Findings from the use of a narrative story and leaflet to influence shifts along the behavior change continuum toward postpartum contraceptive uptake in Sylhet District, Bangladesh

Highlights • We explore knowledge and perceptions about postpartum return to fecundity in Sylhet, Bangladesh. • We use steps to behavior change to assess reported influence of a fictional story/leaflet. • Reported shifts in perceived susceptibility to pregnancy, pregnancy spacing benefits, and social support for PPFP were noted; barriers to PPFP uptake remain. • Using a fictional story offers a promising approach for motivating shifts along the continuum; remaining barriers to PPFP use must be addressed. • Consider incorporating Asma's Story in scale-up of PPFP in Bangladesh; tailor/test in other countries.