Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 3

Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions. Write your answers in your Study Diary and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Support Meeting. You can check your answers with the Notes on the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of this Module.

First read Case Study 3.1 and then answer the questions that follow it.

Case Study 3.1  Azeb’s story

Azeb is a 17-year-old girl living with her family. Azeb hopes to complete her education and pursue a college education in one of the universities. One day, she found out that her menstrual period had not started as expected and she went to the nearby health facility. After taking a urine sample the Health Extension Practitioner told her that she was three months pregnant. Azeb was shocked by the news as she was not prepared for it. However, Azeb admitted that she never used contraceptives when having sexual activity with her boyfriend.

SAQ 3.1 (tests Learning Outcomes 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4)

  • a.How do you describe Azeb’s pregnancy?
  • b.How do you react to her situation?

Answer

  • a.Since Azeb was unhappy and upset when she learned that she was pregnant, we can conclude that the pregnancy was unplanned and unwanted.
  • b.From the story, it is evident that Azeb needs appropriate information and counselling on issues related to her unwanted pregnancy. Specifically, she needs to know that she should attend for antenatal care. The medical risks, such as anaemia and hypertension, should be explained and she should be told the warning signs of complications in pregnancy and what to do if she experiences any of these. You will be aware that she may face social stigma and that there is a danger of her dropping out of school so you should provide reassuring and supportive counselling. It is unlikely that she qualifies for a legal abortion so you should warn her of the dangers of unsafe abortion while being careful to emphasise the possible positive outcomes of having a baby.

First read Case Study 3.1 (continued) and then answer the questions that follow it.

Case Study 3.1(continued) for SAQ 3.2

Azeb came to your Clinic complaining of having had severe vaginal bleeding. When she was asked what went wrong she admitted that she had attempted to end the pregnancy by inserting a sharp instrument as she was ill-prepared to have a child. When her boyfriend, who is also a student in high school, realised that she was pregnant, he stated that he had never had an affair with her.

SAQ 3.2 (tests Learning Outcomes 3.1, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5)

  • a.What kind of abortion did Azeb have? What are the risks associated with the procedure she had?
  • b.In your opinion, what were the factors that predisposed her to have an abortion in the first place, and what advice would you give her to avoid repeating the same mistake?

Answer

  • a.Since Azeb tried to terminate her pregnancy, this is an example of unsafe induced abortion. Non-medically induced abortion is likely to result in many complications including bleeding (which she experienced), infections and even death.
  • b.Azeb is still in school, strongly hoping to complete her education and have a decent career. In addition, she is not getting any support from her partner (her boyfriend actually denied having a relationship with her). Assuming that the self-inflicted wound has resulted in terminating her pregnancy Azeb needs to get emotional support and be counselled about family planning services to avoid having the same problem again. She also needs to be checked to see whether she is anaemic, and you should refer her for a post–abortion check to ensure she does not have physical damage or genital tract infections.

Summary of Study Session 3