Feasibility of patent and proprietary medicine vendor provision of injectable contraceptives: preliminary results from implementation science research in Oyo and Nasarawa, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Nigerian policymakers are debating task-shifting injectable contraceptive services to Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs).

Methodology: One hundred fifty-two PPMVs were trained to provide injectable contraceptives in Oyo and Nasarawa states. Data were collected before and 1, 3 and 9 months posttraining. χ² tests were conducted to assess associations between survey time points.

Main findings: Few PPMVs had the necessary knowledge to provide injectables pretraining. A majority demonstrated increased knowledge after the training. Knowledge required for screening and counseling clients was lower than knowledge on administration.

Conclusion: PPMVs should be trained before providing injectable services. Additional research is needed on the benefits of job aids for screening and counseling.

Keywords: Drug shops; Family planning; Injectable contraceptives; Nigeria; PPMVs; Task-shifting.