Facilitators and barriers to modern contraception use among reproductive-aged (15-49) women living in sub-Saharan Africa: A qualitative systematic review protocol

Article type
Authors
Aviisah MA1, Norman ID2, Adjei G3, Enuameh Y4
1The Kintampo Health Research Centre: A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence; School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe,
2The Kintampo Health Research Centre: A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence; School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe,
3The Kintampo Health Research Centre: A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence
4The Kintampo Health Research Centre: A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Abstract
Background: Most women, predominantly in the developing world are unable to practice contraception. In much of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), 55 million reproductive aged women (15-49) have an unmet need for modern contraceptive methods.Globally, enabling women to meet their pregnancy preferences has become a priority on the development agenda. Access to and utilisation of modern contraception by women especially those who want to delay or stop childbearing has been the focus of most international family planning programmes. Understanding the facilitators and barriers of modern contraceptive use among women remains critical to formulating effective policies and programmes for combating high unmet need in the sub region. To successfully meet women’s modern contraceptive needs, governments and stakeholders must address a number of factors.
Objectives:The main objective of this qualitative review is to synthesise the best-available evidence on facilitators and barriers to modern contraception use among reproductive-aged (15-49 years) women living in SSA.
Methods: A systematic review of published literature will be performed by searching Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, POPLINE, Web of Science, ProQuest Social Services Abstracts and SCOPUS.The search for unpublished studies will include: World Bank website, World Health Organization website, UNICEF website, World Bank website, ProQuest Sociological Abstracts and Dissertations and MedNar to retrieve qualitative studies that include both married and unmarried reproductive-aged women (15-49 years) reporting on the experiences related to facilitators and barriers to modern contraception use among reproductive-aged women. Data will be extracted from papers included in the review using the standardised data-extraction tool from JBI-QARI. Findings will, where possible, be pooled using JBI-QARI.
Results: Anticipated findings will include synthesised evidence on the diverse facilitators and barriers to modern contraceptive use in SSA. Conclusions: Recommendations will be made to diverse stakeholders based on the findings for further reviews, primary research, and programme implementation to improve modern contraceptive uptake in SSA.