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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Informing global health policy: An umbrella review on prevalence, determinants, and post-abortion family planning utilization among women of reproductive age in Africa
1
Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A353
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Repeat-induced abortion remains a major reproductive health issue, especially in Africa due to systemic barriers. Despite extensive research, inconsistent findings limit policy impact.
OBJECTIVES:
This umbrella review synthesizes global evidence on post-abortion family planning (PAFP) prevalence and determinants to guide policy, improve service delivery, and promote reproductive health equity.
METHODS:
An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted, assessing methodological quality via AMSTAR. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using Cochran’s Q, I², Egger’s test, and funnel plots. Random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled effects, with subgroup analyses by region. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251067243).
RESULTS:
This umbrella review synthesized six systematic reviews and meta-analyses, encompassing 198 primary studies across 44 African countries with a total sample of 420,832 women of reproductive age. The pooled prevalence of post-abortion family planning (PAFP) utilization was 62.82% (95% CI: 59.24%–66.40%), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 98.81%). Subgroup analysis showed higher prevalence in Ethiopia (69.31%) compared to other African countries (60.29%). Injectable contraceptives were the most commonly used method (34.12%), followed by pills and implants (22% each). Key determinants of PAFP utilization included marital status, younger maternal age (15–24 years), educational attainment, receipt of PAFP counseling, prior contraceptive use, history of abortion, unintended pregnancy, and contraceptive knowledge.
CONCLUSIONS:
This umbrella review found a 62.82% prevalence of post-abortion family planning use in Africa, with Ethiopia showing higher rates. Injectable contraceptives were most used. Key determinants include age, marital status, education, and counseling. Strengthening access, education, and counseling services is vital to improving reproductive health outcomes across the continent.
KEY MESSAGE:
Post-abortion family planning (PAFP) utilization in Africa remains suboptimal and highly variable. This umbrella review highlights the need for targeted, context-specific interventions to improve access, counseling, and uptake especially among young women to reduce repeat abortions and promote reproductive health equity across the continent. Continuity of care - implementation 2
Repeat-induced abortion remains a major reproductive health issue, especially in Africa due to systemic barriers. Despite extensive research, inconsistent findings limit policy impact.
OBJECTIVES:
This umbrella review synthesizes global evidence on post-abortion family planning (PAFP) prevalence and determinants to guide policy, improve service delivery, and promote reproductive health equity.
METHODS:
An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted, assessing methodological quality via AMSTAR. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using Cochran’s Q, I², Egger’s test, and funnel plots. Random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled effects, with subgroup analyses by region. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251067243).
RESULTS:
This umbrella review synthesized six systematic reviews and meta-analyses, encompassing 198 primary studies across 44 African countries with a total sample of 420,832 women of reproductive age. The pooled prevalence of post-abortion family planning (PAFP) utilization was 62.82% (95% CI: 59.24%–66.40%), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 98.81%). Subgroup analysis showed higher prevalence in Ethiopia (69.31%) compared to other African countries (60.29%). Injectable contraceptives were the most commonly used method (34.12%), followed by pills and implants (22% each). Key determinants of PAFP utilization included marital status, younger maternal age (15–24 years), educational attainment, receipt of PAFP counseling, prior contraceptive use, history of abortion, unintended pregnancy, and contraceptive knowledge.
CONCLUSIONS:
This umbrella review found a 62.82% prevalence of post-abortion family planning use in Africa, with Ethiopia showing higher rates. Injectable contraceptives were most used. Key determinants include age, marital status, education, and counseling. Strengthening access, education, and counseling services is vital to improving reproductive health outcomes across the continent.
KEY MESSAGE:
Post-abortion family planning (PAFP) utilization in Africa remains suboptimal and highly variable. This umbrella review highlights the need for targeted, context-specific interventions to improve access, counseling, and uptake especially among young women to reduce repeat abortions and promote reproductive health equity across the continent. Continuity of care - implementation 2
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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