Reasons of women who undergone repeat induced abortion; in Wolaita Sodo town, Southern Ethiopia, 2021: A phenomenological qualitative study

Abstract

Background Repeat induced abortion refers to a condition in which a woman has at least one previous history of induced pregnancy termination. It bound in a vicious cycle with repeat unintended or unplanned pregnancy and remains rising concern, particularly for developing countries. Objectives This study was aimed to explore reasons and lived experiences of women, who undergone repeat induced abortion; in Wolaita Sodo town, Southern Ethiopia. Methods and Materials: A phenomenological qualitative study approach was conducted from February 15-March 22, 2021 among women in Wolaita Sodo town. Twelve women between 17 and 35 years old, who had at least one previous abortion were selected using purposive sampling. In-depth interview (IDI) using semi-structured interview guide was conducted. Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated in to English and imported to ATLAS.ti8 software for coding. Code book development, peer debriefing, multiple coders and audit trials applied to maintain rigor of the data and analysis was done deductively. Result The study found reasons of repeat induced abortion among women at maternal, partner and family, healthcare and educational institution, community and policy level. It also looked into the effects of induced abortion from the standpoint of women. Economic issues, fears about contraceptive side effects, and a desire to limit the number of children were stated as reasons. Conclusion Study revealed multiple reasons for repeat induced abortion in holistic manner; and presented key emotional and physical effects of abortion and unintended pregnancy. Based on the findings, multiple interventions at individual, community and organizational levels; and strong law enforcement on criminals of rape are needed in order to avoid or minimize the reasons and negative consequences of repeat induced abortion.