Prevalence of Depression and its Associated Factor Among Women Undergoing Abortion in Addis Ababa Selected Public Health Facilities,
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Date
2025-06-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Abortion is defined as the loss of an intrauterine pregnancy before fetal
viability. Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health issues among women who
experience an abortion. Regardless of whether they are from high-income or low-income
countries, post-abortion depression poses a significant public health concern, as it adversely
affects women's mental well-being and overall health.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors among women
undergoing abortion in Addis Ababa selected public health facility of, Ethiopia, 2025
Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted between March 01 to April 15,
2025. A total of 422 women seeking abortion services were selected through consecutive
sampling. Stratified random sampling was employed to select health facilities, followed by
simple random sampling within each facility, with proportional allocation based on facility
size. Data were collected via telephone interviews using Kobo-Toolbox, and depression was
assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The EPDS was pre-tested
at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital on 21 women or 5% of the sample. Data analysis was
performed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify
factors associated with depression.
Result: Of the 422 women approached, 409 (96.9%) completed the interview successfully.
The positive depression screening (EPDS score ≥ 13) was 39.9%, with 163 participants
scoring 13 or higher. Multivariate analysis identified significant factors associated with
depression, including educational level, relationship duration, type of abortion procedure,
recurrent pregnancy loss, intimate partner violence, pregnancy intention, and levels of social
support.
Conclusion and Recommendation: This study result revealed two in five women were found
to likely have depression. These findings highlight the need to screen women after abortion
for depression and integrate mental health services into post-abortion care.
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Keywords
Abortion, Depression, Mental health, post-abortion depression