Prevalence and factors associated with unplanned pregnancies among pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinic at Kawempe National Referral Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Unplanned pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy which is a sum of mistimed pregnancy (pregnancy wanted at a later time) and unwanted pregnancy (pregnancy which is not wanted at all) It is a fundamental health and human right for a couple to control their fertility and have safe maternity care. . Globally the prevalence of unplanned pregnancies is 38% each year In Uganda according to the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, more than four in 10 births (44.5%) are unplanned. Unplanned pregnancies are still a challenge in Uganda leading to high levels of unplanned births, unsafe abortions, short inter pregnancy interval, maternal injury and death despite the efforts by ministry of health policy on family planning 2020 commitment and now the current family planning 2030 commitment, the national prevalence of unplanned pregnancy is still high. It is for this reason that the study seeks to find out the current prevalence and the possible associated factors with unplanned pregnancies among pregnant women attending ANC at Kawempe National Referral Hospital that are not known. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with unplanned pregnancy among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Kawempe national referral hospital Methods: A facility based analytical cross section study to be conducted from 31st january 2023 to 9th march 2023. Data was obtained from a sample of 384 pregnant mothers using pretested interviewer (research assistant) administered questionnaire after approval. Univariate, analysis using was used to describe the demographic characteristics of the participants. At bivariate level, Pearson Chi-square test was used. At multivariate, logistic regression was usedto analyze the association that exists between the outcome (unplanned pregnancy) and independent variables. RESULTS: The study found out that the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy among women attending antenatal clinic at Kawempe national referral hospital was 34%. Factors associated with unplanned pregnancy were: maternal age between (20-24 and 25-34)years (AOR=2.8,95%CI=1.4-5.8) and (AOR=3.9,95%CI=2.6-10.2) respectively. women in the urban area (AOR=3.9,95%CI=2.2-7.5) monogamous family(AOR=3.6,95%CI=2.1-6.9), unemployed women(AOR=4.2,95%CI=2.4-8.9) partner being in informal sector(AOR=2.8,95%CI=1.7-4.5) not discussing about family planning and method between husband and wife(AOR=2.3,95%CI=1.4-5.4).marital status (being single) (AOR=0.4,95%CI=0.2-0.8), family income (AOR=0.3,95%CI=0.1-0.6) and religion ( Seventh day adventist)(AOR=0.2,95%CI=0.09-0.6) . Conclusion and recommendation: The study found out that the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy was high at 34%.The factors strongly associated with unplanned pregnancy were; maternal age between (20-35)years, women in the urban area, monogamous family, unemployment of the women, partner being in informal sector, not discussing about family planning and method between husband and wife. Being single, family income and religion ( Seventh day adventist ) are protective factors against unplanned pregnancy. There is need to modify the antenatal card, to indicate whether pregnancy was planned or not in order to identify those women with unplanned pregnancy for supportive counseling.