Factors related to unwanted pregnancies and abortion in the northern district of the city of Tehran, Iran.

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels and determinants of unwanted pregnancies and therapeutic and elective induced abortions in an Iranian sample of women. This study was conducted from the beginning of 2013 to the end of July 2013, using data from 950 women aged 15-45 years. To evaluate the relationship of independent variables to the number of unwanted pregnancies, a negative binomial regression model was used. A multinomial logistic model was used to investigate the relationship of the history of at least one unwanted pregnancy to therapeutic and elective induced abortion. The prevalence of unwanted pregnancy among participants was 19.2 percent (n = 182). Among those with a history of unwanted pregnancy, eighteen had had at least one induced abortion (14.5 percent of the total abortions reported). Having enough knowledge about the intrauterine device during unprotected intercourse on average was associated with a 57 percent reduction in unwanted pregnancies (mean odds ratio = 0.43, 95 percent Confidence Interval (CI): 0.11-0.93). Given the high rates of complications following unwanted pregnancies and associated maternal health threats, timely identification and training of women at risk, as well as the development of appropriate attitudes regarding reproductive health, may help avoid such pregnancies and their complications.