Assessment of significant factors affecting acceptability of home administration of misoprostol for medical abortion

Contraception. 2012 Apr;85(4):394-7. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2011.08.009. Epub 2011 Sep 28.

Abstract

Background: Knowledge on factors affecting acceptability of medical abortion with mifepristone followed by home administration of misoprostol is scarce. The objective of this study was therefore to assess factors affecting acceptability and experience of home use of misoprostol for medical abortion up to 63 days' gestation.

Study design: Prospective observational study with acceptability assessed through questionnaires. Factors affecting acceptability were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results: A total of 395 women were included. Independent factors for acceptability were having a partner/friend present and having a positive low-sensitivity urine hCG at follow-up, although most of these patients had successful abortions. Age, gestational length and requirement of extra pain medication did not affect acceptability.

Conclusion: Home administration of misoprostol is highly acceptable. Increasing the number of complete abortions should be a focus of future research. Women should be encouraged to have a partner/friend present during home administration of misoprostol.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / administration & dosage*
  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / therapeutic use
  • Abortion, Induced / methods*
  • Administration, Intravaginal
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Misoprostol / administration & dosage*
  • Misoprostol / therapeutic use
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Prospective Studies
  • Self Administration
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal
  • Misoprostol