 |
[Abstract] [PDF] [HTML] [Linked
References]
International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109
Volume 15, Issue 1, May 2015 pp 47-52
Research Article
Unwanted pregnancy and care seeking behaviour in social perspective: An experience from eastern India
Anima Haldar1, Sita chattopadhay2, Subhrajyoti Naskar3, Lina Bandyopadhyay4, Baijayanti Baur5, Samir kumar Roy6, Goutam Dhar7
1Professor and HOD, Department of Community Medicine, NRS Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, INDIA.
2Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, IPGMER, Kolkata, West Bengal, INDIA.
3Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Malda Medical College and Hospital, Malda, INDIA.
4Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, INDIA.
5Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Midnapore Medical College, Paschim Medinipur, INDIA.
6Associate Professor, Community Medicine, Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur. INDIA.
6Deputy Director 0f Medical Education, Government of West Bengal Sasthawya Bhawan, Kolkata -700091, West Bengal, INDIA.
Abstract
Background: Adverse health outcomes like maternal mortality and morbidity due to abortion could be drastically brought down if the women have access to safe abortion services. Abortion is one of the most fundamental health care needs of women. Aims: To assess care seeking behavior of currently married women in case of unwanted pregnancy and its social correlates. Settings: 12 Villages and 4 wards of Paschim Midnapur District of West Bengal. Participants: 2000 currently married women of reproductive age groups (15-49 yrs). Methods and Materials: Community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 2000 currently married women (15-49 yrs) in Paschim Midnapur district of West Bengal during May to October 2009 by stratified multistage random sampling and interviewed eligible women through pre-designed and pre-tested proforma by house to house survey. Statistical analysis: Proportions, Chi-square test. Results: Out of total study population, majority were in the age group of 24-29 yrs (31.5%). Most of the respondents belonged to illiterate and just literate group (46.9%), 87% were Hindu by religion. Regarding providers choice , majority (43.3%) were in favour of government hospital followed by nursing home (32.7%). 11.3%, 10.5% and 2.2% were in favour of Quacks, others group of providers and unaware respectively. 14.7 % of the educated women (secondary andabove) still preferred quacks. Preference of others group of providers was more (15.7%) among Low socio-economic group (BPL) than APL group (3.8%). So 24% of the study subjects having proper lack of knowledge either wrong perception (21.8%) or unawareness (2.2%) for safe abortion procedure. Preference of quacks was more among Muslims than Hindus as well as the women belonged to nuclear families and rural community. Conclusion: Awareness generation about safe abortion practice to be enhanced through mass media advocacy and interpersonal communication. Utilization of safe abortion services through more effective behavior change strategy.
|
