Publication: Practices and Perceptions on Contraception Acceptance among Clients Availing Safe Abortion Services in Nepal
Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
The Government of Nepal has implemented safe abortion policy since 2002. There
are 245 approved sites providing safe abortion services to women across the
country. Family planning counselling is one of the components of the safe abortion
policy, which is important to reduce unwanted pregnancy, maternal morbidity and
mortality due to the consequences of unsafe abortion and the service burden.
Objectives
This study explains the perceptions, practices and factors affecting the use of family
planning among abortion clients attending safe abortion services in Nepal.
Methods
A cross sectional study was carried out on September, 2008 enrolling 58 women
who were waiting in the dressing room for safe abortion services in Paropkar
Maternity Hospital, Nepal. All women attending hospital clinic for receiving safe
abortion services were approached for interview till the targeted number was
fulfilled. A convenience sampling was applied to reach the sample size.
Results
Of the 58 respondents, majority of the respondents were Hindus (83%), residing
in Kathmandu district (76%); of the age group 20-29 years (69%); and 98% were
married. One fifth (20.68 %) of the respondents had previous history of spontaneous
or induced abortion. The main reason for abortion did not want any more babies/
complete family (45%). The knowledge of modern contraception was high (98.27%).
The knowledge of emergency contraception was low (25.9%). Side effects was the
main reason (48%, n=31) for discontinuation of contraceptives. Intention to use
some modern family planning methods after the abortion was expressed by 83%
clients. The major enabling factor for continued contraceptive use was the absence
of side effects. The family planning counselling was acceptable for 91% clients.
Conclusion
Knowledge, acceptance of counselling service and intention to use family planning
measure was high in the study participants. There is need to provide skills on
adapting with the adverse effect of family planning measure through continuous
education and reinforcement.
KEY WORDS
abortion, Contraception, family planning services, Nepal, unwanted pregnancy.
Description
Khanal V,1 Joshi C,2 Neupane D,3 Karkee R4
1School of Public Health, Curtin University, Australia
2The University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
3University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
4BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal