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Table 4 Characteristics of informal sector abortion experiences and providers

From: Women’s experiences seeking informal sector abortion services in Cape Town, South Africa: a descriptive study

 

Mean

SD, range

Self-reported gestational age at time of abortion-seeking (n = 37)

8.76

3.79, 2–18

Cost of informal sector abortion (in Rand) (n = 41)

163

146.8, 0–450

 

n

%

Self-reported gestational age at time of abortion-seeking

  

  < =6 weeks

10

24

 7–11 weeks

18

43

 12 or more weeks

9

21

 Missing

5

12

Method of estimating weeks pregnant

  

 Remembered last menstrual period

21

50

 Urine pregnancy test

7

17

 Ultrasound

4

10

 Other

5

12

 Missing

5

12

Cost of informal sector abortion

  

  < 50 Rand

12

29

 Between 50 and 100 Rand

8

19

 100–250 Rand

7

17

 300 or more Rand

14

33

 Missing

1

2

Why did you decide not to go to a doctor or facility?*

  

 Worried someone would find out

19

44

 Worried about mistreatment/judgement

13

30

 Wanted an abortion ASAP

5

12

 Cost

2

5

 Didn’t know where to go

1

2

 Other

4

9

Told about possible side effects (n = 41)

  

 By informal sector provider

14

33

 By Friend, family, community member

8

19

 By Traditional healer

2

5

 Missing

18

43

Experienced potential warning signs of complications (sought care for potential warning signs of complications)*

  

 Heavy bleeding

39 (11)

93 (26)

 Cramping/abdominal pain

37 (3)

88 (7)

 Dizziness

24 (2)

57 (5)

 Nausea

21 (2)

50 (5)

 Weakness/Fatigue

9 (0)

21 (0)

 Vomiting

6 (0)

14 (0)

 Fever

4 (0)

10 (0)

 None

2

5

Received medical care for complications

12

28.6

 Pain medication

10

24

 Antibiotics

1

2

 Hospitalization

2

5

 Surgery

1

2

Sought additional treatment to end pregnancy

  

 Went to another informal provider

1

20

 Went to public facility

3

60

 Went to traditional healer

1

20

Would recommend informal sector abortion to others (n = 41)

  

 No

23

55

 Yes

16

38

 Not sure

2

5

 Missing

1

2

Would have an informal sector abortion again (n = 40)

  

 No

27

64

 Yes

7

17

 Not sure

6

14

 Missing

2

5