Induced abortion-a hospital based study

Abstract

A study of all cases of abortion admitted to randomly selected wards of three tertiary level institutions during a three month period was carried out. Relevent imformation was collected at the time of admission and by follow up of each patient,. BAsed on specific criteria, induced abortion and spontaneous abortions were identified. A random sample of women admitted for delivery during the same period was included as a 'comparison' group. Of the total group of women admitted with a history of abortion 64perc. have had induced aborions. These women were comparatively older, had one or more live children, were of a lower educational level and a majority admitted that the pregnancy was unplanned. A substantial proportion had practised traditional methods of contraception proir to the present pregnancy. This observation is of importance to programme planners, as failure of the contraceptive method used, whatever it be, could be a contributory factor for induced aboetion