Abstract:
Complications after abortion are a major cause of maternal death. Incomplete abortions
are common and require treatment with surgical or medical uterine evacuation. Even though
misoprostol is a cheaper and safer option, it is rarely used in Malawi. To improve services, an
intervention was performed to increase the use of misoprostol in post-abortion care. This study
explored healthcare providers’ perceptions and experiences with misoprostol in the Malawian setting
and their role in achieving effective implementation of the drug. A descriptive phenomenological
study was conducted in three hospitals in central Malawi. Focus group discussions were conducted
with healthcare workers in centres where the training intervention was offered. Participants were
purposefully sampled, and thematic analysis was done. Most of the healthcare workers were
positive about the use of misoprostol, knew how to use it and were confident in doing so. The
staff preferred misoprostol to surgical treatment because it was perceived safe, effective, easy to use,
cost-effective, had few complications, decreased hospital congestion, reduced workload, and saved
time. Additionally, misoprostol was administered by nurses/midwives, and not just physicians, thus
enhancing task-shifting. The results showed acceptability of misoprostol in post-abortion care among
healthcare workers in central Malawi, and further implementation of the drug is recommended.
