Implementation processes of emergency contraception in Tanzania: the case of three wards of Nyamagana district- Mwanza

Abstract

Background The reproductive health hazards of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions are well documented. The potential of emergency contraceptives to prevent unplanned pregnancy in developed countries has been described, but in developing countries, the awareness about the method is poor. In Tanzania, awareness and knowledge regarding emergency contraception is also reported to be poor and largely remain to serve victims of sexual violence, an indication that access to information regarding emergency contraception is poor to many women and girls who need it. Objective The aim of this study was to describe the implementation processes of emergency contraception service in Tanzania in order to identify the gap, reasons and challenges for low accessibility of emergency contraceptives among women and young girls. Methods This was a qualitative purposive study conducted at three wards of Nyamagana District -Mwanza from March to April 2013. In-depth interview, exit interviews and Focus Group Discussions were the main technique for data collection. Respondents were obtained through purposive sampling and content analysis was used to analyze the collected data. Results The study found that the service is passively provided. Integration of the EC service with family planning services and inadequate knowledge about ECPs were some of the factors that impede effective implementation and accessibility of EC service. Conclusions and Recommendations Emergency contraception (EC) is an effective and safe method of preventing pregnancy. On strength of the concerns evolving around the ECPs and family planning in general, reproductive health education should be reinforced at schools, communities and health facilities to empower people with factual information regarding family planning and ECP.