Studies in Family Planning 

About: Studies in Family Planning is an academic journal published by Wiley-Blackwell. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Family planning. It has an ISSN identifier of 0039-3665. Over the lifetime, 2204 publications have been published receiving 82697 citations.

Fundamental elements of the quality of care: a simple framework.

Abstract: This article argues for attention to a neglected dimension of family planning services--their quality. A framework for assessing quality from the client's perspective is offered, consisting of six parts (choice of methods, information given to clients, technical competence, interpersonal relations, follow-up and continuity mechanisms, and the appropriate constellation of services). The literature is reviewed regarding evidence that improvements in these various dimensions of care result in gains at the individual level; an even scarcer body of literature is reviewed for evidence of gains at the level of program efficiency and impact. A concluding section discusses how to make practical use of the framework and distinguishes three vantage points from which to view quality: the structure of the program, the service-giving process itself, and the outcome of care, particularly with respect to individual knowledge, behavior, and satisfaction with services.

The effects of unintended pregnancy on infant, child, and parental health: a review of the literature.

Abstract: This article provides a critical review of studies assessing the effects of unintended pregnancy on the health of infants, children, and parents in developed and developing countries. A framework for determining and measuring the pathways between unintended pregnancy and future health outcomes is outlined. The review highlights persistent gaps in the literature, indicating a need for more studies in developing countries and for further research to assess the impact of unintended pregnancy on parental health and long-term health outcomes for children and families. The challenges in measuring and assessing these health impacts are also discussed, highlighting avenues in which further research efforts could substantially bolster existing knowledge.

Intended and unintended pregnancies worldwide in 2012 and recent trends.

Abstract: Periodic estimation of the incidence of global unintended pregnancy can help demonstrate the need for and impact of family planning programs. We draw upon multiple sources of data to estimate pregnancy incidence by intention status and outcome at worldwide, regional, and subregional levels in 2012 and to assess recent trends using previously published estimates for 2008 and 1995. We find that 213 million pregnancies occurred in 2012, up slightly from 211 million in 2008. The global pregnancy rate decreased only slightly from 2008 to 2012, after declining substantially between 1995 and 2008. Eighty-five million pregnancies, representing 40 percent of all pregnancies, were unintended in 2012. Of these, 50 percent ended in abortion, 13 percent ended in miscarriage, and 38 percent resulted in an unplanned birth. The unintended pregnancy rate continued to decline in Africa and in the Latin America and Caribbean region. If the aims of the London Summit on Family Planning are carried out, the incidence of unwanted and mistimed pregnancies should decline in the coming years.

Unintended Pregnancy: Worldwide Levels, Trends, and Outcomes

Abstract: Unintended pregnancy can carry serious consequences for women and their families. We estimate the incidence of pregnancy by intention status and outcome at worldwide, regional, and subregional levels for 2008, and we assess recent trends since 1995. Numbers of births are based on United Nations estimates. Induced abortions are estimated by projecting from recent trends. A model-based approach is used to estimate miscarriages. The planning status of births is estimated using nationally representative and small-scale surveys of 80 countries. Of the 208 million pregnancies that occurred in 2008, we estimate that 41 percent were unintended. The unintended pregnancy rate fell by 29 percent in developed regions and by 20 percent in developing regions. The highest unintended pregnancy rates were found for Eastern and Middle Africa and the lowest for Southern and Western Europe and Eastern Asia. North America is the only region in which overall and unintended pregnancy rates have not declined. We conclude with a brief discussion of global and regional program and policy implications.

Toward consistency in breastfeeding definitions.

Abstract: On 28 April 1988, the Interagency Group for Action on Breastfeeding met to develop and agree upon a set of definitions that could be used as standardized terminology for the collection and description of cross-sectional information on breastfeeding behavior. The schema and potential framework suggested at the meeting were reviewed extensively by breastfeeding researchers and program personnel, revised at subsequent meetings by a variety of organizations, and compared against published research on patterns of breastfeeding and their effects on infant nutrition, health, and fertility. This schema and framework: (1) acknowledge that the term "breastfeeding" alone is insufficient to describe the numerous types of breastfeeding behavior, (2) distinguish full from partial breastfeeding, (3) subdivide full breastfeeding into categories of exclusive and almost exclusive breastfeeding, (4) differentiate among levels of partial breastfeeding, and (5) recognize that there can be token breastfeeding with little to no nutritional impact. The schema and framework should assist researchers and agencies in their efforts to accurately describe and interpret breastfeeding practices.