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The Prevalence of Induced Abortion and Its Causes in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Study

Author

Listed:
  • Maedeh Sharafoddin
  • Azam Bazrafshan
  • Maryam Azimzadeh
  • Neda Malek Mohammadi
  • Maryam Chegeni
  • Leili Abedi Gheshlaghi
  • Ali Reza Moghadami
  • Shirin Nasri
  • Nahid Bagheri
  • Mahdiyeh Hassanzadeh
  • Mahdiyeh Afrashteh

Abstract

Introduction Abortion is one of the major public health problems among women during pregnancy and is regarded as the third cause of death in many societies such as Iran. To this end, this systematic review aimed to estimate the prevalence of induced abortion and its causes in Iran. Methods PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and national Persian databases such as SID, Magiran, and Elmnet were searched from inception to March 11, 2023. In addition, the relevant conference abstracts in Elmnet, Scopus, and Embase were searched. The pooled prevalence of abortions (induced, spontaneous, and therapeutic) and related factors were calculated at a 95% confidence interval. Results Of 310 papers retrieved from seven electronic databases, 34 were included in the quantitative synthesis (meta‐analysis). The pooled prevalence of abortion 18.1% (95% CI: 14.5%–21.7%). The prevalence of induced abortion was 27.4% in the central areas of Iran. A short preceding birth interval, economic hardship situation, adequate number of previous alive children, low level of education, academic education, younger parents, maternal occupation, older age (> 35), and low knowledge about contraceptive use were the most frequent reasons for induced abortion. Conclusion The prevalence of induced abortion was 18%, showing a high rate for a religious country. Thus, policies and programs to reduce unwanted pregnancies should focus on increasing women's knowledge and access to suitable contraceptives, especially for women with a low socio‐economic status.

Suggested Citation

  • Maedeh Sharafoddin & Azam Bazrafshan & Maryam Azimzadeh & Neda Malek Mohammadi & Maryam Chegeni & Leili Abedi Gheshlaghi & Ali Reza Moghadami & Shirin Nasri & Nahid Bagheri & Mahdiyeh Hassanzadeh & Ma, 2026. "The Prevalence of Induced Abortion and Its Causes in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Study," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(2), pages 382-396, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ijhplm:v:41:y:2026:i:2:p:382-396
    DOI: 10.1002/hpm.70047
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Van Look, P.F.A. & Cottingham, J., 2013. "The world health organization's safe abortion guidance document," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(4), pages 593-596.
    2. repec:plo:pone00:0217481 is not listed on IDEAS
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