Severe maternal morbidity and factors associated with the occurrence of abortion in Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the reported occurrence of spontaneous and induced abortion, and abortion-associated severe maternal morbidity in Brazil.


METHODS
A secondary analysis of the 2006 Brazilian Demographic Health Survey was conducted. Interview data on women's experience of spontaneous/induced abortion and associated factors were analyzed overall and by geographic region. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with abortion. The risk of associated severe maternal morbidity was estimated.


RESULTS
The reported lifetime rates of spontaneous and induced abortion were 13.3% and 2.3%, respectively, and were highest in the north (4.3%) and northeast (3.5%). The rate of spontaneous abortion was higher among women aged 40-49 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.30) and among those with 0 or 1 children or delivery (OR 1.97; 95% CI, 1.36-2.85 vs OR 1.98; 95% CI, 1.37-2.86). Induced abortion was not associated with sociodemographic factors. Abortion significantly increased the risk of complications (hemorrhage and infection).


CONCLUSIONS
Spontaneous abortion was significantly associated with parity and maternal age. Abortion in general carried a higher risk of severe maternal complications.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, 101 Rua Alexander Fleming, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Rodrigo S
RS
Camargo
Danielly S
DS
Santana
José G
JG
Cecatti
Rodolfo C
RC
Pacagnella
Ricardo P
RP
Tedesco
Elias F
EF
Melo
Maria H
MH
Sousa
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D010298:Parity; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult