Strategies to address reproductive coercion and intimate partner violence in Nairobi family planning services: qualitative client and provider perspectives

Reproductive coercion (RC) and intimate partner violence (IPV) threaten women's health and reproductive agency globally. The Addressing Reproductive Coercion in Health Settings (ARCHES) intervention integrates screening for RC and IPV, covert contraceptive options, IPV referrals, and an educational booklet into family planning (FP) services. This study examines client and provider perspectives on ARCHES in Nairobi, Kenya. A qualitative study was conducted in the three private clinics implementing ARCHES. Data were collected through 35 in-depth client interviews and 12 provider interviews three months post-intervention. Participants were purposively sampled based on age and RC/IPV experience. Thematic content analysis was used. Clients reported greater reproductive autonomy through increased knowledge of covert contraception, IPV services, and reproductive rights. Providers reported gaining confidence to address RC and IPV and building stronger relationships with clients. Barriers included stigma around IPV referrals and limited counseling time. Screening for RC/IPV was widely accepted, with some clients recognising abuse for the first time. The compact educational booklet improved knowledge retention and community outreach. Perspectives on male partner engagement were mixed due to concerns about safety and confidentiality. ARCHES was well-received by clients and providers, enhancing FP care and addressing critical gaps in RC and IPV support. Future adaptations should address barriers to IPV referral uptake and provider first-line IPV support, and carefully track implementation to ensure continued client-centered counseling. These findings support ARCHES as a scalable model for integrating FP and violence prevention interventions in Kenya and similar contexts.