Levels and Determinant of Unintended Pregnancy among Selected Married Women in Damote Gale Woreda
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Unintended pregnancy is a worldwide problem that affects women, their families and
societies at large. Recently it appeared as an importanl public health concerns for both
developed and developing countries because it is not only distressing for the affected
women and children, but also has a far reaching health, social and economic
consequences. To prevent uninlended pregnancy and its associated problems it is
important to understand the determinant factors.
The objective of the study was to examine the level and the underling determinants of
unintended pregnancy among selected married women in Damote Gale woreda. A crosssectional
study was conducted in this woreda and the study was carried out in eight
kebeles (smallest administrative units).
A multistage sampling technique was used to select females in the reproductive age
group15-49 years for interview. Quantitative as well as qualitative data were obtained
using structured questionnaires, focus group discussion and key informants interview.
Demographic, socio-cultural, and service related characteristics J'l'ere used as
explanatory variables while the dependent variable is unintended pregnancy.
A total of 713 females aged 15-49 years were inlerviewed out of whom, 302(42 .4 %)
women reported that their most recent pregnancies were unintended. Most of the women
(89%) knew at least one modern FP methods.84% of the women have never discussed
with husbands about issues concerning FP. It is also indicated that 80% of women have
never been visited by health workers.Only33% of women made decision on their health
care by themselves. Major reasons mentioned for failure to avoid unintended pregnancy
were lack of knowledge, disapproval by husband, difficulty to get method and method
failure. Predicted probability has shown that women in delayed age at marriage, with
lower parity, women exposed to radio, women who discus about FP issues with husband;
those who have autonomy on their health care and those visited by FP workers had less
exposed to unintended pregnancy.
Unintended pregnancy was found to be a major reproductive health problem in the study
area. Results suggested that FP strategies need to focus in early twenties and older
women, and address the role of men. Besides, women 's decision making power should be
given a special attention. Furthermore, in addition to expanding access to family
planning an effective lEe and counseling and quality of care is needed in the study area.
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Levels and Determinant of Unintended Pregnancy among