Counseling Strategy and Uptake of Post Abortion Long Acting Contraceptives Methods in Low Resource Setting Facilities in Kenya

Background: Utilization of contraceptives is a person’s choice. Studies shows that long acting contraceptives are safe and highly effective for all women. Conversely, many barriers prevent widespread utilization of LARC, a case in Kenya with utilization of IUCD at 0.3% and implants of 10% (KDHS 2014). A bid to increase uptake of LARC, a counselling strategy of 70:30 percent time allocation on LARC and short term methods was adopted by KMET through a project dubbed closing the gap. The objective was to increase awareness of, access to, and use of quality contraceptive and comprehensive abortion care (CAC) services in three high need communities by increasing uptake of post-abortion contraception. The program explored service providers counselling technique on improving uptake post abortion contraceptive LARC. Methodology: KMET trained 66 providers on CAC and post abortion contraception with focus on LARC methods. Twenty two facilities were upgraded based on the results of the needs assessment. The facilities were refurbished to have both counselling and procedure rooms with start-up kits, job aids and equipment for effective provision of post abortion contraceptives. Mentorship and support supervision led the trained providers to build their confidence and competencies on provision of post abortion LARC. Supportive supervisions were conducted to assess providers’ progress on balanced counselling before, during and after abortion services. Results: In 2015 the uptake of post abortion contraception was at 88% with post abortion contraception LARC being at 66%.In 2017 there was 94% achievement with post abortion contraception LARC being at 90%. Conclusion Using balance strategy approach by providers built their counselling skills and with mentorship their confidence were increased in provision of post abortion contraception especially LARC.