Clandestine Abortions and Its Complications at the University Hospital Center of the Sino-Central African Friendship

Abstract

Introduction: In developed countries in general and particularly in the Central African Republic, clandestine abortions constitute a real health problem. The aim of our work was to study the method of carrying out clandestine abortions, to describe the profile of the providers and the complications that result from it. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients hospitalized at the University Hospital Center for Sino-Central African Friendship (CHUASC) from 2015 to 2019 on 236 cases. Results: We identified a total of 254 patients for 8039 live births in the same period, a frequency of 3.16%. The age of the patients was between 15 years old and 48 years old with an average of 25 years old. Singles accounted for 42.5%. Induced abortions were more performed among students (32.6%) and the unemployed 53.6%. Contraception was used in 11.5% of cases. The methods used were numerous: misoprostol (32%), the traditional method (18%), the mechanical method (50%). In this method, we note the dilation of the cervix by the cassava stem; Hegar’s candles; the probes, which are infusion tubes cut and introduced into the cervix, of which 2 cases had escaped at the level of the uterine muscles and emerged under the skin at the pubis part two years later. The practice of induced abortions in our series was done by medical students in 37.3% followed by unqualified staff in 49.7%. It took place either at home or in centers managed by Non-Governmental Organizations. The aseptic conditions were not perfect. Some patients (43.2%) were aware of the ensuing complications. All complications were present: hemorrhage (60.7%), pelviperitonitis (23.6%), uterine perforation (6.6%), peritonitis (2.8%) and death (2%) related to sepsis. Conclusion: Clandestine abortion remains a real health problem for young Central African women.