Background

Post-abortion care (PAC) is required to manage the complications arising from unsafe or incomplete abortion. This is essential to control the maternal morbidity and mortality attributable to unsafe abortion. However, the availability and quality of PAC in most public health facilities (especially primary and secondary) in Nigeria is suboptimal. 

Objective

This study explored the perspectives of PAC service providers in public health facilities in Osun State, Nigeria, with a view to improving the availability and quality of PAC and service delivery in their facilities. 

Methods

This qualitative study (case studies) was carried out in Osun State, Nigeria. It involved ten PAC service providers (one community health extension worker, one community health officer, four nurses/midwives and four doctors) purposively selected from eight public health facilities (two primary, four secondary and two tertiary) in the state. The study instrument was a pre-tested purpose-developed interview guide and the information was obtained from the participants via in-depth interviews (IDIs). Data analysis was by thematic analysis using the ATLAS.ti software (version 9). 

Results

The participants shared their perspectives on the ways to improve PAC service provision such as adequate staff and materials, appropriate remuneration, regular power supply, adequate security, and health insurance. 

Conclusion

The participants shared useful perspectives on the improvement of PAC and service delivery in public health facilities in Osun State, Nigeria. The implementation of these perspectives by the relevant stakeholders is expected to achieve the desired results.