Comparing the health status of women with wanted and unwanted pregnancy

Abstract

Background and Objective: Unwanted pregnancy can have negative impacts on maternal health. The aim of this study was to compare the health status of women with wanted and unwanted pregnancies in Kerman, Iran. Materials and Methods: This case – control was performed on women with wanted (100 cases) and unwanted pregnancies (100 cases) whom refered to health centers in Kerman, Iran during 2010. The tool for data collection included a demographic questionnaire, short form 36 health survey (SF36) and a researcher-made pregnancy’s physical health. Validity and reliability of the questionnaires were assessed initially prior to study procedure. Data was analyzed by using SPSS-16, Chi-Square, T Student and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: Women with unwanted pregnancies had lower scores for physical and mental health, vaccination and supplement consumption, prenatal care and personal health than women with wanted pregnancies (P<0.05). Women with unwanted pregnancies had more complications and high risk behavior compared to unwanted pregnancies (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study indicated that unwanted pregnancies are accompanied with physical and mental health. Thus, special counseling and extra care measures is recommended during unwanted pregnancies. Pregnancy

Keywords

• Health
• Unwanted Pregnancy
• Prenatal care
• Mental Health
• Physical health