Profile of female users and factors associated with the satisfaction of clients regarding the quality of post-abortion care in Burkina Faso: a cross-sectional study conducted in six regions

Despite the decriminalisation of abortion and the free provision of post-abortion care (PAC), Burkinabe women experience challenging relationships with healthcare providers. This study aims to determine the profile of women receiving PAC, their perception of PAC quality, and its determinants in public and faith-based health facilities in the country. A quantitative survey was conducted among 2174 women seen for PAC, recruited exhaustively from 2018 to 2020. A structured questionnaire was administered upon care completion. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. The majority of PAC clients lived in rural areas (55%), were 25 years and older (60%), were co-habiting (87%), and were unemployed (59%). The pregnancy was unintended for 17% of the women, and 4% of them wanted an abortion. Overall satisfaction with PAC quality was 84%. In the multivariate analysis, determinants of satisfaction included living in a rural area (OR = 1.80 [1.38; 2.34]), having primary (OR = 1.48 [1.06; 2.07]) or secondary (OR = 1.95 [1.38; 2.74]) education, and having at least one child (OR = 1.43 [1.02; 2.00]). Factors associated with low PAC satisfaction were an unintended pregnancy (OR = 0.64 [0.46; 0.89]) or having wished for an abortion (OR = 0.09 [0.05; 0.16]). The overall satisfaction level is acceptable but low among clients who wanted an abortion. It is crucial to organise a training programme for PAC professionals focusing on communication, interpersonal relationships, and empathy during healthcare provision.