Factors associated with repeat induced abortion in Kenya

Abstract

BackgroundOver six million induced abortions were reported in Africa in 2008 with over two million induced abortions occurring in Eastern Africa. Although a significant proportion of women in the region procure more than one abortion during their reproductive period, there is a dearth of research on factors associated with repeat abortion.MethodsData for this study come from the Magnitude and Incidence of Unsafe Abortion Study conducted by the African Population and Health Research Center in Kenya in 2012. The study used a nationally-representative sample of 350 facilities (level II to level VI) that offer post-abortion services for complications following induced and spontaneous abortions. A prospective morbidity survey tool was used by health providers in 328 facilities to collect information on socio-demographic charateristics, reproductive health history and contraceptive use at conception for all patients presenting for post-abortion services. Our analysis is based on data recorded on 769 women who were classified as having had an induced abortion.ResultsAbout 16 % of women seeking post abortion services for an induced abortion reported to have had a previous induced abortion. Being separated or divorced or widowed, having no education, having unwanted pregnancy, having 1–2 prior births and using traditional methods of contraception were associated with a higher likelihood of a repeat induced abortion.ConclusionsThe findings point to the need to address the reasons why women with first time induced abortion do not have the necessary information to prevent unintended pregnancies and further induced abortions. Possible explanations linked to the quality of post-abortion family planning and coverage of long-acting methods should be explored.

A cross‐sectional analysis of Kenyan postabortion care services using a nationally representative sample

“…The findings indicated the need for effective contraception skills improvement and objective treatment of PAC patients by service providers. This role of effective contraception is in line with studies showing high rates of repeat induced abortion among women across all age groups …”

“…This role of effective contraception is in line with studies showing high rates of repeat induced abortion among women across all age groups. 21,22 The capacity of the care provider is of prime importance when offering PAC services. 1 All PAC patients must receive FP services to enable them to space or limit future pregnancies, and so prevent further unwanted pregnancies.…”

The Other Side: How does Informed Choice Affect Induced Abortions among Reproductive-Age Immigrant Women in China—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The findings of several studies [37,38,39] are similar to those of this study. Namely, there were notable rate differences of induced abortions in different contextual and informed choice factors.…”

Assessment of determinant factors of pregnancy termination among women of reproductive age group in Ethiopia: Evidence from 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey

“…The determinants of pregnancy termination are highly correlated with socioeconomic, demographic, behavioral factors of households and cultural factors. Several studies have investigated maternal age, and education is found to be strongly correlated with pregnancy termination [10][11][12][13][14]. Level of educational attainment is directly linked with pregnancy termination.…”