Obstetric and psychological characteristics of women seeking multiple abortions in the region of Monastir (Tunisia): Results of a cross-sectional design

Abstract

Background: Repeat abortion is a public health concern favored by many obstetric and social factors. Methods: We carried out a cross sectional study between January and April 2013 in the Reproductive Health Center (RHC) of the region of Monastir in Tunisia (This study is part of a prospective design on mental disorders and intimate partner violence among women seeking abortions in the RHC). Results: Of the 500 interviewed women, 211 (42.2 %; CI95% [37.88 - 46.52]) were seeking repeated abortions. Multivariate analysis showed that increased age, lower level of women school education, single status, poor knowledge about birth control methods and history of conflict/abuse by a male partner, were uniquely associated with undergoing repeat compared with initial abortion. Conclusion: Health facilities providing abortion services need to pay more attention to women seeking repeat abortion. Further studies are needed to well establish the relation between the number of abortion and the occurrence and the severity of CMD.