Segizbayeva, Aidana2024-06-262024-06-262024-04-23Segizbayeva, A. (2024). The Quality of Family Planning Services in Kazakhstan: Mixed-Methods Study. Nazarbayev University School of Medicinehttp://nur.nu.edu.kz/handle/123456789/8022Family planning encompasses practices that help individuals and couples achieve their desired number of children, along with the preferred spacing and timing of births, integrating all aspects of reproductive and sexual health. This study employs a concurrent mixed-methods design, applying the Donabedian (1988) and Bruce (1990) framework, to evaluate the quality of family planning services in Kazakhstan from the perspectives of female patients and physicians. Quantitative data were gathered through online patient surveys and qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with physicians, recruiting 212 patients and five physicians via convenience and snowball sampling from social media platforms. Analysis of 21 quality indicator questions revealed the highest mean score in interpersonal relations, with overall high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha 0.94). Six semi-structured questions were asked, followed with probing questions from the physicians who provide family planning services. The study found that 43.4% of women use family planning services, aligning with physician observations that women generally consult gynecologists only when facing issues. Patients and physicians both highlight insufficient information and limited contraceptive options as major issues, alongside the cost barrier. However, while 42.4% of women felt that physicians lacked care and compassion during consultations, physicians believed they were empathetic, suggesting a disconnect in perceptions. The findings indicate gaps in the provision of accurate information, compassion in care, and appropriate referrals for unavailable treatments. This study highlights the need for enhanced policies and practices improving family planning services in Kazakhstan, aiming to better serve individuals and their families, and underscores the importance of integrating patient and physician insights to identify and implement improvements.enType of access: RestrictedQuality of family planning servicesFamily planningMixed-methodsQuantitative and qualitativeReproductive and sexual healthDonabedien frameworkIn-depth interviewsOnline surveysMaster's thesis