Abstract
Where unmet need for the safest, most effective, and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) is very high, the health system and partners need to implement problem-solving, locally feasible, and comprehensive family planning delivery strategies. Because young and unmarried women are most at risk for unintended pregnancy and repeat abortion due to poor access to contraceptive services, postabortion family planning (PAFP) is a key component in such strategies. In Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region, Ethiopia, Ipas implemented health system strengthening efforts from fiscal year (FY) 2010 (July 2009 to June 2010) to FY 2014 (July 2013 to June 2014) to improve the quality of PAFP services and expand method choice in 101 public facilities. The intervention significantly improved PAFP uptake at the project sites. Specifically, the proportion of abortion clients receiving LARCs progressively improved during the intervention period. The proportion of abortion clients who left the facilities with a contraceptive method increased from 58% in FY 2010 to 83% in FY 2014. The share of method mix for LARCs rose from 2% in FY 2010 to 55% in FY 2014, while the share for condoms, injectables, and oral contraceptives declined from 98% to 45%. Implant use rose from 2% in FY 2010 to 43% in FY 2014, while the use of intrauterine devices increased from 0.1% in FY 2010 to 12% in FY 2014. A larger proportion of PAFP users received LARCs at health centers, where midwives and nurses are the primary providers, than at hospitals (59% versus 37%, respectively). A broader method mix can satisfy clients with a variety of needs, a key factor for higher uptake of more effective methods and program success. Further evidence-based interventions need to be implemented to improve the quality of PAFP in a feasible and replicable strategy that addresses unmet need for modern contraceptive methods.
Highlights
Global Health: Science and Practice 2016 | Volume 4 | Supplement 2 and the majority (57%) were single
The high unmet need for contraception coupled with high numbers of safe and unsafe abortions testifies to Postabortion Family Planning Services and Access to long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) in Ethiopia www.ghspjournal.org the need for stronger routine contraceptive services and highlights the potential benefits of strengthening postabortion contraceptive services
The proportion of all comprehensive abortion care (CAC) contraceptive acceptors who chose a long-acting method rose from 2% in fiscal year (FY) 2010 to 55% in FY 2014 (Po.001)
Summary
Global Health: Science and Practice 2016 | Volume 4 | Supplement 2 and the majority (57%) were single. Among women seeking induced abortion, only 24% reported contraceptive use prior to the current pregnancy. The same study found that 1 of every 4 facilities in the country did not have designated postabortion contraceptive services for women who had received abortion care.[1]. It is estimated that as many as 95% of unintended pregnancies in Ethiopia occur among women who do not practice contraception at all.[2] The national Demographic and Health Survey in 2011 found that 1 of every 4 married women had an unmet need for family planning, and nearly 29% of most recent births and current pregnancies were reported as either mistimed or unwanted.[3]. The high unmet need for contraception coupled with high numbers of safe and unsafe abortions testifies to
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
