Linking Research to Action to Reduce Unsafe Abortion in Sub-Saharan Africa:
A Regional Consultation

Workshop 1: Measuring abortion incidence

This workshop provides an introduction to the principal methods that are currently used for estimating abortion incidence, including what data are needed, how data are collected and analyzed and how estimates are developed. Examples of actual applications of methods will be presented and the strengths and limitations of each method will be reviewed.

Team: Dr. Susheela Singh (leader), Guttmacher Institute (United States); Dr. Fatima Juarez, Guttmacher Institute (United States); Dr. Clementine Rossier, Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED) (France); Dr. Georges Guiella, ISSP (Burkina Faso)

• Estimating Clandestine Abortion with the Confidant Method: Results from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PDF)
• Estimating Induced Abortion Incidence in Developing Countries (PDF)
• Measuring Abortion Incidence (PDF)
• Measuring Abortion Incidence: The "Hospital record" Method (PDF)

Workshop 2: Measuring abortion morbidity

This workshop explores innovative qualitative and quantitative tools for capturing morbidity at the community, facility, and household levels. Researchers offer “lessons learned” on the comparative efficacy and pros and cons of different methodologies including confidential inquiry, household surveys, and medical record abstraction. Through case studies and technical exchanges, participants will be invited to share their experiences in addressing the challenges of measuring the health consequences of unsafe abortion.

Team: Dr. Ellen Mitchell (leader), Ipas (United States); Ms. Tamara Fetters, Ipas (United States); Dr. Hailemichael Gebreselassie (Ethiopia); Dr. Ann Moore, Guttmacher Institute (United States); Dr. Akinrinola Bankole, Guttmacher Institute (United States)

• COMPAC Sneak Preview (PDF)
• EMIC Codes & Themes (PDF)
• ETIC Codes & Themes (PDF)
• Using Household Surveys to Measure Abortion Morbidity (PDF)
• Measuring Abortion Morbidity: Hospital record abstraction (PDF)
• Measuring Abortion Morbidity (PDF)
• Qualitative Methods of Measuring Morbidity (PDF)

Workshop 3: Communicating research to effect policy change

This workshop provides researchers with new communication tools to ensure that their studies address important policy and program issues and that help change agents understand and act upon their findings.

Team: Dr. Jennifer Nadeau (leader), Guttmacher Institute (United States), Ms. Kirsten Sherk, Ipas (United States)

Workshop 4: Evidence-based advocacy

This workshop will review successful advocacy approaches from the African region and other countries. Participants will have opportunities to share experiences in framing compelling messages that speak to the interests and concerns of different audiences, identifying credible and committed spokespeople who are prepared to act as change agents, and advocating effectively in varied arenas.

Team: Ms. Charlotte Hord Smith (leader), Ipas (United States), Ms. Tamara Braam, Sonke Development Agency (South Africa)

• What Works in Evidence-Based Advocacy (PPT)