Post-abortion care services for youth and adult clients in Kenya: a comparison of services, client satisfaction and provider attitudes

J Biosoc Sci. 2014 Jan;46(1):1-15. doi: 10.1017/S0021932013000230. Epub 2013 Jun 10.

Abstract

Unsafe abortion accounts for 35% of maternal mortality in Kenya. Post-abortion care (PAC) reduces maternal death and provides an opportunity to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Few studies have documented how the receipt of PAC services varies by client age. In this study, descriptive data were collected from clients, providers and eight health facilities in Kenya's Central and Nairobi provinces to examine receipt of PAC services by client age, client satisfaction and provider attitudes. Delivery of PAC treatment, pain management, HIV and STI services and violence screening did not vary by age. However, fewer youth between the ages of 15 and 24 received a contraceptive method compared with adult clients (35% versus 48%; p=0.02). Forty-nine per cent of youth reported not using a family planning method due to fears of infertility, side-effects or lack of knowledge compared with 22% of adults. Additional efforts are needed in Kenya to bolster the family planning services that young PAC clients receive and increase the uptake of contraception.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced / methods
  • Abortion, Induced / standards*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Contraception / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Health Personnel / psychology
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Kenya / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Quality of Health Care / standards
  • Young Adult