Prevalence of Unintended Pregnancy and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Debre-markos Town, North West Ethiopia 2012

Abstract

Background: Unintended pregnancies pose serious health risks to mothers and their infants by causing unnecessary high risk of pregnancy related complications and self-induced abortions. Hence, this study estimates:(a) The prevalence of unintended pregnancy and (b) Assess associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at health institutions of Debre Markos Town Amhara Regional State. Methods: A quantative, cross sectional institutional based study was conducted from April 15 to May 14, 2012 in Debre Markos town health institutions. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study units. A total of 413 pregnant women were interviewed using structured questionnaire by 7 trained data collectors and 3 supervisors. Both Binary and multiple logistic regressions were utilized to assess the associations. Strength of associations was presented using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Result: All recruited 413 subjects responded to the questionnaire making the response rate of 100%. The overall prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 136(32.9%). Being single [AOR (95%CI)=13.489 (5.05-36.031)], unemployment [AOR(95%CI)=2.26(1.717.605)], not visited by Health extension worker[AOR (95%CI)=3.18(1.70- 5.954)], never used FP methods [AOR (95%CI)=1.511(1.50-6.45)], large number of previous pregnancies [AOR(95%CI)=7.45(2.27-24.44)]and not communicate with her husband [AOR(95%CI=4.38(2.19-8.70) were found to have statistically significant association with unintended pregnancies. Conclusion: The large proportions of pregnant women attending ANC have unintended pregnancy. Awareness raising and the continuation of modern contraceptive methods use will reduce unwanted pregnancies’ prevalence.