Uptake of Misoprostol among women seeking abortion in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Background Unsafe abortions remain one of the key contributors to maternal mortality. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended misoprostol as a safe abortifacient which has become a popular over the counter self-administered abortifacient in Ghana. This study sought to examine the prevalence of misoprostol uptake and model the factors associated with its uptake among 698 women seeking abortion services in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. Methods Univariate and multivariate analysis were done. The multivariate analysis was done using binary logistic regression to model the factors associated with misoprostol uptake and results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The results showed that the prevalence of misoprostol uptake was 20.8%. The regression analysis showed that women who were cohabiting had higher odds [AOR=1.91, CI=1.16-3.16] of using misoprostol compared to women who were single. In relation to miscarriage and use of misoprostol, it was found that women who experienced one [AOR=0.27, CI=0.15-0.49] and 2 or more miscarriages [AOR=0.25, CI=0.07-0.85] had lower odds of using misoprostol compared to those who have never experienced any miscarriage Conclusion The prevalence of misoprostol uptake among women seeking abortion services in Accra Metropolis is relatively high. Marital status and previous history of miscarriage are associated with misoprostol uptake. Although proven effective by various studies and recommended by the WHO, it is imperative to consider these factors in the education of women on the use of misoprostol as well as designing programmes to target women who are inclined to induce abortion in Ghana.