Abstract

Background: Abortion remains among the leading causes of maternal death worldwide. Post-abortion contraception is significantly effective in preventing repeat unintended pregnancy and abortion if provided before women leave the health facility. However, the status of post-abortion family planning (PAFP) utilization and the contributing factors are not well studied in Tigray Region. So, we conduct study aimed on family planning utilization and factors associated with it among women receiving abortion services.

Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted among women receiving abortion services, central zone of  Tigray, December 2015- February 2016. A total of 409 abortion clients were selected using systematic random sampling technique and women were interviewed at exit. The data were collected by a pre-tested, interviewer administered questionnaire. Data were coded and entered in to Epi info 7 and then exported to SPSS for analysis. Descriptive statistics, frequencies and mean were computed. Bivariate logistic regression was used and variables statistically significant at p<0.05 were checked in multivariable logistic regression to identify associated factors.

Results: A total of 409 abortion clients were included in this study. Majority 290 (70.9%) of study participants utilized contraceptives after abortion. Type of health facility, the decision maker on timing of having child, knowledge that pregnancy can happen soon after abortion and husband’s opposition towards contraceptives were significantly associated with Post-abortion family planning utilization. 

Conclusions: About one-third of abortion women failed to receive contraceptive before leaving the facility. Private facilities should strengthen the post abortion care service. Health providers should provide counseling on fertility-return following abortion before abortion women left the facility. Women empowerment through enhancing community’s awareness focusing on own decision making in the family planning utilization including the partner should be strengthened.

Key words: Post abortion contraceptive use, women, health facilities, Ethiopia