CLINICAL FEATURES AND RISK FACTORS OF ABORTION IN PORT-SAID CITY

Background: Abortion is a public health concern because of its impact on maternal morbidity and mortality. Aim of this study was to explore the clinical features of abortion and to identify the risk factors associated with abortion in Port Said City. Setting: It was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Port Said and Port Fouad General Hospitals. Subjects: 400 women were included in the study, 200 were diagnosed as having abortion and 200 women had normal delivery. Data were collected using an interviewing schedule with questions about demographics and specific items regarding abortion history. Information included age, literacy, gravidity, abortion, type of abortion, family history of abortion, women life style, and the profile of patients who underwent abortion. The results of this study showed that  abortion was more common among  younger women (38.5%) and older age group (5.5%) as well as women exposed to hard physical work (31.3%) , long exposure to computer (61.5%) and electromagnetic waves  (19,5%). Missed abortion (37,0%) and induced abortion (18,0%) were the most common types . It was concluded that aborted women were more common of the younger age group. Complete, missed and induced abortions were the most common types. The study recommended that the maternity nurse should be alert for early detection and identification of risk factors for abortion. Unwanted pregnancies must always be given the highest priority, and all attempts should be made to eliminate the need for abortion