Evaluating The Role of Social Mobilizers in Promoting Family Planning Services: Community Perspectives and Implementation Challenges

Abstract

Family planning is a key element of reproductive health and an important protective public service for the enhanced well-being of communities, families, and individuals. This study is designed to present evidence to support the reinforcement of family planning implementation strategies in Bahawalpur and other similar districts of Pakistan by highlighting the impact of front-line social mobilizers on responses, moving beyond policy rhetoric. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the role of social mobilizers in promoting family planning and to assess the community perspectives and implementation challenges. A qualitative research approach was used with a phenomenological research design. The present study proceeded with a qualitative approach to examine the experiences, perceptions, and challenges of the social mobilizers who work in the promotion of family planning. The human universe of the study comprised social mobilizers of the Population Welfare Department, Government of Punjab. The geographical universe was District Bahawalpur, urban areas as well as rural areas. The design allowed for a rich understanding of the phenomenon in its context. Departmental records indicated that 49 social mobilizers are working in District Bahawalpur. There were 49 social mobilizers serving in the study area, out of which 15 participants were chosen for conducting in-depth interviews. Simple random sampling was found to be the most appropriate and justified sampling technique to select 15 participants from a homogeneous group of 49 social mobilizers for qualitative in-depth interviews.