The rate of abortion in Ghana among women of reproductive age: Analysis of the 2007 and 2017 Maternal Health Surveys

Abstract

To estimate the change in abortion rate among women in Ghana between 2007 and 2017 and to identify the sociodemographic factors that have been consistent in influencing abortion within the ten years (2007–2017). This study is a secondary data analysis of the 2007 and 2017 Maternal Health Survey (MHS) data on women in Ghana. Data were analyzed using statistical methods, including descriptive, Rao-Scott Chi 2 of independence and Poisson with robust standard errors. All analyses were adjusted for complex survey design features (stratification, clustering and weighting) to reduce bias and increase the precision of the estimates. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Analysis was performed using STATA IC 15. The overall change in abortion rate was −24.4% over the years, with the change being a significant decline ( P < 0.001). Sociodemographic actors associated with induced abortion in the pooled analysis were rural residence (PR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.77, 0.96), 20–34 age group (PR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.21, 1.53), 34–49 age group (PR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.48, 0.87), co-habiting (PR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.58, 3.04), and never married nor cohabiting (PR = 2.79, 95% CI = 2.1, 3.71). Religion and some regions (Eastern, Upper West, and Upper East) were also significantly associated with abortion. The findings of this study show a progressive reduction in the abortion rate among women of reproductive age in Ghana. Sociodemographic factors consistent in influencing abortion provide a foundation for specific interventions that will further reduce the rate of abortion among women of reproductive age in Ghana.