Stakeholder perceptions of a total market approach to family planning in Nicaragua.

OBJECTIVE: To assess private-sector stakeholders' and donors' perceptions of a total market approach (TMA) to family planning in Nicaragua in the context of decreased funding; to build evidence for potential strategies and mechanisms for TMA implementation (including public-private partnerships (PPPs)); and to identify information gaps and future priorities for related research and advocacy. METHODS: A descriptive exploratory study was conducted in various locations in Nicaragua from March to April 2010. A total of 24 key private-sector stakeholders and donors were interviewed and their responses analyzed using two questionnaires and a stakeholder analysis tool (PolicyMakerTM software). RESULTS: All survey participants supported a TMA, and public-private collaboration, in family planning in Nicaragua. Based on the survey responses, opportunities for further developing PPPs for family planning include building on and expanding existing governmental frameworks, such as Nicaragua's current coordination mechanism for contraceptive security. Obstacles include the lack of ongoing government engagement with the commercial (for-profit) sector and confusion about regulations for its involvement in family planning. Strategies for strengthening existing PPPs include establishing a coordination mechanism specifically for the commercial sector and collecting and disseminating evidence supporting public-private collaboration in family planning. CONCLUSIONS: There was no formal or absolute opposition to a TMA or PPPs in family planning in Nicaragua among a group of diverse nongovernmental stakeholders and donors. This type of study can help identify strategies to mobilize existing and potential advocates in achieving articulated policy goals, including diversification of funding sources for family planning to achieve contraceptive security.

Stakeholder perceptions of a total market approach to family planning in Nicaragua / Percepciones de grupos interesados sobre la aplicación de un enfoque de mercado total a la planificación familiar en Nicaragua

OBJECTIVE: To assess private-sector stakeholders' and donors' perceptions of a total market approach (TMA) to family planning in Nicaragua in the context of decreased funding; to build evidence for potential strategies and mechanisms for TMA implementation (including public-private partnerships (PPPs)); and to identify information gaps and future priorities for related research and advocacy. METHODS: A descriptive exploratory study was conducted in various locations in Nicaragua from March to April 2010. A total of 24 key private-sector stakeholders and donors were interviewed and their responses analyzed using two questionnaires and a stakeholder analysis tool (PolicyMakerTM software). RESULTS: All survey participants supported a TMA, and public-private collaboration, in family planning in Nicaragua. Based on the survey responses, opportunities for further developing PPPs for family planning include building on and expanding existing governmental frameworks, such as Nicaragua's current coordination mechanism for contraceptive security. Obstacles include the lack of ongoing government engagement with the commercial (for-profit) sector and confusion about regulations for its involvement in family planning. Strategies for strengthening existing PPPs include establishing a coordination mechanism specifically for the commercial sector and collecting and disseminating evidence supporting public-private collaboration in family planning. CONCLUSIONS: There was no formal or absolute opposition to a TMA or PPPs in family planning in Nicaragua among a group of diverse nongovernmental stakeholders and donors. This type of study can help identify strategies to mobilize existing and potential advocates in achieving articulated policy goals, including diversification of funding sources for family planning to achieve contraceptive security.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar las percepciones de los grupos interesados y de los donantes del sector privado sobre la aplicación de un enfoque de mercado total a la planificación familiar en Nicaragua en el contexto de una reducción del financiamiento; establecer datos científicos que avalen posibles estrategias y mecanismos para ejecutar este tipo de enfoque (lo que incluye alianzas entre los sectores público y privado); y determinar las brechas de información y las prioridades futuras en la investigación y la promoción de este enfoque. MÉTODOS: Entre marzo y abril del 2010 se llevó a cabo un estudio exploratorio descriptivo en varios lugares de Nicaragua. Se entrevistaron 24 personas de varios grupos interesados y de donantes clave del sector privado y se analizaron sus respuestas mediante dos cuestionarios y una herramienta de análisis específica (programa informático PolicyMakerTM). RESULTADOS: Todos los encuestados respaldaron la aplicación de un enfoque de mercado total y la colaboración entre los sectores público y privado respecto de la planificación familiar en Nicaragua. Según las respuestas obtenidas en la encuesta, las oportunidades para desarrollar alianzas adicionales entre los dos sectores respecto de la planificación familiar incluyen mejorar y ampliar los marcos gubernamentales existentes, como el actual mecanismo de coordinación de Nicaragua para la seguridad anticonceptiva. Los obstáculos son la falta de colaboración actual del gobierno con el sector comercial (con fines de lucro) y la confusión acerca de la reglamentación para participar en la planificación familiar. Las estrategias para fortalecer las alianzas existentes entre los sectores público y privado comprenden el establecimiento de un mecanismo de coordinación específico para el sector comercial, y la recolección y difusión de datos que avalen la colaboración entre los dos sectores respecto de la planificación familiar. CONCLUSIONES: En la evaluación de varios grupos interesados y de donantes del sector no gubernamental no se encontró ninguna oposición formal o absoluta a un enfoque de mercado total o a la conformación de alianzas entre los sectores público y privado respecto de la planificación familiar en Nicaragua. Este tipo de estudio puede ayudar a identificar estrategias que motiven a los promotores de la causa actuales y potenciales a alcanzar las metas políticas enunciadas, lo que incluye la diversificación de las fuentes de financiamiento para la planificación familiar a fin de alcanzar la seguridad anticonceptiva.

Formative research to shape HPV vaccine introduction strategies in Peru / Investigación formativa relacionada con el diseño de estrategias para introducir la vacuna contra el VPH en Perú

OBJECTIVE: To understand the sociocultural environment, health systems' capacities, and policy processes related to cervical cancer and HPV vaccines in order to inform HPV vaccine introduction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mixed-method formative research using qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. Participants included girls, parents, community leaders, health and education officials, and policymakers. RESULTS: Respondents, including policymakers, generally supported HPV vaccine introduction, due partly to appreciation for the benefits of vaccination and the desire to prevent cancer. Community-level concerns regarding safety and quality of services will need to be addressed. The immunization system in Peru is strong and has capacity for including the HPV vaccine. CONCLUSION: Formative research provides key insights to help shape an effective program for HPV vaccine introduction.

OBJETIVO: Comprender el contexto sociocultural, las capacidades del sistema de salud y las condiciones políticas vinculadas al cáncer cervical y a la vacuna contra el VPH para diseñar una estrategia apropiada de introducción de la vacuna contra el VPH. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Investigación formativa usando técnicas cualitativas y cuantitativas. Los participantes incluyeron niños, padres, líderes, funcionarios del sector salud y educación, y diseñadores de políticas. RESULTADOS: Generalmente se apoya la introducción de la vacuna contra el VPH, dado que se aprecian los beneficios de la vacunación y se desea prevenir el cáncer. En la comunidad se encontraron preocupaciones sobre seguridad, confianza y calidad de atención. El sistema de inmunizaciones en el Perú es eficiente y tiene la capacidad para incluir la vacuna contra el VPH. CONCLUSIONES: La investigación formativa permite comprender elementos clave que ayudan a diseñar un programa efectivo para la introducción de la vacuna contra el VPH.

Formative research to shape HPV vaccine introduction strategies in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the sociocultural environment, health systems' capacities, and policy processes related to cervical cancer and HPV vaccines in order to inform HPV vaccine introduction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mixed-method formative research using qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. Participants included girls, parents, community leaders, health and education officials, and policymakers. RESULTS: Respondents, including policymakers, generally supported HPV vaccine introduction, due partly to appreciation for the benefits of vaccination and the desire to prevent cancer. Community-level concerns regarding safety and quality of services will need to be addressed. The immunization system in Peru is strong and has capacity for including the HPV vaccine. CONCLUSION: Formative research provides key insights to help shape an effective program for HPV vaccine introduction.

Sociocultural issues in the introduction of human papillomavirus vaccine in low-resource settings.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To synthesize sociocultural results from diverse populations related to vaccine decision-making, understanding of cervical cancer and its etiology, experience with previous vaccinations, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine concerns, and information needed to foster acceptance; (2) to contextualize findings in light of recent studies; and (3) to discuss implications for communication strategies to facilitate vaccine acceptance. DESIGN: Descriptive qualitative synthesis of sociocultural studies in 4 countries using iterative theme-based analyses. SETTING: Four developing countries: India, Peru, Uganda, and Vietnam. PARTICIPANTS: Criterion-based sample of 252 focus-group discussions and 470 in-depth interviews with children, parents, teachers/administrators, health workers/managers, and community/religious leaders. A knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey was administered to 879 children and 875 parents in Vietnam. RESULTS: We found that vaccine decision-making was primarily done by parents, with children having some role. Understanding of cervical cancer and HPV was limited; however, the gravity of cancer and some symptoms of cervical cancer were recognized. Vaccination and government-sponsored immunization programs were generally supported by respondents. Sentiments toward cervical cancer vaccines were positive, but concerns about quality of delivery, safety, adverse effects, and the effect on fertility were raised. Communities requested comprehensive awareness-raising and health education to address these concerns. CONCLUSION: Sociocultural studies help elucidate the complexities of introducing a new vaccine from the perspective of children, parents, and communities. Strategies for introducing the HPV vaccine should address community concerns through effective communication, appropriate delivery, and targeted advocacy to make the program locally relevant.