Implementation of postabortion care (PAC)‎ services in three states in Eastern Sudan 2009-2010

الملخص EN

Objectives : this is an observational study done in three states in eastern Sudan, Red sea, Kassala and Gadarif states.

It was conducted to determine number of patients presented for PAC, their socio-demographic characteristics and medical treatment they received.

Methodology : the study was carried in nine hospitals, in three states in eastern part of Sudan.

Training of health care providers was done before embarking on the study together with renovation of health care centers.

Patients presented for PAC, were included in the study after an informed consent, during 2009-2010.

Data was collected by trained group of registrars in obstetrics and gynecology department.

Results : the study showed that, 3762 patients were admitted for PAC services during study period, accounting for 11.9 % of the total hospitals admission, 3740 enrolled in the study.

Abortion cases were classified as spontaneous 3463 (92.6 %), while 277 (7.4 %) were induced.

Evacuation was done for 3548 (94.9 %), the rest were spontaneous complete abortion, received uterotonics and antibiotics.

Sharp curettage was done for 3065 (86.3 %), manual vacuum aspiration-MVA, for 414 (11.7 %) and 69 cases (2.0 %) received misoprostol.

Counseling and family planning provided to 301 cases (8.0 %).

Pregnancy was intentional and wanted in 2647 cases (70.8 %), wanted but unplanned in 553 (14.8 %), and unwanted in 540 cases (14.4 %).

Conclusion : miscarriage (abortion) is prevalent even within desired pregnancy.

Sharp curettage is still the method of practice.

Family planning is not well integrated within PAC services.

Health care providers need to know, practice and maintain full package of PAC.