Determinants of abortions in Katete District of Zambia: A hospital based survey

Abstract

This research was conducted at Saint Francis at Saint Francis Hospital over a

period of four months (from September 22nd 2014 to January 23rd 2015). 168

women aged 12 to 46 years admitted and treated for incomplete abortion in

Gynecology ward were interviewed. 63 participants (37.5%) had induced

abortions and 105 participants (62.5%) had spontaneous abortions. All induced

abortions were the results of unplanned pregnancies. The majority of all

abortions (57.1%) resulted from unplanned pregnancies as compared to only

42.9% resulting from planned pregnancies (p<0.05). Both married and single

participants had increased unmet needs for family planning. 57.3% of women

had used contraceptives in the past and also had unintended pregnancies

resulting in abortions. A significant number of induced abortions (22.2%) were incidentally caused by

inappropriate use of contraceptives by providers. Sexual activities start as early as 9 years in Katete. Most

youths with induced abortions were involved in unstable relationships, desired to continue with education,

feared to ruin their future, and had limited knowledge and inconsistent use of contraceptive methods. The

major determinants for induced abortions amongst participants were unplanned/unintended pregnancies.

Other determinants such as illiteracy, lack of information, young age, poverty, and unsafe sex need to be

addressed. There is need to promote consistent and correct use of contraceptives, to strengthen the health

care delivery system and maintain the cold chain of contraceptive supply for sustainable availability and

accessibility. Conjugated efforts by health care providers, community leaders, policy makers and politicians

are needed to extirpate negative believes (on modern contraceptives) and cultural norms that promote

unhealthy sexual and reproductive life.