Determinants Of Unintended Pregnancy Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic At AIIMS Patna – A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Unintended pregnancies remain a global health challenge, impacting women, families, and societies. This study explores the determinants of unintended pregnancies among 289 participants at AIIMS Patna's Antenatal Care clinic. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, data was collected through a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic details, obstetric parameters, contraceptive practices, and knowledge about contraception. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent predictors of unintended pregnancies. Results: Out of 289 participants attending AIIMS Patna's Antenatal Care clinic, 33.2% reported experiencing unplanned pregnancies, highlighting the persistent challenge of unintended pregnancies in the region. Sociodemographic analyses unveiled significant associations with pregnancy planning. Women married before the age of 20 showed a higher likelihood of unintended pregnancies, and those with partners aged 20-29 were more prone to such outcomes. Partner's education and socioeconomic status also played crucial roles, with higher educational attainment and upper socioeconomic status associated with a reduced risk of unplanned pregnancies. Obstetric parameters exhibited noteworthy associations. Participants with an age at first sexual behavior after 18 years and those with more than one living child were less likely to experience unintended pregnancies. Surprisingly, education demonstrated a paradoxical relationship, as illiterate women had a higher likelihood (56.5%) of unintended pregnancies. Conclusion: This study provides comprehensive insights into the determinants of unintended pregnancies among women attending AIIMS Patna's Antenatal Care clinic. The findings emphasize the complex interplay of sociodemographic and obstetric factors in shaping pregnancy intentions. Addressing these multifaceted determinants is crucial for the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of unintended pregnancies and improving overall reproductive health outcomes in Bihar, India.