Adverse childhood experiences and repeated induced abortion in Aquitaine
region, France: a cross-sectional survey
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the relation between
adverse childhood experiences exposure and repeated induced abortion
considering the potential effect of social deprivation and intimate
partner violence. Design: An observational cross-sectional survey.
Setting: This survey was conducted within the framework of the regional
health agency of the Aquitaine area in each of the 25 induced abortion
centres from June 15 to September 15, 2009, as well as to all women over
18 having an induced abortion with a liberal doctor under convention
with of the centres previously referred to. Sample: 806 women asking for
an induced abortion who responded to questions regarding adverse
childhood experiences and previous abortion. Methods: Collecting data
was achieved by a self-conducted anonymous questionnaire. Main outcome
measure: The percentage of repeated induced abortion. Results: The
percentage of patients with no exposure to adverse childhood experiences
decreases (28%; 20%; 9%) when induced abortion are repeated according
to the abortion rank (first, 2nd, 3rd or +), whereas the percentage of
women with high exposure increases (17%; 27%; 32%). The adjusted odds
ratio of a third request or more for abortion is 7.73 (3.56-16.77) for
patients with high exposure to adverse childhood experiences when
compared to women with no exposure who had a first induced abortion.
Conclusion: There is a strong graded link between the magnitude of
exposure to adverse childhood experiences and repeated induced abortion.