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

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. χ 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.