Factors associated with seeking post-abortion care among women in Guangzhou, China

Abstract

Background: In China, the vast majority of induced abortion is performed in public hospitals. However, post-abortion care (PAC) services are provided through the national network of family planning clinics, which are independent of the health care system. The integration of PAC services into abortion clinics in public hospitals is a new concept. This study was aimed to assess post-abortion care (PAC) utilization among abortion patients, and identify the possible factors affecting PAC uptake in Guangzhou, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted at the Tianhe district of Guangzhou during the period of June to September, 2018. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors that influenced PAC utilization.Results: The PAC counseling rate of subjects was noted as 42.1% before left the health care facilities. Meanwhile, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that unmarried women, women with local household registration, women perceive that fertility could return sooner after abortion and women themselves as the main decider on PAC use were significantly associated with PAC utilization. Conclusions: The utilization rate of PAC was low in Guangzhou, China. There’s an urgent need to develop high-quality PAC services. It should be improved to provide better access for migrant women. The involvement of male partners in counseling is also needed.