Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica
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Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand · Jun 2001
Comparative StudyComplications of induced abortion and miscarriage in three African countries: a hospital-based study among WHO collaborating centers.
The aim of this study was to describe two of the outcomes of pregnancy, induced abortion and miscarriage, in three African countries. Major maternal risk factors were also evaluated. ⋯ Maternal deaths related to abortion complications often occurred shortly after hospital admission and with signs of sepsis. This demonstrates the importance of effective emergency services. Unfortunately, hospital-based studies alone cannot assess all maternal death risk factors, especially those for maternal death related to induced abortion complications. It is therefore important to determine what happened to the woman before hospital admission and during her stay in hospital. Combinations of qualitative and quantitative methods could be used to increase our understanding of this problem and to help us to solve it.