PREVALENCE OF UNINTENDED PREGNANCY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN OSUN STATE NIGERIA: A MIXED METHOD STUDY

The manuscript titled ‘PREVALENCE OF UNINTENDED PREGNANCY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN OSUN STATE NIGERIA: A MIXED METHOD STUDY’Unintended pregnancy is a substantial public, clinical, social health concern globally affecting women within the reproductive age group especially those who are sexually active, with significant repercussions on women‘s health, economic stability and societal well-being. Unintended pregnancy pose a wide array of health risks for both the mother and the child. These risks include malnutrition, illness, abuse, neglect, and even death.Though several reproductive health interventions have been implemented in Nigeria, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing unintended pregnancies in Osun State specifically. Local data on the prevalence of unintended pregnancy in Osun State is also lacking, which creates a significant knowledge gap. Most studies focus on broad national data, without addressing regional variations and local context. Therefore, local variations in socioeconomic factors, cultural practices, and healthcare access require state-specific research for precise understanding. Estimating the prevalence of unintended pregnancies in Osun State gives a clear picture of the issue's extent. The findings of this study provide insights specific to the area and serve as a baseline for future interventions tailored to meet the needs of women in Osun State.<br>