Review of abortions at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi

Abstract

The case notes of patients admitted with abortions to Kenyatta National Hospital between January 1, 1978, and June 30, 1978, were analyzed. A retrospective study of 1424 patients was undertaken. Attempt was made to determine whether the abortion was spontaneous or had been induced. 16% of the cases were found to be septic and were suspected of having been induced illegally. Septic patients were largely single adolescent girls having a 1st pregnancy. Of the nonseptic patients, 65% were married and 55% were in the 21-30 age group. Mean hospital stay was 39 hours for the nonseptic and 91 hours for the septic group. There occurred an average of 2 maternal mortalities/1000 abortion admissions, due to complications of septic abortion. All this data is tabulated. Prevention of unwanted pregnancies through increased provision of sex education and contraceptive supplies is recommended.