Table 2 Selected quotations from the interviews of postpartum adolescents and adult women supporting the constructs of the integrated theoretical framework

Increase in knowledge

“I have never used family planning, I always just hear about it, so I learnt today. I have learnt that there are pills that you can use, the injection, you can also do tubal ligation.” - 19 years

“I have learnt about the methods of family planning that can be used during breastfeeding and what I have learnt again especially that one for three months injection you can use even if you have never delivered.” – 17 years

Enhance realistic expectations of side effects

“I can now decide to choose this [injectables] or the other [IUDs or implants] knowing that it’s obvious to experience minor side effects.” – 25 years

Help to dispel myths

“I have felt that family planning is good. It was not like what people rumor about in the community that family planning is bad, that it has bad side effects which can even kill you. For example, like the implants, that if you are inserted wrongly you can lose your arm. I have learnt today from that tool that it is not like that.” – 20 years

Empower women to make informed decisions

“Because it is not time consuming, it is empowering the women, they read for themselves they have the pictures and everything.” – 18 years