Unintended Pregnancy in Iran: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Abstract

Objectives: Unintended pregnancy, as one of the main issues in reproductive health, is defined as a mistimed or unwanted pregnancy all over the worlds. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of unintended pregnancy among Iranian women. Materials and Methods: As part of a survey on twin or multiple pregnancies in Tehran, Iran, this cross-sectional study considered a total of 5152 deliveries in 103 hospitals during 2015. The required data were gathered at the time of delivery or within the next 2-3 days from physically unstable women. The sampling was carried out within two weeks. All women, regardless of method of delivery, being primiparous or multiparous, and pregnancy outcome were included in the study. Results: According to the results, the prevalence of unintended pregnancy in Iran was estimated 19.81%. Based on univariate analysis, the mean age of mothers, the mean age of fathers, number of pregnancies, and number of deliveries in unintended pregnancies were significantly higher than those in intended pregnancies. In addition, the prevalence of unintended pregnancy among housewives, as well as women with low levels of education and income was high. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, economic status and number of deliveries were the main predicting factors of unintended pregnancy. Conclusions: In general, the prevalence of unintended pregnancy in Iran is lower than that in other countries. However, preventive actions and health education programs still should be undertaken for mothers in order to minimize the prevalence of unintended pregnancies, thereby reducing the consequences for mother and baby.