Family planning research
Marie Stopes International (MSI) is undertaking a range of collaborative research in order to better understand how to increase access to and acceptability of modern contraception for those who choose to space or limit the number of children they have.

In many of our countries, the national research team is setting up tracking systems or conducting surveys and focus group discussions to identify the factors underlying contraceptive uptake, discontinuation and failure. Research is integral to all levels, including:

• identifying areas where unmet need is highest
• evaluating the impact of different service delivery models
• increasing uptake of modern family planning methods.

Internationally, MSI is undertaking the following research:

• cohort studies in order to follow clients and assess complication and failure rates of different contraceptive methods. Current research in Malawi and Kenya focuses on comparing the outcomes associated with tubal ligations (female sterilisation) delivered in MSI clinics with those provided through mobile services (outreach)
• clinical research (including randomised controlled trials and clinical audits) to ensure that clinical practice is reaching quality standards and is evidence-based
• tracking contraceptive discontinuation rates. It is important to increase access to long-term methods of family planning such as the IUD. But client follow-up is equally important in order to understand discontinuation rates and identify potential areas for improvement in quality of care. MSI is undertaking a large-scale tracking of IUD discontinuation in Asia. MSI is also collaborating with Family Heath International to implement a tracking system for implants in Africa in order to track side effects and identify factors associated with high discontinuation levels
• qualitative research in Asia and Africa into post-abortion family planning. Findings from a study in India suggest that medical abortion is particularly associated with low levels of post-abortion family planning. In the future, MSI also plans to explore the area of post-partum family planning.
• formative research in West Africa into the behavioural and social factors which influence first time contraceptive use in countries with low contraceptive prevalence rates.

Find out more about MSI's Research and Metrics programme.

Key findings from Marie Stopes Ligations complication rates and client satisfaction in Malawi:

• among the 164 Marie Stopes Ligation procedures performed as part of this study, no severe complications were experienced
• there were 5 cases of minor complications including intra-haemmorhage, mild infection, mild wound breakdown and burst sutures. None required hospital referral
• 91% of clients reported being very satisfied with their procedure.

Related research


MSI Case Studies: MSI’s impact on fertility decline in Nepal
Asma Balal



 MSI Case Studies: MSI in Uganda: addressing gaps in family planning access
Asma Balal and Erica Nelson



Research & Analysis 1: Marie Stopes Ligations: complication rates and client satisfaction in Malawi
Angela Chipeta-Khonje, Soumitro Ghosh, Nick Corby and Thoai Ngo