The effect of training on the provision of elective abortion: a survey of five residency programs
Jody E Steinauer1, Uta Landy, Rebecca A Jackson
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Ward 6D, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA. steinauerj@obgyn.ucsf.edu
Objective:
We investigated the correlation of residency abortion training and other variables with abortion provision.
Study Design:
We surveyed obstetrician-gynecologists who graduated from five residency programs. Subjects were asked about demographic characteristics, residency abortion training, and abortion provision. We used a logistic regression model that included all variables that were correlated significantly with abortion provision in univariate analyses.
Results:
Of 161 physicians (61%) who responded, 131 physicians (83%) participated in abortion training. Seventy-six physicians (47%) provided abortions currently, and 95 physicians (58%) had provided abortions at some time since residency. Three variables were independently, positively correlated with abortion provision: the number of abortions that were performed during residency, the gestational age limit of abortion training, and urban practice. Negatively correlated with provision were membership in a restrictive practice and training outside the teaching hospital.
Conclusion:
Variables that were indicative of more extensive residency abortion training were associated positively with the current provision of abortion.
