Authors :
Dr. Abdirahman Moalim Hassan Ibrahim; Ibrahim Moalim Hassan Ibrahim
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/2wy6skjh
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/5kexv2cd
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1838
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Abstract :
This study investigates the prevalence and contributing factors of spontaneous abortion among married women
in Mogadishu, Somalia, addressing a critical yet underexplored aspect of maternal health. Spontaneous abortion, affecting
10–20% of pregnancies globally, poses significant physical and psychological challenges, particularly in regions like Somalia,
where socioeconomic instability and cultural stigma exacerbate the issue. The research employs a cross-sectional survey
design with a sample of approximately 300 women, utilizing structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews conducted
by trained assistants. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, are prioritized throughout the
study. Findings reveal a high incidence of spontaneous abortion linked to factors such as limited access to healthcare, food
insecurity, and societal stigma. Notably, the study highlights the demographic profile of participants, with a significant
proportion aged 18 to 25, underscoring the urgent need for targeted maternal health interventions. Furthermore, insights
from healthcare providers indicate a gender gap in representation and a critical demand for education tailored to varying
literacy levels. The study advocates for enhanced healthcare access, community awareness initiatives, and improved prenatal
care, aiming to inform maternal health policies that cater to the specific needs of Mogadishu's women. By illuminating the
complexities surrounding spontaneous abortion, this research seeks to foster an environment conducive to maternal well-
being and improved health outcomes for families in the region.
Keywords :
Spontaneous Abortion, Miscarriage, Prevalence, Married Women, Mogadishu, Somalia, Maternal Health, Reproductive Health, Socio-Demographic Factors, Health Conditions, Access to Healthcare, Educational Level, Age, Psychological Impact, Cultural Beliefs, Environmental Factors, Community Health, Healthcare Providers, Interventions, Public Health Policies.
References :
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Somalia: Health System Review. Retrieved from WHO Website
- Afolabi, B. M., & Alabi, M. K. (2019). “Prevalence and determinants of spontaneous abortion in Nigeria: A cross-sectional study.” BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 19(1), 118. doi:10.1186/s12884-019-2254-0.
- Khashan, A. S., et al. (2010). “The role of maternal age and previous pregnancy loss in the risk of spontaneous abortion: A cohort study.” Human Reproduction, 25(1), 87-92. doi:10.1093/humrep/dep368.
- Save the Children. (2018). A Crisis for Women: The State of Maternal Health in Somalia. Retrieved from Save the Children
- Tamiru, M., & Lema, Y. (2019). “Socio-demographic factors associated with spontaneous abortion among mothers who attended antenatal care in Ethiopia.” Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, 29(3), 237-248. doi:10.4314/ejhs.v29i3.10.
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- Adetunji, J. A., & Ebrahim, A. (2020). “Women’s healthcare use and outcomes among urban Somali women: A qualitative study.” BMC Women's Health, 20(1), 85. doi:10.1186/s12905-020-00978-5.
- Shibib, M. A., & Faiz, M. A. (2016). “Demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with the prevalence of spontaneous abortion in Yemen: A cross-sectional study.” BMC Public Health, 16(1), 1201. doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3898-4.
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- Busari, A. O., et al. (2021). “Mental Health, Stress, and Pregnancy Outcomes in Nigeria: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 41(2), 146-153. doi:10.1080/01443615.2020.1773861.
- UNICEF. (2020). Maternal and Child Health: Somalia Fact Sheet. Retrieved from UNICEF Somalia.
- Blencowe, H., et al. (2016). “Stillbirths: Rates, risk factors, and acceleration towards 2030.” The Lancet, 387(10018), 587-603. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00954-0.
- Campbell, O. M. R., & Graham, W. J. (2006). “Strategies for reducing maternal mortality: Getting on with what works.” The Lancet, 368(9542), 1284-1299. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69381-1.
- Pirkle, C. M., et al. (2018). “Ambient air pollution exposure and risk of spontaneous abortion in a cohort of women in the United States.” Environmental Research, 164, 416-426. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2018.02.033.
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- The World Bank. (2019). Somalia Health System Performance Assessment 2017. Retrieved from World Bank Website
This study investigates the prevalence and contributing factors of spontaneous abortion among married women
in Mogadishu, Somalia, addressing a critical yet underexplored aspect of maternal health. Spontaneous abortion, affecting
10–20% of pregnancies globally, poses significant physical and psychological challenges, particularly in regions like Somalia,
where socioeconomic instability and cultural stigma exacerbate the issue. The research employs a cross-sectional survey
design with a sample of approximately 300 women, utilizing structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews conducted
by trained assistants. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, are prioritized throughout the
study. Findings reveal a high incidence of spontaneous abortion linked to factors such as limited access to healthcare, food
insecurity, and societal stigma. Notably, the study highlights the demographic profile of participants, with a significant
proportion aged 18 to 25, underscoring the urgent need for targeted maternal health interventions. Furthermore, insights
from healthcare providers indicate a gender gap in representation and a critical demand for education tailored to varying
literacy levels. The study advocates for enhanced healthcare access, community awareness initiatives, and improved prenatal
care, aiming to inform maternal health policies that cater to the specific needs of Mogadishu's women. By illuminating the
complexities surrounding spontaneous abortion, this research seeks to foster an environment conducive to maternal well-
being and improved health outcomes for families in the region.
Keywords :
Spontaneous Abortion, Miscarriage, Prevalence, Married Women, Mogadishu, Somalia, Maternal Health, Reproductive Health, Socio-Demographic Factors, Health Conditions, Access to Healthcare, Educational Level, Age, Psychological Impact, Cultural Beliefs, Environmental Factors, Community Health, Healthcare Providers, Interventions, Public Health Policies.