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- Title
Complications of induced abortion: Contribution to maternal mortality in a tertiary center of a low resource setting.
- Authors
Emechebe, Cajethan Ife; Njoku, Charles Obinna; Udofia, Uduak Mendie; Ukaga, Jenkins Tobechukwu
- Abstract
Background: Complications of induced abortion remains high in developing countries and among the leading causes of maternal mortality, especially in Nigeria where abortion law is restrictive. Objective: To determine the prevalence, sociodemographic characteristics, and complications of induced abortion. Furthermore, to determine the contribution of induced abortion to maternal mortality in our center. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of cases of induced abortion managed in our center between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2014. Data analysis was performed using Epi-info version 3.3.2. Frequencies and percentages were calculated. Results: The prevalence of induced abortion was 14.6% of all gynecological admissions. There were a total of 92 maternal deaths during the study period, and 21 of the deaths were due to induced abortions. Induced abortion constitutes 22.8% of maternal mortality during the period and a case fatality rate of 4.0%. The women mostly affected were teenagers (53.92%); single women (64.5%), and nulliparous women (64.79%). Quacks' were responsible in 41.45% of the abortions whereas orthodox doctors performed abortions in 21.13% of cases. The most common complications were sepsis (64.59%) and hemorrhage (40.64%). Conclusion: Complications of induced abortion remains a very common health challenge and a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in our environment. There is a need to stop this ugly problem by improving the reproductive health system and liberalization of abortion law in Nigeria.
- Subjects
ABORTION complications; MATERNAL mortality; TEENAGE pregnancy; SINGLE women; NULLIPARAS; TERTIARY care; HEALTH
- Publication
Saudi Journal for Health Sciences, 2016, Vol 5, Issue 1, p34
- ISSN
2278-1900
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.4103/2278-0521.182864