The DYnamics of Contraception in Eswatini (DYCE) study is a high-frequency longitudinal survey that contacts young women (ages 18-24) in Eswatini on their phones – every two weeks – to understand the changes related to a young woman’s sexual and reproductive health.
Funded by the National Institutes of Health’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Institute, the DYCE protocol was reviewed and approved by the Eswatini National Health Research Review Board in 2024 and Columbia University Medical Center Institutional Review Board in 2023. DYCE is implemented by ICAP at Columbia University in collaboration with Eswatini Ministry of Health.
The Eswatini Population-based HIV Impact Assessment survey (SHIMS3) provided the sample for DYCE. The DYCE sample frame includes all women ages 18-24 that completed the SHIMS3 interview, consented to follow-up for potential future research, and provided a phone number. Between March 16, 2024 – April 8, 2024, 326 participants consented and completed the baseline survey, and 321 consented to bi-weekly participation. Beginning April 10, 2024, these 321 participants were called bi-weekly to answer questions about socio-demographics, pregnancy and contraception, relationships, sexual activity and HIV.
Summary Sheet: Reproductive Health Knowledge Among a Sample of Young Women in Eswatini
Among this sample of young women in Eswatini, knowledge about PrEP’s purpose was high, as was knowledge about which contraceptive methods one can and cannot use together. Young women were less knowledgeable about correct condom use and the fertility cycle. Read the full summary sheet below for more findings and details.
Summary Sheet: Use of Youth Friendly Services Among a Sample of Young Women in Eswatini
More participants had visits for contraceptive use (39%) than STI services (17%) in the past 12 months. Most participants did not encounter any issues when seeking services. Among the approximately one-third that did have an issue, waiting rooms being too public and lack of confidentiality or privacy were most often cited. Most participants who accessed contraceptive or STI services chose the health facility because it was close to their home or work – i.e. easy to get to. Young women value easy access to facilities more so than facility reputation or discretion, underscoring the need for all facilities have youth-friendly, confidential services. Read the full summary sheet below for more findings and details.
