Expanding Evidence on Person-Centered Contraceptives

This edition features new research advancing person-centered contraceptives and reproductive health. From empathy-based provider training to studies that capture real client experiences, these findings highlight the importance of user voice, compassionate care, and data-driven insights in building more equitable, responsive health systems. Featuring PSI experts and partners across Africa, this growing body of evidence is helping reimagine how health services can better meet people’s needs—on their own terms.

Acceptability and effectiveness of empathy-based provider training and community-level awareness activities on self-injectable contraceptive use in Niger, Lagos, and Oyo States, Nigeria: a mixed methods program evaluation – This study explored how empathetic counseling and coaching can help address common barriers like fear of self-injection among women interested in using subcutaneous DMPA-SC. Through the Delivering Innovation in Self-Care (DISC) project, this mixed-methods evaluation assessed an empathy-based in-service training and supportive supervision intervention for family planning providers, implemented alongside community mobilization activities. Findings offer insights into how provider empathy and person-centered care can improve acceptance and use of self-injectable contraception.

PSI Features: Dr. Claire Rothschild, SRHR Senior Research Advisor; Fauzia Tariq, SRH Senior Advisor; Julius Njogu, SRH Evidence and Learning Advisor; Dr. Susan Ontiri, Senior Technical Advisor, Research and Learning; Susannah Gibbs, Senior Technical Writer for Public Health Research; Robin Swearingen, DISC & NEXUS Senior Program Manager

Partner Authors: Oluwaseun A. Adeleke, SFH Nigeria; Michael Olubunmi Titus, SFH Nigeria; Mopelola A. Raji, SFH Nigeria; Fidelis P. Edet, SFH Nigeria

Comparative perceptions of wait times for family planning services among contraceptive users and mystery clients in Kisumu, Kenya: a mixed methods analysis – This study explored how different data collection methods capture client experiences with wait times for family planning services. Long wait times can negatively affect contraceptive access and satisfaction with care, yet conventional surveys and exit interviews may not accurately reflect actual wait durations due to recall and social desirability bias. By comparing self-reported data with observations from mystery clients, the study offers a more accurate picture of service delivery quality and highlights the value of complementary measurement approaches.

PSI Feature: Dr. Claire Rothschild, SRHR Senior Research Advisor

Authors: Stephanie Chung; Katherine Tumlinson; Brooke W. Bullington; Emilia Goland; Dickens Otieno Onyango; Leigh Senderowicz; Abigael Mwanyiro; Ben Wekesa; Brian Frizzelle B; Ginger Golub

Stay tuned for more research and insights as we continue to explore how person-centered approaches can drive more equitable, resilient health systems around the world