Studies

E&R Study #10
Revitalizing Long-Acting and Permanent Methods of Family Planning in Uganda: ACQUIRE's District Approach
This case study synthesizes the ACQUIRE Project’s experience and achievements in its efforts to revitalize family planning, with a focus on long-acting and permanent methods of contraception, in four districts in Uganda during the period January 2005 to November 2006. It describes the project objectives and strategies, challenges encountered, program adjustments made, results, lessons learned, and practices proven to be effective. It also offers recommendations for addressing the systemic challenges in the Ugandan health care system. (2008)
Available as a PDF: download (418KB)

E&R Study # 13 Evaluation of a Family Planning and Antiretroviral Therapy Integration Pilot in Mbale, Uganda
In Uganda, there is an urgent need for quality, voluntary family planning (FP) services to help people living with HIV achieve their fertility intentions and to reduce HIV incidence. Working with The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), one of the leading local nongovernmental organizations in Uganda providing HIV services to people living with HIV, ACQUIRE pilot-tested from March 2006 to April 2007 a project integrating FP and antiretroviral therapy (ART) services at a TASO center located in the Mbale District, using ACQUIRE’s FP-ART integration framework. ACQUIRE conducted a retrospective evaluation using a case-study methodology to assess the pilot, including its effect on the program processes and on FP method mix and uptake. This report presents the findings from this case study and provides recommendations for replication and scale up. (2008)
Available as a PDF: download (333KB)

Collaborative Studies
Introducing Cultural Competence Training in Bolivia as a Model for Other Developing Countries
Cultural groups in Bolivia are defined by ethnicity, urban versus rural residence, socioeconomic class, and the degree to which indigenous and mestizo groups have adopted European customs. The tension between the cultural groups affects the relationship between health providers and clients. When clients feel disrespected or misunderstood, they do not come for services, they do not follow medical advice, and they may choose traditional healers and ineffective remedies over modern medical providers. The result is higher morbidity and mortality rates and more unwanted pregnancies. In 2007, with USAID funds, ACQUIRE and Management Sciences for Health collaborated to develop and deliver a pilot training program in cultural competence for health providers in Bolivia. This report looks at the use of a curriculum that addresses the issues of trust and communication in the context of ethnic differences—currently a priority issue in Bolivia and a determining factor in recent sociopolitical conflicts. (2008)
Available as a PDF: download (401KB)

 
Comparing the Effectiveness and Costs of Alternative Strategies for Improving Access to Information and Services for the IUD in Ghana (co-authored with FRONTIERS)
After the Population Council hosted an international meeting on improving access to intrauterine devices (IUDs) in developing countries, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) was prompted to explore such IUD expansion strategies as: increasing awareness about the IUD via interpersonal channels; using marketing strategies; and intensifying community-based activities to dispel rumors about the method. The Health Research Unit (HRU) of the Ghana Health Service and the FRONTIERS Project (led by the Population Council) developed a research activity to test innovative approaches for increasing awareness of the IUD and for improving access to the method.  The researchers collaborated on this activity with the Reproductive and Child Health Unit of the GHS; the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Technical Assistance Project; and the ACQUIRE Project. 
Available as a PDF: download (197KB)