Stakeholders’ perceptions of family planning programs during the COVID-19 period: A descriptive qualitative study()

AIM: The number of unintended pregnancies and the decreasing use of contraceptives during the COVID-19 pandemic are of particular concern to the national population and family planning program. The successful implementation of the family planning program cannot be carried out by the government alone. Still, it requires strong synergy with stakeholders. The difference in perceptions among stakeholders, acceptors, and the community about family planning is crucial, so qualitative research is needed to identify this matter. This study explores stakeholders’ perceptions of post-partum family planning programs and their barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: This research uses a descriptive qualitative method, with participants consisting of family planning officers, cadres of family planning units, and the head of the family planning program. The data were collected through in-depth interviews and examined using content analysis. RESULTS: The results show that health workers and community leaders cooperated at the village and sub-district levels in realising the family planning programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, services were stopped at the public health centre, especially long-term contraceptive method services. Stakeholders believe that barriers to the program's success include education level, negative perceptions, lack of training, and low trust in partners. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectoral engagement is essential in increasing participation in family planning programs. Other critical success factors are support from husbands, community leaders, and local government.