Characteristics and Outcomes of Abortion Cases at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

Introduction: Abortion is a critical public health issue, particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh, where access to safe abortion services is often limited. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics and outcomes of abortion cases in a tertiary-level hospital setting, providing insights into the demographic profile of patients, nature and type of abortions, treatment methods, and post-abortion complications. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uttara Adhunik Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from June 2022 to July 2023. A total of 100 patients were consecutively sampled based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected through patient medical records and interviews, focusing on demographic information, details of the abortion, and subsequent outcomes. Result: The majority of patients were in the 26-30 age group (42%), with 58% being primigravida. Most abortions occurred in the early stages of pregnancy (<13 weeks, 75%). Incomplete abortions were the most common type (83%), and the majority of cases were spontaneous (84%). Surgical intervention (D&C) was the predominant treatment method (83%). While most patients (84%) did not experience complications, a minority faced significant health challenges, including shock (5%) and septicemia (3%). Conclusion: The study highlights a high incidence of incomplete abortions and a preference for surgical treatment in abortion cases at the tertiary hospital level in Bangladesh. These findings underscore the need for improved abortion care, enhanced patient education, and better access to comprehensive abortion services. The study's insights are crucial for informing policy and practice to improve reproductive health services and address the challenges of unsafe abortion practices in Bangladesh.