Contraceptive challenges experienced by women who requested termination of pregnancy services in the Mpumalanga Province
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Authors
Mbokane, A.N.
Ehlers, V.J.
Issue Date
2006
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
abortions , accessibility of contraceptive services , contraceptive challenges , contraceptive side-effects , emergency contraception , termination of pregnancies
Alternative Title
Abstract
Although contraceptives are available free of charge throughout South Africa, the number of requests for termination
of pregnancy (TOP) services continues to increase. This research investigated challenges preventing women from
using contraceptives effectively. Structured interviews were conducted with 55 women who requested TOP services.
As many as 85.5% of these women had used contraceptives. They discontinued using contraceptives when sideeffects
occurred, necessitating them to request TOP services. Knowledge about, access to and the actual use of
contraceptives did not enable these women to prevent unwanted pregnancies. More effective counseling about
contraceptives’ side-effects and enhanced accessibility of contraceptives over weekends and during lunch breaks
could enable more women to prevent unwanted pregnancies, reducing the number of requests for TOP services.
Description
Citation
Publisher
AOSIS OpenJournals
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
10