Magnitude and Determinants of Safe Second Trimester Abortion in Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

<p><strong>Background:</strong> As compared to first trimester, second trimester abortions disproportionately contribute for increased medical cost, maternal morbidity and mortality. However, 10–15% of terminations of pregnancies globally are still in the second trimester period. Yet, the exact magnitude and the underlying factors and reasons of women for seeking second trimester abortion care are not well known. So, this study determined the magnitude and factors associated with late presentation for safe abortion care at Michu clinic of Saint Paul hospital new millennium medical college (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.</p> <p><strong>Methods: </strong>Hospital<em> </em>based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women who requested for safe abortion care at Michu clinic of SPHMMC in 2020. Participants (n=238) were selected using systematic random sampling and data were collected using pretested, structured, and interviewer administer questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with late request for safe abortion care and the results are presented using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI).&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Results</strong><strong>: </strong>&nbsp;The prevalence demand for second trimester abortion was 53.4%. The factors that increased the odds of second trimester abortion were young age, &lt;=19 years &nbsp;(AOR= 6.37 [95% CI=1.84-22.06]), decision ambivalence (AOR=5.64 [95% CI=1.71-18.61]), delay to suspect pregnancy (AOR= 8.56 [95% CI=2.11-34.57]), delay to diagnose pregnancy (AOR=3.83 [95% CI=1.51-9.75]), lack of awareness on pregnancy symptoms and symptoms (AOR=4.22 [95% CI=1.58-11.23]), greater one month delay to get the service (AOR =4.42 [95% CI=1.43-13.67]), and lack of information where to get the abortion service (AOR=3.90 [95% CI=1.532-9.965])&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <strong>Conclusion:</strong> We found a very high level of demand for second trimester abortion. Improving access to contraception, abortion care, and improving women's reproductive health knowledge can help to prevent late gestation abortion.