Contraceptive prescribing and choices among young women utilising City of Cape Town services

Abstract

Young women are at risk for HIV infection and pregnancy particularly if they are sexually active and not using an appropriate contraceptive method. Quantifying contraceptive service coverage, and loss of women to care, together with an overview of contraceptive prescribing practices would assist the City in providing an improved quality service that addresses young women’s contraceptive needs and does not place them at increased risk of HIV infection. This research project, conducted by two Master of Public Health students, addresses a priority service delivered by City Health – to provide comprehensive reproductive health services to women and youth. The coverage and loss of women to reproductive health care, and the factors underlying providers counselling for contraceptive methods are determined through two interrelated studies. This research was conducted in 2018 and 2019. Attached is the report up to February 2020.