Demographic Profile and Clinical Outcomes of Patients Presented after Unsupervised Medical Termination of Pregnancy in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India- A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aims: To study the demography, clinical Profile and complications of unsupervised abortion among women in a tertiary care hospital in Bathinda. Study Design:  Cross-sectional analytical Study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, Punjab, between April 2023 to September 2023 Methodology: We included 100 patients of reproductive age (15-49 years) presented in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology after unsupervised Medical Termination of Pregnancy. After the necessary intervention, the patients were interviewed using a predesigned proforma. Data were collected after obtaining written informed consent and study was approved by Institutional ethics committee. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 28. Results: A total of 100 patients were included. The mean age of patients was 27.7 years, with most falling within the 20-30 age range. A significant portion had two or more children (52%), and the majority were housewives (61%) from rural areas (62%). Educational levels varied, with 32% completing 12th grade and 6% having a graduate degree or higher. 89% reported within three days. Vaginal bleeding was universal (100%), while pain abdomen was reported in 53% of cases. Reason of MTP included accidental pregnancy (59%) and spacing between children (38%). Complications included Retained products of conception (RPOC) in 37% followed by unaffected pregnancy in 10% of patients. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant burden of unsupervised Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) and its associated complications among women in Bathinda, Punjab. The findings underscore the pressing need for comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and effective implementation of abortion laws to mitigate the adverse outcomes of unsafe abortions.