Prevalence of Induced Abortion and its Associated Factors among Female Students of Health Science in South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Globally, approximately 180-200 million pregnancies occur each year, about 75 million are unwanted pregnancies. The majority of unwanted pregnancies end in induced abortions each year. Combating abortion, abortion-related morbidity and mortality by preventing unwanted pregnancy has a great role in decreasing maternal mortality. Induced abortions, specifically unsafe abortion, are an important public health concern in developing countries. Nursing professionals encounter cases in their everyday activities; thus, findings from this study have paramount importance for nurses to be aware of the magnitude problem, which in turn help them to make an informed decision in their activities. Objective: To assess prevalence induced abortion and its associated factors among Health Science Students in South West Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on female students. A systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into Epidata manager version 3.1, and analyzed using SPSS version 21 statistical software for windows for analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with induced abortion. Results: A total of 420 randomly selected female students were involved in the study. The prevalence of induced abortion was 18.8%. The factors associated with induced abortion among college students were urban residents (AOR = 3.91, 95%CI: 1.85-8.27), having poor knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (AOR = 3.21, 95%CI: 1.62-6.38), and having a father with no formal education (AOR = 4.20, 95%CI: 1.87-9.42). Conclusion: The prevalence of induced abortion among the College of health science female students was found remarkable and we can conclude that induced abortion is one of public health importance among this population. Therefore, Mizan-Tepi University, College of health science, and Town health offices have to collaborate to decrease unwanted pregnancy to prevent induced abortion. Health education regarding contraceptive use, the consequence of induced abortion, and youth friendly services have to be delivered for students.