Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background And Objectives: Unwanted pregnancy is one of the major problems in the society which endangers both mother and infant safety conditions and imposes heavy costs on health and treatment systems. Researchers have shown that more than1/3 of pregnancies in the world are unwanted of which 95% take place in developing countries. The aim of this study was to survey effective causes on unwanted pregnancy in the city of Ardabil, Iran.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional one, carried out on 328 women who had referred to health centers in Ardabil. Data were gathered via face to face interviews and were then analyzed using descriptive- inferential statistical methods and logistic regression in SPSS package.

Results: The mean age of women was 28.2±6.7 years, and most of them were between 20-30 years old (55.3%). 45.3% of the population was housekeepers and most of their husbands were workers (53.8%). The mean of number of children was 1.6±1.5 out of all women under the study. 199(60.7%) had unwanted pregnancy of which 70.7% was unwanted by both couples. Most women (35.6%) used  Synthetic Tablets as the contraceptive method. According to the results of logistic regression model, variables such as  husband’s age, number of pregnancies and deliveries, number of abortions, the use and kind of contraceptive method had significant effect on unwanted pregnancy.

Conclusion: According to the high rate of unwanted pregnancy in Ardabil compared to other places, it is necessary and important that suitable policies be made regarding the literacy, optimal pregnancy age, consultation and training about correct contraceptive methods, the importance of training men in contributing to family planning programs and qualitative promotion of family planning services.