Factors Associated with Self-induced Abortions Among Women of Reproductive Age (15-49) Years in Jinja Regional Referral Hospital- Jinja City

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with Self-induced abortions among women of reproductive age of 15-49 years in Jinja regional referral hospital- Jinja city. The specific objectives were to determine the behavioural factors associated with self-induced abortions, examine the socio-demographic factors associated with Self-induced to Abortions and to establish the reproductive health behavioural factors associated with Self-induced Abortions among women of reproductive age of (15-49) years in Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. The quantitative cross-sectional study design. Krejcie and Morgan's (1970) method was used to draw a sample size of 327 women, from a population of 2,200 women of reproductive age of (15-49) years in Jinja Regional Referral Hospital The sample was selected using a systematic random sampling technique and the data was entered in SPSS version 23 for analysis. The validity and reliability of data was verified using the content validity index and the Cronbach alpha coefficient. For descriptive purposes, the researcher used the mean and standard deviation to analyse the data. Data was tested for correlation to establish the association between the study variables. Using inferential statistics, the data was analysed for regression to establish the predictor power of variables on the outcome variable. The study findings demonstrated a significant correlation between Self-Induced Abortion, Socio-Demographic Factors, Reproductive Health Behaviours, and Abortions among women of reproductive age of (15-49) years. The regression results revealed that self-managed abortion, socio-demographic factors, and reproductive health behaviour significantly predict self-induced abortion among (15-49-year-old women at a 1% significance level. Factors like self-induced abortion, socio-demographic factors, and reproductive health behaviour account for 44.8% of Self-induced abortion among (15-49) year old women, while other factors account for 55.2%. The study recommends that Health educators should collaborate with community leaders to educate women aged 15-49 on self-management techniques, contraceptive access, and reproductive health rights. They should lobby for financial aid for abortion services, advocate for flexible work hours and paid leave, and implement comprehensive sexual health education programs. Regular health check-ups can help address misconceptions and promote safe practices.