Experiences of crisis pregnancy among Irish and non-Irish adults living in Ireland: findings from the Irish Contraception and Crisis Pregnancy Survey 2010 (ICCP-2010)

Abstract

Background: Using nationally representative data, this paper investigates the experience of crisis pregnancy (CP) among Irish and non-Irish adults living in Ireland in 2010.

Aims: To generate a detailed profile of Irish and non-Irish adults living in Ireland who have had an experience of CP and to investigate the differences in the experiences of CP between Irish and non-Irish adults.

Method: A national cross-sectional telephone survey methodology recruited 3,002 adult (18-45 years) participants (69 % response). Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis were used to compare the differences between the Irish (n = 334) and non-Irish sample (n = 57) with an experience of CP.

Results: The majority of respondents with an experience of CP had a higher education level and were aged between 18 and 25 years. Significant differences, in terms of outcome of CP, were also found between groups; with more Irish respondents choosing parenthood over abortion, compared with their non-Irish counterparts.

Conclusion: This paper presents a unique profile of Irish and non-Irish adults living in Ireland with an experience of CP. Enhanced promotion of longer-acting contraceptives to all younger adults, and targeted awareness raising of post-abortion services among the non-Irish community, is recommended.