Factors determining the occurrence of unwanted pregnancies.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify the factors involved in the occurrence of unwanted pregnancy in women seeking medical termination of pregnancy, and to describe their contraceptive practices. METHODS: A descriptive interview-based study of 402 women seeking abortion was done. Information was gathered regarding demographic variables, contraceptive practices and reasons for the unwanted pregnancy. RESULTS: All the women in our sample were married and multiparous. The husband's unwillingness for contraception and the improper use of condoms was responsible for one-third of all unwanted pregnancies. Lactation was believed to be a protection against pregnancy by 11.3% of women while 6.3% were unaware of any contraceptive method. CONCLUSION: We believe that focusing on these areas in public health programmes will help to decrease the number of unwanted pregnancies.