Scientific Letter : Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV/AIDS Symptoms of Women Receiving Termination of Pregnancy; Bloemfontein

In 2002; we conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the profile of women seeking termination of pregnancy (TOP) in the Free State and to find out whether TOP was being used as a family planning method. The participants' contraceptive use and termination of pregnancy profile have been described elsewhere. This letter describes the knowledge of STD and HIV/AIDS symptoms of women seeking TOP

Is pregnancy termination being used as a family planning method in the Free State?

"Background: This study determined the profile of women seeking termination of pregnancy (TOP) in the Free State and whether TOP was used as a family planning method. Methods: Seven hundred and fifty women (15-47 years old) seeking TOP at the Reproductive Health Unit of the National Hospital in Bloemfontein were included in this cross-sectional study. The women who gave verbal consent completed a questionnaire during counselling. Results: The median age of the participants was 24 years and 77.3 were single. Most participants (73.3) were not using any family planning method at the time of the study. One-fifth (19.1) had previously had at least one TOP; while for 80.9 of the participants it was their first visit. Some participants (16.6) considered TOP a family planning method; 39.7 were unsure and 43.7 indicated that TOP is not a family planning method. Thirty-nine women failed to answer this question. When asked the reason for TOP; 3.5 chose the option ""contraceptive method"". Conclusions: The relatively high percentage of participants who consider TOP a contraceptive method or are unsure; associated with the fact that most were young; single; not using contraception and had applied for induced abortion just because the conception represented an unwanted pregnancy; implies that some of our population is not aware that termination of pregnancy is not a family planning method."