TITLE:
Voluntary Induced Abortion in Cameroon: Prevalence, Reasons, and Complications
AUTHORS:
Jean Dupont Kemfang Ngowa, Humphry Tatah Neng, Joel Fokom Domgue, Christiane Jivir Nsahlai, Jean Marie Kasia
KEYWORDS:
Induced Abortion, Unsafe Abortion, Voluntary Abortion, Voluntary Induced Abortion
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.5 No.9,
August
25,
2015
ABSTRACT: In Cameroon, induced
abortion is permitted when a woman’s life is at risk, to preserve her physical
and mental health and on the grounds of rape or incest. Objectives: The aim of this study
was to determine the prevalence, reasons and complications of voluntary induced
abortion among women attending the obstetrics and gynecology services in an
urban area, Yaoundé and in a rural area, Wum in Cameroon. Methods: We carried out a cross
sectional study, with 509 women recruited between August 1, 2011 and December
31, 2011 in three health facilities in Cameroon. We appreciated the frequency,
complications and reasons for Voluntary induced abortions. Results: The prevalence of voluntary induced abortion was 26.3%
(134/509) globally; 25.6% (65/254)
in urban area and 27.1% (69/255) in rural area. One hundred and eleven (83%)
cases of induced abortions were carried out in a health structure and 23 (17%)
cases in private homes. Medical doctors and nurses were the most frequent
abortion providers in both urban (84.7%) as well as rural setting (77.2%). The
three main reasons for induced abortion were to pursue their studies (34.3%),
not yet married (22.6%) and fear of parents (13.9%). Complications were reported
by 20% (27/134) of respondents who had carried out voluntary induced abortion.
Excessive bleeding was the most reported complication (70.4%). Conclusion: Despite its illegality
in Cameroon, the prevalence of voluntary induced abortion was high in this
study.