Determinants of abortion among women undergoing artificial termination of pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
In order to determine factors involved in the contraceptive practice of women undergoing artificial abortion, a prospective questionnaire survey was carried out.


METHODS
Women (n = 800) requesting artificial abortion were compared with women (n = 1000) admitted to or visiting the department for reasons other than abortion. The SPSS program was used for statistical analysis between 1998 and 1999. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate the factors influencing the contraceptive practice of the aborters.


RESULTS
Reliable contraceptive methods were used significantly less frequently by the aborters than by the control group (19.1% vs. 55%, p < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.3-0.7). The contraceptive choice of the aborters depended significantly on their low income (AOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.5-2.4). The likelihood of abortion was significantly lower among those informed by a health-care provider (AOR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.4-0.8) or the media (AOR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.4-0.7). Awareness of reliable methods was also an important factor (AOR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.1-0.5).


CONCLUSIONS
It appears that a further decrease of the abortion ratio could be attained through an intensive media campaign and improved education.
Kozinszky
Z
Z
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary.
Boda
K
K
Bártfai
G Y
GY
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003273:Contraceptive Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D012067:Religion; D012736:Sex Education; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D003270:Contraceptive Agents