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Current Women`s Health Reviews

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ISSN (Print): 1573-4048
ISSN (Online): 1875-6581

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Research Article

Safe Abortion Practice and Knowledge on Abortion Legalization Among Nepalese Undergraduate Female Students

Author(s): Shiva Raj Acharya*, Raju Sherstha, Sandip Pahari, Yong Chul Shin and Deog Hwan Moon

Volume 18, Issue 3, 2022

Published on: 07 January, 2022

Article ID: e091121197848 Pages: 9

DOI: 10.2174/1573404817666211109151124

Price: $65

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Abstract

Background: Unsafe abortion remains one of the major public health problems, especially in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge on the legalization of abortion and the practice of abortion among Nepalese undergraduate female students.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among the 490 female students of Pokhara Valley, Nepal. Study populations from the 10 colleges were selected through purposive and systematic random sampling. The semi-structured questionnaire was used as a data collection technique.

Results: Only 34% of students have a good knowledge of abortion legalization, compared to 42% who have poor knowledge. While two-thirds of the participants (66.6%) were aware that abortion is legal in Nepal, only a few were aware of the conditions for legalized safe abortion. During sexual intercourse, almost half of the participants (51.3%) did not use any form of contraception. Unintended conception was the primary cause of abortion (53.3%).

Conclusion: The level of knowledge about the abortion law, safe abortion practice, and utilization of abortion services were found to be poor. Age of the participant, autonomy level for decision making, religion, and study background were the associated factors with the level of knowledge and practice of abortion. Community-based health promotion and awareness programs focusing on the youth population should be conducted.

Keywords: Abortion, safe practice, pregnancy, female college students, abortion legalization, abortion law.

Graphical Abstract

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