Prevalence and factors associated with induced abortion among reproductive aged women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Abortion is a global issue, with induced abortion being a significant concern. In Ethiopia, reproductive-age women face an important reproductive health concern. Understanding the severity of this issue is crucial for successful treatment planning. Studies in Ethiopia have shown variable outcomes in induced abortion, prompting a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of quantitative data to examine the prevalence and identify key factors.

METHODS

Relevant articles retrieved from various databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web Science, AJOL, Google Scholar, and Google Sources from August 8, 2023, to September 25, 2023, allowing the inclusion of cross-sectional and case-control studies. Preferred Reporting Items reviewed Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis criteria, and the quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical evaluation checklist. Heterogeneity was proved by a p-value less than 0.05. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Stata 14. Factors related to induced abortion were examined using Review Manager Version 5.

RESULTS

The overall pooled prevalence of induced abortion was 28.83% (95% CI: 20.71-36.96). In the subgroup analysis, Addis Ababa city had the highest prevalence at 39.87% (95% CI: 27.33-52.41), and the lowest prevalence was observed in the Amhara region with 19.95% (95% CI: 9.03-30.87). The age of the women "OR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.59-2.93", educational status OR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.58-1.41″, married status OR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.03-0.56″, sexual partners OR = 3.67; 95% CI, 2.88-4.69″, history of abortion OR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.63-3.30″, history of alcohol use OR = 1.22 (95% CI: 0.17-8.60″, and usage of contraception OR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.39-1.25″, were found to be substantially associated with induced abortion.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed Ethiopia's induced abortion issue and recommends that policymakers and civil society reduce risks and increase awareness about sexual and reproductive health, including providing sexual health education to women of reproductive age.