Drivers of Frequent Induced Abortions and Methods Used among Women of Reproductive Age in Accra, Ghana: Evidence from Poor Urban Settlements

Caesar Agula, Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana
Elizabeth G. Henry , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Patrick Asuming, University of Ghana
Charles Asabere, University of Ghana, Regional Institute for Population Studies
Mawuli Kushitor, University Of Ghana, legon
Iqbal Shah, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Ayaga Bawah, Regional Institute for Population Studies

Abortion is a leading contributor to maternal mortality in Ghana. While plethora of studies have examined the determinants of abortion in Ghana, research is limited on the drivers of repeat induced abortions and methods used among women in poor urban settlements. We examined the determinants of repeat induced abortions and methods used for abortion, using data of 3,043 women who reported ever being pregnant in a broader study (Willows Impact Evaluation) in poor communities of Accra, Ghana. The zero-inflated negative binomial and multinomial logistic models were employed for the drivers of frequent induced abortions and methods used respectively. Results indicate that frequency of abortion significantly increases with age and early sexual initiation and decreases with household wealth, parity and education. Older women were more likely to abort using surgical method relative to medication abortion compared with younger women. Education and counseling of women on induced abortion and family planning in these areas is necessary.