Family planning counselling--a priority for post abortion care.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of providing contraceptive care to post abortal women.


METHODS
This was a descriptive study in which data were collected through subject interviews.


METHODS
Women presenting with complications of abortion at Harare and Parirenyatwa Hospitals, Harare.


METHODS
2,050 women with complications of abortion.


METHODS
Use of a contraceptive method before and after the intervention.


RESULTS
Basic characteristics are similar to those reported previously. Seventy six per cent were not using any form of contraception prior to pregnancy. After the intervention 97% were discharged with a contraceptive method of their choice.


CONCLUSIONS
The results emphasize the importance of family planning in the prevention of unplanned pregnancies and the need to make these services easily available and accessible. Emphasis should initially be on eliminating need for abortion by provision of adequate family planning services.
Mahomed
K
K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe Medical School, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Healy
J
J
Tandom
S
S
D000024:Abortion, Illegal; D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003376:Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires