Unsafe abortion and associated factors among women in reproductive age group in Arsi Zone, Central Ethiopia

Unsafe abortion is one of the major medical and public health problems in developing countries including Ethiopia. Yet, there is no reliable information on induced abortion distribution and its determinant factors in the country. This study assesses the determinants of unsafe abortion among women of reproductive age group in Arsi Zone, Central Ethiopia. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in four health facilities in Arsi zone. Client exit interview was conducted on 268 patients using a structured questionnaire and semi-structured guide for in-depth interview with key informants. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with unsafe abortion. Thematic analysis was done in this study. For variables having association in bivariate logistic regression, multivariate logistic regression test was employed. About 115 (42.9%) underwent unsafe abortion; they were about 15 to 19 years (AOR = 12.5; 95% CI: 3.24, 48.3), 20 to 24 years (AOR= 3.98; 95% CI: 1.27, 12.4) and had no formal education (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.67, 11.14). The study shows the high level of unsafe abortion to capture the attention of programmers and implementers to prevent unwanted pregnancy and make post abortion care accessible.    Key words: Unsafe abortion, maternal health, Arsi, Ethiopia.