Morbidity and Mortality Linked to Unsafe Abortions in Cameroon—Difficulties in Accessing Safe Abortions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. A Study Proposal
Unsafe
abortions constitute a public health problem. It is one of the causes of
maternal mortality in the world and particularly in developing countries.
Despite the progress made, maternal mortality remains high in Cameroon. The
scarcity and disparity of data on abortions lead to a lack of strong evidence
to advocate to decision-makers on the extent of the problems associated with
abortions in Cameroon. Our objective is to estimate the rates of mortalities
and complications related to unsafe abortions, as well as the difficulties of
accessing safe abortions in Cameroon. We will carry out a systematic and
meta-analytical review in the biomedical databases MEDLINE (Pubmed), Google
Scholar and African Journal Online (AJOL) concerning unsafe abortions and/or
difficulties in accessing safe abortions in Cameroon, without date or language
restriction. Gray literature will be also consulted. Two authors will
simultaneously select the studies and data extraction will be done using a
Google Form. Proportions will be estimated on a random-effect model. The I2 and Q statistics will be used to assess the extent of heterogeneity across the
studies. The outcome of both the quantitative and qualitative parts of the
study will be commented. Death and morbidity due to abortions can be prevented.
A concerted multidisciplinary and multicentric action would be essential.
References
[1]
Organisation Mondiale de la Santé (2013) Avortement sécurisé: Directives techniques et stratégiques à l’intention des systèmes de santé. OMS, Report No. 2, 146.
UNFPA (2019) Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000 to 2017: Estimates by WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Group and the United Nations Population Division. 104.
[4]
Institut National de la Statistique (INS) et ICsF (2012) International. Enquête Démographique et de Santé et à Indicateurs Multiples (EDS-MICS) du Cameroun 2011. INS et ICF International, Yaoundé, Calverton.
[5]
Institut National de la Statistique (INS) et ICF (2020) Enquête Démographique et de Santé du Cameroun 2018. INS et ICF, Yaoundé, Rockville.
[6]
Say, L., Chou, D., Gemmill, A., Tunçalp, Ö., Moller, A.-B., Daniels, J., et al. (2014) Global Causes of Maternal Death: A WHO Systematic Analysis. The Lancet Global Health, 2, e323-e333. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(14)70227-X
[7]
Pierre-Marie, T., Gregory, H.-E., Maxwell, D.I., Robinson, E.M., Yvette, M. and Nelson, F.J. (2015) Maternal Mortality in Cameroon: A University Teaching Hospital Report. The Pan African Medical Journal, 21, 3912.
https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2015.21.16.3912
[8]
WHO (2020, September 25) Preventing Unsafe Abortion.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preventing-unsafe-abortion
[9]
World Health Organization (2015) Annual Technical Report 2015. Department of Reproductive Health and Research, Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction. 256.
[10]
Grimes, D.A., Benson, J., Singh, S., Romero, M., Ganatra, B., Okonofua, F.E., et al. (2006) Unsafe Abortion: The Preventable Pandemic. The Lancet, 368, 1908-1919.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69481-6
[11]
Brookman-Amissah, E. and Moyo, J.B. (2004) Abortion Law Reform in Sub-Saharan Africa: No Turning Back. Reproductive Health Matters, 12, 227-234.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0968-8080(04)24026-5
[12]
Les Objectifs de développement durable-Développement durable.
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/fr/objectifs-de-developpement-durable
[13]
Ouzzani, M., Hammady, H., Fedorowicz, Z. and Elmagarmid, A. (2016) Rayyan—A Web and Mobile App for Systematic Reviews. Systematic Reviews, 5, Article No. 210. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-016-0384-4
[14]
Page, M.J., McKenzie, J.E., Bossuyt, P.M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T.C., Mulrow, C.D., et al. (2021) The PRISMA 2020 Statement: An Updated Guideline for Reporting Systematic Reviews. PLOS Medicine, 18, e1003583.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1003583
[15]
Tebeu, P.M., Fezeu, L.Y., Ekono, M.R., Fosso, G.K., Ymele Fouelifack, F. and Fomulu, J.N. (2013) Postpartum Hemorrhage at Yaoundé University Hospital, Cameroon. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 121, 283-284.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.01.010
[16]
Kamga, D.V., Nana, P.N., Fouelifack, F.Y. and Fouedjio, J.H. (2017) Role of Abortion and Ectopic Pregnancies in Maternal Mortality Rate at Three University Hospitals in Yaoundé. The Pan African Medical Journal, 27, Article No. 248.
[17]
Jewkes, R., et al. (2005) The Impact of Age on the Epidemiology of Incomplete Abortion in South Africa after Legislative Change. BJOG, 112, 355-359.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2004.00422.x
[18]
Fact Sheet (2019) Applying the Maputo Protocol Can Reduce Unsafe Abortions. Population Reference Bureau, Washington DC.
https://www.prb.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maputo-protocol-fact-sheet-safe-engage.pdf
[19]
African Union (2005) Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa Adopted by the 2nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union Maputo, Mozambique 11th July 2003. Entry into Force 25th November 2005.
https://au.int/sites/default/files/treaties/37077-treaty-charter_on_rights_of_women_in_africa.pdf
[20]
PRC. Law °2016/007 of 12 July 2016 Relating to the Cameroon Penal Code.
https://www.prc.cm/files/eb/b0/f4/3f7da246919f7a1805e3bd0b32a9d0f2.pdf
