Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #119059

Cheryl Vamos, Dept. of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC-56, Tampa, FL 33612, 813-974-4176, ccrimmins@asph.org

Utilization of contraception can be impacted by a multitude of behavioral, psychosocial, economic and societal factors. Knowledge of attitudes and behaviors of women who have abortions is useful for understanding the motives and barriers influencing post-abortion contraception use.

Data from patient charts receiving medical and surgical abortions performed in 2003 in reproductive health clinics in Florida were abstracted and analyzed. Variables included: patient demographics; high risk behaviors; reproductive, gynecological, sexual and birth control history; and birth control prescription and continuation data.

Findings indicate that of 737 abortions, 47.2% were surgical and 52.8% were medical. At time of abortion, 43.6% (n=320) and 34.7% (n=255) of women were between the ages of 18 and 24, and 25 and 34, respectively. Age at first intercourse between 15 and 17 years were reported by 59.2% (n=365) of the females. Fifty-nine percent (n=427) of the females reported previous pregnancies, and 39.9% (n=221) indicated that they have had at least one previous abortion. Forty-two percent (n=309) of women responded that they were using a current form of birth control at time of abortion visit. In total, 56.8% (n=400) of women obtained a birth control prescription, while only 32.1% (n=119) continued to receive birth control afterwards.

The discrepancy between birth control requested and continuance rates could be attributed to women lacking contraception knowledge, seeking reproductive health care elsewhere, and the focus of abstinence-only education inhibiting women from making empowered decisions. This outcome data validates future research examining women's rights and their antecedent behaviors concerning their reproductive health.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the presentation the participant should be able to identify post-abortion contraceptive rates among women receiving surgical and medical abortions and appreciate the importance of counseling and health education that is required in reducing mistimed and unintended pregnancies.

Keywords: Abortion, Contraception

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.