Views of clients on post abortion care in the Volta Regional Hospital

Abstract

The danger of dying from an unsafe abortion in Africa was almost three times higher than that in the Asia, and more than 15 times higher than that in the Latin America. However, reporting complications resulting from abortion remains difficult for some women. This study therefore examined post abortion care at the Volta Regional Hospital. Specifically, the study reviewed reported abortion complications, assessed the post abortion care services rendered to clients, examined the abortion experiences of clients, as well as clients’ views on post abortion services at the Volta Regional Hospital. A conceptual framework was developed based on Health Belief Model and Health System Responsiveness Model to guide the study. An in-depth interview guide was used to collect data from 20 post abortion care clients at the Hospital. Data was analysed manually using qualitative content analysis technique. The study found that medical abortion was the major method of abortion among the women. It was also observed that women reported at the hospital due to incomplete abortion and haemorrhage. The study also revealed that, the post abortion care services provided at the hospital rarely included, family planning, and counseling. On the attitude of service providers and satisfaction with post abortion care services at the hospital, it was observed that clients were generally satisfied with the services rendered to them. Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health should intensify campaign programs on post abortion complications and the need to seek early treatment and in formal health facilities.