Community perception of abortion, women who abort and abortifacients in Kisumu and Nairobi counties, Kenya.
Abortifacient Agents
/ supply & distribution
Abortion, Induced
/ psychology
Adult
Attitude of Health Personnel
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Focus Groups
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Services Accessibility
/ statistics & numerical data
Humans
Kenya
/ epidemiology
Perception
/ physiology
Pregnancy
Residence Characteristics
Rural Population
/ statistics & numerical data
Social Stigma
Surveys and Questionnaires
Urban Population
/ statistics & numerical data
Young Adult
Journal
PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
Titre abrégé: PLoS One
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 101285081
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
2019
2019
Historique:
received:
11
08
2019
accepted:
19
11
2019
entrez:
13
12
2019
pubmed:
13
12
2019
medline:
2
4
2020
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
Abortion draws varied emotions based on individual and societal beliefs. Often, women known to have sought or those seeking abortion services experience stigma and social exclusion within their communities. Understanding community perception of abortion is critical in informing the design and delivery of interventions that reduce the gaps in access to safe abortion for women. We explored community perceptions and beliefs relating to abortion, clients of abortion services, and abortifacients in Kenya. We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) in Kisumu and Nairobi counties in Kenya among a mix of adult men and women, pharmacists, nurses, and community health volunteers. Community perspectives around abortion were heterogeneous, reflecting a myriad of opinions ranging from total anti-abortion to more pro-choice positions, and with rural-urban differences. Notably, negative views on abortion became more nuanced and tempered, especially among young women in urban areas, as details of factors that motivate women to seek abortion became apparent. Participants were mostly aware of the pathways through which women and girls access abortion services. Whereas abortion is commonplace, multiple structural and socioeconomic barriers, as well as stigma, are prevalent, thus impeding access to safe and quality services. Community perceptions on abortion are heterogeneous, varying by gender, occupation, level of education, residence, and position in society. Stigma and the hostile abortion environment limit access to safe abortion services, with several negative consequences. There is urgent need to strengthen community-based approaches to mitigate predisposing and enabling factors for unsafe abortions.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Abortion draws varied emotions based on individual and societal beliefs. Often, women known to have sought or those seeking abortion services experience stigma and social exclusion within their communities. Understanding community perception of abortion is critical in informing the design and delivery of interventions that reduce the gaps in access to safe abortion for women.
OBJECTIVE
We explored community perceptions and beliefs relating to abortion, clients of abortion services, and abortifacients in Kenya.
METHODS
We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) in Kisumu and Nairobi counties in Kenya among a mix of adult men and women, pharmacists, nurses, and community health volunteers.
RESULTS
Community perspectives around abortion were heterogeneous, reflecting a myriad of opinions ranging from total anti-abortion to more pro-choice positions, and with rural-urban differences. Notably, negative views on abortion became more nuanced and tempered, especially among young women in urban areas, as details of factors that motivate women to seek abortion became apparent. Participants were mostly aware of the pathways through which women and girls access abortion services. Whereas abortion is commonplace, multiple structural and socioeconomic barriers, as well as stigma, are prevalent, thus impeding access to safe and quality services.
CONCLUSION
Community perceptions on abortion are heterogeneous, varying by gender, occupation, level of education, residence, and position in society. Stigma and the hostile abortion environment limit access to safe abortion services, with several negative consequences. There is urgent need to strengthen community-based approaches to mitigate predisposing and enabling factors for unsafe abortions.
Identifiants
pubmed: 31830102
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226120
pii: PONE-D-19-22660
pmc: PMC6907763
doi:
Substances chimiques
Abortifacient Agents
0
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
e0226120Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
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