Original Articles
Perceptions and Practices of Medical Abortion among Pregnant Women: A Study in Urban Raipur | |
Dr. Dadasaheb Hanumantrao Dhage, Dr. Yogesh Balaso Patil | |
Background: Medical abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy through the use of pharmacological agents. Despite its safety and effectiveness, its acceptance and utilization are influenced by various factors, including knowledge, attitudes, and practices among pregnant women. In India, where abortion is legally permissible under certain conditions, understanding these factors is crucial for improving reproductive health services. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical abortion among pregnant women attending the Urban Health Centre at Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Raipur. Methods: This single-centered cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 women of reproductive age who visited the health center for medical termination of pregnancy or regular antenatal check-ups. Data were collected through interviews using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: A substantial 93% of the participants had heard about medical abortion. The primary sources of information were family members (25.8%) and media (23.3%). Only 50% of the participants knew that abortion is legally allowed in India, while 46% were unsure. The most commonly perceived causes of abortion were infections (41.3%), drugs (32%), and trauma (26.7%). Additionally, 63% of the participants preferred to continue their pregnancies, and 37% were open to abortion. The preferred place for abortion was a health institution for 43.7% of participants, with 41% opting for home, and 15.3% for traditional healers. Conclusion: The study revealed significant gaps in the knowledge and attitudes towards medical abortion, with a considerable reliance on family and media for information. There is a pressing need for enhanced educational initiatives led by healthcare providers to improve knowledge and correct misconceptions about medical abortion. Such efforts are essential to support women's reproductive choices and ensure safer decision-making processes. |
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