Prevalence, Trends and Factors Associated with Abortion-Related Mortality in South-South Nigeria: A Five-Year Retrospective Study
Ufuoma Obodi
Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria.
Ibrahim Isa A.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Science, Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Nkamare Maureen B.
Department of Maternal and Child Health, Faculty of Nursing Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Zibima Soupriye B *
Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Unsafe abortion remains a significant contributor to maternal mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, where access to safe reproductive health services is often limited. Despite global efforts to reduce abortion-related deaths, the burden persists in many regions, including South-South Nigeria, where data on trends and determinants remain insufficient.
Aims: To determine the prevalence, trends, and factors associated with abortion-related mortality over a five-year period in a tertiary facility in South-South Nigeria.
Study Design: A retrospective descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in a tertiary health facility in South-South Nigeria, covering records from January 2019 to December 2023.
Methodology: Data were collected using a validated data abstraction form from authenticated patient case files of women who presented with abortion-related complications. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of cases that resulted in mortality were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while chi-square tests assessed associations between variables using SPSS version 28. Significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results: A total of 311 abortion-related deaths were recorded over the five-year period. The overall abortion-related mortality rate was 28.8%, with the highest annual rate in 2021 (23.1%) and the lowest in 2023 (18.3%). The mean age of the deceased was 28.9 years (SD ±8.82). Sociodemographic factors significantly associated with mortality included age 25–34 years (P = 0.006), single marital status (P = 0.016), secondary level education (P =0.032), student occupation (P = 0.023), low socioeconomic status (P = 0.040), and urban residence (P = 0.037). Clinical factors associated with mortality included first-trimester abortions (P = 0.001) surgical methods (P = 0.001), hospital stay less than 24 hours (P = 0.002), and complications such as hemorrhage (P = 0.001).
Conclusion: Abortion-related mortality remains a major public health challenge in South-South Nigeria, with identifiable sociodemographic and clinical factors contributing to poor outcomes. Efforts to reduce abortion-related deaths should focus on community education, timely clinical interventions, and equitable access to safe reproductive health services.
Keywords: Abortion-related mortality, maternal death, reproductive health, South-South Nigeria