Trends in the contraceptive method mix in low- and middle-income countries: analysis using a new "average deviation" measure.

The method mix of contraceptive use is severely unbalanced in many countries, with over half of all use provided by just 1 or 2 methods. That tends to limit the range of user options and constrains the total prevalence of use, leading to unplanned pregnancies and births or abortions. Previous analyses of method mix distortions focused on countries where a single method accounted for more than half of all use (the 50% rule).

Emergency contraceptive knowledge and use among urban women in Nigeria and Kenya.

Rates of emergency contraceptive (EC) use in sub-Saharan Africa are highest in Kenya and Nigeria, although little is known about user characteristics and use dynamics in these countries. To better meet women's emergency contraceptive needs and to contribute to the limited knowledge base regarding this method in Africa, this study examines data from a sample of EC users drawn from a large, representative household survey that included sexually experienced women in urban Kenya and Nigeria. Bivariate and multivariate analyses reveal greater knowledge of EC among these urban women than was reported in other nationally representative surveys.

Provider determinants of emergency contraceptive counseling and provision in Kenya and Ethiopia.

Background: In a majority of sub-Saharan African countries, counseling and provision of emergency contraception (EC) lag behind that of developed countries. As policymakers expand EC programs in the region, an understanding of provider knowledge and bias regarding EC is critical.

Study Design: Using data from recent surveys of Kenyan and Ethiopian health care providers in bivariate analyses and multivariate logit regression models, this study assesses whether variation in provider knowledge and bias regarding EC is associated with variation in EC counseling and provision.

Is repeat use of emergency contraception common among pharmacy clients? Evidence from Kenya.

Background: As emergency contraception (EC) becomes more widely available in African pharmacies, public concern in many countries has emerged over perceived "repeat use" of the method. This study examines issues of repeat use in Kenya, a country where women almost exclusively obtain EC from pharmacies.

Study Design: Interviews were conducted with all clients who purchased EC from private pharmacies located in five urban areas across Kenya.

Can private pharmacy providers offer comprehensive reproductive health services to users of emergency contraceptives? Evidence from Nairobi, Kenya.

Objective: To evaluate the provision of reproductive health information and services to users of emergency contraceptives (ECs) by private pharmacists.

Methods: The study involved intervention (9) and control (8) pharmacies, with baseline and endline assessments of EC provision through the use of mystery clients. Intervention pharmacies received weekly updates on EC, fliers with three key messages on EC, and information, education, and communication materials.