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
