A comparative study of community based distribution of contraceptives (CBD) and integrated maternal and child health family planning programs in two communities in Meru - Kenya

Abstract

A comparative community-based cross-sectional study of Family Planning (F/P) programs in two communities within Meru District, Kenya has been presented. The evaluation study entailed obtaining vital information leading to clients' satisfaction and confidence with F/P program services such as the accessibility, availability and acceptability as well as clients' willingness to pay for such F/P service. Family Planning clients chosen into the study were traced back to their homes for the interview. A total of 546 F/P clients were interviewed, of these 177 were from Chogoria Hospital 3 peripheral clinics, 159 form community based distribution of contraceptives (CBD) attached to the above clinics, and 210 from Meru District Hospital 3 peripheral clinics. 90 percent of clients were satisfied with F/P services and expressed willingness to pay. It was found that it is easier to receive F/P supplies in terms of time spent through CBD than through clinic based program. Clients spent the longest total time when receiving FIP services in Meru Hospital clinic program (131.59 . minutes) than in Chogoria hospital clinic program (66. 97 minutes) and Chogoria CBD program ( 45.83 minutes). 22 CBD distributors, who were community health workers were interviewed. Information gathered was used in the calculation of the distributors'

opportunity costs while delivering services. The 9Pportunity costs to the distributor in Chogoria CBD per client served was found to be Kenya Shillings (Kshs) 2.50. This was approximately a half of the Kshs 4.93, clients in Chogoria CBD program were willing to pay for services per contact with distributor. It is recommended that a further study be done to determine the optimum affordable price that wound apply to clients on the national perspective.