Integration of Family Planning Services within Post Abortion Care at Health Facilities in Dessie –North East Ethiopia

Article Information The aim of this study is to investigate the integration of family planning services within post abortion care that plays a vital role in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality resulting from abortion and its complications. Facility based cross sectional study design was used including both quantitative and qualitative data collection method. The sample size was 291. The number of study units to be sampled from each facility was determined using proportional allocation to size and systematic random sampling was employed to select and approach each study subjects. A validated semi structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Bi-variate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the most important predictors of integrating family planning services within post abortion care. A total of 282 post abortion women were included in the exit interview. Among these 158 (56.0%) reported that they have got family planning (FP) counselling and 134 (47.5%) left the health facility with modern contraceptive method. Lack of trained provider, being over loaded by other routine activities, absence of separate post abortion room, lack of commodities and supplies were major identified barriers of integrating family planning services within post abortion care. Family planning services were partially integrated within post abortion care. Attention should be given in service providers training, availing post abortion family planning supplies and equipments in the post abortion recovery room. Article History: Received : 06-01-2012 Revised : 09-02-2012 Accepted : 17-02-2012