Incidence of self-induced abortion with misoprostol, admitted to a provincial hospital in Papua New Guinea: A prospective observational study.
Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2021;
61:955-960. [PMID:
34350583 DOI:
10.1111/ajo.13413]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Misoprostol is a life-savingmedication in obstetric practice but the prevalence of misoprostol-related self-induced abortion is increasing in many communities.
AIMS
To investigate the hospital incidence, clinical management, and legal framework of self-induced abortions with misoprostol.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This was a prospective observational study conducted over 18 months. All patients <20 weeks pregnant who were admitted with a diagnosis of misoprostol-induced abortion were included in the study.
RESULTS
Of 186 women with abortion-related admissions during the study period, 51 (27.4%) women reported using misoprostol to induce abortion. The majority were young (27.8 ± 5.5) married women (32/51: 62.7%), particularly educated (27/51: 52.9%) employed women (27/51: 52.9%), who were not on any contraception (46/51: 90.1%). Most abortions were induced in the first trimester (39/51: 76.5%) and patients were admitted because of prolonged bleeding (23/51: 45.1%). A significant proportion of participants who did not receive the correct dose of misoprostol developed sepsis compared to those who received a correct dose (6/18 (33.3%) vs 1/30 (3.3%); P = 0.008).
CONCLUSION
The use of misoprostol as an abortifacient is increasing in Papua New Guinea, particularly among educated and employed women. A review of the laws to meet the demand for abortion services and to limit complications of unsafe abortion practices is required.
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