Coalition-funded research on impact of stockouts published in Guttmacher journal

Women facing stockout situations in Uganda experienced stress, increased costs, domestic conflict, and unwanted or unplanned pregnancies, a Coalition-funded qualitative study carried out by Ibis Reproductive Health has found. Providers also reported emotional distress, blame from clients, deterioration of skills and lower demand for their services as a result of stockouts; they also felt unable to address stockouts under current supply systems. Furthermore, despite the widespread prevalence and adverse impact of stockouts, policymakers were unaware of the scope of the problem.

Three data collection components draw from eight focus groups with 50 women, 24 individual in-depth interviews with family planning service providers and facility managers, and 11 in-depth interviews with district-level policymakers and decision makers.

The findings of the study have been published in the Guttmacher Institute’s journal International Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. They suggest there is a critical need to raise awareness of the issue, reduce stockouts and mitigate their negative consequences. The article offers possible solutions including addressing supply chain issues, raising community awareness, and engaging with men on family planning. Findings from the interviews have been shared with Uganda’s national stakeholders including the health ministry and central medical stores. Key findings are available in this brief; for more information, please contact Kate Grindlay on KGrindlay@ibisreproductivehealth.org.