Simplifying Menstrual Regulation (MR): Exploring the Role of At-home Semi-quantitative Pregnancy Tests for Follow-up to Menstrual Regulation Service Provision in Pakistan

The study seeks to test whether it is feasible and acceptable for both women and providers (in this context the Lady Health Visitor) to use the semi-quantitative pregnancy test (SQPT) as a tool for follow up after MR services. The study is planned at 11service delivery points (primary health clinics) in Punjab province where consenting women will be asked to take a baseline test at the clinic the morning they present for the MR procedure. Women will be asked to complete a second test at home the morning of their scheduled follow up visit and return to the clinic for follow-up care later that day. The results of the at home test will be compared to the baseline to determine the outcome of the MR. This is of particular importance because to-date no research has documented the accuracy of the test in detecting MR outcomes with misoprostol only regimens.

We hypothesize that women and providers will find the test easy and acceptable to use thereby improving follow up and simplifying MR service provision. In addition, the simple pictorial instructions will enable most women to use the test and interpret the results correctly on their own.