Knowledge, Awareness and Practices Regarding Abortion Among Rural Women-An Obervational Study

Abstract

Background: Abortion is considered as a crucial part of the reproductive health of women across the world. It is one of the Leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in the developing world.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, awareness and practices towards abortion among women residing in rural area.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study. Data were collected by interview using predesigned questionnaire. The patients were then assessed based on demographic factors like age, literacy, socioeconomic scale and occupation. They were asked about their personal experience regarding knowledge, awareness and practices of abortion.

Results: A total of 200 women were enrolled in this study, majority of them (40%) were 26-35 years age group, 91% were married, 48% were illiterate, 55% was house wife and 54% were belonging to lower socio-economic class. Majority of them (62.5%) had never heard about the method of abortion, 43.5% of them heard from their parents or relatives, 51.5% don’t know the place of safe abortion conducted and 36% belief that any health care professional can conduct abortion. Most of the study participants have lack of knowledge, awareness and practices about abortion. Very little information about the legalities and complications of abortion 

Conclusion: Present study shows that rural women have very less knowledge, awareness and practices regarding contraception safe abortion. So, creating awareness and practices about safe abortion can lead to minimize maternal morbidity and mortality in rural population.