Prevalence of unplanned pregnancy and its psychological effect among pregnant females in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Unplanned pregnancy is regarded as a significant worry worldwide. The prevalence of unplanned pregnancy has been estimated worldwide. Only a few studies have evaluated the majority of unplanned pregnancies in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy and its psychological effect among pregnant females in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study has been conducted on 442 females who are either currently pregnant or have been pregnant in the past 5 years. A survey was conducted online for data collection. Assessment of unplanned pregnancies was carried out through the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy. The psychological states were assessed by the Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Results: The intention of unplanned pregnancy was found in 116 (26.4%) females, and among the females who had planned pregnancy, incidences were 86 (18.2%), while 244 (55.5%) were indecisive. Females who had been married for over 10 years had the highest rate of unplanned pregnancies at 32.2%, compared to those married for less than 5 years at 19.8%. Among the females who experienced unplanned pregnancies, 35.3% went through mild to severe cases of depression as compared to 7.5% of those who had planned pregnancies. 34.5% of the women with unplanned pregnancies experienced mild to moderate stress compared to 7.7% of those who had planned pregnancies. Mild to highly severe anxiety was detected in 46.6% of the women with unplanned pregnancies versus 23.7% of those with planned pr egnancies. Conclusion: Unplanned pregnancy incidence is relatively low among females living in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. The results indicate that unplanned pregnancy is associated with psychological distress, leading to maternal depression, stress, and anxiety.