Abstract
ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the association between perceived social support and induced abortion among young women in Lima, Peru. In addition, prevalence and incidence of induced abortion was estimated.Methods/Principal findingsA cross-sectional study enrolling women aged 18–25 years from maternal health centers in Southern Lima, Peru, was conducted. Induced abortion was defined as the difference between the total number of pregnancies ended in abortion and the number of spontaneous abortions; whereas perceived social support was assessed using the DUKE-UNC scale. Prevalence and incidence of induced abortion (per 100 person-years risk) was estimated, and the association of interest was evaluated using Poisson regression models with robust variance. A total of 298 women were enrolled, mean age 21.7 (± 2.2) years. Low levels of social support were found in 43.6% (95%CI 38.0%–49.3%), and 17.4% (95%CI: 13.1%– 21.8%) women reported at least one induced abortion. The incidence of induced abortion was 2.37 (95%CI: 1.81–3.11) per 100 person-years risk. The multivariable model showed evidence of the association between low perceived social support and induced abortion (RR = 1.94; 95%CI: 1.14–3.30) after controlling for confounders.ConclusionsThere was evidence of an association between low perceived social support and induced abortion among women aged 18 to 25 years. Incidence of induced abortion was similar or even greater than rates of countries where abortion is legal. Strategies to increase social support and reduce induced abortion rates are needed.
Highlights
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), induced abortion is defined as the intentional termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can live independently [1]
350,000 induced abortions are performed every year in Peru [4], and about 40% of the unsafe induced abortions are among women aged between 15 and 24 years [5], with a great impact and consequences on health
This study aimed to evaluate the association between perceived social support and induced abortion among young women who were attended in maternal health centers in Southern Lima, Peru
Summary
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), induced abortion is defined as the intentional termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can live independently [1]. 350,000 induced abortions are performed every year in Peru [4], and about 40% of the unsafe induced abortions are among women aged between 15 and 24 years [5], with a great impact and consequences on health. Several factors may influence the decision of opting for an induced abortion These factors include, but are not limited to, age [6], low levels of education [7, 8], marital status [9], age at first sexual intercourse and number of sexual partners [10], low socioeconomic status [7], poor family relationships [11, 12] and lack of social support [13]. Social support, defined as “the perception and authenticity that one is cared for, has assistance available from other people, and that one is part of a supportive social network” [14], is usually associated with a set of interpersonal relationships that facilitate functional and informative support related to person’s health and condition [15, 16]
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