Is pregnancy termination being used as a family planning method in the Free State?

F. Lang, G. Joubert, E. A.M. Prinsloo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: This study determined the profile of women seeking termination of pregnancy (TOP) in the Free State and whether TOP was used as a family planning method. Methods: Seven hundred and fifty women (15-47 years old) seeking TOP at the Reproductive Health Unit of the National Hospital in Bloemfontein were included in this cross-sectional study. The women who gave verbal consent completed a questionnaire during counselling. Results: The median age of the participants was 24 years and 77.3% were single. Most participants (73.3%) were not using any family planning method at the time of the study. One-fifth (19.1%) had previously had at least one TOP, while for 80.9% of the participants it was their first visit. Some participants (16.6%) considered TOP a family planning method, 39.7% were unsure and 43.7% indicated that TOP is not a family planning method. Thirty-nine women failed to answer this question. When asked the reason for TOP, 3.5% chose the option "contraceptive method". Conclusions: The relatively high percentage of participants who consider TOP a contraceptive method or are unsure, associated with the fact that most were young, single, not using contraception and had applied for induced abortion just because the conception represented an unwanted pregnancy, implies that some of our population is not aware that termination of pregnancy is not a family planning method.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)52-55
Number of pages4
JournalSouth African Family Practice
Volume47
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Family planning method
  • Termination of pregnancy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Family Practice

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Is pregnancy termination being used as a family planning method in the Free State?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this