Acceptability of modern methods of contraception following abortion in two hospitals in Yaounde

Abstract

Background: In Cameroon, abortion constitutes a major cause of maternal mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the acceptability of modern contraceptive methods (MCMs) in the post-abortion period.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in two referral centers in Yaoundé (HGOPY and HCY) from February to July 2023. The investigation involved 123 women in the post abortion period, analyzing their prior contraceptive knowledge, experiences with cycle disorders, and acceptability of MCMs. Variables studied included sociodemographic characteristics, gynecological history, pre-existing contraceptive knowledge, and determinants of MCM acceptability.

Results: The mean age of participants was 28±7 years. They presented a moderate educational profile (47.1% secondary level) with a high proportion of singles (65%). Paradoxically, despite high declared contraceptive knowledge (71.5%), mainly centered on condoms (30.7%), effective acceptability of MCMs remained limited to 44.7% (n=55). The subdermal implant emerged as the most accepted method. Analysis revealed that clinical complications (bleeding: OR=4.10; transfusion: OR=2.69) and cognitive behavioral factors (MCM knowledge: OR=3.87; favorable attitude: OR=34.07; spousal communication: OR=7.77) significantly influenced acceptability in bivariate analysis, without persistence in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion: This study highlights a troubling paradox between declared contraceptive knowledge and effective MCM acceptability. These findings suggest that the knowledge of methods is insufficient to ensure their adoption.