Publication:

Profile of abortion seekers and decision makers of post abortion contraceptive acceptability in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Background Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) represents an important aspect of women’s reproductive health and right. Complications of unsafe abortion account for an estimated 9% of all maternal deaths. The present study was undertaken to study the factors influencing MTPs, the subsequent adoption of contraceptive methods following MTP and decision makers for contraceptive choice.

Methods This cross- sectional, descriptive study was performed over a period of eight months from October 2015 to May 2016.The study subjects included 108 women who underwent MTP at the hospital. The details regarding their socio-demographic profile, previous obstetric history, reason for seeking abortion and acceptance of post abortal contraception were taken and analyzed by SPSS software.

Results The mean age and parity of women was 28.94±4.796 years and 2.205±0.978 respectively. All were married with 84.25% having two or more living children. Majority of the women (97.22%) reported in the first trimester of pregnancy for MTP. Nearly 40% were not using any contraception at the time of conception and only 3.7% used oral contraceptive pills (OCP) and 2.8% used intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). The reason for seeking abortion was completed family (62.9%), previous baby too young (19.44%) and contraceptive failure (5.55%). Of the 94.4% women who opted for concurrent contraception, 58.3% opted female sterilization. Decision about contraception was taken by both in 57.4% cases, husband alone in 40.7% and wife alone in only 1.9% cases.

Conclusions All MTP seekers should be provided information and counseling for post abortal contraceptive use and enable these women and their spouse to make an informed and voluntary choice and thus avoid the need of a repeat abortion. Contraceptive services should also include emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy due to unprotected sex.