Availability and readiness of post-abortion care in public and private healthcare facilities in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the availability, readiness and barriers of post-abortion care (PAC) services in healthcare facilities. Using a cross-sectional design, mixed-method data was collected from 25 selected public and private health facilities across three Local Government Areas (Ife Central, Ife East, and Ife North) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Quantitative findings reveal significant disparities in PAC service readiness, with private facilities demonstrating higher availability for essential services such as blood transfusions (75.0%) and removal of retained products beyond 12 weeks (65.0%), compared to public facilities (40.0% for both services). Private facilities also had better emergency response capacity (45.0%) than public facilities (20.0%). Qualitative insights identified systemic factors, patient non-compliance, high service costs, inadequate PAC facilities, and negative attitudes of healthcare providers towards abortion as key barriers to quality PAC. PAC service readiness is better in private than public facilities. Addressing systemic barriers is essential for equitable access to PAC.