Markov Chain Model for Events Following Induced Abortion

This paper presents a Markov chain model for investigating questions about the possible health-related consequences of induced abortion. The model evolved from epidemiologic research questions in conjunction with the criteria for Markov chain development. It has been developed to apply to data collected on 928 women who participated in an historical-prospective study conducted in Skopje, Yugoslavia. Formulas employing the transition probabilities may be used to answer specific questions of interest to epidemiologists, physicians, and health policy makers.