The Prevalence and Influential Factors of Abortion in the Women in the Rural Areas of Fars Province, Iran (2015)

Abortion is a medico-social phenomenon, which is correlated with maternal health. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and influential factors of abortion (induced and spontaneous) in the women in the rural areas of Fars province, Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,247 women living in the rural areas in Fars province, Iran, who were selected via cluster sampling and surveyed in October 2015. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, which consisted of three sections on demographic characteristics, history of fertility, and ideals and perceptions toward fertility. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 22 using Chi-square, Pearson's correlation-coefficient, and logistic regression analysis. Approximately 22% of the surveyed women experienced abortion at least once. The analysis of the two variables indicated that the education level of the women and their spouses and religion had significant correlations with experiencing abortion (P<0.05). In addition, logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of abortion was lower in the women with academic education compared to those with secondary education (or lower) and high school education (or diploma) in rural areas. According to the results, the prevalence of abortion was relatively high in the women in the studied rural areas. Considering that the socioeconomic features of rural women differ from other women, this population requires special attention in terms of the new demographic policies for the women living in rural areas. The empowerment and training of these women on modern contraceptive techniques could reduce the prevalence of abortion.