how the method works. Participants in all the groups thought there would be some women who would choose SDM, and some of them even mentioned that they would be interested in using it. They listed advantages of the method as the fact that it is non hormonal and has no side effects, it can help women learn about how their bodies work, and it can involve their partners. Participants also cited other advantages to the method including that it was economical, easy to use, and reusable and long-lasting. However, participants observed disadvantages to the method as well. For example, they acknowledged that it would not be appropriate for women with irregular menstrual cycles, and they stated that many women – particularly teens – might not be conscientious enough or have enough self discipline to use the method correctly. Participants also indicated that that some women would not have confidence in the method due to lack of understanding of the menstrual cycle and that SDM would not appeal to those seeking a highly effective method. Here are some representative quotes about SDM/CycleBeads from focus group participants: “ Personally, I like it a lot.” “ I always wanted to do the calendar thing, but never knew how.” “ I like this method because I cannot use hormones.” “ I think I would worry about having unprotected sex at any point – it is nerve wracking to me.” “ I am not quite convinced yet. I may need more time. I am afraid to get pregnant.” “ It’s natural, easy, simple. I can ask my partner, ‘Honey, move the little thing for me.’” (referring to the black ring on CycleBeads) “ You can involve men. This is something visual.” “ My husband will be very happy that he does not have to pull out. You really need good communication son when you tell him we are in the [fertile days] he will know what to do.” “ It’s a great educational tool, if anything. I never new, none of us knew, the exact dates [when a woman is fertile].” “ My sister might like it – she’s a vegetarian and rides her bike.”
- There is interest in the SDM. It appeals to those who wish to avoid pregnancy but do not wish to use hormones due to side effects or other reasons. Providers are open to offering SDM as it is simple to teach, would expand options, and would meet the needs of their clients – they will need to integrate it into their counseling and offer it to all who come in who don’t know what kind of method they want. The SDM may not be appropriate for clients who desire a highly effective method, who are unable to communicate with their partners about sex, or who cannot remember to move the ring on CycleBeads. There are no barriers to method integration from a systems perspective.