TITLE:
Understanding the Drivers of Repeat Induced Abortions among Female University Students in Cameroon: Implications for Reproductive Health Interventions
AUTHORS:
Véronique Mboua Batoum, Clifford Ebong, Urielle Archangel Medja, Christiane Nsahlaï, Serge Nyada, Madye Ngo Dingom, Pascales Mpono, Balep Nana Sandra, Esther Meka Ngo Um
KEYWORDS:
Repeat Induced Abortions, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Reproductive Sciences,
Vol.13 No.4,
November
14,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Repeat induced abortions constitute 31.3% of all induced abortions. Three in ten induced abortions are carried out on students. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with repeat induced abortions among students at two public universities in Cameroon. Methods: A case-control study was conducted. The cases involved students who had undergone two or more induced abortions, while the controls comprised students with one induced abortion. These data were analysed using SPSS software version 23.0. Bivariate analysis was followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: We identified a total of 60 cases and matched them with 60 controls. The significant factors influencing the repetition of induced abortions were: recourse to the previous abortion ≥ 3 years (P = 0.0001; OR 12.65 [5.24 - 30.5]); pressure from the environment (P = 0.032; OR 3.30 [1.11 - 9.99]); unstable situation of the couple (P = 0.012; OR 4.20 [1.37 - 12.91]); and the absence of psychological support after the previous abortion (P = 0.033; OR 3.28 [0.01 - 9.78]). Conclusion: A delay of three years or more between two abortions, coupled with a lack of psychological and family support, increases the risk of repeat induced abortion.