Effectiveness of preabortion counseling on postabortion contraceptive use

In a randomized trial, the effect of preabortion counseling was evaluated and contraceptive use postabortion described. The 420 women, who were assigned into either an intervention group (n = 210) or a control group (n = 210), were followed-up 4-6 months later, a total of 148 and 128 women in each respective group. No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding contraceptive use after abortion (86%, 85%), which indicates no immediate intervention effect. The women, in both groups, who had previously undergone abortion were less likely to use contraception. The main contraceptive methods used by intervention and control groups were oral contraceptives (61% and 58%, respectively) and injectables (12% and 11%). Choice of method was mainly based on women's prior perception of effectiveness and convenience of use. A majority of the women in both groups could not specify their contraceptive plans. A postrandomization inequality regarding age, education and parity in the two groups had, however, to be taken into account. Intensive contraceptive counseling before abortion may not be effective, but those who are at higher risk of unplanned pregnancy need special attention. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.