Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods among healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods among healthcare workers (HCWs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA methodology. Two authors independently searched three electronic databases for studies published between 2000 and January 2020 reporting on the KAP of LARC methods among HCWs in SSA. Titles and abstracts were screened against eligibility criteria, data were extracted and the included studies were assessed for risk of bias. A meta-analysis of proportions for 11 pre-determined questions relating to LARC KAP was performed. Heterogeneity was explored using the I 2 -statistic and publication bias investigated using funnel plots and Egger’s tests. Results Twenty-two studies comprising of 11 272 HCWs from 11 SSA countries were included. Forty-one percent (95% CI: 20%, 61%) of HCWs had received intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) insertion training while 63% (95% CI: 44%, 81%) expressed a desire for training. Only 27% (95% CI: 18%, 36%) deemed IUCD appropriate for HIV-infected women. Restrictions for IUCD and injectables based on a minimum age were imposed by 56% (95% CI: 33%, 78%) and 60% (95% CI: 36%, 84%), respectively. Minimum parity restrictions were observed among 29% (95% CI: 9%, 50%) of HCWs for IUCDs and 36% (95% CI: 16%, 56%) for injectable contraceptives. Heterogeneity was high and publication bias was present in two of the 11 questions. Conclusion The systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that unnecessary provider-imposed restrictions may hinder the uptake of LARC methods by women in SSA. Conflicts of Interest None. Ethics approval Ethical approval was received from the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (REC) at the University of Pretoria, School of Health Systems and Public Health. Reference Number: 640/2019 Authors Contributions All authors contributed to the design of the study and the preparation of the manuscript. LR, ST and AM contributed toward the statistical analysis. All authors read and approved the content of the manuscript.