role of nurses in family planning as perceived by themselves and their clients

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to shed some light on nurses and clients perceptions of nurses' role in family planning. It also aimed to find out the extent of congruity between the perceptions of both groups. The study was carried out in 15 family planning clinics in different zones of Alexandria. A simple random sample of 150 clients as well as all nurses [N = 31] working in the selected clinics constituted the study subjects. Data was collected by two specially designed interview schedules; one for nurses and the other for clients. Both interview schedules entailed two parts 1- General characteristics of the sample and 2- The respondent's perception of nurse's role in family planning. The study revealed a significant difference between the perception of nurses and that of their clients. But both groups were able to identify 7 main roles for the nurse in family planning 1- Provision of physical care, 2- Provision of health education and counseling, 3- Provision of supportive care, 4- Assisting the physician, 5- Management of nursing affairs, 6- Inserting/removing IUDs and treatment of side effects and 7- Supplying clients with family planning methods. The ranking of these roles was different among both groups. While the clients highlighted the provision of supportive care, nurses highlighted both the administrative role and assistance of physicians. None of either nurses or clients had perceived any role for nurses in motivation, case-finding, referral and research. Additionally, 4.67% of the clients did not perceive any role for the nurse in family planning. Accordingly, concerned agencies mainly Ministry of Health ought to develop a job description for nurses working in family planning. Also, a periodic in-service training is suggested to improve nurses' competency and update their knowledge about their role. Mass media could also share in educating the public about the role of the nurse in family planning