Background: Unsafe abortion remains a significant contributor of maternal morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia and other developing countries. Involvement of community based health workers, health extension workers (HEWs) in Ethiopia, is a vital step in increasing access and utilization of medical abortion and related services. In order to engage HEWs, it is important to understand the attitude of women and service providers.
Objective: To explore the acceptability of involvement of HEWs in medical abortion by women who seek services, by abortion service providers, and assess willingness and confidence of HEWs.
Methods: An exploratory in-depth interview was conducted at three purposively selected health facilities in Ethiopia; namely Marie Stopes International (MSI) Adama clinic, MSI Asella clinic and Adama Government Health Centre from July-August, 2013. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysis was done using Atlas ti software. Themes were abstracted from coded text segments. The findings are presented using quotations, Atlas ti networks and queries.
Results: Thirty eight (26 eligibility, 12 follow up) women participated in the study and 9 HEWs and 7 service providers were interviewed. Almost all of the interviewed women, service providers and HEWs accepted HEWs involvement in medical abortion services. The HEWs expressed readiness and confidence. Concerns related to the involvement of HEWs included confidentiality, privacy, over dependence on abortion rather than preventing unwanted pregnancy, quality and poor referral system.
Conclusions: Expansion of medical abortion services by involving HEWs can contribute to the reduction of abortion related morbidity and mortality. Concerns of the study population should be addressed by training HEWs for medical abortion, creating better awareness and advocacy among women and communities, addressing quality and referral issues with proper planning, implementing and monitoring of activities.