Factor Influencing Contraceptive Behavior among Women Seeking Induced Abortion in Urban and Rural Region, Nepal

Abstract

This cross sectional descriptive study aimed to describe factors influencing contraceptive behavior among women aged 15-49 years, seeking induced abortion in the rural and the urban regions of Nepal. A total of 385 women (92.1% completion rate), 195 from the urban region and 190 from the rural region were analyzed. The results showed that the overall contraception use was 69.4% in the urban region and 54.3% in the rural region. Women in the urban region were nearly twice as (crude OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.16-2.67) or more likely to use contraception than women in the rural region. In the rural region, women with one previous induced abortion, high perception and who lived near facilities providing contraceptive were more likely to use contraception. Women who lived in the urban region for a longer duration and with higher knowledge were more likely to use contraception. On the other hand, women with more than two induced abortions and spouse as primary source of contraceptive information were less likely to use contraception. In rural region, more focus should be placed on empowering women and developing their autonomy and confidence. More satellite centers should be opened to cover women living in remote regions. While in the urban region, more focus should be put on education about and promotion of better and reliable contraception. Overall more intensive post abortion counseling about the proper and effective use of contraceptive method such as IUD, which are controlled more by women, should be provided.