Unwanted pregnancy and it's impact on maternal health and utilization of health services in Tigray Region (Adigrat Hospital)
Gessessew, A.
Ethiopian Medical Journal 47(1): 1-8
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-1755 PMID: 19743774 Document Number: 207892
Unwanted pregnancy is associated with increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidity. Knowledge of the causes and its impact on maternal health and utilization of health services is crucial to develop preventive strategies. To assess possible factors of unwanted pregnancy and its impact on maternal health and utilization of health services. This is a prospective study (February 1, 2002-January 31, 2004) conducted on patients with diagnosis of abortion and admitted to gynecological ward of a zonal hospital. Totally 907 patients were admitted with a diagnosis of abortion which accounted for 12.6% of all hospital and 60.6% of gynecological admissions. Majority (69.8%) had unwanted pregnancy. Interference was reported in 81.4% of unwanted pregnancy. More than 95% of patients with wanted and 74.9% of unwanted pregnancies reported to the hospital within 3 days of vaginal bleeding (P < 0.0001). High incidence of complication was reported on patients with unwanted pregnancy. There were three maternal deaths and all were related to unwanted pregnancy. The mean hospital stay was 1.42 days in wanted and 2.06 days in unwanted pregnancies. Forced sex and failure of contraception were among the reasons for unwanted pregnancy. Unwanted pregnancy is associated with increased risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. Besides, it poses a burden to the utilization of health services. The development and prompt implementation of a strategy, that enables to safely manage unwanted pregnancy in recommended.