Characterisation of induced abortion and consequences to women's health at Hospital Central do Huambo - Angola

• Published in: Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Vol. 40; no. 4; p. 558
• Main Authors: de Almeida, Natércia, Teixeira, Andreia, Capoco Sachiteque, Alberto, Molina, José R, Dos Prazeres Tavares, Hamilton, Ramalho, Carla
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 18.05.2020
• Subjects: Abortion, Induced - adverse effects; Abortion, Induced - legislation & jurisprudence; Abortion, Induced - methods; Abortion, Induced - mortality; Angola - epidemiology; Contraception - statistics & numerical data; Family Planning Services - methods; Family Planning Services - organization & administration; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Unwanted; Reproductive Health Services - standards; Sex Education - standards; Socioeconomic Factors; Women's Health - economics; Women's Health - standards; Young Adult; Angola; abortion complications; septic; Illegal abortion; abortion; induced abortion
• ISSN: 1364-6893
• DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2019.1635096

To characterise patients with abortion in Huambo, Angola, we have undertaken a descriptive, longitudinal, prospective survey. A structured questionnaire was applied to 715 patients. The study variables were grouped in socio-demographic and clinical-epidemiological variables. There were 29.8% women were aged 20-24, 45.6% had primary education, 41.1% were single and 26.9% worked as a non-formal salesperson. Menarche occurred at 16-18 years (55.5%), first sexual intercourse at 13-15 years (40.3%) and 74.8% did not use contraceptive methods. Abortion was of indeterminate type in 84.3% and 79.3% had had a previous abortion. Serious complications occurred in 8.0% with six maternal deaths (0.8%). Age of menarche and age at onset of sexual activity are interdependent variables (  ≤ .001), the earlier menarche appears, the earlier sexual activity begins. When there was a history of abortion, new abortions occurred earlier (  ≤ .001) and were of indeterminate type (89%). Indeterminate induced abortion is influenced by socioeconomic, educational and political conditions and continues to be a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality.Impact statement Unsafe abortion contributes greatly to maternal morbidity and mortality, principally in countries with restrictive abortion laws. The relationship between socio-educational level and unwanted pregnancies is consensual. Early initiation of sexual activity combined with non-contraception contributes to unwanted pregnancy and consequent unsafe abortion. Most of the women had previously had an abortion. It is necessary to develop access to adequate information and family planning to combat unwanted pregnancies. It is also important to evaluate long-term consequences of unsafe abortion.