Factors related to induced abortion among women with abortion complications at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

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2015-04-28
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Abstract
There are still high rates of death and injury as a result of unsafe abortion. It remains the second direct cause of maternal mortality in Ghana and the highest single cause of admissions to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology directorate of the KATH. However, there have not been many studies on decisions leading to induced abortion which ends with complications. The study was conducted to describe the factors that are related to decision-making on induced abortion with complications among women. Exit interviews, using questionnaires, were used to gather data from 160 women who had been admitted to the KATH due to complications from unsafe abortion. Most respondents from the study were young, single, nulliparous and employed. Most also had not attained SHS level education but few had no formal education and majority were Christians. The results suggest a low level of knowledge on the abortion law, as well as low contraceptive usage among respondents. Also, pharmacists were the most sought providers while misoprostol (cytotec) was the most used method of abortion. Men were found to be principal decision makers in regard to abortion. The age of women, previous abortion experience, employment status and age of pregnancy were found to be associated with decision to have an abortion. However, education, marital status, religion and number of children were not associated with the decision to have an abortion. Based on the findings, effective campaigns and education are recommended to raise the awareness on the legal status of abortion in Ghana and intensified programmes and policies intended to address unmet need for contraceptives and unsafe abortion. Medical abortion should be provided for under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to the extent stipulated by the law.
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A thesis submitted to the Department of Community Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Public Health.
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