Women’s post-abortion contraceptive use: Are predictors the same for immediate and future uptake of contraception? Evidence from Ghana

Abstract

This study seeks to identify the socio-demographic, reproductive, partner-related, and facility-level characteristics associated with women’s immediate and subsequent use of post-abortion contraception in Ghana. Secondary data from the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey were utilized in this study. The weighted data comprised 1,880 women who had ever had an abortion within the five years preceding the survey. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between the predictor and outcome variables. Health provider and women’s socio-demographic characteristics were significantly associated with women’s use of post-abortion contraception. Health provider’s counselling on family planning prior to or after abortion and place of residence were associated with both immediate and subsequent post-abortion uptake of contraception. Among subsequent post-abortion contraceptive users, older women (35–49), women in a union, and women who had used contraception prior to becoming pregnant were strong predictors. Partner-related and reproductive variables did not predict immediate and subsequent use of contraception following abortion. Individual and structural/institutional level characteristics are important in increasing women’s acceptance and use of contraception post abortion. Improving and intensifying family planning counselling services at the health facility is critical in increasing contraceptive prevalence among abortion seekers.

Post-abortion contraceptive utilization and associated factors among women who attended abortion services: A health facility cross-sectional study

“…Post-abortion contraception utilization may be important for women who do not want to become pregnant. 18 – 20 However, different studies revealed that it is underutilized public health intervention in Ethiopia and the study area in particular. 21 – 23 Thus, the main aim of this study was to determine the level of PACU and associated factors among reproductive age group women who received abortion services in Bahir Dar City, North West Ethiopia.…”

Socio-demographic and reproductive characteristics of clients that accepted contraceptives at abortion center at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), Johannesburg, South Africa: a cross-sectional study (January-July 2021)

“…There have been suggestions that socio-demographic characteristics such as age, ethnicity/racial differences, marital status, socio-economic status, educational status, and religious belief can play a key role in the pattern of uptake of contraception among women [ 5 - 8 ]. It was found that black women were less likely to use contraceptives as compared to whites in the United States of America [ 6 ]. Furthermore, greater acceptance of post-abortion contraceptives occurred among women who received post-abortion contraceptive counseling and services at health centers or maternity homes as compared to hospitals [ 7 , 9 , 10 ].…”

“…Furthermore, greater acceptance of post-abortion contraceptives occurred among women who received post-abortion contraceptive counseling and services at health centers or maternity homes as compared to hospitals [ 7 , 9 , 10 ]. However, while some studies reported that young women are more receptive to post-abortion contraceptives, older women were more interested in post-abortion family planning in other settings [ 6 - 8 ]. Partner´s support and participation during the abortion process may influence the women´s acceptance and use of post-abortion contraception [ 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Partner´s support and participation during the abortion process may influence the women´s acceptance and use of post-abortion contraception [ 11 , 12 ]. Nonetheless, the determinants of post-abortion contraceptive use vary due to contextual differences, study design and outcome of interest [ 6 , 7 , 13 ].…”