%0 Journal Article
%T Medical abortion in Ghana: A non-randomized, non-inferiority study of access through pharmacies compared with clinics.
%A Kapp N
%A Bawah AA
%A Agula C
%A Menzel JL
%A Antobam SK
%A Asuming PO
%A Eckersberger E
%A Pearson EE
%J Contraception
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 11
%M 39002625
%F 3.051
%R 10.1016/j.contraception.2024.110538
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To compare self-reported clinical outcomes following medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol sourced from either a pharmacy or health clinic.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We conducted a prospective, non-randomized, non-inferiority cohort study across four regions in Ghana, from high-volume pharmacies and health clinics. Participants seeking medical abortion (less than nine weeks' gestation) who met usual medical abortion eligibility criteria were recruited. Data collection included baseline surveys, follow-up phone interviews, and self-reported assessments of medical abortion outcomes. The study aimed to enroll 2000 medical abortion users (1000 from each source).<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Complete outcome data was available and analyzed from 1958 participants (of 2208 enrolled), with the adjusted risk difference of need for additional treatment to complete the abortion indicating non-inferiority of the pharmacy group compared to the clinic group [-2.3% (95% CI -5.3% to 0.7%)]. Both groups reported low rates of additional treatment (4.9%) and adhered similarly to the abortion regimen. Secondary outcomes showed no significant differences, with moderate acceptability in both groups (65.4% pharmacy, 52.3% facility). Adverse outcomes were rare: one ectopic pregnancy, one blood transfusion and no deaths or other major complications were reported.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Accessing medical abortion pills directly from pharmacies without prior consultation from a provider demonstrated non-inferior self-reported clinical outcomes compared to seeking care from health clinics. The findings align with the growing global evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of medical abortion self-care.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>This study contributes data which support future registration of over-the-counter use of medical abortion drugs up to nine weeks' gestation. Such measures could expand options for safe abortion care, especially in regions where unsafe abortion poses a substantial maternal health risk.<BR><B>BACKGROUND: </B>ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03727308).