Shima Hashemi , Ashraf Direkvand Moghadam , Kourosh Sayehmiri , Mirhadi Mousavi , Hamzeh Ahmadi , Monireh Azizi , Khairollah Asadollahi ,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (4-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Abortion, a common pregnancy complication, is influenced by multifaceted reproductive, economic, social, and cultural factors. This study investigates abortion determinants among pregnant women in Khorramabad, Iran, from September 2020 to March 2021.
Material & Methods: This case-control study involved 416 pregnant women (208 cases, 208 controls) selected from Khorramabad health centers through census and random sampling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on demographics and pregnancy history were collected using a checklist and analyzed with STATA16.
Results: Among the 416 pregnant women, the mean age was 31.00 ± 5.53 years in the control group and 32.27 ± 6.85 years in the case group. Furthermore, 74 (35.58%) mothers in the case group had a diploma, 192 (92.31%) were housewives, and 106 (50.96%) had A+ blood group. The majority of mothers (46.63% in case, 39.42% in control) had an overweight range of pre-pregnancy BMI (25-29.9) (kg/m2). The mean height was 162.97 ± 5.30 in the control group and 160.86 ± 5.39 in the case group. Multiple regression logistic analysis confirmed significant associations between abortion and mother's age (OR=4.67, 95%CI=1.11-19.62), previous cesarean delivery (OR=4.33, 95%CI=1.94-9.66), not taking folic acid pills during pregnancy (OR=14.92, 95%CI=6.25-35.61), low income (OR=7.00, 95%CI=2.02-24.35), not smoking (OR=0.28, 95%CI=0.08-0.94), and absence of pre-diabetes (OR=0.13, 95%CI=0.03-0.47) (p < 0.05). No significant relationships were found between abortion and other studied risk factors.
Conclusion: Older mothers with lower income levels are more likely to experience abortion. Additionally, factors such as pre-existing pre-diabetes, previous cesarean deliveries, smoking, lack of folic acid supplementation, and maternal infections are identified as risk factors for abortion. Providing education, healthcare, and continuous support from healthcare workers can promote safe pregnancies, reduce the risk of abortion, and enhance maternal and child health outcomes.
