Comparison of the Contraceptive Use and Its Related Factors Among Women Seeking Repeat and First-Time Induced Abortions in Iran

BACKGROUND: Abortion in Iran, like other Islamic countries is severely restricted except in a few exceptions. However, some women who have an unwanted or mistimed pregnancy are seeking abortion. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the contraceptive use and its related factors among repeat and first- time induced abortion seekers in Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 417 married women (age range, 15-49 years) seeking abortion services at either a hospital or private office in Maku City, the northwest of Iran, were selected through convenience sampling between December 2010 and March 2011. All the subjects were asked about the contraceptive methods used during the three months before the current pregnancy and the use of any emergency contraception and forced sex. Women who mentioned reasons except than completing family size for their applying for abortion were excluded from the analysis. Characteristics of women were examined using chi-square and t test. T test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare contraceptive methods and the regularity of contraceptive use between repeat and first-time abortion seekers, respectively. RESULTS: About 33.8% of the repeat abortion-seekers and 76.8% of first-time abortion seekers were using male methods (withdrawal and condom). Utilization of an intrauterine device for birth control was higher among women seeking repeat abortion than in first-time abortion seekers (P = 0.003). All of 31 pill users in the repeat abortion-seeking group missed three or more pills per month for three times during the three months before contraception. The repeat abortion seekers had used condom more regularly than those in the first-time abortion seekers. Forced sex was more prevalent in the abortion seekers who had used male method. CONCLUSIONS: Using male methods are prevalent in abortion-seeker women. An increased focus is needed on training the regular use of pills and using the emergency contraception for all of the couples who are first-time abortion-seekers. Moreover, information about the role of forced sex might be efficacious in decreasing illegally induced repeat abortion in couples who use condom or withdrawal methods.