Trend of Induced Abortions in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Context: Induced abortion remains a major cause of maternal mortality in developing countries. Reports from Nigeria put it's contribution to maternal death at between 15-40%. Prevention of maternal mortality project (Which trys to eliminate hospital delay in the treatment of complication of induced abortion) was introduced in Ilorin over a decade ago. There is need to review its impact on mortality from induced abortion. Objectives: To determine Social-demographic factors associated with induced abortion complications. To determines mortality pattern from induced abortion in Ilorin. To compare the result to the previous findings at this center. Study Design: A descriptive retrospective study. Date was generated from case notes of patients treated for complications from induced abortion in a teaching hospital in Nigeria, to identify social-demographic factors associated with induced abortion. Outcome measure: Maternal death, specific complications. Prevalence of induced abortion. Results: Induced abortion accounted for 3.28 percent of gynecological admission. Case fatality rate is 61.0 per 1000. Multiple complications are common, Age group 24 years and below accounted for 73.05%. Causes of death are hemorrhage and septicemia. Conclusion: Mortality from induced abortion has not changed significantly despite the implementation of prevention of maternal mortality project in Ilorin. There is need to redefine intervention strategy. Effort to increase contraceptive use especially by single women will reduced unwanted pregnancy and by extension induced abortion with its attendant complications. Keywords : Induced Abortion, Maternal Mortality, Hemorrhage, Teenagers, Trend. Nigerian Medical Journal Vol. 48 (3) 2007: pp. 65-68