Experiences of Using Misoprostol in the Management of Incomplete Abortions: A Voice of Healthcare Workers in Central Malawi

Bertha Magreta Chakhame (), Elisabeth Darj, Mphatso Mwapasa, Ursula Kalimembe Kafulafula, Alfred Maluwa, Grace Chiudzu, Address Malata, Jon Øyvind Odland and Maria Lisa Odland
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Bertha Magreta Chakhame: Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
Elisabeth Darj: Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
Mphatso Mwapasa: Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
Ursula Kalimembe Kafulafula: School of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
Alfred Maluwa: Department of Research and Postgraduate Outreach, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo 310106, Malawi
Grace Chiudzu: School of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
Address Malata: Department of Research and Postgraduate Outreach, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo 310106, Malawi
Jon Øyvind Odland: Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
Maria Lisa Odland: Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 19, 1-12

Abstract: Complications after abortion are a major cause of maternal death. Incomplete abortions are common and require treatment with surgical or medical uterine evacuation. Even though misoprostol is a cheaper and safer option, it is rarely used in Malawi. To improve services, an intervention was performed to increase the use of misoprostol in post-abortion care. This study explored healthcare providers’ perceptions and experiences with misoprostol in the Malawian setting and their role in achieving effective implementation of the drug. A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted in three hospitals in central Malawi. Focus group discussions were conducted with healthcare workers in centres where the training intervention was offered. Participants were purposefully sampled, and thematic analysis was done. Most of the healthcare workers were positive about the use of misoprostol, knew how to use it and were confident in doing so. The staff preferred misoprostol to surgical treatment because it was perceived safe, effective, easy to use, cost-effective, had few complications, decreased hospital congestion, reduced workload, and saved time. Additionally, misoprostol was administered by nurses/midwives, and not just physicians, thus enhancing task-shifting. The results showed acceptability of misoprostol in post-abortion care among healthcare workers in central Malawi, and further implementation of the drug is recommended.

Keywords: misoprostol; incomplete abortion; service providers; experiences; post-abortion care (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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