Acceptance of Family Planning Methods by Clients Availing Safe Abortion Service

Abstract

Background: Safe abortion policy was started in 2002 to reduce the ma­ternal mortality and morbidity related to unsafe abortion. Promoting the use of contraceptive methods effectively reduces the abortion rate by pre­venting unintended pregnancy. In this study the acceptance and selection of contraceptive method following abortion was assessed. Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted from 1st January 2016 till 31st December 2016 at Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara Nepal where 191 women were enrolled for the study. Results: Among 191 wom­en mostly were from the age group of 20-29 (46.1%) and were Hindu (73.3%). Most of them were pregnant for more than one time (86.9%) and do house work (57.6%). The main reason for abortion was due to complete family (67.5%) and the abortion was done by medical method (57.6%). Around 52.4% of women did not choose any form of family planning methods post abortion which is most alarming for the govern­ment of Nepal. Conclusion: The abortion service is free in Nepal; most women did not use family planning after abortion which indicates repeat­ed abortion. The good counselling pre and post abortion may be helpful to increase the rate of acceptance of family planning after abortion.