Person-centred care for abortion services in private facilities to improve women's experiences in Kenya
Authors
Cotter, Sun Yu
Sudhinaraset, May
Phillips, Beth
Seefeld, Charlotte Avery
Mugwanga, Ziporah
Golub, Ginger
Ikiugu, Edward
Issue Date
2020-02-27
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Abortion , Kenya , Patient Experience , Person-Centred Care , Post-Abortion Care , Quality of Care
Alternative Title
Abstract
Globally, access to good quality abortion services and post-abortion care is a critical determinant for women's survival after unsafe abortion. Unsafe abortions account for high levels of maternal death in Kenya. We explored women's experiences and perceptions of their abortion and post-abortion care experiences in Kenya through person-centred care. This qualitative study included focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with women aged 18-35 who received safe abortion services at private clinics. Through thematic analyses of women's testimonies, we identified gaps in the abortion care and person-centred domains which seemed to be important throughout the abortion process. When women received clear communication and personalised comprehensive information on abortion and post-abortion care from their healthcare providers, they reported more positive experiences overall and higher reproductive autonomy. Communication and supportive care were particularly valued during the post-abortion period, as was social support more generally. Further research is needed to design, implement and test the feasibility and acceptability of person-centred abortion care interventions in community and clinical settings with the goal of improving women's abortion experiences and overall reproductive health outcomes.
Description
Citation
Cotter, S. Y., Sudhinaraset, M., Phillips, B., Seefeld, C. A., Mugwanga, Z., Golub, G., & Ikiugu, E. (2021). Person-centred care for abortion services in private facilities to improve women's experiences in Kenya. Culture, health & sexuality, 23(2), 224–239. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2019.1701083
Publisher
Culture, Health & Sexuality