Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Following Unsafe Abortion in a Tertiary Medical College Hospital

Background: Unsafe abortion refers to the termination of an undesired pregnancy by individuals lacking the requisite skills in an environment lacking minimal medical standards, or both. It stands as a prominent contributor to pregnancy-related mortality in Bangladesh. Notably, approximately one-third of all births in Bangladesh are unplanned and unwanted. The initiation of unsafe abortion may be attributed to the woman herself, an unqualified practitioner, or health workers operating in unhygienic conditions.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to implement interventions aimed at mitigating maternal mortality and morbidity resulting from unsafe abortion.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Khulna Medical College and Hospital, Khulna, spanning from July 2010 to June 2011. After applying exclusion criteria, which involved cases of medical termination of pregnancy and individuals with known medical conditions, a total of 145 abortion cases were admitted to two maternity units at Khulna Medical College Hospital. These cases exhibited a history of menstrual regulation (MR) and induced abortion performed by unskilled individuals, in unhygienic conditions, or both, throughout the study period. The primary outcome variables assessed in this study included age, marital status, education level, socio-economic status, parity, duration of amenorrhea, methods of induction, and maternal complications.

Results: In this study, it has been seen that 588 (29.80%) of gynecological admissions are of abortion, and the incidence of unsafe abortion is 145 (24.65%) of all abortion patients. The majority are primarily educated and their socio-economic status is below average. Most of them are multipara. They had come to the hospital after the development of complications. Among the unsafe abortions, 9 (6.20%) expired and 136 (93.79%) improved after experiencing some sort of minor or major suffering.

Conclusion: Maternal mortality is a key women’s health indicator. Reducing it is a global goal, but tracking progress is challenging, especially in developing countries with weak health data systems. Unsafe abortions are underreported, and many deny the truth even when in dire conditions. To address this, promoting modern contraceptives, training personnel for abortions, and emphasizing contraception’s importance is vital. Relaxing abortion laws may be necessary, as women may seek abortions regardless, risking their lives. Ensuring safe abortion access is essential for women’s rights and preventing harm to them and their families. Reducing unplanned pregnancies and providing safe abortion services are critical.

Introduction

An unsafe abortion refers to the termination of an undesired pregnancy conducted by individuals lacking the requisite skills, or in an environment that does not adhere to minimal medical standards or both [1]. As reported in a 2012 study, approximately 287,000 women lost their lives due to complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth, encompassing severe postpartum bleeding, infections, hypertensive disorders, and unsafe abortions [2], [3]. Among these deaths, 162,000 occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, and 8,800 in Latin America and the Caribbean, contrasting with 2,200 in Global North countries [2]. Globally, an estimated 21,600,000 unsafe abortions transpired in 200, with a significant prevalence observed in developing countries with stringent abortion laws [4]. Alarmingly, complications from unsafe abortions result in the annual demise of approximately 47,000 women, translating to a mortality rate of 220 deaths per 100,000 unsafe abortions [4].

These fatalities contribute to 13% of global maternal mortality, with rates as high as 49% observed in certain contexts [5], [6]^. Beyond the loss of life, approximately 5 million women in developing regions necessitate hospitalization due to complications arising from unsafe abortions, with these complications having the potential to result in enduring health issues [7]. The occurrence of unsafe abortions, accompanied by associated morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic ramifications, is not an inevitable outcome. Instances of unsafe abortion are more prevalent in areas with stringent legal prohibitions or where the liberalization of laws has not translated into widespread access to safe and comprehensive reproductive health services. Remarkably, the 82 countries characterized by the most restrictive abortion legislation also exhibit the highest incidence of unsafe abortions and elevated abortion mortality ratios [8].

In such contexts, women often harbor concerns about potential legal consequences or face barriers that impede their access to essential post-abortion care. An estimated 15%–25% of women requiring medical intervention for complications arising from abortion do not actively seek the necessary care [7]. Moreover, instances abound where women attempting to access the healthcare system for post-abortion care encounter stigma and receive substandard medical treatment [9].

The legal framework surrounding abortion can profoundly influence the prevalence of unsafe abortions and their associated health implications. However, the mere enhancement of legislation may prove insufficient to bring about enduring change. Illustratively, in both India and Zambia, the legalization of abortion transpired in the early 1970s; nevertheless, the availability of safe abortion services remains constrained due to inadequate resources and persistent procedural obstacles. Despite the mandate for health centers in India to furnish safe abortion services since 1971, the persisting shortage of adequately trained physicians and appropriate medical equipment has perpetuated the occurrence of unsafe abortions, contributing to an estimated abortion-related mortality ratio of approximately 37 per 100,000 live births [10].

Globally, nearly half of all abortion-related fatalities involve women and adolescent girls below the age of 25 [11]. A recent study indicates that in Bangladesh, the abortion rate is approximately 26–30 per 1000 live births. Annually, there are around 730,000 induced abortions, with menstrual regulation accounting for 430,000 of them. The overall hospitalization rate for abortion is 2.4 per 1,000 live births, and approximately 75% of these hospitalizations result from complications of unsafe abortion, while the remaining cases are associated with menstrual regulation. Complications requiring hospitalization from menstrual regulation are estimated to be around 19,300 annually, constituting approximately 4% of the 468,000 menstrual regulations performed each year. Induced abortion, excluding menstrual regulation, is estimated to have a complication rate of about 40% and a hospitalization rate of around 20% [12].

Unsafe abortion stands out as a prominent cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. In Bangladesh, it is a leading contributor to pregnancy-related deaths, with the current maternal mortality ratio estimated at 1.94 per 1,000 live births. WHO categorizes maternal deaths in Bangladesh, including indirect causes at 35%, abortion-related hemorrhage at 31%, obstructed labor at 7%, direct causes at 5%, undetermined causes at 1%, and other causes at 7% [13]. Notably, about one-third of all births in Bangladesh are considered unplanned, encompassing both mistimed (desired at a later date) and unwanted pregnancies. A significant number of women resort to either menstrual regulation or clandestine abortion as means to terminate unwanted pregnancies. Unsafe abortion can be initiated by the woman herself, an unqualified practitioner, or health workers in unhygienic conditions. Despite induced abortion being illegal in Bangladesh, except when performed to save a woman’s life, the practice is widely believed to be prevalent. Each year, 2.4% of all pregnant women in Bangladesh undergo menstrual regulation [14].

In major urban hospitals in Bangladesh, a substantial number of women are admitted with abortion-related morbidity, presenting with conditions such as fever, pelvic infections, and even sepsis. Some cases involve severe complications like intestinal perforation, uterine perforation, and peritonitis, among others. Moreover, a considerable number of women without these immediate complications suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, secondary amenorrhea, infertility, and other related issues. This not only affects the individual woman and her family but also places a burden on medical institutions and the national health budget. To mitigate mortality and morbidity associated with unsafe abortion in Bangladesh, it is crucial to foster public awareness, prevent unwanted pregnancies, promote female education, empower women in society, and enhance the dissemination of contraceptive knowledge. Additionally, early diagnosis and effective management of unsafe abortion are essential. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment of the extent of mortality and morbidity resulting from unsafe abortion and its complications is of paramount importance.

Aims and Objectives

a) General Objective:

The overarching goal of this study is to assess maternal mortality and morbidity resulting from unsafe abortion in a tertiary-level hospital.

b) Specific Objective:

i. To ascertain the proportion of unsafe abortions and the total maternal deaths attributable to unsafe abortion during the specified study period.

ii. To identify age distribution, contraceptive use, and socio-demographical characteristics of patients.

iii. To find out the morbid features, methods, analysis, and causes of unsafe abortion.

iv. To find out the treatment pattern and hospital stay of the study population.

v. To find out the proportion of age distribution and analysis of maternal deaths.

Materials and Methods

Study Design: This research employed a cross-sectional study design.

Place of Study: The study was conducted within the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Khulna Medical College Hospital.

Period of Study: The investigation spanned from July 2010 to June 2011.

Study Population: The study included 145 patients who had undergone induced abortion, leading to unsafe abortion. These individuals were admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital, Khulna.

Sample Size Determination: The sample size was calculated to achieve a specific level of precision in measuring various indicators, considering a predetermined level of statistical significance. The formula used for determining the sample size is as follows: n=z2pqd2where, n = the desired sample size which would help to measure the different indicators.

z = the standard normal deviation is usually set at 1.96 at a 5% level which corresponds to a 95% confidence level. The assumed target proportion is p to have particular characteristics and q = 1 − p. Here p-0.5 (assumed 50%).

d is the degree of accuracy level considered as 5.0%. The degree of accuracy d which assumes, is 0.05.

Putting the values in the above equation the sample size is estimated as 3.84×0.50×0.500.052=384.16

n = 384 (Estimated sample size).

We considered 145 samples due to time limitations.

Inclusion Criteria: This study enrolled patients who were admitted with a history of miscarriage (MR) or induced abortion, specifically performed by an unskilled individual or in unhygienic conditions, or both.

Exclusion Criteria: Patients undergoing medical termination of pregnancy and those with known pre-existing medical conditions were excluded from the study.

Data Collection: Following admission, a comprehensive history and clinical examination were conducted by the principal researcher. Subsequently, after appropriate counseling, informed written consent was obtained from each patient. Data were systematically collected using a structured, pre-designed data collection sheet. Relevant investigations were conducted as part of the data collection process.

Data Analysis: The collected data underwent meticulous checks and edits. Subsequently, the information was entered into a computer and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The results were presented in the form of tables and figures.

Ethical Consideration: The study protocol received approval from the institutional ethical committee of Khulna Medical College and Hospital, Khulna, ensuring adherence to ethical standards throughout the research process.

Results

Out of 1,973 total gynecological admissions, 29.80% are due to abortion. Among the abortion cases proportion of unsafe abortions was 24.65% (Table I).

Table I. Proportion of Unsafe Abortion

Total gynecological admission	Admission due to abortion	Admission due to unsafe abortion
1973	588 (29.80%)	145 (24.65%)

The age group 26–30 suffers the most (26.47%), next sufferer age group 21–25 (19.86%) (Table II).

Table II. Age Distribution of Maternal Morbidity (n = 136)

Age group	Morbidity	Percentage
15–20	10	7.35%
21–25	27	19.85%
26–30	36	26.47%
31–35	24	17.64%
36–40	20	14.70%
41–45	19	13.97%

The Table III shows 97.93% were married, 34.48% were illiterate, 51.72% primary education, were in below-average socio-economic families 83.45%, primigravida was 14.48% and multigravida was 85.52%.

Table III. Socio-Demographic Characteristics (n = 145)

Parameters	Number of patients	Percentage
Marital status
Married	142	97.93%
Unmarried	3	2.07%
Education
Illiterate	50	34.48%
Primary education	75	51.72%
Secondary education	20	13.79%
Socio-economic status
Below average	121	83.45%
Average	24	16.55%
Parity
Primi	21	14.48%
Multi	124	85.52%

Most patients had moderate to severe bleeding that required blood transfusion 86.21%, had a shock was 19.31%, fever was 91.04%, uterine perforation was 4.13% and gut perforation was 2.06%.

Fig. 1 outlines the distribution of contraceptive practices among a surveyed population. The majority (89) report not using any form of contraception, indicating a prevalent lack of contraceptive adoption. Only a minimal number (1) adhere to regular contraceptive use, while a notable portion (55) follows an irregular usage pattern.

Fig. 1. Contraceptive use.

Table IV shows the morbid features of unsafe abortion based on a sample of 145 patients. Pervaginal bleeding is categorized by severity, with 13.79% exhibiting slight bleeding, 60.69% moderate, and 25.52% severe. Fever, indicated by temperature ranges, shows 20.68% with 102°F–104°F, 70.34% with 99°F–101°F, and 8.96% with <99°F. Blood transfusion rates vary, with 13.79% receiving none, 55.86% receiving 1–2 units, 20.00% receiving 3–4 units, and 10.34% receiving more than 4 units. Shock is present in 19.31% of cases, and injuries are noted in 4.13% of uterine cases and 2.06% involving the gut.

Table IV. Morbid Feature of Unsafe Abortion (n = 145)

Parameters	Number of patients	Percentage
Pervaginal bleeding
Slight	20	13.79%
Moderate	88	60.69%
Severe	37	25.52%
Fever
102°F–104°F	30	20.68%
99°F–101°F	102	70.34%
<99°F	13	8.96%
Blood transfusion
(Units = n%)
0	20	13.79%
1-2	81	55.86%
3-4	29	20.00%
>4	15	10.34%
Shock
Absent	117	80.69%
Present	28	19.31%
Injury
Uterus	6	4.13%
Gut	3	2.06%

Table V shows that 58.62% of abortions were done by MR and D&C, and next by drugs 33.10%.

Table V. Methods of Attempted Abortion (n = 145)

Methods	Number (n = 145)	Percentage
MR and D&C	85	58.62%
Drugs	48	33.10%
Foreign body	10	6.89%
Others	2	1.37%

Table VI shows the maternal morbidity of the study population, out of 136 patients 111 (81.61%) had an incomplete abortion, and 17 (12.5%) had a septic abortion.

Table VI. Analysis of Maternal Morbidity (n=136)

Presenting complaints	Number	Percentage
Incomplete abortion	111	81.61%
Septic abortion	17	12.5%
Perforation	6	4.41%
Peritonitis	2	1.47%
Total	136	100%

Table VII shows that most 88.97% underwent evacuation procedures, 6.61% were treated conservatively, and the remaining 4.41% underwent major operative surgery like laparotomy, hysterectomy even gut repair.

Table VII. Mode of Treatment (n = 136)

Treatment	Number of patients	Percentage
Conservative only	9	6.61%
Evacuation	121	88.97%
Laparotomy and major intra-abdominal surgery	6	4.41%

Most of the patients about 73.10% stayed 1–7 days. 17.24% required 8–14 days to stay in the hospital indicating their morbid suffering (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2. Distribution of cases based on hospital stay (n = 145).

13.43% of total mortality was due to unsafe abortion during the study period (Table VIII).

Table VIII. Proportion of Mortality due to Unsafe Abortion

Total mortality	Death due to unsafe abortion	Percentage
67	9	13.43%

Age group 26–30 contributes 33.33% of mortality, age groups 15–20 and 36–40 contribute the same mortality 22.22%. Age group 21–25 and 31–35 also contributes an equal share of 11.11% (Table IX).

Table IX. Age Distribution of Maternal Mortality (n = 9)

Age group	Mortality	Percentage
15–20	2	22.22%
21–25	1	11.11%
26–30	3	33.33%
31–35	1	11.11%
36–40	2	22.22%

Table X shows an analysis of maternal mortality. Out of 09 maternal death 3 (33.33%) died of renal failure, 3 (33.33%) died of septicemia, 2 (22.22%) died of septic shock and 1 (11.11%) died of ARDS.

Table X. Analysis of Maternal Mortality (n = 9)

Final cause of death	Number	Percentage
Renal failure	3	33.33%
Septicemia	3	33.33%
Septic shock	2	22.22%
ARDS	1	11.11%
Total	9	100%

Table XI shows a comparison between methods of unsafe abortion with outcomes. 03 (33.3%) MR and D&C had died and 82 (60.3%) had morbidity. Use of drug 02 (22.2%) had died and 46 (33.8%) had morbidity. 4 (44.4%) had died in foreign bodies and 6 (4.4%) had morbidity (p < 0.05) that was statistically significant.

Table XI. Comparison between Methods of Unsafe Abortion with Outcome (n = 145)

Methods of unsafe abortion	Death N (%)	Morbidity N (%)	Total	P value
MR and D&C	3 (33.3)	82 (60.3)	85	0.0001
Drugs	2 (22.2)	46 (33.8)	48
Foreign body	4 (44.4)	6 (4.4)	10
Others	0	2 (1.47)	02
Total	9 (100)	136 (100)	145

Discussion

In numerous developing nations, complications arising from unsafe abortion represent a prominent cause of maternal mortality within the reproductive age demographic. Throughout the specified study duration, a total of 1,973 gynecological patients were documented across two maternity units. Among these cases, 588 instances, constituting 29.80%, were attributed to abortion. Notably, 145 cases (24.65%) were admitted due to unsafe abortion practices, encompassing induced abortion, procedures such as manual vacuum aspiration (MVA), dilation and curettage (D&C) performed in unhygienic conditions, or carried out by inexperienced individuals. Within this cohort, 26.47% of afflicted individuals belonged to the 26–30 years age group, with the subsequent highest incidence observed in the 21–25 years age bracket, accounting for 27 cases (19.86%). In the WHO Geneva 2004 report, 60% of ages is more than 30 in Asia [15]. Age distribution patterns for women undergoing unsafe abortions exhibit significant variation across global regions. In Sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 60% of individuals experiencing unsafe abortions are under the age of 25, with a noteworthy 25% falling within their teenage years. Conversely, in Asia, 70% of unsafe abortion cases involve women aged 25 and above, a demographic characterized by individuals who may already have children and seek to restrict family size.

Notably, in Latin America and the Caribbean, over half of unsafe abortions occur among women aged 20, suggesting a prevalent utilization of unsafe abortion as a means to strategically space births and manage family size [15]. In this study, 97.93% were married, illiterate was 34.48% and primary education was 51.72%; in average socio-economic families 83.45%; primigravida was 14.48% and multigravida was 85.52% (Table III). Complications associated with unsafe abortion made up 21.7% of abortion-related admissions in the present study, which is higher than that reported by Rana et al. [16], in which unsafe abortion made up 6% of the total number of abortions. Present study 88.97% underwent evacuation procedures, 6.61% were treated conservatively, and the remaining 4.41% underwent major operative surgery like laparotomy, hysterectomy even gut repair. Compared with the Khatun study [17]. 50.65% had evacuation, 21.90% had conservative treatment, and 23.26% had major surgery. In this study, most of the patients about 73.10% stayed for 1–7 days. 17.24% required 8–14 days to stay in hospital indicating their morbid suffering of them. The study [17] showed 84.87% of patients stayed in hospital for 1–7 days and 12.32% were 8–14 days. In this study of maternal mortality, out of 09 maternal death 3 (33.33%) died of renal failure, 3 (33.33%) died of septicemia, 2 (22.22%) died of septic shock and 1 (11.11%) died of ARDS. Another study [17] showed death from renal failure was 23% and septic shock at 14%, ARDS at 7%. A study showed that 97.20% were married, 72.20% were illiterate, and 77.18% were below average socio-economic conditions. In another study 28 reported unsafe abortion-related maternal mortality and morbidity 95.83% were married, 54.76% were illiterate and 80.77% were below average [17].

Khatun’s [17] study nearly supports the present study, finding that 69.69% had an incomplete abortion, 9.09% had a septic abortion, 7.57% had perforation and 13.63% had peritonitis. In another study by Khatun [17] 58.86% of abortions were performed by MR and 35.59% were done by stick, plant root. Another study [18] held in DMCH shows that 15% of cases were treated conservatively, 76% with minor surgery like D& C, colpotomy, and 10% with major surgery. Another study, performed in 2004 showed 65% were illiterate [18]. So, level of education and socioeconomic status have a great impact on seeking unsafe abortion. Measham et al. found that 80.6% were multipara [19]. Nilufer’s finding shows that 81% were multipara [20]. The overall incidence of unsafe abortion is notably prevalent among multiparous women, suggesting a proclivity toward utilizing abortion as a method to strategically space births and limit family size. Within this cohort, a substantial percentage of patients exhibited moderate to severe complications, with 86.21% requiring blood transfusions due to significant bleeding, 91.02% experiencing fever, 19.31% manifesting shock, 4.10% encountering uterine perforation, and 2.06% experiencing gut perforation.

In comparison to the study conducted by Khatun, our findings align closely, with 72.55% of patients in their study presenting with moderate to severe per vaginal bleeding, 27.38% experiencing shock, 20.53% exhibiting high fever, and 4.10% sustaining a uterine injury, while gut perforation was reported in 2.73% of cases. These results bear approximate similarity to our study, indicating a consistency in the prevalence of complications associated with unsafe abortions across different investigations. In these study methods of attempted abortion, 58.61% of abortion was done by MR and D&C, next by drugs 33.10%. In another study, 72.15% of induction was done by stick. In this study, maternal morbidity of the study population, out of 136 patients 111 (81.61%) had an incomplete abortion, and 17 (11.72%) had septic abortion. 6 (4.41%) had perforation and 2 (1.37%) had peritonitis [20].

Conclusion

Low socio-economic status, lack of education, and multigravida were the factors of unsafe abortion in this study. Methods used for abortion were MR and D&C drugs and foreign bodies. Morbidity was incomplete abortion, septic abortion, peritonitis, and perforation of the uterus and intestine. These patients were managed by evacuation and curettage, laparotomy, hysterectomy, and intestine repair. Causes of maternal deaths were due to renal failure, septicemia, septic shock, and ARDS.