Promoting long-acting reversible contraception among post-abortion clients with a provider-comparison intervention: a cluster randomized controlled trial in Nepal

TL;DR

A provider-comparison intervention in Nepal increased the use of long-acting reversible contraception among post-abortion clients by encouraging better counseling practices.

Contribution

A low-cost provider-level behavioral intervention using peer comparison significantly increased LARC uptake in post-abortion care.

Findings

The intervention increased LARC use by 6.6 percentage points compared to control clinics.

The effect of the intervention persisted after the formal experiment ended.

Provider counseling practices improved, and quality of care indicators remained stable or improved.

Abstract

Although long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is more effective and longer lasting than short-acting methods, uptake remains low among post-abortion clients. Using a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial, we evaluate the impact of a provider-level peer-comparison intervention to encourage choice of LARC in Nepal among post-abortion clients.

The intervention used prominently displayed monthly posters comparing the health clinic’s previous month performance on LARC uptake against peer clinics. To understand how the intervention affected behavior, while ensuring voluntarism and informed choice, we used mystery client visits, in-depth provider interviews, and client exit survey data. The trial examined 17,680 post-abortion clients in 36 clinics in Nepal from July 2016 to January 2017. The primary outcome was the proportion of clients receiving LARCs. Statistical analysis used ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with ANCOVA estimation to assess the intervention’s impact on LARC uptake while controlling for client- and clinic-level characteristics.

The intervention increased LARC use among post-abortion clients by 6.6% points [95% CI: 0.85 to 12.3, p-value < 0.05], a 29.5% increase in LARC use compared to control clinics. This effect persisted after the formal experiment ended. Analysis of provider and client experiences showed that the behavioral intervention generated significant change in providers’ counseling practices, motivated the sharing of best practices. Quality of care indicators either remained stable or improved.

We find that a provider-level behavioral intervention increases LARC uptake among post-abortion clients. This type of intervention represents a low-cost option to contribute to reducing unmet need for contraception through provider behavior change.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-024-19150-0.

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