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Background: Unmet need for postpartum contraception is high. Integration of family planning with routine child immunization services may help to satisfy unmet need. However, evidence about the effects of integration has been inconsistent, and more evidence is required to determine whether and how to invest in integration. This study applies continuous facility-level family planning and child immunization integration index scores to: (1) determine whether integration changes over time, (2) assess the impact of the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) on integration, and (3) identify facility-level characteristics associated with integration across facilities in urban areas of Nigeria. Methods: Longitudinal data from health facilities in six urban areas of Nigeria are available from 400 facilities at baseline (2011) and 385 facilities at endline (2014). Difference-in-differences models estimate the impact of NURHI on Provider and Facility Integration Index scores and determine associations between facility-level characteristics and integration. The two outcome measures, Provider and Facility Integration Index scores, reflect attributes that support integrated service delivery. These indexes, which range from 0 (low) to 10 (high), were constructed using principal component analysis. Scores were calculated for each facility. Independent variables are (1) time period, (2) whether the facility received the NURHI intervention, and (3) facility-level characteristics. Results: Within intervention facilities, mean Provider Integration Index scores were 6.46 at baseline and 6.79 at endline; mean Facility Integration Index scores were 7.16 (baseline) and 7.36 (endline). Within non-intervention facilities, mean Provider Integration Index scores were 5.01 at baseline and 6.25 at endline; mean Facility Integration Index scores were 5.83 (baseline) and 6.12 (endline). Provider Integration Index scores increased significantly (p = 0.00) among non-intervention facilities. Facility Integration Index scores did not increase significantly in either group. NURHI did not have a significant effect on integration index scores. Results identify facility-level characteristics associated with integration: location, family planning client load, years of provider experience, provider training, and public facility ownership. Conclusion: Programs aiming to increase integration of family planning and immunization services should monitor and provide targeted support for the implementation of a well-defined integration strategy that considers the influence of facility characteristics and concurrent initiatives. |
