Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Cross Checking of Registered Contraceptive Acceptors: A Study Finding of Two Rural Areas of Bangladesh

Humayun Kabir, Nirod Chandra Saha and Rukhsana Gazi

Background: Information system is an essential component for planning and management of health and family planning services. In most developing countries, Management Information Systems (MIS) are inadequate in providing the required management support. Data accuracy refers to the degree to which the information measures what was planned to be measured.

Objective: To assess data accuracy through cross checking of registered contraceptive acceptors.

Methods: The registered data was cross checked from four purposively selected unions of Nabiganj sub-district of Habiganj district and Raipur sub-district of Lashmipur district. Overall 12% contraceptive acceptors had been interviewed from the recorded contraceptive acceptors entered in the Family Welfare Assistant (FWA) register through household visits. The interview was done to check whether the contraceptive acceptors had received the appropriate supplies and were using it. The total sample size was 573 acceptors (253 in Raipur and 320 in Nabigang). Data collection was carried out by a structured format during April to September 2007.

Results: Fifty six percentage of the recorded data in Raipur sub-district and only 17% in Nabiganj sub-district matched with the interviewed data. Mismatches due to supply source of different methods were 6% vs. 9% and switching over of contraceptive methods were 15% vs. 13% in Raipur and Nabiganj respectively. The clients received supply of contraceptive from other sources but recorded in the register as being supplied from Government source. FWA did not keep record in her register on contraceptive method switch over. One very important mismatch was nonacceptors 23% vs. 61% in Raipur and Nabiganj but was recorded in the register as acceptors.

Conclusion: Data cross check is one of the strong monitoring systems to find out data accuracy. Programme managers need to be addressed on priority basis in order to make sure that data is reliable for effective and efficient planning.