scholarly journals Pregnancy options counselling in Ghana: a case study of women with unintended pregnancies in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evans Kofi Agbeno ◽  
Fred Yao Gbagbo ◽  
E. S. K. Morhe ◽  
Soale Issah Maltima ◽  
Kwadwo Sarbeng

Abstract Background Pregnancy crisis mismanagement has contributed to maternal deaths and illnesses globally and in Ghana due to absence/inadequate pregnancy options counselling for clients to make informed decisions. This study examines options counselling for abortion seekers in health facilities in Ghana. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study design was done in selected specialised public and NGO health facilities within Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana, using self-administered structured questionnaires for data collection from 1st January to 30th April, 2014. Participants were 442 women with unintended pregnancies seeking abortion services. Data was analysed using Epi-Info (7.1.1.14) and STATA 12 to generate descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square and multivariable logistic regressions. The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology approved the study. Results Respondents had divergent reproductive and socio-demographic profiles. Majority (about 58%) of them had been pregnant more than twice, but about 53% of this population had no biological children. (Although about 90% of respondents held perceptions that the index and previous pregnancies were mistimed/unintended, the majority (72%) had no induced abortion history. Induced abortion (208, 49%) and parenting (216, 51%) were mentioned as the only available options to unintended pregnancy in hospitals. Exposure to options counselling was observed to be significantly associated with parity (P = < 0.001), gestational age (P = < 0.001), previous induced abortions (P = < 0.001), perception of pregnancy at conception (P = < 0.001) and level of education (P = 0.002). The logistic regression analysis also shows that higher education has statistically significant effect on being exposed to options counselling (P = < 0.001). Majority of respondents (95%) were not aware that giving a child up for adoption is an option to abortion in Ghana. Conclusions Pregnancy options counselling remains a major challenge in comprehensive abortion care in Ghana. Although higher educational attainments significantly exposes women to options counselling for informed decisions, the less educated are disadvantaged in this regard. Further research on type and depth of counselling services provided to pregnant women in health facilities is required to inform health policy and program decisions.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evans Kofi Agbeno ◽  
Fred Yao Gbagbo ◽  
ESK Morhe ◽  
Soale Issah Maltima ◽  
Kwadwo Sarbeng

Abstract Background Pregnancy crisis mismanagement has contributed to maternal deaths and illnesses globally and in Ghana due to absence/inadequate pregnancy options counselling for clients to make informed decisions. Aim of the study This study examines options counselling for abortion seekers in health facilities in Ghana. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study design was done in selected specialised public and NGO health facilities within Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana, using self-administered structured questionnaires for data collection from 1st January to 30th April, 2014. Participants were 442 women with unintended pregnancies seeking abortion services. Data was analysed using Epi-Info (7.1.1.14) and STATA 12 to generate descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square and multivariable logistic regressions. The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology approved the study. Results Respondents had divergent reproductive and socio-demographic profiles. Majority (about 58%) of them had been pregnant more than twice, but about 53% of this population had no biological children. (Although about 90% of respondents held perceptions that the index and previous pregnancies were mistimed/unintended, the majority (72%) had no induced abortion history. Induced abortion (208, 49%) and parenting (216, 51%) were mentioned as the only available options to unintended pregnancy in hospitals. Exposure to options counselling was observed to be significantly associated with parity (P = <0.001), gestational age (P = <0.001), previous induced abortions (P = <0.001), perception of pregnancy at conception (P = <0.001) and level of education (P = 0.002). The logistic regression analysis also shows that higher education has statistically significant effect on being exposed to options counselling (P = <0.001). Majority of respondents (95%) were not aware that giving a child up for adoption is an option to abortion in Ghana. Conclusions Pregnancy options counselling remains a major challenge in comprehensive abortion care in Ghana. Although higher educational attainments significantly exposes women to options counselling for informed decisions, the less educated are disadvantaged in this regard. Further research on type and depth of counselling services provided to pregnant women in health facilities is required to inform health policy and program decisions.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evans Kofi Agbeno ◽  
Fred Yao Gbagbo ◽  
ESK Morhe ◽  
Soale Issah Maltima ◽  
Kwadwo Sarbeng

Abstract Background Pregnancy crisis mismanagement has contributed to maternal deaths and illnesses globally and in Ghana due to absence/inadequate pregnancy options counselling for clients to make informed decisions. This study examines options counselling for abortion seekers in health facilities in Ghana. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study design was done in selected specialised public and NGO health facilities within Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana, using self-administered structured questionnaires for data collection from 1st January to 30th April, 2014. Participants were 442 women with unintended pregnancies seeking abortion services. Data was analysed using Epi-Info (7.1.1.14) and STATA 12 to generate descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square and multivariable logistic regressions. The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology approved the study. Results Respondents had divergent reproductive and socio-demographic profiles. Majority (about 58%) of them had been pregnant more than twice, but about 53% of this population had no biological children. (Although about 90% of respondents held perceptions that the index and previous pregnancies were mistimed/unintended, the majority (72%) had no induced abortion history. Induced abortion (208, 49%) and parenting (216, 51%) were mentioned as the only available options to unintended pregnancy in hospitals. Exposure to options counselling was observed to be significantly associated with parity (P= <0.001), gestational age (P= <0.001), previous induced abortions (P= <0.001), perception of pregnancy at conception (P= <0.001) and level of education (P= 0.002). The logistic regression analysis also shows that higher education has statistically significant effect on being exposed to options counselling (P= <0.001). Majority of respondents (95%) were not aware that giving a child up for adoption is an option to abortion in Ghana. Conclusions Pregnancy options counselling remains a major challenge in comprehensive abortion care in Ghana. Although higher educational attainments significantly exposes women to options counselling for informed decisions, the less educated are disadvantaged in this regard. Further research on type and depth of counselling services provided to pregnant women in health facilities is required to inform health policy and program decisions.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evans Kofi Agbeno ◽  
Fred Yao Gbagbo ◽  
ESK Morhe ◽  
Soale Issah Maltima ◽  
Kwadwo Sarbeng

Abstract Background Unintended pregnancies have significantly contributed to maternal deaths and illnesses globally. Although good clinical practices show that options counselling enable clients to make informed decisions for healthy pregnancy outcomes, studies on this practice remain a grey area in Ghana. Aim of the study The study examines proportions of women exposed to pregnancy options counselling before decision-making, effects of counselling on pregnancy outcomes and associations between women characteristics and counselling. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study design was done in selected specialised public and NGO health facilities within Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana, using self-administered structured questionnaires for data collection from 1st January to 30th April, 2014. Participants were 442 women with unintended pregnancies seeking abortion services. Data was analysed using Epi-Info (7.1.1.14) and STATA 12 to generate descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square and multivariable logistic regressions. The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology approved the study. Results Respondents had divergent reproductive and socio-demographic profiles. Majority (about 58%) of them had been pregnant more than twice, but about 53% of this population had no biological children. (Although about 90% of respondents held perceptions that the index and previous pregnancies were mistimed/unintended, the majority (72%) had no induced abortion history. Induced abortion (208, 49%) and parenting (216, 51%) were mentioned as the only available options to unintended pregnancy in hospitals. Exposure to options counselling was observed to be significantly associated with parity (P= <0.001), gestational age (P= <0.001), previous induced abortions (P= <0.001), perception of pregnancy at conception (P= <0.001) and level of education (P= 0.002). The logistic regression analysis also shows that higher education has statistically significant effect on being exposed to options counselling (P= <0.001). Majority of respondents (95%) were not aware that giving a child up for adoption is an option to pregnancy crisis management. Conclusions Pregnancy options counselling remains a major challenge in some Ghanaian health facilities as evident by the study results. Multi-sectorial collaboration for education on pregnancy options counselling and further research to assess the type and depth of counselling services provided pregnant women in health facilities is recommended to inform reproductive health policy and program decisions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 327-37
Author(s):  
Ibitola Eunice Ojo ◽  
Temitope Olumuyiwa Ojo ◽  
Ernest Okechukwu Orji

Background: In Nigeria, about 1.25million induced abortions occur annually and the country accounts for one-fifth of abor- tion-related deaths globally. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the determinants of induced abortion among married women. Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The quantitative component employed a cross-sectional study design while the qualitative aspect comprised focus group discussions. Information on contraceptives use, unintended pregnancy and induced abortion were obtained from 402 married women (with at least one child) aged 18-49 years using a semi-structured questionnaire. Four focus group discussion sessions were conducted among women of reproductive age. Results: Majority (67.2%) of respondents had ever used a contraceptive method. However, 34.3% of the women have had un- intended pregnancies and 14.2% had induced abortion. FGD findings revealed that non-use of contraceptives and contraceptive failure were major reasons for unintended pregnancies and induced abortion. The significant predictors of induced abortion were non-use of contraceptives, age≥ 40 years and multiparity. Conclusion: Induced abortion still occur among married women particularly those not using contraceptives, aged ≥40 years and those with high parity. More emphasis should be placed on making contraceptives more accessible to married women. Keywords: Induced abortion; unwanted pregancies; married women; Nigeria.


1970 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Lahariya ◽  
J Khandekar ◽  
AS Vachher ◽  
SK Pradhan

Background: The knowledge, attitude of physicians about any interventions has effect on the practices while the perceptions about such intervention by caregivers have impact on the acceptance in community.   Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of physicians and perception of the caregivers about new vaccines, and to identify the solutions to address the knowledge gap, if any.   Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted a major city of India from Sept 2006-Jan 2007. 107 physicians and 298 caregivers were interviewed using a pre-tested semi structured interview schedule. The data so collected was analyzed using chi square test and proportions. P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.   Results: It was found that only 3/5th physicians were aware that typhoid vaccination was part of the immunisation program. The knowledge about all the aspects of typhoid was poor amongst physicians in comparison of other vaccine (Hepatitis B) in the immunisation program. Physicians at private health facilities had poor knowledge than those working at government health facilities. However, majority of the physicians had positive attitude towards typhoid vaccination. All the caregivers had heard about typhoid disease and 39.8% about the vaccine also. Almost 80% of them were ready to pay for typhoid vaccination. Conclusions: The study underlines the need for special efforts to increase the awareness about typhoid vaccination amongst these groups to increase the uptake of the vaccine. Key words: Child Health; Hepatitis B, India; Newer vaccines; Typhoid DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v8i1.3222 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2010), Vol. 8, No. 1, Issue 29, 51-56


2018 ◽  
Vol 215 (6) ◽  
pp. 736-743
Author(s):  
Hilary K. Brown ◽  
Cindy-Lee Dennis ◽  
Paul Kurdyak ◽  
Simone N. Vigod

BackgroundInduced abortion is an indicator of access to, and quality of reproductive healthcare, but rates are relatively unknown in women with schizophrenia.AimsWe examined whether women with schizophrenia experience increased induced abortion compared with those without schizophrenia, and identified factors associated with induced abortion risk.MethodIn a population-based, repeated cross-sectional study (2011–2013), we compared women with and without schizophrenia in Ontario, Canada on rates of induced abortions per 1000 women and per 1000 live births. We then followed a longitudinal cohort of women with schizophrenia aged 15–44 years (n = 11 149) from 2011, using modified Poisson regression to identify risk factors for induced abortion.ResultsWomen with schizophrenia had higher abortion rates than those without schizophrenia in all years (15.5–17.5 v. 12.8–13.6 per 1000 women; largest rate ratio, 1.33; 95% CI 1.16–1.54). They also had higher abortion ratios (592–736 v. 321–341 per 1000 live births; largest rate ratio, 2.25; 95% CI 1.96–2.59). Younger age (<25 years; adjusted relative risk (aRR), 1.84; 95% CI 1.39–2.44), multiparity (aRR 2.17, 95% CI 1.66–2.83), comorbid non-psychotic mental illness (aRR 2.15, 95% CI 1.34–3.46) and substance misuse disorders (aRR 1.85, 95% CI 1.47–2.34) were associated with increased abortion risk.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate vulnerability related to reproductive healthcare for women with schizophrenia. Evidence-based interventions to support optimal sexual health, particularly in young women, those with psychiatric and addiction comorbidity, and women who have already had a child, are warranted.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Stanley Mwita ◽  
Godfrey Ngonela ◽  
Deogratias Katabalo

Introduction. For a medicine to qualify as safe and effective and to be of good quality, it should be properly labelled, stored, and transported. If a medicine is not handled properly, it ends up being unfit. Improper disposal of unfit medicines contributes to the appearance of their metabolites in the environment. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed to capture quantitative data. The study was conducted in Mwanza region, Tanzania. The study population comprised nongovernmental hospitals and private medicines outlets in the region. The sample size was 111 facilities. This study was conducted between October 2013 and May 2014. The questionnaire was used to assess experience and challenges of dealing with unfit medicines. A review of waste management records was done to capture data of past disposal for unfit medicines. The coded data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Version 20.0) computer analysis software. Comparison of proportions between groups was performed using Pearson’s chi square. Results. The majority of facilities (41.4%) used methods such as the pouring of unfit medicines into the sink and into the dustbin. About 60.4% of facilities were found with unfit medicines at the time of survey. Majority of unfit medicines found were antibiotics (64.1%). Almost 10% of health facilities maintained a register book for recording unfit medicines. Conclusion. There was improper disposal of unfit medicines in health facilities studied, whereby commonly reported methods of disposal were pouring into the sink and putting into the street dustbin. In private medicines outlets, there was poor storage management practice as some of the unfit medicines were left unpacked into boxes or separated from the usable medicines and not properly labelled.


2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
R M K Adanu ◽  
M N Ntumy ◽  
E Tweneboah

A cross-sectional study of 150 women was performed at the gynaecology department of the Korle-BuTeaching Hospital to describe the characteristics of patients with complications of induced or spontaneous abortions, and to find out the reasons behind induced abortions. In all, 31% of the study sample presented with complications of induced abortions. This group was younger, of lower parity, more educated, with lower economic potential, in less stable relationships and with a higher knowledge of modern contraceptive methods than the group with spontaneous abortions. The chief reason for procuring an induced abortion was the presence of relationship problems with the subject's partner. We conclude that measures to prevent induced abortions and their subsequent problems will yield major results if directed at women in their early 20s with at least primary education, no children, low economic potential, not in a stable relationship and who have had a previous induced abortion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-117
Author(s):  
Abdul-Malik, Abdulai

Unintended pregnancy among the adolescent globally is very high. It poses serious health risk to them and must be addressed to save the young girls. The adolescent females are mostly in unstable relations and are most unlikely to be on regular contraceptives. Sex among them is sporadic and impromptu, hence they are unable to negotiate for safer sex, which sometimes results in unintended pregnancy. Emergency contraceptives remain the only option to prevent unintended pregnancies after unprotected sex. This study, therefore, sought to determine the factors that promote EC utilization among the Muslim youth in the Tamale metropolis of the Northern region of Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional design was adopted with a mixed method approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data using a semi-structured questionnaire and FGD guide. A multi-staged sampling technique was used to select young Muslims, both males and females aged 15-24 years. Associated factors influencing EC use were determined using Chi-square (Chi2) and logistic regression at 95% CI and significant level set at p<0.05. Socio-demographics and socio-cultural factors influencing knowledge and utilization of EC among young Muslims were; age (OR = 22.28; 95% CI 2.97-171.85; p=0.001), marital status (OR = 0.56; 95% CI 0.34-0.93; p=0.030), education (OR = 0.19; 95% CI 0.05-0.66; p<0.001), and partner approval (OR=0.23; 95% CI 0.06-0.83; p = 0.020). Significant factors that determined EC utilization were age, educational level, marital status, and partner approval.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gezahegn Tesfaye ◽  
Mitiku Teshome Hambisa ◽  
Agumasie Semahegn

Unsafe abortion is one of the major medical and public health problems in developing countries including Ethiopia. However, there is a lack of up-to-date and reliable information on induced abortion distribution and its determinant factors in the country. This study was intended to assess induced abortion and associated factors in health facilities of Guraghe zone, Southern Ethiopia. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in eight health facilities in Guraghe zone. Client exit interview was conducted on 400 patients using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with induced abortion. Out of 400 women, 75.5% responded that the current pregnancy that ended in abortion is unwanted. However, only 12.3% of the respondents have admitted interference to the current pregnancy. Having more than four pregnancies (AOR = 4.28, CI: (1.24–14.71)), age of 30–34 years (AOR = 0.15, CI: (0.04–0.55)), primary education (AOR = 0.26, CI: (0.13–0.88)), and wanted pregnancy (AOR = 0.44, CI: (0.14–0.65)) were found to have association with induced abortion. The study revealed high level of induced abortion which is underpinned by high magnitude of unwanted pregnancy. There is requirement for widespread expansion of increased access to high quality family planning service and post-abortion care.


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