Adolescents in Bangladesh have poor knowledge of sexuality. Thus marriage at an early age may lead to unwanted pregnancies and illegal abortion. Although health hazards of unsafe abortion are well documented, adolescent abortion has received less attention in Bangladesh. This study examines the levels and trends in adolescent abortion and to identify risk groups of adolescents who are prone to abortion. The Demographic Surveillance System (DSS) of Matlab, which has been maintained by the Center for Health and Population Research was used. The period covered 1982-1998 when there were about 125,000 pregnancy outcomes, of which 319 were adolescent abortions. Both bivariate and multivariate techniques were used for data analysis. Abortion ratio (per 1,000 live births) of young adolescents was higher than that of adolescents 18-19 years old and adult. Very young adolescents had a higher incidence of marital dissolution immediately after abortion than their counterparts. MCH-FP project was successful in reducing overall abortion in the study area, but not in reducing abortion of adolescents. The incidence of abortion increased with pregnancy order of adolescents, and was higher among users of contraceptive methods. Illiterate adolescents had longer gestational age of abortion, and used traditional methods (which are mostly unsafe) more than the literate counterparts. Of the total abortion, 33 percent in case of adolescents, and 6 percent in case of adults were out of wedlock. Sex education for adolescents, increase in age at marriage, and counseling for married adolescents are likely to reduce abortions and improve the reproductive health of adolescents.
Learning Objectives: Sex education for adolescents, increase in age at marriage are likely to improve the reproductive health of adolescents.
Keywords: Adolescents,
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