2023, Vol. 10, Issue 2, Part G

Aims: This study aims to understand the factors associated to unwanted pregnancy in Mossaka's women (North of the Republic of Congo).

Method: This cross-sectional exploratory community survey was design to collect data from a sample of 278 women aged 15-49 old in Mossaka District (Cuvette Department). A pilot study was carried out with 10 respondents and the questionnaire was the main research instrument. The test-retest technique was used to check the reliability of the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, odds ratios using statistical packages for the social sciences (SPSS 26.0) and presented using tables and graphs.

Results: The average age of respondents was 26.73 ± 9.53 old. The prevalence of unwanted pregnancy was 65.4% and that of non-use of modern contraceptive methods among these women was 60.3%. Absence of spouse support (AOR = 5.05; 95% CI: 1.27-20.12; p < 0.05), sexual experience between 15-17 years (AOR = 12.72; 95% CI%: 2.95-54.69; p < 0.01), active sexual before 15 old (AOR = 9.44; 95% CI: 37 2.10-42.34; p < 0.01), ever use modern contraception (AOR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.004-0.10; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with unwanted pregnancy.

Conclusion: Unwanted pregnancies are of high prevalence in Mossaka’s women. They are associated with lack of spousal support, active sexual before 15 old and low use of modern contraceptive methods.