Abortion Deaths in a Teaching Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Abortion deaths remain in the forefront of causes of maternal deaths in many developing countries. Most of these deaths are the end point of complications arising from unsafe abortions. This study was to determine the size of the problem, its contribution to maternal mortality, biosocial stratification of the women and the causes of death in most cases. Abortion contributes 13.5% of maternal deaths during the period of study. Women between the ages 20 and 24 years constituted the majority (35.3%). These deaths occurred mainly in women who are petty traders (58.9%), married (64.7%) and at gestational age mostly between 13 and 17 weeks (58.9%). Infection as a composite group and hemorrhage were the leading complications that resulted in maternal death. The study emphasizes the role of quality post abortal services as a major remedy to the problem.

Keywords: Abortion deaths, Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 6 (2) 2007: pp. 58-60