Balancing pragmatism, norms and power relations: a qualitative study among post-abortion intrauterine device users in central Uganda.

ABSTRACT: While almost half of all pregnancies in Uganda are unintended, the use of post-abortion intrauterine devices (IUDs) remains low. In this study, we explored how women in Uganda with current or recent post-abortion IUD use navigated socio-cultural factors, norms and power relations, and overcame challenges that often hinder contraceptive use in this context. Between January and August 2023, we conducted a qualitative study at four health facilities in central Uganda. The study included 24 in-depth interviews with women aged 19 years and above who had used an IUD following treatment for incomplete abortion (spontaneous or induced). The data were transcribed and coded in NVivo and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Respondents justified their IUD use through a combination of pragmatic

SUBMITTER: Looft-Tragardh E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12825586 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature