Assessing Postpartum and Postabortion Family Planning Needs in Albania

Background: Large population-based surveys have indicated that Albania has one of the lowest contraceptive prevalence rates in the region at just under ten percent for modern methods. With its history of communism, pro-natalist regime and high literacy rate, Albania provides unique challenges for implementing FP programs. Since 2008, significant efforts have been made to incorporate FP counseling in immediate postpartum and postabortion care, in order to provide women with comprehensive information about fertility return and contraceptive options. A baseline assessment was conducted to determine the level of FP services provided to postpartum and postabortion clients.

Methods: A convenience sample of 100 postpartum and 100 post abortion women was surveyed prior to discharge at national's largest maternal hospital and followed up by phone at six-months. The questionnaire included knowledge, attitudes and FP practices.

Results: At pre-discharge, the majority (94% postpartum, 80% postabortion) of women were interested in FP information but none received a method. Contraceptive knowledge was relatively high but withdrawal appeared to be the most popular method used. At the 6-month follow-up, none of postpartum women wanted to have another child within the next year but only 15%(8/53) were using a modern FP be method. An intervention was designed to support provision of FP services at the facility. The results from a post-intervention sample will be also presented.

Conclusions: There is an urgent need for FP information and services among postpartum and postabortion women. This session will present the outcomes of an intervention aimed at meeting those needs.