An examination of the management of infertility in Thyolo and Blantyre districts
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Date
2017-06-01
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Abstract
The provision of infertility services is given a very low priority in many developing countries as it is mainly regarded as none life threatening and usually associated with high cost of treatment. Nonetheless, in Malawi, infertility is one of the priority sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues according to the national SRH and Rights policy (2009). However, little is documented on the availability and quality of infertility services in the country. This study therefore sets out to assess the type of infertility services provided at all levels of health service delivery by assessing health care providers (HCP) knowledge, practice, barriers to provision of services and client‟s satisfaction. The study was conducted over a period of one year. It employed a cross section research design using a mixed method approach. Quantitative data was collected from 73 HCP through interviews and observation while qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews with 27 clients receiving infertility services. Quantitative findings were analysed using SPSS version 16 and descriptive statistics were computed. While qualitative data was analysed manually using thematic content analysis. Study results revealed a generalised lack of knowledge and good practice of infertility management among all HCP assessed. Similarly, HCP cited lack of knowledge and skills (45.2%, n=33) as the main barrier to provision of infertility services. Clients cited long duration of receiving infertility services and failure to integrate male clients in the service as reasons for their dissatisfaction. A gap exists between policy and the actual infertility management practice. In order to improve infertility service provision, there is need for Ministry of Health, Reproductive Health Unit and its policy makers to develop a standard guideline for training and provision of infertility services. Furthermore, there is need for integration of infertility services in already existing RH services in all levels of service provision.