Knowledge, attitude and practice of post abortion contraception among MTP Seekers in a tertiary care hospital of North India

Neelima Agarwal,Manisha Gupta,Alpana Agrawal

doi:10.18231/j.sujhs.2019.018

Abstract

Introduction: Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP), despite legalization, is a greatly neglected health care problem of women in their reproductive age group and is not free from complications. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to study the factors influencing MTPs & the subsequent adoption of contraceptive methods following MTP. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over one year and included 148 women who underwent MTP at the hospital. The details regarding their socio-demographic profile, reason for seeking abortion and acceptance of post abortal contraception were taken and analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Majority of women (93.92%) were aware of the various contraceptive methods available and awareness was maximum for condom (87.16%). The main source of information was television (76.35%). 85.81% women had no knowledge about emergency contraception. 89.20% patients came early for termination of pregnancy below 8 weeks. Completed family was the most common reason (62.84%). Post abortion contraception was accepted by 92.56% women. IUCD was the most preferred choice (51.35%). Decision regarding contraception was taken by both husband and wife in 45.95% cases. Conclusions: There is need to counsel women of reproductive age group that MTP is not a way to control unwanted birth and it is not free from risk. Eligible couples have to be educated regarding the availability of different methods of contraception and their proper use to avoid pregnancy. Keywords: Medical termination of pregnancy, MTP seekers, Socio demographic profile, Post abortion contraception, Emergency contraception, Eligible couples.

Highlights

Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP), despite legalization, is a greatly neglected health care problem of women in their reproductive age group and is not free from complications
The term ‘Medical termination of pregnancy’ is defined as the willful termination of pregnancy before theperiod of viability of the fetus (20 weeks for all practical purposes). abortion has been legalized for more than four decades in India, still a major proportion of abortions are conducted by untrained persons at unauthorized place.[1]
The aim of the present study was to investigate the socio-demographic profile of pregnant women seeking MTP, the reasons for procuring abortion, the subsequent adoption of contraceptive methods following MTP and reasons for not adopting contraceptive methods

Summary

Introduction

Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP), despite legalization, is a greatly neglected health care problem of women in their reproductive age group and is not free from complications. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over one year and included 148 women who underwent MTP at the hospital The details regarding their socio-demographic profile, reason for seeking abortion and acceptance of post abortal contraception were taken and analyzed by SPSS software. With the legislation of the MTP Act in 1971, India became one of the first countries legalizing abortion on moderately liberal grounds – “failure of contraceptive use” for termination of pregnancy.[5] A strong motivation to seek an abortion rests on the widespread desire for smaller families, the need to control the timing of births and the failure or inconsistent use of contraception. Encouraging eligible couples to use effective contraceptive methods is an effective way to reduce MTP

Objectives

Methods

Results