Factors Associated with Unsafe Induced Abortion among Women who attended Fitche Hospital, Oromia, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Unsafe induced abortion is one of the most medical and public health problems in developing countries including Ethiopia. Ethiopia has permitted abortion in specific legal circumstances when the conception of the fetus is caused by rape, incest, when continuation of pregnancy endangers the mother’s life. The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude and associated risk factors of unsafe induced abortion among women who received post abortion care service in Fitche Hospital. Methods Institutional based cross-sectional study was carried out among women who received post abortion care service at Fitche hospital from November 30, 2017 up to May 30, 2018. The data was collected using pre tested questionnaire and entered to EpiData version 3.1 software and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic regression analysis and chi-square test were conducted. Results Three hundred and eight respondents (100% response rate) with mean age of 30 ± 9 years were participated in this study. From respondents, 45% had history of unsafe induced abortion and 27% of them reported the abortion was performed in house by traditional birth attendant. Single women were more likely practice unsafe induced abortion than widowed women [OR: 9.71; 95%CI (1.30 – 72.42)]. Women who had low monthly income [OR: 6.72; 95%CI (2.15 - 20.97)] and house wives [OR: 12.29; 95%CI (1.70 - 88.63)] were more likely practice unsafe induced abortion than counterparts. Failure of contraceptive methods, place of interference, method used for interference, a person who induced the abortion, a condition after procedure, and reasons to induce abortion were identified as association factors of unsafe induced abortion at P < 0.001. Conclusion The study assessed the magnitude and reported a significant association between unsafe induced abortion and socio-demographic factors, contraceptive practice, and abortion related items. These findings are positive enough to warrant a large-scale study to better understand the unsafe abortion vulnerability factors in Ethiopia.