Women’s perceptions of and experiences with the use of misoprostol for treatment of incomplete abortion in central Malawi: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Plain language summary One of the major causes of maternal mortality is complications after abortion and miscarriages. The importance of post-abortion care in preventing such deaths justifies the necessity of making treatment accessible and available to every woman in need. Misoprostol is one of the approved treatments for incomplete abortion but is rarely used in developing countries. A study was conducted in three hospitals in central Malawi where women filled in a questionnaire and were interviewed after receiving misoprostol for incomplete abortion. The study's goal was to investigate women’s experiences and feelings about using misoprostol. The findings showed that the majority of the women received medication and counselling as a form of support. They expressed satisfaction with the support and described misoprostol as being useful in removing retained products of conception from the womb. The medication was preferred and regarded as a reliable treatment that was also good for women. The majority of the women reported tolerable side effects of the drug and would recommend it to friends. In conclusion, the use of misoprostol for early incomplete abortion in Malawi is acceptable and is regarded as helpful, and satisfactory to women receiving post-abortion care. The research findings support expanding use of misoprostol in post-abortion care in Malawi.

Keywords

• Misoprostol
• First trimester
• Incomplete abortion
• Post-abortion care