INTRODUCTION

No-scalpel vasectomy is an emerging family planning method that enables the male partner to get more involved. The procedure was first introduced in our institution in 2008 with an average of 7 clients per year (i.e., 86 patients from 2008 to 2019). There were no data when the pandemic started, but starting in March 2022, acceptance for the procedure started to increase. This coincides with the timeline of the study. At present, there are limited studies regarding no-scalpel vasectomy, especially local studies. A better understanding of the characteristics and outcomes of those who underwent no-scalpel vasectomy would aid our institution in formulating and implementing policies and family planning programs.

The study determined the characteristics and outcomes of no-scalpel vasectomy acceptors at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital from March 2022 to February 2023. Characteristics included the sociodemographic, medical, reproductive, and duration from inquiry until semen analysis. The outcomes included the absence or presence of complications after the procedure and result of semen analysis.

The study utilized a retrospective, descriptive, single, cohort design. Total enumeration was done to get the 36 charts of clients who underwent no-scalpel vasectomy at the Comprehensive Family Planning Center of Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital from March 2022 to February 2023. Patient charts were retrieved, and data abstraction was done. Tables and figures were used to display the frequency distribution of data collected.

The study had a cohort of 36 individuals who underwent no-scalpel vasectomy, which accounted for 116% of the intended sample size. The characteristics of our clients were mostly urban residents, 30–39 years old, with partner, educated, middle class, employed, Roman Catholic, and having 1–2 children with the age of youngest below 3 years old. Different forms of family planning were used prior to the procedure. Teleconsultation effectively increases our clients for vasectomy. Clients were able to follow up after the procedure, but there was only a decrease in the number of clients who had their semen analysis done and were lost to follow-up.

There is an increasing awareness in no-scalpel vasectomy procedure as seen in the increase in acceptors. It is an effective, safe, cost effective, and permanent male contraceptive procedure, with very minimal manageable complications. However, there is a need for better protocol regarding follow-up with semen analysis result.

By determining the characteristics and outcomes of no-scalpel vasectomy acceptors at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital from March 2022 to February 2023, the findings of the study hope to aid the health-care providers gain a better insight about the characteristics and outcomes of our male clients who decided to undergo no-scalpel vasectomy as their family planning method of choice. There is a need study in further improving of the formulation and implementation of policies and family planning programs to further reach the male population.

This data article presents data from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS), a multi-wave, large-scale national cross-sectional survey of China's internal migrants from 2009 to 2018. The CMDS is an annual questionnaire survey conducted by the former National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of the People's Republic of China. The respondents included in this survey are internal migrants over 15 years old. The sample was drawn from the China Migrant Population Information System, using multi-stage stratified sampling method and the probability proportional-to-size (PPS) cluster sampling strategy. Between 2009 and 2018, there were 1,527,650 internal migrants from 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities participated in the surveys. The survey tools were a series of self-designed questionnaires with high inheritance and consistency designed and implemented by the NHFPC. The questionnaires mainly contain basic information of the respondents and their family members, migration status, healthcare or health behaviors, public health service utilization, social insurance, social integration, and family planning. The dataset is currently the most widely used survey data on China's internal migrants, offering information on migration patterns, healthcare and health behaviors, use of public health services, access to social security, social integration, and family planning, which are valuable for health planning, health decision-making, and health equity research.
United States ; Humans ; Adolescent ; Family Planning Services ; Transients and Migrants ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; China/epidemiology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Introduction: Despite policy actions and strategic efforts for improving the reproductive and sexual health of adolescents by promoting the uptake of adolescent reproductive and sexual health (ARSH) services, the utilisation rate remains significantly low, especially in rural areas of India. This study aimed to assess the utilisation of these services by adolescents in rural West Bengal and its associated determinants. Methods: This mixed-method study was conducted from May to September 2021 in the Gosaba rural block of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Quantitative data were collected from 326 adolescents using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected via four focus group discussions among 30 adolescents and key-informant interviews among six healthcare workers. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results: Ninety-six (29.4%) adolescents had utilised ARSH services at least once during adolescence. The factors associated with non-utilisation of ARSH services were younger age, female sex, increasing reproductive health stigma and decreasing parent–adolescent communication related to sexual health. Qualitative exploration revealed that unawareness regarding services, perceived lack of privacy and confidentiality at healthcare facilities and disruption of services post-emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic were some major barriers to ARSH service utilisation. Conclusion A multi-component strategy, including promotion of adolescent-friendly health clinics, community support interventions associated with motivation and counselling of parents regarding the importance of adolescent reproductive health, is needed to improve the utilisation of ARSH services. Necessary steps to correct the deficiencies at the facility level should also be prioritised.
Adolescent ; Reproductive Health Services ; Sexual Health ; Qualitative Research ; Rural Population

Introduction: Implementation of Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) aims to curb maternal mortality. However, the Philippines failed to significantly reduce the maternal mortality rate (MMR) targeted in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Currently, the country is still far from the targeted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review describes the historical development of BEmONC in the Philippines over the past 13 years and provides insights on its role in decreasing MMR. Methods: We searched online for journal articles, publications, reports, policies, and other issuances related to BEmONC and maternal health in the Philippines. We accessed updates and data via correspondence with the Department of Health (DOH). Statistics were compiled from public databases. The identified citations were screened, appraised, synthesized, and analyzed in a historical approach. Results: A direct result of the Emergency Obstetric Care Approach, BEmONC was developed to respond to the high MMR in the Philippines, in line with global efforts to improve maternal health. However, BEmONC functionality generally remained inadequate. Conclusions Although the provision of BEmONC services increased facility-based deliveries and skilled birth attendance during childbirth, this failed to decrease MMR and achieve targeted goals substantially. Further capacity-building is needed, especially in rural and resource-poor areas. Government issuances at the national and local levels should be aligned to complement each other. There should be a health systems approach that considers the building blocks of an efficient health care system and the social determinants that impact them.
Maternal Health Services ; Maternal Mortality

Introduction. Teen pregnancy in the Philippines is a public health concern. Contraception is viewed as key in controlling teen pregnancy brought by early sexual initiation. Unfortunately, among sexually active teenage girls, 68.7% are not using any form of contraception. Objectives. The study determined the predictors of Family Planning practice among teen mothers in Manila; specifically, regarding knowledge and attitude towards family planning, and social and informational support. Methods. The study utilized a descriptive correlational design. Purposive sampling was used for a target sample size of 188 teenage mothers from the City of Manila. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Multiple regression was employed to determine predictors of FP practice. Results. Of the 163 teenage mothers who participated, less than one-third (30.7%) were currently using a family planning method. Teen mothers who had two or more pregnancies were four times more likely to report FP practice, and those who received informational support on FP were six times more likely to report FP practice. Conclusion. The rate of FP practice among teen mothers is low. A comprehensive assessment of the physical, psychosocial, and environmental factors that impact teen mothers should be further studied.
Pregnancy in Adolescence ; Adolescent ; Family Planning Services ; Contraception

Introduction: For the past decades, issues on Population Control have been raised. The Philippine government has been addressing these issues for quite some time. However, on the other end of the spectrum on population control, the end users have seldom been asked, understood and talked about. Objective: The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Catharsis-Education-Action (CEA) Method with Family Planning Education in improving the uptake of artificial contraceptive use compared to Family Planning Education alone among women of reproductive age. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a primary health center in Batangas City among 176 women of reproductive age with unmet need in family planning. Participants were randomized into either CEA counseling with Family Planning Education (intervention group) and Family Planning Education alone (control group). CEA was conducted individually with the study participants in the intervention group, following a Family Planning Education lecture provided by a midwife trained to disseminate information on family planning methods. The control group received Family Planning Education lecture alone. Outcomes were determined one month after using a Follow-up Questionnaire. Categorical variables were expressed in frequency and percentage. Chi square was used to compare the utilization rate of artificial contraceptive use between the two groups. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar except for the participants’ age (p-value 0.025). There was statistically significant difference in the uptake of artificial family planning method between the CEA group and control group (43% vs 27%; p-value 0.014 Conclusion Catharsis-Education-Action (CEA) Method as adjunct to Family Planning Education is effective in improving the uptake of artificial contraceptive use among women of reproductive age. Utilizing CEA will strengthen existing primary healthcare services and establish a reproductive health plan that will enhance the overall health and well-being of women, their families and the community.
Family Planning Services ; Contraceptive Agents ; Sex Education

Background: Unmet need points to the gap between reproductive intentions and contraceptive behavior. This cross sectional study aims at determining the demographic, socioeconomic and other factors underlying the unmet need for contraception among postpartum women. Method: A face-to-face interview was conducted to among postpartum women admitted in a tertiary hospital and logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the significant predictors of unmet need for family planning. Descriptive analysis on their contraceptive use was also determined. Results: After controlling for other respondents’ characteristics, the results indicate that the total unmet need was associated with younger women, those who were in the age range 20-30 years old during their first pregnancy and religion is Roman Catholic. The most significant association was shown in those whose partners disapprove the use of family planning. Majority have heard of contraception but are not using any method. The major sources of contraceptives and contraceptive information on family planning are still the public health sector. Most have contraceptive plans and they prefer oral pills and implants. Conclusion Unmet need for family planning is associated with partner’s approval. With low family planning utilization among postpartum women, future programs on family planning should focus on these problems.
Female ; Family Planning Services ; Sex Education ; Postpartum Period

Objectives: To A functioning referral system is critical to the maternal health program, especially in the management of obstetric emergencies. This study explored supply-side barriers affecting the effective implementation of the said service delivery network (SDN) in Legazpi, Albay in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. Methods: Face-to-face in-depth interviews using semi-structured questionnaires were performed with health care providers involved in the SDN in Albay. Extensive note taking was done by the primary investigator while participants were observed during performance of duties from June - November 2018. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed thematically along with the observation notes using NVivo. A deductive-dominant approach was utilized for the data content analysis. Results: Referral system barriers identified were cross-cutting across the different components of the health system such as governance, human health resource, service delivery and information systems. The barriers were further classified into individual, organizational and external-related factors in relation to the SDN. Examples of barriers included lack of knowledge of protocols and guidelines, lack of coordination between facilities, poor data management, inadequate capacity building opportunities, and constantly changing political landscape and policies. Conclusions The study is the first to explore barriers to effective service delivery network in maternal health in the country. Findings from the study provide significant insight to areas of improvement in the SDN that must be addressed to strengthen local health systems, especially with the country’s movement towards Universal Health Care where local health systems play a key role.
Maternal Health Services ; Referral and Consultation

Testosterone has a variety of functions and is commonly used in older men to treat symptoms of hypogonadism, such as decreased libido, decreased mood and erectile dysfunction. Despite its positive effects on sexual function, it has a negative effect on fertility. Exogenous testosterone therapy can negatively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis and inhibit the production of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. The purpose of this review is to discuss the contraceptive properties of testosterone therapy and to discuss strategies to increase testosterone in men with the desire to preserve fertility.
Contraception ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Family Planning Services ; Fertility* ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; Gonads ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; Infertility ; Libido ; Luteinizing Hormone ; Male ; Testosterone*

BACKGROUND: The sociodemographic shift in sexual initiation, low contraceptive and family planning use pose threat in the reproductive health and well-being of young people. Despite the rise in sexual activity among
young people before reaching the age of 18, prevalence of contraceptive use remains low while unmet need for family planning among married and sexually active women is consistently highest among women 15-19 years old compared to any other age group.

OBJECTIVE: The observed trend in the reproductive health practices of young people, as well as the paucity of literature on adolescent reproductive health, warrant the need for studies that focus on family planning and sexual behavior of young people. This study aims to determine the factors associated with unmet need for family planning among sexually active women aged 15-19 years in the Philippines.

METHODS: This study used the data from the National Demographic Health Survey 2017. The analysis included only the fecund and sexually active women aged 15-19 years old. Logistic regression was performed in order to determine the significant predictors of unmet need for family planning among young women.

RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent of women reported secondary education as the highest level of education attended. Knowledge on modern family planning method is high at 99% while the proportion of women with
knowledge of ovulatory cycle, and knowledge on possibility of getting pregnant after giving birth and before the return of menstrual cycle are 21% and 61%, respectively. The proportion of women who responded that
their husbands/partners desire the same number of children is 68%. Multiple logistic regression and stepwise selection procedure showed that husband's fertility preference is a significant predictor of having unmet need.

CONCLUSION: Addressing the issue on low family planning and contraceptive use among young women in the Philippines requires concerted efforts that aim to cater to the needs of both men and women in this age group.
The consistently low family planning practice among young people despite the overall improvement in the proportion of family planning users among women indicates the need for variability in strategies that target
young and older age groups. Further research should be conducted in order to gain better understanding of the determinants of unmet need for family planning among young people.