A cross-sectional study to assess prevalence and determinants of unplanned pregnancy among eligible couples of rural field practice area: RDGMC, Ujjain

Abstract

Background: Unplanned pregnancy have emerged as one of key public health indicator affecting women, their families and societies at large. Globally, an estimated 40% pregnancies in 2012 were unplanned jeopardising health of millions of women and children. Unplanned pregnancies are also associated with increased risk of low birth weight and high infant mortality. Need of the study was to obtain information which can lead to improvement in use of available products and resources by addressing social determinants of reproductive health affecting pregnancy intensions.Methods: Cross- sectional study was conducted in DSS (Demographic Surveillance Site), RD Gardi Medical College, Ujjain. Study included all consenting eligible couples excluding couples not available at time of interview and sterilized couples. “The London Measures of Unplanned Pregnancy” questionnaire (tested and validated for Indian settings) was used to assess pregnancy outcomes.Results: According to scores 8% pregnancy came out as unplanned, 79% planned and 13% ambivalent. Occurrence of unplanned pregnancy was significantly associated with age (χ2=14.216, p=0.027), socio-economic status (χ2=19.757, p=0.003) and housing (χ2=22.337, p=0.000) conditions of study participants. But when the above factors were further analysed using regression analysis, none was significantly associated.Conclusions: Prevalence of unplanned pregnancy came out to be 8%. Further, none of the studied social determinants came out to be significantly associated with the occurrence of unplanned pregnancy. More studies with a qualitative nature will be needed to know the reasons for unplanned pregnancy.