Quality and Utilization of Family Planning Services in Africa; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Improved usage of family planning services is essential for improving maternal health in Africa, and the provision of high-quality care in family planning services is essential for encouraging higher levels of contraceptive uptake in the region. The purpose of this systematic review was to compile all of the existing data on the factors that influence the quality of care in family planning services in Africa and synthesize it. Methods: Between 2000 and 2021, quantitative research conducted in Africa and published in English, as well as in peer-reviewed journals was taken into consideration. The methodological quality of the studies that were included was evaluated using established techniques. The findings of the research were described in a narrative and a table. When evaluating the quality of treatment in family planning services, the quantitative component of the assessment looked at client satisfaction as a criterion. The method of the meta-analysis was employed to explain the associations. Results: Seven quantitative studies passed the review's qualifying criteria and were included in the review. According to the findings of the review, the quality of service was impacted by factors such as customer, provider, and facility parameters, as well as other socio-demographic indicators. The most often recognized process variables included the client's age, place of residence, and use of contraceptives. Conclusion: Overall, the few, moderate to high-quality quantitative research on factors influencing the quality of the utilization of family planning services in Africa identified several parameters connected to client usage and sociodemographic features. As a result, increasing the quality of care in African family planning programs necessitates several initiatives that address these various concerns. More study is needed to identify the major parameters linked with the quality of care in African nations' family planning programs