The world of contraception: A global mapping project across FIGO member societies

TL;DR

This study maps contraceptive efforts across 70 FIGO member societies to identify priorities and opportunities for global collaboration.

Contribution

The novel contribution is a comprehensive global mapping of contraceptive programming and challenges within FIGO member societies.

Findings

84% of societies had national contraceptive guidelines, and 19% had dedicated working groups on contraception.

Training physicians in contraceptive counseling and addressing misinformation were top priorities.

Collaborative efforts on provider training and regional collaboration were most desired.

Abstract

The International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) is positioned to work globally to improve contraceptive access and coverage; however, a lack of awareness regarding the contraceptive work conducted across its 139 professional member societies remains a concern. This study aimed to map the contraceptive landscape and programming across obstetric and gynecologic (OBGYN) member societies providing insights into the contraceptive work, challenges, and needs globally and identifying avenues for international collaboration.

This was a qualitative study utilizing a 17‐item semi‐structured interview guide among FIGO member societies. Purposive sampling and reputational case selection were used to identify interviewees. Interviews were conducted in English, Spanish and French, translated and transcribed by external consultants, and thematically analyzed using Dedoose software.

Seventy member societies were included in the study and participation was well‐distributed across all five FIGO regions. Among respondents, 19% reported their society had a specific and dedicated working group focused on contraception while 84% had national contraceptive guidelines. The majority indicated their priorities lay in training physicians in contraceptive skills and counseling, adolescent contraception, and addressing misinformation and cultural barriers. Moreover, respondents also stated they would be most interested in collaborative efforts focused on provider training, regional collaboration, community awareness, and guideline development.

Despite utilizing stakeholders who may not represent the full extent of society contraceptive programming, this study's strength lies in its large regional representation and sample size. Future efforts include strengthening regional collaboration, developing a global family planning network under FIGO and enhancing research and capacity building efforts.

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