Percent of the population who know of at least one source of modern contraceptive services and/or supplies

Percent of the population who know of at least one source of modern contraceptive services and/or supplies

Percent of the population who know of at least one source of modern contraceptive services and/or supplies

“Modern” family planning (FP) methods refer to the following: pill, intrauterine device, implant, injectable, condom (male and female), spermicide, diaphragm, patch, vaginal ring, sponge, cervical cap, lactational amenorrhea method, emergency contraception, standard days method, basal body temperature method, TwoDay method, symptothermal method, and sterilization (tubal ligation and vasectomy).  Sources of modern contraceptives services and/or supplies will vary by location.  They may be public or private and may include health facilities, pharmacies and community-based distributors along with non-traditional sources such as hair stylists, taxi drivers, and shopkeepers.

This indicator is calculated as:

(# of people surveyed/interviewed who know of at least one source of modern contraceptive services and/or supplies / total # of people surveyed/interviewed ) x 100

Data Requirement(s):

Sex and age disaggregation. Typically this indicator is asked among those aged 15-49.  In addition to knowing the stated source of modern contraceptives services and/or supplies, evaluators may want to ask what methods can be obtained via these sources.  Respondents should not be prompted when asked to name a location where they can obtain modern contraceptives.

For evaluators looking specifically at private sector involvement in FP, a suggested modification to this indicator would be, “Percent of the population who know of at least one private sector source of modern contraceptive services and/or supplies.”

Population-based survey

Increasing use of modern contraceptives requires user knowledge of where to obtain modern methods. This indicator provides program managers with a basis for assessing whether promotional or awareness-raising activities are required to educate men and women on where they can obtain modern FP methods as well as how successful demand promotion has been.  This indicator also provides information on gender and age differences on where to obtain modern FP methods.

Asking respondents to name a specific location prevents respondents from giving false affirmative answers to please the interviewer.  However, this indicator does not measure knowledge or use of FP services.

access, communication, family planning, knowledge

MEASURE Evaluation, USAID. 2007. A Guide for Monitoring and Evaluating Population-Health-Environment Programs. Washington DC: USAID.

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