The Standard Days Method is a simple fertility awareness-based method of family planning that helps women identify the days each cycle when they are most likely to conceive. Couples who wish to prevent pregnancy avoid unprotected intercourse on these days. The method was introduced in 13 sites in Rwanda, a nation with a high level of unmet need for family planning. This was the first time the method was introduced into regular service delivery, without the rigorous follow-up of a study setting. Users of the Standard Days Method were identified from clinic records and participated in interviews and focus groups. Community workers were also interviewed. Results confirm that the Standard Days Method is easy for providers to teach and for clients to learn and correctly use. The method attracts couples who are new to family planning, and is a valuable addition to the method mix offered in Rwanda.
Background and methodology Replicating a Peruvian study, this research introduced the Standard Days Method (SDM) into Rwanda Ministry of Health clinics and evaluated client counselling on the new method against that given for contraceptive pills. Providers received technical reinforcement concerning established methods in addition to SDM training. To evaluate their quality of care, simulated clients implemented a service test in visits to 20 clinics.Results As in Peru, providers exchanged significantly more relevant information with clients who chose SDM than with those who chose pills. Also, a minority of providers posed barriers to SDM access by refusing to give SDM tools to the client until she brought her partner for consultation. ConclusionsThe findings of this study confirm that SDM counselling is generally satisfactory, although SDM training needs adjustment, and that the rigour of providers' pill counselling remains below capacity. G The requirement that the partner be present during SDM counselling must be removed.G The less detailed counselling received by pill clients shows that providers perform below capacity when they deliver this contraception method.
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