Assessment of quality of post abortion care in government hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Unsafe abortion is the leading cause of maternal death in Ethiopia. It is also known to cause several acute and long-term complications leading to disabilities. In countries like Ethiopia where there is no access to safe abortion, improvement of the available postabortion care services is an important strategy.

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the quality of health services with respect to postabortion care in hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross sectional survey on quality of postabortion care was conducted among 422 postabortion patients attending four hospitals in Addis Ababa. Additionally, 42 service providers involved in providing postabortion care services were interviewed. Direct service delivery observation and inventory of equipment and supplies were also conducted. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

Results: Interaction between service providers and patients was found to be satisfactory whereas information provision on important aspects of care such as danger signs and follow-up needs were very limited. Only about 20% and 3% received family planning counseling and contraceptive methods respectively. Other reproductive health related issues such as STIs and HIV/AIDS were rarely raised by the service providers during caring for the patients. Overall 92.3% of the patients responded that they were satisfied with the services they have received.

Conclusion: The study has shown several missed opportunities and indicated important areas for future service delivery improvement.