Prevalence and factors associated with unplanned pregnancy in a Brazilian capital in the Northeast

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with unplanned pregnancy in a Brazilian capital in the Northeast. Methods: a cross-sectional study nested to a hospital birth cohort with a probable sample of 5,110 puerperal women. Associated factors were analyzed using a hierarchical theoretical model in three levels: distal (women’s socioeconomic and demographic characteristics), intermediate (reproductive characteristics, maternal habits and BMI), and proximal level (partner's characteristics). Multivariate Poisson regression analysis was performed. Results: the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy was 68.1% (CI95%=66.8-69.4). Multivariate analysis showed association with black skin color/race (PR=1.03; CI95%=1.01- 1.07), mother's age group up to 19 years old (PR=1.09; CI95%=1.06-1.12) and 20 to 24 years old (PR=1.04; CI95%=1.01-1.07), not living with partner (PR=1.09; CI95%=1.07- 1.11), highest number of people in the household: 5 people (PR= 1.10; CI95%=1.08-1.13) and 3 to 4 (PR=1.08; CI95%=1.05-1.10), number of ≥4 children (PR=1.09; CI95%=1.06- 1.13) and 2 or 3 children (PR=1.03; CI95%=1.02-1.05), alcohol consumption (PR=1.03; CI95%=1.01-1.05), malnourished pre-pregnancy BMI (PR=1.03; CI95%=1.01-1.06) and partner’s low schooling (5 to 8 years) (PR=1.03; CI95%=1.01-1.07). Prior abortion was inversely associated with planned pregnancy (PR=0.95; CI95%=0.93-0.97). Conclusions: the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy was high and was associated with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics that reflect on the combination of the complex inequalities that impact women and their partners

Keywords

• Unplanned pregnancy
• Reproductive planning
• Reproductive health
• Inequalitiess