Introduction of the Standard Days Method in CARE-Indias community-based reproductive health programs.

In India the Standard Days Method was incorporated into a USAID-funded community-based reproductive health project implemented by CARE in Uttar Pradesh. CARE community organizers selected and trained community volunteers in every village. Community volunteers conducted RH education with the assistance of auxiliary nurse midwives and provided condoms and oral contraceptives free of charge. Male volunteers also provided orientation on family planning and STIs to mens groups. The feasibility and effect of including men in counseling and targeting men for Standard Days Method promotion were tested. The study was implemented over a two and a half year period in 48 rural villages in the Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh. In half of the study communities male and female volunteers were trained to provide information on the method. In the traditional (woman focused) model information on the method was provided only by female health volunteers. In the alternative (male-involvement) model male volunteers also were trained to provide information on the method. In both models volunteers offered counseling to either women or men only or as a couple. When possible counseling was provided to the couple together. However due to social constraints counseling was sometimes provided separately to the man and woman. CARE contracted with a consulting firm TNS Mode to conduct baseline and end line surveys to determine the effect of introducing the Standard Days Method at the community level. In addition field-investigators conducted interviews with users to determine satisfaction correct use and continuation. Users were interviewed upon admission to the study and followed quarterly for up to twelve cycles when an exit interview was conducted. An exit interview was conducted in those instances where the woman stopped using the method or became pregnant. Men also were interviewed when they exited from the study. A qualitative assessment to explore the feasibility effectiveness and acceptability of involving men in providing the Standard Days Method was conducted. (excerpt)