Association of Safe Abortion Knowledge and Contraceptive Use among Ever-Married Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Background: A considerable number of pregnancies end in unsafe abortions after two decades of abortion legalization. Over half of pregnancies resulting in abortions are unplanned, and a significant number of married women have unmet family planning requirements. To minimize unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions, the study intends to weigh the impact of the knowledge about the legality and restrictions surrounding abortion among women and the use of contraceptives.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Nepal using multistage sampling. The study focused on 1976 ever-married women and utilized sampling weights to ensure representative results. It investigated the relationship between awareness of legal knowledge of abortion and conditions and the use of contraception by women.
Results: Women who are aware of the legality of abortion and legal conditions for abortion were more likely to have utilized contraception. Fewer women from Madhesi and Muslim communities used contraception. Contraception use was inversely correlated with education. Adolescent girls were less likely to utilize contraception. When compared to the skilled service group, the non-working group’s odds of choosing to use contraception were significantly lower (aOR,0.503). The likelihood of ever using contraception did not significantly differ between the wealth quintiles, urban and rural people, or residents of provincial settings.
Conclusions: Knowledge of the legal status and indications for abortion is associated with increased use of contraception. Empowering women and girls with knowledge and access to a full range of sexual and reproductive health services can ensure improved reproductive health and rights.
Keywords: Abortion knowledge; contraceptive use; ever-married; safe abortion; women of reproductive age.