International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Self?administration of MMA, using an inappropriate drug/dosage, non-awareness of complication, delay in seeking medical help are major hindraces that make MMA unsafe. This study was done to evaluate the women’s knowledge, attitude and practices and sociodemographic factors among women with self-administered MMA and its consequences.

Aim: To study the knowledge, attitude, behavioural practices and socio demographic factors among women with self-administered MMA and related consequences.

Methodology: A community based cross sectional study at Sri cahamarajendra government MCH hospital, HIMS, Hassan, Karnataka, India among 108 women with self-administered medical abortion (MMA) in 2 years by interview using interviewer administered questionnaire.

Results: Among 5.4% (108)of obstetric ICU admissions, Mean age group of subjects was 24yrs, 96% were married, among women with unmet need of contraception,81% were multi-parous,44% belonged to low socioeconomic status and 68% had educational status above high school.89% with unmet need for contraception did not practice safety for induced abortion, 52% procured MMA drugs from pharmacy without prescription,62%adopted post abortal contraception(56% progesterone injection, 32% intrauterine contraceptive devices and 12% permanent sterilization).Shock, need of Blood transfusion in 30%, sepsis and antibiotic use needed in 100%,78% with RPOC Needed surgical intervention,missed molar gestation (1 case) and ectopic pregnancy in 2 cases indicate dangerous situation..

conclusion:Majority of the women with unmet need of contraception had poor awareness and practice of safe MMA. Inadequate knowledge, Misguidance by untrained person, associated social stigma, easy availability of abortion pills over the counter without prescription were major social factors in hospital admissions. High complication in self MMA group indicates regulation on sale of MMA kits without prescription.