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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Study protocol

Study protocol: incentives for increased access to comprehensive family planning for urban youth using a benefits card in Uganda. A quasi-experimental study

Authors: Afra Nuwasiima, Elly Nuwamanya, Patricia Navvuga, Janet U. Babigumira, Francis T. Asiimwe, Solomon J. Lubinga, Joseph B. Babigumira

Published in: Reproductive Health | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

The use of contraception is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions and has the potential to prevent about 30% of maternal and 10% of child deaths in developing countries. Voucher-based initiatives for family planning are an effective and viable means of increasing contraceptive use. In this paper, we present a protocol for a pilot study of a novel incentive, a family planning benefits card (FPBC) program to increase uptake of family planning services among urban poor youth in Uganda while leveraging private sector funding.

Methods

The study employs both impact and health economic evaluation methods to assess the effect of the FPBC program. We propose a quasi-experimental study design with two separate pre- and post-samples to measure program effectiveness. The main outcome of the impact evaluation is the percentage change in the prevalence of modern contraceptive use and unmet need for contraception. We will also conduct model-based incremental cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses. The main outcomes of the economic evaluation are the cost per enrolled youth and cost per pregnancy averted, and cost per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted. We will also pilot a corporate social responsibility model of sponsorship for the FPBC program in partnership with local corporations. Budget impact analysis will examine the potential affordability of scaling up the FPBC program and the fiscal implications of this scale up to the corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets of partner corporations, the government, and the individual taxpayer.

Discussion

In this study, we propose an impact and economic evaluation to establish the proof concept of using a FPBC program to increase uptake of family planning services among urban poor youth in Uganda. The results of this study will present stakeholders in Uganda and internationally with a potentially viable option for corporate-sponsored access to family planning in urban poor communities.

Trial registration

MUREC1/7 No. 10/05-17. Registered 19th July 2017.

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Title: Study protocol: incentives for increased access to comprehensive family planning for urban youth using a benefits card in Uganda. A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Afra Nuwasiima
Elly Nuwamanya
Patricia Navvuga
Janet U. Babigumira
Francis T. Asiimwe
Solomon J. Lubinga
Joseph B. Babigumira
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Reproductive Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1742-4755
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-017-0400-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Study protocol: incentives for increased access to comprehensive family planning for urban youth using a benefits card in Uganda. A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

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