Makerere, Uganda – Although safe abortion care remains a nightmare, especially in healthcare-constrained settings such as Uganda, DR. Susan Atuhaire’s doctorate provides a window of hope.
In her study titled, “Safety, Effectiveness, and Acceptability of Misoprostol for Treatment of Incomplete Mid-Trimester Abortion in Uganda,” Dr. Atuhaire’s research tackles the critical issue of post-abortion care in the second trimester.
The study which earned her a Doctor of Philosophy from Makerere University on Monday, January 29, 2024, offers insights that have the potential to shape policies and practices in Uganda and beyond.
During the study, Dr. Atuhaire focused on a medical approach called “task sharing.”
In simpler terms, this approach is about empowering midwives to provide post-abortion care using a medication called ‘misoprostol,’ specifically in the second trimester of pregnancy.
“The aim was to see if midwives, rather than just physicians, could safely and effectively offer this care, ensuring it is accepted and trusted by both patients and healthcare providers,” she told our news desk this week.
The concept of task sharing, according to her, means entrusting midwives, who are skilled healthcare professionals, to play a more active role in managing post-abortion care.
During this study, midwives were trained to provide care using misoprostol for second-trimester incomplete abortions.
“This approach becomes crucial in places where there might be a shortage of physicians but an availability of midwives,” she says.
Key Findings
Dr. Atuhaire’s research involved a detailed study of 14 public health facilities in Central Uganda.
The results revealed that when midwives who were involved in clinical assessment and treatment using misoprostol, exhibited an outcome that was effective, safe, and highly accepted by patients.
“This finding challenges the traditional notion that only physicians should handle certain aspects of healthcare,” she preached.
The implications of this study are immense, especially for the post- academic realm.
Dr. Atuhaire’s work provides vital evidence for both national and global policies related to second-trimester post-abortion care.
Particularly, in regions where there is a shortage of physicians, task sharing with midwives can significantly increase patient access to care.
What this means is that task sharing not only improves healthcare delivery but also ensures that more women receive the necessary support during a sensitive time.
Dr. Atuhaire’s dedication to this research was supported by the Swedish Research Council and THRIVE.
Established in 2009, Training Health Researchers into Vocational Excellence (THRiVE) operates as a regional network of research excellence, comprising leading universities and research institutes in East Africa, with support from two prominent UK universities.
This collaborative initiative has facilitated over 300 joint publications since 2010, fostering strong research collaborations, training, and supervision.
THRiVE has made significant strides in enhancing institutional capacity for research administration and management, contributing to the development of world-class research programs in the region.
THRiVE’s objectives encompass implementing high-quality scientific research training, conducting impactful research on African health priorities, engaging the public in science awareness programs across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and creating professional environments to support scientific research.
The funding provided by THRiVE has empowered African institutions to enhance infrastructure, administrative capabilities, and scientific staff capacity, addressing challenges faced by academic institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in information technology and laboratory infrastructure.
Through mentorship programs, THRiVE has nurtured young researchers, both post-graduate and post-doctoral fellows, contributing to the growth and development of research leaders in East Africa.
Dr. Atuhaire’s work was supervised by a team of experts including Prof. Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson, Prof. Johesephat Byamugisha, Dr. Claudia Hanson, and Prof. Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye. Their guidance ensured the robustness and significance of Atuhaire’s study.
Advancing Women’s Health Globally
Susan Atuhaire’s research is not just about academic achievements; it is a crucial step forward in improving the quality and accessibility of women’s healthcare.
By demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of task sharing with midwives, Atuhaire’s work advocates for a more inclusive approach to healthcare delivery.
This research could potentially reshape how post-abortion care is administered globally, ensuring that women everywhere receive the best possible support during vulnerable moments in their lives.
About The Author
To Dr, Suzan Atuhaire. How will safe abortion decrease depression and guilt of women who abort?. instead of ending lives of the innocent children. I think more research should done to develop interventions that can help mothers survive until they give birth. And how they can survive even after giving birth instead of promoting Murder( safe abortion).
6th commandment from GOD.. Thou shall not kill. .. let’s make abortion unthinkable.