Prevalence and determinants of induced abortion among women migrant workers in an industrial zone in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study

Migrant women workers in Vietnam face significant barriers in accessing subsidized sexual and reproductive health services, as these are frequently linked to their official residence status. This lack of access increases their vulnerability to unintended pregnancies and unsafe induced abortions due to limited availability of contraception. This study examined the prevalence of induced abortion and associated factors among sexually active women migrant workers working in the industrial zones (IZs) in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to November 2020 among 512 sexually active female migrant workers aged 18 to 29 living in rent clusters and dormitories in Thang Long Industrial Park, Hanoi, Vietnam. The primary outcome was self-reported induced abortion. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with induced abortion. Participants had a mean age of 24.8 years; 42.0% were single, and 85.4% lived in rent clusters. Among 512 sexually active female migrant workers, 10.5% reported having had an induced abortion. Compared to single women, married women had significantly higher odds of abortion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 8.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.44–27.05). Longer duration since first sexual intercourse (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.12–1.52), and lower monthly income (aOR = 0.994, 95% CI: 0.99–1.00) were also associated with abortion. In addition, belonging to a non-Kinh ethnic group was associated with lower odds of abortion (aOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.16–0.62). This study reveals significant reproductive health challenges, including a high prevalence of abortion, among sexually active women migrant workers in a Vietnamese IZ, particularly for married women. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions such as accessible contraception, extending service hours into evenings or weekends, offering mobile sexual and reproductive health services near IZs, culturally sensitive comprehensive education, and programs addressing gender inequities to reduce unintended pregnancies and lower abortion rates. For routine practice, prioritize accessible contraception and culturally sensitive sexuality education in Vietnamese IZs. In addition, stronger monitoring and enforcement of regulations for private clinics are needed to ensure the safety and quality of abortion services. Future research should investigate contraceptive use, cohabitation dynamics, and unsafe abortion rates within this population to inform more effective interventions.