Providers’ perspectives of socio-cultural and health service challenges related to postpartum family planning in Alexandria, Egypt

BACKGROUND: Postpartum family planning (PPFP) focuses on prevention of unintended pregnancy and closely spaced pregnancies through the first 12 months following childbirth. Adoption of family planning during the postpartum period in Egypt faces unique challenges. This study aimed to explore the socio-cultural and health service challenges related to PPFP in Alexandria, Egypt, from perspectives of family planning providers working in public settings. METHODS: Three focus group discussions were conducted in the period from May to July 2017. It included 32 family planning physicians working in the family health centers and maternal and child health centers in Alexandria for 3 years or more. A discussion guide was prepared. Analysis of data was done using thematic data analysis using a deductive approach. RESULTS: The working experience of participants ranged from 3 to 30 years. The most frequently reported reasons for unmet need for PPFP were cultural norms about the contraceptive effects of lactation and inaccurate knowledge of women about the conditions for appropriate use of the lactation amenorrhea as a contraceptive method. The most commonly cited challenge related to the quality of service was the inadequate health education services about PPFP. Lack of training and supervision of community health workers was one of the underlying causes of the perceived inadequacy of the service. CONCLUSIONS: Mass media campaigns advocating for family planning are urgently needed with full support from the government. Improvement of health education services is a must. Redistribution of family planning providers with an increase in the staff members is highly recommended.