An Assessment of Post-Abortion Care Services in Ministry of Health Hospitals in Jordan

Authors
Sabry Hamza
Geographic Area
National
Year Of Publish
2008
Type of research
Quantitative
Research Area
Programmatic/systemsService Delivery/Operational
Abstract

BACKGROUND: A recent hospital-based survey revealed that during 2007 post-abortion cases constituted the second most frequent cause of admission to obstetric departments in MOH hospitals in Jordan. Additionally, according to a 1995/96 Jordan national maternal mortality study, post-abortion complications contribute to 5.5% of all direct obstetric deaths. The most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) suggested that unmet family planning needs for post-abortion cases is an important contributing factor to the contraceptive prevalence plateau in Jordan. A study to assess the current post-abortion care (PAC) services provided in MOH hospitals was designed; results of the assessment will help in the design of a comprehensive package for PAC services to be introduced in public sector hospitals in Jordan.

METHODS: The study conducted in 12 MOH hospitals, involved structured interviews of health care providers and other facility staff members, together with a review of relevant medical records and hospital service delivery statistics.

RESULTS: Post-abortion clients constitute approximately 8% of the total admissions to obstetric departments at MOH hospitals. None of the 12 hospitals reviewed currently provide family planning services for clients in the immediate post-abortion period. Most of the hospitals reported a lack of space to store or manage family planning commodities; a lack of clinical protocols and/or guidelines for post-abortion care services; a lack of Information and Education Communications (IEC) materials available to inform clients on various contraceptive methods available for use; and a lack of referral mechanisms between hospital Ob/Gyn departments and family planning clinics for post-abortion care services. Most of the hospitals; 10 of the 12 hospitals surveyed (83%) reported that service providers require training in family planning counseling and service provision.

CONCLUSION: This study provides recommendations for the introduction of PAC at MOH hospitals in Jordan in order to reduce unwanted pregnancies and better meet the clients’ family planning needs.

Figures and Tables
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