The burden of unintended pregnancies: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Even though family planning methods and various health services are available, there is little increase in couple protection rate. The unintended pregnancy may end in termination of pregnancy of a birth of a child contributing to population explosion. Identifying the prevalence of termination of pregnancy and factors associated with the termination of pregnancy among reproductive age group women could help in determination as well as bridging the gap. Objective: The primary objective was to find out the prevalence of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) and factors related with MTP in rural community. The secondary objective was to explore obstetric profile, to find out any association of obstetric profile and MTP. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, community-based observational study was conducted among 450 reproductive age group women in a study district by multistage sampling. Each participant was interviewed in detail following written informed consent. Result: Prevalence of MTP in this study was 21.88%. The high prevalence of unmet need of contraception was 42.88%, with various reasons. Most of the CPR is contributed by permanent method of contraceptives. It was found that 33.6% women had three or more children. Initial conceptions were not intended by the women. Conclusion: There is need to counsel women of reproductive age group that MTP is not a way to control unwanted birth and it is not free from risk. They should be motivated for various methods of contraception.