Complications of clandestine abortions: a cross-sectional study at the Provincial General Hospital of Kananga in the Democratic Republic of Congo

ABSTRACT

Introduction: the complications of clandestine abortions are formidable throughout the world, particularly in Africa. This study aims to determine the epidemiological and therapeutic profile of the complications of clandestine abortions in the gynecology service of the Provincial Hospital of Kananga. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study conducted from the medical records of pregnant women who experienced the complications of clandestine abortions in the gynecology department of the Provincial Hospital of Kananga from January 01, 2015, to December 31, 2019. It is based on the no probabilistic sampling of suitability. We recorded 38 cases of 58 patients. Results: the frequency of complications of clandestine abortions is 65.51% with an average age of pregnant women of 27.86 (SD 3.23) years and 70% of pregnant women under 30 years old, nulliparity was more concerned in 34.21% (n=13). Pupil students and unemployed are more affected in 55.26% (n=21). Cervical dilation and curettage practiced by nurses led to more complications from clandestine abortions in 69.07% (n=26). Incomplete abortions are the complications most encountered in 1 case out of 3. The aspiration-curettage is established in 1 out of 3 cases, and the mortality rate linked to complications of clandestine abortion was 21.05% (n=8). Conclusion: complications of clandestine abortions constitute a real public health problem in the town of Kananga, incomplete abortions are most encountered and the mortality rate linked to these complications is serious.