Perceptions and Barriers to Provision of Post-abortion Services Among Healthcare Workers in Osogbo, Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

BackgroundHealthcare workers' perceptions and experiences significantly influence the provision and quality of postabortion care (PAC).This qualitative study explored the perceptions, experiences, and barriers to providing post-abortion services among healthcare workers in Osogbo Local Government Area (LGA), Osun State, Nigeria. MethodsKey informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with 12 healthcare workers (nurses, Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), and other cadres) from selected primary healthcare facilities in OsogboLGA from June to November 2024.Participants were purposively selected until data saturation was achieved.Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework. ResultsThe thematic analysis revealed two major themes; (1) Perception of healthcare workers, with three subthemes such moral and religious conflict, level of convenience in providing PAC and perceived impact of PAC availability in the community, and (2) Barriers to PAC.Despite the barriers, most participants acknowledged the life-saving nature of PAC and expressed willingness to provide services with adequate support while providing recommendations for the improvement of PAC services. ConclusionsHealthcare workers in Osogbo face complex moral, legal, and institutional barriers to providing PAC.Addressing these barriers requires comprehensive training, clear legal guidelines, institutional support, and interventions to reduce stigma.Policy efforts should focus on creating an enabling environment for PAC provision.