The study “Understanding the Non-Health Determinants of Family Planning (FP) Use in Disaster-Prone Regions of the Philippines” was conducted by the Philippine Society for Responsible Parenthood, Inc. in partnership with the Center for Strategic Research at Miriam College, and sponsored by UNFPA Philippines.

The study aimed to comprehensively analyze the non-health determinants influencing FP use among women in disaster-prone regions of the Philippines. It adhered to the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) framework established by the United Nations and concentrated on five key determinants: discrimination, geography, governance, socio-economic status, and shock/fragility.

The study targeted five barangays across disaster-prone regions: Calabarzon, Eastern Visayas Region, CARAGA, and BARMM. These areas were selected based on their susceptibility to various disasters, including natural calamities and manmade crises, such as the strife in Marawi City.

The research approach comprised two integral components:

1. 1. Collecting crucial background data through 23 Key Informant Interviews (KII).
   2. Conducting in-depth Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with 107 participants to probe into their values, perceptions, beliefs, opinions, and practices concerning family planning, thereby uncovering non-health-related determinants influencing their decision-making processes.

The study’s findings revealed that women’s FP utilization experiences were significantly impacted by the following factors:

1. 1. Geographic Location: The physical location of their barangays, frequently subjected to various forms of disasters, played a pivotal role in determining FP utilization patterns. This included areas affected by both natural disasters and manmade conflicts, such as the strife in Marawi City.
   2. Socio-economic Status: The overall socio-economic standing of the communities and households was a key determinant. The study highlighted the challenges faced by women in areas characterized by limited economic resources.
   3. Governance Quality: The effectiveness of local governance systems emerged as a critical factor. It influenced the availability and accessibility of FP services and information within these communities.
   4.  Discrimination: Experiences of discrimination had a discernible impact on FP choices. Discriminatory practices and attitudes could serve as barriers to accessing and using FP methods.
   5. Shock and Fragility: Vulnerabilities arising from the combination of the above factors, compounded by the shock and fragility stemming from disasters, contributed significantly to women’s experiences in FP use. These shocks could exacerbate disadvantages and hardships for women of reproductive age.

While common determinants of FP use were identified across the study areas, including socio-cultural, economic, fertility, and access-related factors, there were also unique determinants specific to each region. These distinctions were primarily shaped by the ethnic, religious, and governance experiences characteristic of each area.

The study also found that women in disaster-prone areas faced multiple vulnerabilities and losses due to frequent disasters. Concerning FP use, the quality of local health and governance systems played a decisive
role in determining women’s continued inclusion or exclusion from government FP programs and services, especially during disasters.

The study’s findings underscore the importance of considering the non-health determinants of FP use when developing and implementing FP programs in disaster-prone areas. It also highlights the need for a multisectoral approach involving women, their families, government entities at both national and local levels, NGOs, and aid organizations to address the multifaceted challenges surrounding FP utilization in these areas.

The study provides the following recommendations:

1. 1. Enhance access to free FP commodities, especially in the context of evacuation centers and disaster scenarios. This can be done by establishing partnerships with local government units, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
   2. Invest in disaster-resilient FP service delivery systems. This includes training healthcare workers on FP service provision in emergency settings and ensuring the availability of essential FP supplies and equipment in evacuation centers and other temporary shelters.
   3. Empower women to make informed decisions about their FP and reproductive health. This can be done by raising awareness about FP and reproductive rights, and promoting gender-equitable relationships.
   4. Address the root causes of discrimination and other social determinants of health that impact FP use. This requires a multisectoral approach involving government agencies, civil society organizations, and communities.

By implementing these recommendations, we can help to ensure that all women have access to quality FP services and information, regardless of where they live or the challenges they face.