Assessing the environment for sexual and reproductive health self-care scale-up in Mozambique: a mixed-methods study with policymakers, public health officials, and potential users

Assessing the environment for sexual and reproductive health self-care scale-up in Mozambique: a mixed-methods study with policymakers, public health officials, and potential users | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 4 August 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Assessing the environment for sexual and reproductive health self-care scale-up in Mozambique: a mixed-methods study with policymakers, public health officials, and potential users Authors : Susannah Gibbs 0000-0003-0465-2586 [email protected] , Sérgio Chicumbe , Janeth Dula , Marcos Chissano , Eden Demise , Jennifer Wheeler , and Kristen M. Little Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175431313.32048739/v1 148 views 109 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Despite growing interest in self-care to advance universal health coverage, national self-care policies are largely absent in low- and middle-income countries. We used the ExpandNet framework, which provides guidance for scaling up health interventions, to assess the environmental influences on scaling up sexual and reproductive health (SRH) self-care in Mozambique. We conducted a mixed-methods analysis that drew on data collected as part of a larger multi-phase study on self-care introduction and scale-up. Our analysis included qualitative stakeholder interviews (n=16) and a quantitative consumer survey (n=606). Summary tabulations of the quantitative survey data were coded alongside the qualitative data in an integrated analysis. Stakeholders described how self-care could complement limited primary care infrastructure and human resources but noted that inadequate public resources could hinder effective scale-up due to the need to provide follow-up services, including linkage to care and timely treatment after self-testing. Stakeholders noted the role of the private sector, particularly pharmacies, in the delivery of self-care products . Many were optimistic that community sensitization activities could address cultural barriers to SRH self-care scale-up, particularly in rural areas. Potential demand for self-care was demonstrated in the more than 85% of consumers who said they would be likely or very likely to use a home-based HPV self-sampling kit and the 72% of consumers who had never used self-injectable contraception who said they would be likely or very likely to use it in the future. This analysis of the environment for SRH self-care scale-up using the ExpandNet framework can serve as a guide to others developing self-care scale-up strategies in other settings. Key considerations for SRH self-care in Mozambique may include investments in follow-up care, integration of the private sector, implementation of a supportive social behavior change strategy, and tailored approaches to reach populations with the greatest health needs. Supplementary Material File (expandnet manuscript tables and figures.docx) Download 100.90 KB File (moz mixed methods expandnet manuscript july 2025.docx) Download 119.35 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 04 August 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords expandnet mozambique scale-up self-care self-testing Authors Affiliations Susannah Gibbs 0000-0003-0465-2586 [email protected] Population Services International View all articles by this author Sérgio Chicumbe Instituto Nacional de Saude View all articles by this author Janeth Dula Instituto Nacional de Saude View all articles by this author Marcos Chissano Population Services International View all articles by this author Eden Demise Population Services International View all articles by this author Jennifer Wheeler Population Services International View all articles by this author Kristen M. Little Population Services International View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 148 views 109 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Susannah Gibbs, Sérgio Chicumbe, Janeth Dula, et al. Assessing the environment for sexual and reproductive health self-care scale-up in Mozambique: a mixed-methods study with policymakers, public health officials, and potential users. Authorea . 04 August 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175431313.32048739/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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