Deficiencies in the provision and the barriers in accessing family planning services for women working in Avissawella export processing zone

Abstract

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Women working in export processing zones (EPZs) are reported to have risky sexual behaviors leading to unwanted pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to describe the deficiencies in the provision and the barriers in accessing family planning (FP) services for reproductive age women working in Avissawella EPZ. METHODS: Deficiencies in provision and barriers in accessing FP services were explored and described by individual interviews and focus group discussions conducted with a purposively selected sample of 55 comprised of EPZ workers, factory managers and healthcare workers. A semi-structured interviewer guide was used. Thematic analysis of data was done using inductive method. RESULTS: Non-availability of FP services after working hours was the main perceived deficiency in service provision and high opportunity cost for visiting clinics for FP services was the main barrier in accessing FP services among women working in Avissawella EPZ. No major bad comments on the staff, availability of contraceptive items of infrastructure facilities were given although overcrowding and need for improvement of privacy of clients and punctuality of the staff were highlighted by some women. They had more trust on government services than the private sector. Myths and misconceptions were not enormously highlighted as barriers to use of contraceptives. Side effects were seemed to be having a higher impact on non-use of contraceptives. Importance of use of social media to disseminate to be having a higher impact on reproductive health and FP among workers in EPZs was highlighted. CONCLUSION: There is a need for workplace based client friendly FP service integrated with other health services.