Frequency of abortion in the university population and its association with the use of contraceptive methods

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of abortions, causes, and complications among higher education students. Methods: Higher education students were evaluated through a questionnaire created in Google Forms and sent via WhatsApp to students at the Barbacena School of Medicine. A total of 203 questionnaires that met the established inclusion criteria were included. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Most students initiated their sexual life by the age of 17; 85.2% were sexually active, 94.1% had never been pregnant, and 12 students had already been pregnant (5.9%). The frequency of abortion in this sample was 2,5% (n=5), and one student induced an abortion (20%). The main reasons for induced abortion were the lack of desire to be a mother (n=1; 100%), not being in a stable relationship (n=1; 100%), and being too young (n=1; 100%). The main complications identified in women who induced abortion were uterine bleeding (n=2; 40%), abdominal pain (n=1; 20%), and emotional problems (n=2; 40%). Conclusion: The frequency of abortion was low in the population, but induced abortion is still identified, even in higher education groups. Complications do exist, and therefore, women should receive guidance.