Workplacebased intervention to improve knowledge on family planning and use of contraceptives among reproductive-age women workers of Avissawella export processing zone

Abstract

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Women working in export processing zones(EPZs) are reported to be involved in risky sexual behaviors leading to unwanted pregnancies which are associated with high maternal morbidity, mortality and many psychosocial issues. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the effectiveness of a workplace-based intervention to improve knowledge on family planning (FP) and prevalence of contraceptive use among reproductive-age (15 to 49 years) women workers of Avissawella EPZ. METHODS: Quasi-experimental study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a workplace-based intervention to improve knowledge on FP and use of contraceptives. Two factories, each for the intervention and control groups were selected purposively. Samples of 100 married and l00 unmarried women were randomly selected from each factory; the total sample size was 800. The intervention that was developed following a baseline assessment included lectures, video presentations, distribution of leaflets, and the establishment of peer groups for the promotion of FP and provision of modem FP methods. Baseline and follow-up evaluations were done using pretested self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square test and Mann Whitney U test were used to assess statistical significance and P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: At follow up, the overall percentage knowledge score (mean; SD) was higher (85.9; 7.1) among women in the intervention arm (IA) compared to women in the control arm (CA) (49.5; 18.4) (P<0.001)and the contraceptive prevalence rate of married women was higher( P<0.001) in IA (79%) than in CA (42.5%). CONCLUSION: This workplace-based intervention was effective in improving knowledge on FP and use of contraceptives.