The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #54491

Patricia S. Coffey, PhD, MPH and Allison Bingham, PhD. PATH (Program for Appropriate Technology in Health), 1455 NW Leary Way, Seattle, WA 98107-5136

Misoprostol is a prostaglandin that is marketed globally for the treatment of ulcers and also used for a range of obstetric and gynecologic purposes, including abortion. In-depth research that focuses on actual voices of women who decided to use misoprostol for pregnancy termination have not been documented in the literature previously. Qualitative, in-depth interviews were conducted among 18 women from one Southeast Asian and two Latin American countries who had sought medical care at public or private facilities that provided obstetric/gynecological services, and who reported using misoprostol to terminate a pregnancy during the last 12 months. Findings indicate that misoprostol is a home-based alternative for managing unintended pregnancies and is perceived to be cheap and effective. Women reported they had learned of misoprostol and how to use it through friends and/or pharmacists. Important criteria for selecting misoprostol over other available options for pregnancy termination included recommendation from others, the perception that misoprostol starts the menstrual cycle, low cost, perceived efficacy, and ease of use. Many women tried home-based traditional methods of abortion either before or after they used misoprostol. Women used a variety of dosing regimens and administration routes. Women sought postabortion care because of profuse bleeding, severe pain, or uncertainty whether the abortion was complete. This suggests that women and health care providers in their communities need to be made aware of the safest and most effective way to use the drug. Postabortion care providers must be able to give women who have used misoprostol adequate information and support.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to:
• Describe various experiences of misoprostol use by a select sample of women from the developing world; and
• List various criteria that a select sample of women from the developing world used in choosing misoprostol to terminate their pregnancies.

Keywords: Abortion, International Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.