| The relationship between sociodemographic factors and reporting having terminated a pregnancy among Ghanaian women: a population-based study |
| Authors: |
Dankwah E, Steeves M, Ramsay D, Feng C, and Farag M |
| Source: |
International Health, ihy035; DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihy035 |
| Topic(s): |
Abortion
|
| Country: |
Africa
Ghana
|
| Published: |
MAY 2018 |
| Abstract: |
Background:
Pregnancy termination is an illegal medical procedure in Ghana and 88% of induced abortions are performed in unsafe conditions, thus recipients face an elevated risk of abortion-related complications. This study aims to explore the associations between sociodemographic factors and reporting having terminated a pregnancy among Ghanaian women.
Methods:
Logistic regression models were estimated using data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (n=9396). ORs were computed for the associations between reporting pregnancy termination and select demographic and socio-economic factors.
Results:
Education level, employment status, financial status and marital status of women are significantly associated with reporting having terminated a pregnancy.
Conclusions:
Women who are employed, cohabit with a partner and are considered middle class or wealthy are more likely than their counterparts to report having terminated a pregnancy. Ghanaian women with intermediate levels of education are more likely than both their more- and less-educated counterparts to report having terminated a pregnancy. These findings highlight the need for the development of policies aimed at reducing unsafe abortions associated with unintended pregnancies. Specific recommendations include providing family planning education and outreach to high-risk groups to reduce unintended pregnancies and improving working conditions for expectant mothers, including provisions for paid maternity leave and job protection. |
|