Quality assessment of family planning services in urban health centers of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University, 2004.

Purpose: Quality of family planning services is now considered as a global concern and importance. The purpose of the present study is to assess quality of family planning services in the urbanhealth centers of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University.

Design/methodology/approach: This was a descriptive study to assess structure, process and outcome of the family planning care services. A total of 15 health centers of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University were randomized and the quality of provided care by 65 family planning care providers of these health centers were observed and assessed using checklists. A total of 75 family planning clients were interviewed to assess their knowledge about their selected family planning method all of whom completed the related forms of satisfaction with the services. The tools for data collection were two observational checklists, and two questionnaires with subsequent data analyzed using SPSS 11.5. In total 75 clients with an average age 24 (7 +/- 4) (mean +/- SD) participated in the study. The provision of family planning services by 65 providers was assessed by observation at three intervals. Of the providers, 60 (92.3 per cent) were midwives.

Findings: Mean satisfaction score of clients was 83.3 +/- 9.05 percent meaning clients were highly satisfied with the services. Mean knowledge score of clients about their family planning method of use was 59.1 +/- 18 percent, which shows their moderate knowledge about their method of use.

Originality/value: A more advanced tool to assess quality of care of family planning services with more focus on special care for the contraceptives was developed. Quality of care in family planning services of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University health centers showed adequate facilities and equipment and to have trained personnel however their client's knowledge about the selected method was moderate. Therefore, interventional programs are needed to improve counseling and the educational process of clients, which should be considered in future research and planning of the programs.