Assessment of the level of knowledge regarding safe abortion among reproductive age group women, a short cross sectional study in lekhnath, kaski

Abstract

Introduction: Overall situation of reproductive health and the quality of life of females are not satisfactory in developing countries. Complications from unsafe abortion result in maternal deaths and abortion-related morbidities worldwide, placing high strain on limited health system resources and leading to severe physical, psychological, and financial consequences for women1. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study carried out in 50 reproductive age group women living in Lekhnath municipality-12 at Kaski, Nepal and sample size was determined by using non probability purposive sampling where data were taken under the consent of individual using semi structured interview schedule and were analyzed using SPSS version 11.5. Result: Regarding the type of the abortion, 40% knew about induced abortion, 16% knew about spontaneous abortion whereas 44% knew about both induced and spontaneous abortion. Among the respondents who heard about safe abortion, only 28% gave the correct meaning about safe abortion whereas rest 72% gave incorrect meaning about the safe abortion. The respondents who heard about safe abortion, there was only 51% knows about the legal period of safe abortion for women and remaining 49% of them did not have any idea for legal time of legal abortion. In addition, 40% of respondents had high as well as fair level of knowledge about safe abortion and 20% of the respondents had low level of knowledge regarding safe abortion. Conclusion: Reproductive rights are the rights of individuals to decide whether to reproduce and have reproductive health. The present study highlights the knowledge on reproductive age group women of Lekhnath, Kaski and knowing about safe abortion is important as it helps to enhance equity and gender equality, share the burden of preventing diseases and health complications, promote satisfying sexual lives for men and women.