Assessing the prevalence and determinants of unwanted pregnancy and induced abortion in Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of unwanted pregnancy and induced abortion in the Jos and Ife local government areas of Nigeria. A total of 1,516 randomly selected women aged 15-45 responded to a pretested structured questionnaire designed to elicit information concerning previous unwanted pregnancies and induced abortions in a value-free manner. Nearly 20 percent of the women reported having had an unwanted pregnancy. Of these, 58 percent reported that they had successfully terminated the pregnancies; 32 percent continued the pregnancies; and nearly 9 percent stated that they had attempted termination but failed. Overall, the prevalence of self-reports of induced abortion was 11 percent. The results reveal that information can be obtained on abortion in areas with restrictive abortion policies if an indirect interviewing approach is used.

PIP: This study examined the prevalence and determinants of induced abortion in the Jos and Ife local government areas of Nigeria, a country that restricts abortion. Data were obtained from a survey conducted during 1995-96 among a systematic random sample of 1516 unmarried and married women 15-45 years old. Ife was largely Yoruba, while Jos was ethnically diverse. Over 25% in Ife were Muslims; over 50% in Jos were Christians. Ife respondents had greater knowledge of reproduction and family planning than those in Jos. More women had ever or currently used contraception in Ife. 20% of all women (19% in Ife and 21% in Jos) had an unwanted pregnancy (UP). Among women with UPs, 57.6% terminated it successfully. Around 30% took no action. 8.5% had unsuccessful terminations. About 19% of women with UPs became pregnant while using family planning. Well-educated women, women who were currently using a method, and women who correctly knew the most fertile period were each three times more likely to report a UP. Women who had knowledge of a modern method were twice as likely to report a UP. Women who had knowledge of family planning and women who were currently using a method were more likely to report an induced abortion. In Jos, women with a university education were more likely to report an induced abortion.