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.
