Abstract:
Introduction: Unsafe abortion occurs in great numbers throughout the world. Repeat induced abortion accounts for a substantial proportion of all induced abortion in many countries including Ethiopia. The risks on subsequent pregnancies of repeat induced abortion are reported to be higher than those of the first induced abortion. Along with the high rate of induced abortion, public health services have been faced with serious health problems and severe financial costs. So identifying the main reasons for abortion is the most important step to decrease the burden of the country.
Objective: To assess awareness and reasons for termination of pregnancy among youths seeking abortion service in selected health facilities in Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from January to February 2019.
Methods: A qualitative study with phenomenology study design was conducted among youths seeking abortion service in selected health facilities in Addis Ababa from January to February 2019. The sample size was determined during data collection and the study participants were selected using convenience sampling technique until information saturation. The study participants were selected from governmental, private and non-governmental health facilities. The data were collected through in-depth interviews using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The interviews were conducted face to face by the data collectors using open-ended probing questions. The recorded audios and notes of interviews were transcribed using non-verbatim transcription technique. Thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data.
Results: A total of 18 study participants from selected health facilities participated in the study. The mean age of the study participants was 22.5 years and all of them were above the age of 18 years. The most common reasons for termination of pregnancy among youth women seeking abortion service in selected health facilities in Addis Ababa were economic problem, fear of stigma in the family and community, disagreement and pressure from boyfriend and inconvenience for work and education. Most of the study participants had no knowledge about the risks and complications arise from abortion and they do not know the impact of abortion on their future fertility and health.
...................................... Thesis available at ACIPH Library