Contraceptive social marketing in Nepal: consumer and retailer knowledge, needs and experience
Shrestha, A.; Kane, T.T.; Hamal, H.
Journal of Biosocial Science 22(3): 305-322
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-9320 PMID: 2401674 DOI: 10.1017/s002193200001868xDocument Number: 374285
A 1986 evaluation of the Nepal Contraceptive Retail Sales (CRS) program indicated that, while there is a need for improvements in IEC and marketing of subsidized contraceptives, the program is reaching unprecedented numbers of 1st-time family planning acceptors. The sample included 763 users of Gulaf, Nilocon, and Indian oral contraceptives (OCs) and Kamal vaginal tablets and 361 retailers from urban medical shops. 91% of the acceptors had learned of CRS products through radio advertisements. Only half made the contraceptive purchase themselves. Convenience--proximity to home or work and less waiting time--was the major reason given for buying contraceptives from private medical shops rather than government sources (where contraceptive supplies are free). 75% of Gulaf consumers and 50% of Nilocon and Kamal consumers were 1st-time contraceptives users, indicating that the CRS is reaching a new audience. Gulaf users were of lower socioeconomic status than acceptors of the other CRS products. Both consumers and retailers have a good basic understanding of the contraindications, method of use, and side effects of OCs and the vaginal foaming tablet. On the other hand, there were important gaps in knowledge. For example, retailers were not clear that Kamal can be used by lactating women and unsure of how to counsel consumers who had missed 3 consecutive pills. In addition, 6% of Gulaf and 8% of Nilocon consumers were smokers over 35 years of age--a category of women for whom OC use is contraindicated. Married, higher educated retailers had the highest levels of correct knowledge about CRS products. It appeared that husbands who purchased contraceptives for their wives either were not given adequate information about proper use or failed to transmit this information. Retailers expressed interest in expanding their stock to include Depo-Provera, pregnancy detection kits, and delivery kits.