Factors Affecting Immediate Use of Contraception Among Women Hospitalised for Abortion in Two Public Hospitals in Kigali, Rwanda: A Cross Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: The 2019-20 Rwanda demographic health survey revealed an overall use of modern contraceptives of 58% but participants were not likely to use family planning in the postpartum period. Three quarters of participants intended to use contraception only after they had resumed menses and not breastfeeding. This study intended to measure post-abortion contraception uptake and to evaluate factors affecting immediate post abortion contraception uptake among patients consulting two public hospitals in Kigali, Rwanda. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study of women admitted for abortion in 2 hospitals' obstetric units in Kigali; the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) and Muhima District Hospital (MH) from November 2019 to April 2020. Admission registry was accessed daily to determine abortion admissions. After informed consent, participants underwent a standardised interview prior to their discharge from respective hospital. RESULTS: There were 252 participants over 6 months; 88.5% were counselled for post-abortion contraception and 52% desired contraception prior to hospital discharge. Upon discharge, 70.2% of the study participants who wished immediate post abortion contraception received it before discharge and 29.8% had no contraception despite having expressed interest for immediate post abortion contraception. Being married and involving husband in choosing post-abortion contraception were significantly associated with use of post-abortion contraception. CONCLUSION: Post-abortion contraception uptake in 2 large public hospitals in Kigali remains low. Being married and involving husband in choosing post-abortion contraception are positive factors associated with post-abortion contraception uptake while choosing a permanent contraception is associated with not receiving any contraception at the time of discharge from hospital. There is a need to consider prescribing an alternative interim methods of contraception to women desiring permanent sterilisation.