TYPES, TREATMENT OUTCOMES AND FACTORS LEADING TO INDUCED ABORTION AMONG YOUNG WOMEN IN KISUMU AT JOOTRH.

Abstract

Abortion is a crime in the Kenyan law but can be recommended in some circumstances such as if the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother , but it has been noticed in the hospital setup and outside the hospital that abortion is done illegally and done by untrained personnel leading to death or even complications .The study area was in Jaramogi Oginga Odinga teaching and referral hospital. of these women who undergo abortion are the young females. this study has given us information about what is going on in this study area. the objective of this study was to determine the types, treatment outcomes and factors leading to abortion among these young women at JOOTRH, also to establish the socio-demographic characteristics of women seeking abortion and abortion care in JOOTRH. the study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design .the study consisted of patients whose pregnancy test became positive and underwent the process of abortion which resulted into complications or incomplete abortion. using Yamane Taro formular ,sample size of 135 was determined. Data collection was done by questionnaires, direct interview, survey, observation and interview and focus groups. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel and bar graphs. Most women seeking abortions fall in the 21-24 age group (37.78%), indicating a young demographic. This trend suggests the need for targeted interventions for younger women, particularly in educational settings. Most respondents (54.07%) have a University/College education, which may correlate with greater awareness of reproductive health and access to abortion services. However, the large number of students (78.5%) seeking abortions underscores the pressure of balancing education with reproductive health decisions. The data shows that a significant proportion of respondents are students (78.5%) and single (60%). These factors likely contribute to their decision to seek an abortion, particularly in the context of financial instability (cited by 72.6% as a primary factor). A strong preference for medication-based abortions (84.3%) was observed, with no reported surgical abortions. This suggests either limited access to surgical options or a preference for medical methods due to privacy or ease. Alarmingly, 90% of respondents reported complications, with heavy bleeding (57.9%) being the most common. Despite this, the follow-up care rate is high at 94.2%, indicating a strong system for post-abortion support. Although 94.8% have heard of contraceptives, 85.9% feel they lack sufficient information. This gap highlights the need for better education on contraceptive options and family planning. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced reproductive health education and support systems, particularly for young, educated women. Financial instability, educational goals, and lack of support play major roles in decisions to seek abortion. Complications during abortion procedures raise concerns about healthcare quality, even though follow-up care is prevalent. Additionally, the widespread opposition to abortion and the lack of information on contraceptives highlight areas for policy and educational intervention. A significant 78.5% of women are strongly opposed to abortion, reflecting deep-seated cultural, religious, or societal views. This presents challenges for promoting reproductive rights and access to abortion services. The recommendations made were to expand reproductive health education in schools and communities to address the knowledge gap, focusing on both contraceptive options and abortion. Increase access to comprehensive abortion services, including both medical and surgical options, and ensure that qualified providers are available. Enhance post-abortion care protocols to minimize complications and ensure effective follow-up care. Improve collaboration between healthcare providers and educational institutions to promote accurate and accessible reproductive health information. Develop financial and emotional support systems for women facing unplanned pregnancies, alleviating the pressures that lead to abortion decisions