Determining the Effects of Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) on Family Planning Uptake in an Integrated FP/TB/HIV Program in Eastern Province, Zambia

Bamikale Feyisetan, Academy for Educational Development (AED)
Jane Alaii, Academy for Educational Development (AED)
Theresa Hwang, CARE USA
Brian Kanyika, CARE Zambia

Integrating family planning (FP) and HIV programs provides opportunities to strengthen weak FP programs, reposition FP in an era of large scale HIV programs, facilitates FP service provision to HIV-infected individuals and helps to avert unintended pregnancies and consequently reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV. . The study, implemented in Eastern Province of Zambia, aims to determine the effects of community-informed communication strategies on FP uptake and related gender norms. The study participants include HIV-infected and non-infected residents of Mwase Lundazi randomly selected from VCT records and ART registers. Data are obtained from service records, community-based surveys and qualitative studies. The effects of SBCC are measured through a single time series research design with sequential introduction of SBCC interventions. Pre-and post-intervention data are collected and analyzed. Preliminary results suggest positive effects of SBCC interventions on FP uptake and gender norms among both HIV infected and non-infected individuals.