An umbrella review on prevalence, and determinants, of post-abortion family planning utilization among women of reproductive age in Africa
1
Family and Emergency Medicine,, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
2
School of Nursing, Faculty of Community Health Sciences,, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Repeat-induced abortion remains a significant challenge to women’s sexual and reproductive health. In Africa, high rates of unsafe abortion and unintended pregnancy persist, exacerbated by socio-economic and health system barriers. This umbrella review consolidates global evidence on the prevalence, determinants, and use of PAFP to inform health policy, strengthen service delivery and promote reproductive health equity, especially in regions with limited access to safe abortion and contraception.
METHODS:
An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses based on observational studies was conducted. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the AMSTAR tool. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q and I² statistics. Egger’s test and funnel plot evaluated publication bias. Random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled effect size was analysized using Stata 19. The review protocol was registered PROSPERO (CRD420251089314).
RESULTS:
This umbrella review included six systematic reviews and meta-analyses, comprising 198 primary studies conducted across 44 African countries, with a combined sample size of 420,832 women of reproductive age assessing post-abortion family planning utilization. This umbrella review found that the pooled prevalence of post-abortion family planning utilization among women of reproductive age in Africa was 62.82% (95% CI: 59.24% – 66.40%), indicating substantial uptake but with high heterogeneity across studies (I² = 98.81%). This umbrella review key identified pooled determinants of post-abortion family planning utilization among women of reproductive age in Africa, including marital status (being married), younger maternal age (15–24 years), educational attainment, receipt of post-abortion family planning counseling, prior use of family planning, history of abortion, unintended pregnancy, and contraceptive knowledge Conclusion and Recommendation: This umbrella review found a 62.82% prevalence of post-abortion family planning utilization in Africa with key identified pooled determinants of post-abortion family planning utilization among women of reproductive age in Africa. Therefore, policymakers and health planners in Africa should strengthen reproductive health policies.
Repeat-induced abortion remains a significant challenge to women’s sexual and reproductive health. In Africa, high rates of unsafe abortion and unintended pregnancy persist, exacerbated by socio-economic and health system barriers. This umbrella review consolidates global evidence on the prevalence, determinants, and use of PAFP to inform health policy, strengthen service delivery and promote reproductive health equity, especially in regions with limited access to safe abortion and contraception.
METHODS:
An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses based on observational studies was conducted. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the AMSTAR tool. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q and I² statistics. Egger’s test and funnel plot evaluated publication bias. Random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled effect size was analysized using Stata 19. The review protocol was registered PROSPERO (CRD420251089314).
RESULTS:
This umbrella review included six systematic reviews and meta-analyses, comprising 198 primary studies conducted across 44 African countries, with a combined sample size of 420,832 women of reproductive age assessing post-abortion family planning utilization. This umbrella review found that the pooled prevalence of post-abortion family planning utilization among women of reproductive age in Africa was 62.82% (95% CI: 59.24% – 66.40%), indicating substantial uptake but with high heterogeneity across studies (I² = 98.81%). This umbrella review key identified pooled determinants of post-abortion family planning utilization among women of reproductive age in Africa, including marital status (being married), younger maternal age (15–24 years), educational attainment, receipt of post-abortion family planning counseling, prior use of family planning, history of abortion, unintended pregnancy, and contraceptive knowledge Conclusion and Recommendation: This umbrella review found a 62.82% prevalence of post-abortion family planning utilization in Africa with key identified pooled determinants of post-abortion family planning utilization among women of reproductive age in Africa. Therefore, policymakers and health planners in Africa should strengthen reproductive health policies.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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