Repeat induced abortion in 30 Chinese provinces: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Public Health
• Demography

Background:

• Repeat induced abortions represent a significant public health concern in China.
• Understanding the determinants of repeat abortions is crucial for effective reproductive health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the proportion of repeat induced abortions in China.
• To identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with repeat induced abortions.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 79,954 women undergoing induced abortion in 297 hospitals across 30 Chinese provinces in 2013.
• Stratified cluster sampling design was employed.
• Logistic and Poisson regression models were used to analyze factors associated with repeat abortion.

Main Results:

• 65.2% of all induced abortions were repeat procedures.
• Significant variation in repeat abortion rates was observed across provinces.
• Factors strongly associated with repeat induced abortion included age over 40, divorced/widowed marital status, and oral contraceptive use.

Conclusions:

• A high proportion of repeat induced abortions necessitates strategies to reduce unwanted pregnancies.
• Sociodemographic and clinical factors identified should inform post-abortion family planning services.