An Observational Study on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Various Abortion Methods in Pregnant Women Coming for Medical Termination of Pregnancy

Abstract Introduction: Unintended or unplanned pregnancy poses a major economical, psychological, social and religious challenge in women of reproductive age, especially in developing countries. Access to information is a key determinant of safe abortion. The provision of information about safe legal abortion is crucial to protect women’s health and safeguard their human rights. This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding abortion and technology to evaluate socio-demographic profile of women seeking abortion like age, parity, socioeconomic condition, education, duration of pregnancy and reasons to opt for the termination of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was performed at the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SMS medical college. A questionnaire was prepared and the women who came for MTP in our hospital were assessed. Questions pertaining to women’s knowledge, attitude, perception, use of medical abortion, and use of emergency contraception were asked. The information was collected and then analysed. Results: Most of the cases were aged between 26-30 years (30.81%), 56.98% cases were from rural areas, 90.7% were married, Socio-economic status varied, with maximum (37.79%) in the upper lower class, and Education level of cases showed majority (45.35%) were illiterate. 20.35% had no knowledge of safe abortion methods. In terms of government clinic awareness,52.33% were unaware. 65.70% were unaware that trained doctors perform medical terminations of pregnancy (MTP). Additionally, majority 68.02% did not know that MTP is legalized in India. And, only 47.09% were aware of complications associated with unsafe abortion. 47.67% preferred condom as their contraceptive of choice, 27.91% preferred IUCD, 17.44% preferred OCPs. The primary source of contraceptive information was from health care providers. The main reasons for choosing contraception were to avoid unwanted pregnancy which is about 51.74%. On the other hand, majority of cases refused contraception because of fear of side effects in 34.30% of cases, and 31.40% because of resistance from family members. Conclusion: Medical termination of pregnancy holds great potential for increasing the accessibility of women to safe abortion services in India. Therefore, more information, education and communication is needed to spread awareness amongst general population regarding safe abortion methods available right from grass root level till tertiary level. This will help in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality and will ensure safe motherhood.