Determinants of Unintended Pregnancy in Kenya

Abstract

Background: Kenya continues to face high prevalence of unintended pregnancy. The 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey established that over 35% of the total pregnancies were unintended. Unintended pregnancy is closely linked to adverse maternal and child health outcomes. In Kenya, it forms a key driver of girl child school dropout. Hazardous abortion of the pregnancies contributes hugely to maternal mortality and morbidity. Methods: The study used a sample of 7,167 pregnant women aged 15-49 from the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. Multinomial Logit Model was used to analyze the determinants of unintended pregnancy in Kenya. Results: Findings of the analysis have shown that mistimed pregnancy is significantly influenced by; education level, and intention to use contraceptive in the future. Unwanted pregnancy is on the other hand influenced by education level, age, and place of residence, wealth index, and intention to use contraceptives. Conclusion: The study found that the occurrence of unintended pregnancy is high in Kenya. Education level, employment status, age, wealth index, age at first birth, parity, marital status and ever use of contraceptives are statistically significant in influencing the occurrence of unintended. We recommend increased access to family planning methods with more focus on the availability, effective utilization of contraceptives and those who postpones the use of contraceptives.