Client's perspective of female sterilization : Laparoscopy versus mini-laparotomy

Abstract

Objective of this study was to compare the client's perspective on selected aspects of the female sterilization procedure. This was a descriptive cross sectional comparative study where two groups of clients who under went laparoscopic procedure and mini laparotomy sterilization were studied. Study sample comprised of two -groups of clients; each consisted of 160 women. Data were collected by the Principal Investigator in both study settings, using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Results of this study revealed that. in Sri Lanka women of various ethnic and religious groups sought sterilization services. Most women underwent surgery- when they had 3 children. Use of other contraceptive methods (especially OC pil1s) in the past was high among the clients. Lack of awareness about vasectomy among the clients was evident and some women were adversely affected by the freedom exercised during decision making: Abdominal pain following surgery was the main side effect experienced by clients in both groups. Laparoscopic method has its unique nature of causing relatively lesser pain compared to mini laparotomy method. This study concludes that women in Sri Lanka are in need of high quality, acceptable and freely accessible female sterilization services. ]t is recommended that famjly planning information and counseling should be strengthened at every level Establishment of a steering committee and regular meetings of an stake holders would be an important strategic step in the future. The issues related to the quality of services in different settings need to be addressed In this respect conduction of national level training programmes to train medical officer on female sterilization (LRT) techniques is recommended