Fertility awareness and post-abortion pregnancy intention in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background: Abortion related complications are known to be among the leading causes of maternal mortality and disabilities in developing countries. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of post-abortion patients, regarding return of fertility and pregnancy intentions. Methods: Cross sectional study was undertaken in four government hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from November 2001 to February 2002. Four hundred post-abortion cases were interviewed at the point of their discharge to get information on their fertility awareness and future pregnancy intentions. Results: Seventeen percent of the respondents who reported that the pregnancies were unwanted admitted some kind of interference with the pregnancy. Thirty six percent reported that they were assisted at clinics for inducing the abortion. Overall about 82% of them reported not having a plan to become pregnant in three months period following the abortion. Seventy three percent of them were not able to tell the time at which they could become pregnant if involved in sexual intercourse after the present abortion. Conclusion: This study revealed the urgent demand for quality services that should include education and provision of family planning counseling and methods. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2003;17(3):167-174]