A survey of illegal abortion in Jimma Hospital, south western Ethiopia

A cross-sectional descriptive study of induced abortion was conducted in Jimma Hospital, South-western Ethiopia to determine socio-economic factors and associated problems during February 25-May 5, 1996. There were a total of 80 patients with a diagnosis of induced abortion were enrolled of which 50 (62.5%) cases were admitted for bleeding and infections. Thirty six (45%) of all cases were primigravidae. Students accounted for 28 (35%) of the cases. Seventy (87.5%) of the cases could read and write and only 31 (38.8%) were married. Seventy (87.5%) knew presence of family planning methods, and 40 (50%) used at least once previously. Eighteen (22.5%) gave economic problems as reason for abortion, and 76 (95%) of them used either rubber tubes or roots of plants to induce the abortion. Of the total 42 (52.5%) believed that the right of abortion concerns mainly themselves. The study showed that the problem is quite significant in the area. We recommend for a wide scale community based study concerning the problem. A well organized sex education, family planning services and family education are also suggested in order to alleviate the problem.