OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the implementation of family planning (FP) assistance in three municipalities in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, along with contextual factors. METHODS: the evaluation was carried out between 2005 and 2007. Interviews were conducted with health workers and managers, the provision of services was observed, and documents consulted. The degree of implementation of the program was assessed by developing an evaluation matrix comprising three components - assistance, education and management - and standards and criteria were established. Oral and documentary sources of information allowed for analysis of the context to the implementation to be carried out. RESULTS: the implementation of FP in the metropolitan municipality was at an advanced stage and in the rural municipalities in its initial stages. Educational activities conformed better to the established criteria than clinical care. Weaknesses included irregular methods of contraception, problems with the availability of contraceptive surgery, the lack of infertility care and male reproductive health. The teams include a range of different professionals, but there is a need for further training. In the metropolitan municipality, program management is a strong point, but in the others management falls short of expectations. CONCLUSIONS: the degree of implementation of FP care is related to geopolitical inequalities and contextual factors associated with the Brazilian National Health System-lack of integration of care networks and limited regionalization. This study may help to encourage institutionalization of the practice of monitoring and evaluating family planning assistance.
Familiar planning (Public Health); Reproductive rights; Programs evaluation
