The effect of training on the provision of elective abortion: a survey of five residency programs.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the correlation of residency abortion training and other variables with abortion provision.


METHODS
We surveyed obstetrician-gynecologists who graduated from five residency programs. Subjects were asked about demographic characteristics, residency abortion training, and abortion provision. We used a logistic regression model that included all variables that were correlated significantly with abortion provision in univariate analyses.


RESULTS
Of 161 physicians (61%) who responded, 131 physicians (83%) participated in abortion training. Seventy-six physicians (47%) provided abortions currently, and 95 physicians (58%) had provided abortions at some time since residency. Three variables were independently, positively correlated with abortion provision: the number of abortions that were performed during residency, the gestational age limit of abortion training, and urban practice. Negatively correlated with provision were membership in a restrictive practice and training outside the teaching hospital.


CONCLUSIONS
Variables that were indicative of more extensive residency abortion training were associated positively with the current provision of abortion.
Steinauer
Jody E
JE
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Ward 6D, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA. steinauerj@obgyn.ucsf.edu
Landy
Uta
U
Jackson
Rebecca A
RA
Darney
Philip D
PD
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009775:Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012495:San Francisco