Determinants of Unsupervised Medical Termination of Pregnancy Pill Usage Among Women: A Cross-Sectional Study From North India

Determinants of Unsupervised Medical Termination of Pregnancy Pill Usage Among Women: A Cross-Sectional Study From North India

Background Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) pills, primarily comprising mifepristone and misoprostol, have proven highly effective and safe under medical supervision. However, unsupervised MTP pill use is on the rise, posing serious health risks. Unsafe abortions remain a global public health...

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Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 15; no. 11; p. e49321
Main Authors: Pal, Reena, Gupta, Puneet K, Tyagi, Stuti, Palariya, Himani, Vora, Vidhi, Agarwal, Pratik
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States Cureus Inc 24-11-2023
Cureus
Subjects:
Abortion
Age
Contraindications
Developing countries
Drug stores
Family income
Health services
LDCs
Obstetrics
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Per capita
Pharmacy
Population
Pregnancy
Public Health
Religion
Self-medication
Supervision
Variables
Womens health
India
abortion india
gynecology
unsupervised mtp pill
abortion pill
unsafe abortion
female reproductive health
maternal mortality
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Summary:Background Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) pills, primarily comprising mifepristone and misoprostol, have proven highly effective and safe under medical supervision. However, unsupervised MTP pill use is on the rise, posing serious health risks. Unsafe abortions remain a global public health concern, with a high incidence in developing countries like India. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at a tertiary healthcare center in India from February to April 2023. We enrolled 150 women with a history of unsupervised MTP pill use. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, including demographic information, awareness, sources of information, reasons for self-medication, and knowledge of complications. Results The majority of participants (50%) were aged 25-29 years. Low-income women (<3000pc) constituted 46.66% of the sample. Husbands played a significant role in advocating MTP pill use (57.33%). Ninety percent of pills were obtained directly from pharmacies. Shockingly, 97.3% of women were unaware of MTP pill complications, and 84% did not follow the recommended regimen. Significant associations were found between income, religion, education, age, parity, and reasons for self-medication, as well as recommendations for MTP pill use. Conclusion Our study revealed a diverse demographic of women seeking unsupervised MTP pill intake. Low-income women were disproportionately affected, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare access and education. Husbands played a crucial role in advocating MTP pill use, highlighting the importance of including men in reproductive health discussions. Lack of awareness and non-adherence to recommended regimens posed substantial risks. To combat unsafe abortions, a multifaceted approach is needed. Reproductive health education, regulatory measures, improved healthcare accessibility, and tailored interventions are essential.
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ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.49321