Lifetime Prevalence of Abortion in 15-50 Year-Old Females in Tehran and Its Predictors; A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: Using a random sample of women aged 15 to 50 years in Tehran, this study sought to estimate the lifetime prevalence of abortion (intentional and unintentional) and to identify its associated factors.   Materials and Methods: The control data of a population-based case-control study conducted in 2014 in Tehran was used in the present study. Data from 544 randomly selected women aged 15-50 living in municipality areas of Tehran were included in this study. A multiple logistic regression model was used to investigate factors associated with abortion and to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals.   Results: Overall, 102 women (18.8%, 95% CI (22.4% -15.8%)) reported a lifetime history of abortion. In the logistics regression model, being single (OR =3.46, 95% CI: 1.42-8.47) older age (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04-1.11) increased the odds of a positive lifetime history of abortion. However, having a child (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.11-0.65)), more education years (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82-0.96)) and higher religious beliefs (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: (0.45-0.93)) decreased the odds of a positive lifetime history of abortion..   Conclusion: High reported lifetime prevalence of abortion in the present study and its subsequent risks to maternal health highlight the need for educational interventional programs taking into account the level of education and knowledge of mothers along with their religious.