late 50s, forecasting the need to control the population. Despite this early intervention, fertility rate has declined\r\nbut slower in Pakistan as compared to most other Asian countries. Pakistan has almost a stagnant contraceptive\r\nprevalence rate for more than a decade now, perhaps owing to the inadequate performance of the family planning\r\nprograms. The provision and use of long term contraceptives such as IUCD has always been low (around 2%) and\r\nassociated with numerous issues. Married women who want to wait before having another child, or end\r\nchildbearing altogether, are not using any long term method of contraception.\r\nMethodology: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted from May to July 2012, to explore and understand\r\nthe perceptions of women regarding the use of IUCDs and to understand the challenges/issues at the service\r\nprovider�s end. Six FGDs with community women and 12 in-depth interviews were conducted with family planning\r\nproviders. The data was analyzed using the Qualitative Content Analysis approach.\r\nResults: The study revealed that the family planning clients are reluctant to use IUCDs because of a number of\r\nmyths and misconceptions associated with the method. They have reservations about the provider�s capability and\r\nquality of care at the facility. Private health providers are not motivated and are reluctant to provide the IUCDs\r\nbecause of inadequate counseling skills, lack of competence and improper supporting infrastructure. Government\r\nprograms either do not have enough supplies or trained staff to promote the IUCD utilization.\r\nConclusion: Besides a well-designed community awareness campaign, providers� communication and counseling\r\nskills have to be enhanced, as these are major contributing factors in IUCD acceptance. Ongoing training of all\r\nfamily planning service providers in IUCD insertion is very important, along with strengthening of their services.
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