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.