Digitalization of Family Planning Services: A Reality or Fantasy? (Published)
This position paper examines the changing environment of digitalizing family planning services, investigating how established healthcare paradigms might be transformed via the incorporation of new technology. The increasing use of digital technologies in the healthcare sector has brought attention to the provision of family planning services, leading to an examination of the practicality and achievability of this technological advancement. The study explores several aspects of this discussion, such as the present condition of family planning services, technical advancements, obstacles to digitalization, user viewpoints, and policy deliberations. The story begins by analysing the wider digitalization patterns in healthcare, setting the stage for the convergence of technology and reproductive health. The study critically examines the significance of digital technologies in family planning, including both the potential advantages and difficulties they may provide. It tackles the obstacles related to privacy, access, and cultural factors, in contrast to the optimistic potential of developing technology. The article showcases case studies and success stories that demonstrate the effectiveness of digital family planning, offering significant insights for future implementation. The report finishes by endorsing a series of policy proposals designed to navigate the complex interaction between technology, ethics, and healthcare infrastructure. These proposals prioritise the need of explicit rules, purposeful investments in digital literacy and accessibility, and smooth integration into current healthcare systems. This study examines the digitization of family planning services, highlighting its role as both a technical innovation and a potential driver of social change. It emphasises the importance of individual empowerment and well-being in discussions about reproductive health.
Keywords: : digitalization, Family Planning, family planning services
Sperm Switch: A New Trend in Reducing Maternal Mortality (Published)
The study looked at the emerging practice of switching sperm to reduce maternal mortality in Ekiti State. Secondary data from the chosen health facilities in Ekiti State was used in the study. The major beneficiaries of family planning programs have historically been women, and men have been seen as the services’ invisible partners. The study’s ideas included male involvement in family planning, the effect caused by sperm switching on family planning, its difficulties, ways to use sperm switching to lower maternal death rates, and the responsibilities of midwives and the government in the process. The study’s implications for nursing practice are that nurses and midwives undergoing training should be able to apply the sperm switch approach, and nurses should conduct additional research on new trends in family planning, particularly sperm switching, as well as the advantages of male involvement in family planning. The suggestion is that political commitment, priorities, effective governance, and enough financing should be given top priority. In addition, men should receive advice regarding the reversibility of the sperm switch method, and more awareness should be raised regarding the sperm switch strategy’s positive effects on health when used with male contraceptives for family planning.
Keywords: Contraceptive, Family Planning, Health, Maternal Mortality, Men, Midwife, sperm switch
Awareness and Utilisation of Family Planning Among Postpartum Women in Ondo State, Nigeria (Published)
This study investigates the awareness and utilisation of family planning among postpartum women attending postnatal clinics in selected health centers in Ifedore Local Government, Ondo State. The objectives include determining sources of information, examining common methods used, and assessing knowledge, utilisation, and perceived attitudes of workers regarding family planning. A descriptive design was employed, and the target population comprised women aged 15 to 49, 1 week–12 months postpartum, accessing child health services from three selected health centers. The sample size of 234 was determined using Cochran’s formula, with data collected through a self-structured questionnaire. Validity and reliability were ensured through expert assessment and a pilot study. Analysis using SPSS 27.0 involved percentages, tables, and chi-square tests. The findings revealed commendable understanding of family planning services among women of reproductive age, although utilisation remained inadequate. Factors contributing to this included low socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, and limited education. Despite these challenges, the study highlights the potential for positive outcomes in the future, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive understanding of family planning services. Recommendations include enhancing community education on the benefits of smaller families and women empowerment, promoting gender balance, and emphasizing immediate initiation of family planning postpartum in healthcare settings. These initiatives aim to address barriers and promote the use of family planning methods among women in the study area.
Keywords: Family Planning, Postpartum Women, Utilisation, awareness