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

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  • Bertha Magreta Chakhame

    (Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
    School of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre 312225, Malawi)

  • 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
    School of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre 312225, Malawi)

  • 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
    School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa)

  • Maria Lisa Odland

    (Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Olav’s Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway
    Malawi-Liverpool-Welcome Trust Research Institute, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
    Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Bertha Magreta Chakhame & Elisabeth Darj & Mphatso Mwapasa & Ursula Kalimembe Kafulafula & Alfred Maluwa & Grace Chiudzu & Address Malata & Jon Øyvind Odland & Maria Lisa Odland, 2022. "Experiences of Using Misoprostol in the Management of Incomplete Abortions: A Voice of Healthcare Workers in Central Malawi," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12045-:d:923417
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Maria Lisa Odland & Gladys Membe-Gadama & Ursula Kafulafula & Geir W. Jacobsen & James Kumwenda & Elisabeth Darj, 2018. "The Use of Manual Vacuum Aspiration in the Treatment of Incomplete Abortions: A Descriptive Study from Three Public Hospitals in Malawi," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-9, February.
    2. Calum Miller, 2021. "Maternal Mortality from Induced Abortion in Malawi: What Does the Latest Evidence Suggest?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-9, October.
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