Work

Development of an educational video on family planning for migrant women: a qualitative participatory co-design study in Northern Morocco

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Migrant populations often face poorer sexual and reproductive health outcomes, including limited uptake of contraception. Morocco has become a country of transit and destination for thousands of sub-Saharan African (SSA) migrant women. Although these women are entitled to free contraception, they encounter informational barriers such as lack of knowledge about contraceptive options and limited access to trusted and culturally fit sources of information. Drawing on participatory research and design thinking approaches, this study aimed to co-design interventions to address informational barriers limiting family planning awareness and contraceptive use among SSA migrant women in Morocco. Methods: This participatory co-design study engaged 13 French-speaking SSA migrant women aged 18-49, recruited through a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Tangier, Morocco. A 1-day co-design workshop was conducted using the five-stage Design Thinking model: empathise, define, ideate, prototype and test. Participants used visual and interactive tools to propose, prioritise and shape educational interventions. The workshop session and post-feedback interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using rapid thematic analysis to identify intervention categories and themes. Results: Participants identified four approaches to address information gaps: culturally adapted educational materials, engagement of health professionals or community actors for direct counselling, outreach educational activities and embedding educational activities with vocational training or direct support activities (eg, provision of food items). They prioritised the first approach based on its feasibility, potential reach, sustainability and ability to directly engage users. Participants co-designed a short-animated video which was prototyped. The video included tailored content on contraceptive methods, information on entitlements to free services and pathways to family planning services. Design features were chosen such as relatable voiceover, skin tone representation, language and a preferred colour palette, in addition to preferred dissemination channels. Conclusions: This study shows that co-design is a feasible and meaningful method for developing culturally relevant educational interventions on contraception for migrant women. The next phase will focus on refining, implementing and testing the educational intervention, incorporating user feedback. There is also potential to adapt and expand the content to address a broader range of sexual and reproductive health needs in this community.

Source: BMJ Public Health

DOI: 10.1136/bmjph-2025-003458