Factors associated with utilisation of post abortion care services among women of reproductive age in Nairobi County-Kenya

Abstract

Background: Complications of abortion are a major contributing factor to maternal mortality, especially in Africa. 31% of maternal deaths in Nairobi are attributed to abortions complications. While Post abortion Care (PAC) is a proven approach in addressing mortality and burden of abortion complications, determinants of use among women who need the service, PAC health seeking behaviours, the health systems capacity to provide PAC and experiences of women and providers on PAC is not well documented. This study sought to address this gap.

Objective: To determine factors that influence utilization of PAC services among women of reproductive age in Nairobi County.

Design: Cross-sectional survey design which employed a quantitative data collection approach.

Setting: Mbagathi hospital and Mama Lucy Kibaki hospital.

Subjects and Intervention: Women of reproductive age attending reproductive health services at selected health facilities. The intervention was post abortion care.

Results: Single women are 62.5% (OR 0.375) less likely to seek PAC services than married women. Prior knowledge of post abortion care (PAC) services is a statistically significant determinant of seeking of PAC services (P <0.05). Women with prior knowledge about post abortion care (PAC) services are twice likely (O.R 2.318) to seek PAC services. Prior experiences, with Gender of health care provider while seeking PAC services (P-Value 0.044), waiting time (0.008) and service affordability (p<0.05) significantly determines whether one seeks PAC services or not.

Conclusion: Utilization of PAC services in Nairobi County is determined by experiences, perceptions, as well as individual level factors such as marital status