Abortion prevalence and socio-demographic differentials

ABSTRACT

This study was performed to estimate the prevalence of abortions and to evaluate its association with the socio-demographic factors in an urban slum. The data was collected based on recall obstetric history fromi86 females through systematic r and om sampling from 01.04.2001 to 30.06.2001. It was found that the abortion rate was 419.35/1000 women of reproductive age group. Abortion ratio was 109.39/1000 live births. There was strong association of induced abortion with non-Muslim family, working of female and illiteracy of husb and. On the other h and gravidity 5 or above [increasing gravidity] was statistically associated with total abortions. It was concluded that there is an unmet need for controlling unwanted pregnancies and promoting birth spacing among Pakistani women. Some important social and demographic factors determine the abortion behavior in Pakistan