Magnitude And Pattern of Abortion in Mettu Karl Compressive Specialized Hospital Southwest, Ethiopia
Abstract:
Background: Abortion remains a major public health issue in Ethiopia, yet limited data exist on its magnitude and clinical outcomes, which are crucial for prevention and improved care.
Objective: To assess the pattern and magnitude of abortion cases in order to establish baseline information for future studies.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on records of all abortion cases managed at the Gynecology Outpatient Department of Mettu Compressive specialized Hospital from July 2024 to December 2024. Data were collected in March 2013 using a structured checklist. Five trained nurses extracted socio-demographic, clinical, and management information under supervision. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0.
Results: Of 2,169 gynecologic patients, 483 (22.3%) were abortion cases. Most (97.1%) lived in rural areas, and the majority were aged 20–29 years. Over half were married (50.3%), unemployed/housewives (61.3%), and Oromo (51.1%). Spontaneous abortions accounted for 55.1% and induced for 44.9%. Incomplete abortion was the leading clinical type (64.0%), followed by complete abortion (22.6%). About 71.0% required admission. Major complications included anemia (22.2%), hemorrhagic shock (10.4%), sepsis (8.7%), and 10 maternal deaths (2.1%). Manual vacuum aspiration (33.1%) was the most common surgical intervention, followed by evacuation and curettage (15.7%).
Conclusions: Abortion represented a substantial proportion of gynecological cases with considerable complications and mortality. Strengthening preventive measures, timely care, and community awareness is critical to reducing abortion-related morbidity and mortality.
