The use of antibiotics in induced abortion among women aged 15-49 years in selected states in Nigeria

Esther O. Ajimuda, Olayinka Adojutelegan

Abstract

Antibiotics use is one of the unsafe methods women use to induce an abortion in sub-Saharan Africa and this misuse adds to the global burden of antimicrobial resistance. The study determined the prevalence of antibiotics usage as abortifacient, and identified related outcomes. The study used data from Performance Monitoring for Action follow up survey (2020), to study respondents who used antibiotics alone or in combination with other drugs as abortifacients. Of the 1,144 women, 5.41% of them used antibiotics as abortifacient. 22.58% of those who used antibiotics as abortifacients are aged between 25-29 years, 87.10% of them reported that use of antibiotics was the most accessible means to them. 43.55% didn’t experience complications, while 19.35% experienced light bleed and 9.68% incomplete abortion. Primary medical store are the most common recommenders of this method. This study showed the use of antibiotics as abortifacient and that antibiotics are part of sources respondents consider closest to them. However, it is important to enlighten these women that there are specific pills designed to induce abortion and the use of antibiotics as abortifacients should be discouraged. (Afr J Reprod Health 2024; 28 [3s]: 68-79).

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