Measuring Family Planning Program Effort at the Provincial Level: A Vietnam Application

Abstract

This study compared and assessed provincial family planning program operations in Viet Nam. Data were obtained from a standardized questionnaire among respondents and from 8 government officials. Data were collected for 15 provinces during October-December 1996 and compared to Thai Binh province. Comparison subgroups include policy and administrative support private sector involvement program operations evaluation and record-keeping and method availability. Findings indicate that the overall mean program score was 2.5 for other provinces and 3.6 for Thai Binh. The range was from 1.9 for Dac Lac to 3.1 for Dong Thap. Some provinces showed erratic performance. Programs scored highest on measures of policy and administrative support followed by freedom to advertise community-based distribution and postabortion contraception. Scores varied widely in outreach. Scores were low for private sector programs social marketing and use of incentives. Most women had a limited range of contraceptives to choose from. Northern provinces were more likely to score high on IUD and abortion availability. Southern provinces scored higher on availability of condoms and sterilization. Neither subgroup nor region impacted on program functioning. Internal program management is vital to improvements.