Factors associated with induced abortion over time: secondary data analysis of five waves of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health

Abstract

ObjectiveA trend analysis of associations with induced abortion. MethodsSecondary analysis of the 1973/78 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health of women responding to two or more consecutive surveys out of five (N=9,042), using generalised estimating equations. ResultsNew abortions dropped from 7% to 2% at surveys 4 and 5. By survey 5, 16% of respondents reported abortions, only 2% of them new. Women aged in their twenties were more likely to terminate a pregnancy if they reported less‐effective contraceptives (aOR2.18 CI 1.65–2.89); increased risky drinking (aOR1.65 CI 1.14–2.38); illicit drugs ≤12 months (aOR3.09 CI 2.28–4.19); or recent partner violence (aOR2.42 CI 1.61–3.64). By their thirties, women were more likely to terminate if they reported violence (aOR2.16 CI 1.31–3.56) or illicit drugs <12 months (aOR2.69 CI 1.77–4.09). Women aspiring to be fully‐ (OR1.58 CI 1.37–1.83) or self‐employed (OR1.28 CI 1.04–1.57), with no children (OR1.41 CI 1.14–1.75) or further educated (OR 2.08 CI 1.68–2.57) were more likely to terminate than other women. ConclusionsAbortion remains strongly associated with factors affecting women’s control over reproductive health such as partner violence and illicit drug use. Implications for public healthHealthcare providers should inquire about partner violence and illicit drug use among women seeking abortion, support women experiencing harm and promote effective contraception.