National and Regional Assessment of Abortion and Its Complications for Women, 15-44 Years of Age, in the Republic of Georgia: 2000-2005

The second of two national, population-based, women's reproductive health surveys was conducted in 2005 by NCDC in Tbilisi with technical assistance from DRH/CDC in Atlanta. Abortion remains the primary form of birth control in Georgia today, despite a 16% decrease in TIAR between surveys. This assessment examined factors for their association with abortion complications and will enable managers to monitor and evaluate their current reproductive health and family planning activities. The 2005 RHS interviewed 6,376 women throughout 11 regions of Georgia. Of these, 2,567 women (40%) produced 5,683 pregnancies during the period of interest (January, 2000 to February, 2005), of which 60% ended in abortion. 1,519 women (24%) had from one to 14 abortions each, totaling 3,410 during this period, with a TIAR of 3.1. Detailed information on 3,039 of these abortions (89%) was available for analysis. The overall early (<30 days) complication rate of 5.0% varied by region (Imereti 8.4%, Tbilisi 7.0%, Adjara 1.4%). 25-34 year olds, with 51% of the abortions, had the highest rate (5.9%) among the three age groups. Induced abortion (D&C) had a higher rate (5.8%) than for mini-abortion (4.2%). Women terminating early (2-7 weeks: 4.1%) had a lower rate than those terminating later (8-17 weeks: 6.1%). Women taking antibiotics post abortion had a higher rate (10.4%) than those taking none (2.5%). Hospitals had higher rates (5.7%) than women's consultation centers (3.6%). Abdominal pain (51%) and bleeding (50%) were the most frequent complications reported. 99% of the women reported 0 nights in hospital post abortion.