Year: 2026 | Month: August | Volume: 13 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 384-408
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260838
A Mixed Method Study-To Assess Client’s Perception Regarding Client-Provider Interaction for Family Planning Services Involving Married Woman of Reproductive Age in Bihar
Dr Niyat Chaudhary1, Dr Survashi Kunwar2, Kunwar Pranav Deep3
1Consultant-Surveillance-Share India (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, India-Project),
2Senior specialist RMNCH+N, IHAT, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Program coordinator-Noora Health Panipat, Haryana
Corresponding Author: Dr Niyat Chaudhary
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Family planning services should follow appropriate quality of care which comprises a very essential component which is Client-provider interaction. Client-provider interaction is crucial for the effectiveness of the family planning programmes and interventions. An interaction consists of face-to-face interaction between the patient and the healthcare professional. An effective client-provider interaction aids the client in making informed decisions about their contraceptive and reproductive needs. This is the procedure through which the client gets knowledge regarding all the family planning methods available as well as their respective method of use. A good affective CPI is an advantage for both program as well as the clients. However, there can be differences in the several client-provider interactions which may further affect the outcome of the CPI. The study's objective is to comprehend how clients and providers interact when evaluating family planning services by looking at how married women in Bihar who are of reproductive age perceive those services.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study's secondary quantitative data came from the "Family Planning Client Follow up-2020" survey, which was carried out by CARE India. With a sample size of 760 married women of reproductive age who utilized fortnight services in public facilities in Bihar, the goal of the follow-up study was to evaluate FP services and related client- provider interaction during the July fortnight (Pakhwada) in public health facilities throughout the state in August 2020. Although the post-analysis of the data from the survey using a quantitative tool produced many fascinating findings, the fact that it was a quantitative process left many questions unanswered and emphasized the necessity for a thorough grasp of the topic. Therefore, using a random selection technique, a qualitative study was carried out in the Bihar district of Saran. In-depth interviews with 12 married women between the ages of 18 and 49 were conducted using 12 samples of married women. ATLAS.ti was used to evaluate the qualitative study's results (version-7.5).
RESULT: Based on patient expectations, provider interactions, patient experiences, as well as the FP methods offered, the quality of client-provider contact for family planning services was generally inadequate. Women reportedly did not receive the comprehensive information they were meant to receive, despite the clients' eagerness. The inability to participate in the interaction, the lack of a basket of options for FP methods, the experience of side effects after using an FP method and its inadequate treatment, the breach of privacy during the interaction, the provider's lack of explanation of information about side effects, and the provider's short attention span were among the reasons for dissatisfaction with the interaction. Customers were satisfied with the provider's overall demeanor towards them during the conversation.
CONCLUSION: The results of the study imply that the effectiveness of client-provider interactions influences the decision to choose, continue, and discontinue a family planning strategy. Therefore, placing a focus on client-provider interaction and ensuring its quality might be crucial to fulfilling the objectives of family planning programmes. Results showed that while providers' interactions with clients were generally regarded to be respectful and agreeable, there were a few cases where providers acted rudely. The preservation of privacy during interaction and the freedom of the client to participate in the decision-making process were discovered to be two major factors in determining the client's level of satisfaction, and these criteria were not met by 42 percent and 22 percent of respondents, respectively. Many crucial elements, such as management of side effects, information regarding failure of chosen method, switching between methods, and information regarding side effects related to family planning methods were not given enough weight, and frequently overlooked by the providers during the communication.
In light of these findings, it is advised that greater emphasis be placed on the client- provider relationship, which may help to lessen the stigma associated with family planning and facilitate the client's choice of a family planning strategy. The fact that only clients' perceptions were examined, which might have been prejudiced at some point in recollection is a study limitation. Therefore, additional research that might include the provider's perspective as well can aid in developing an effective strategy for delivering family planning services among women of reproductive age in Bihar.
Keywords: Family planning, married woman, reproductive age.
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