title: Factors affecting delays in first trimester pregnancy termination services in New Zealand.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the factors affecting the timeliness of services in first trimester abortion service in New Zealand.
  
  
  METHODS
  Primary data were collected from all patients attending nine abortion clinics between February and May 2009. The outcome measured was delay between the first visit with a referring doctor and the date of the abortion procedure. Patient records (n=2,950) were audited to determine the timeline between the first point of entry to the health system and the date of abortion. Women were also invited to fill out a questionnaire identifying personal factors affecting access to services (n=1,086, response rate = 36.8%).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Women who went to private clinic had a significantly shorter delay compared to public clinics. Controlling for clinic type, women who went to clinics that offered medical abortions or clinics that offered single day services experienced less delay. Also, women who had more than one visit with their referring doctor experienced a greater delay than those who had a single visit. The earlier in pregnancy women sought services the longer the delay. Women's decision-making did not have a significant effect on delay.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several clinic level and systemic factors are significantly associated with delay in first trimester abortion services. In order to ensure the best physical and emotional outcomes, timeliness of services must improve.
authors.affiliation: School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. m.silva@auckland.ac.nz
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: McNeill
authors.forename: Toni
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ashton
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult