A Cross Sectional Study about Unintended Pregnancy among Women in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

An unintended pregnancy is an indicator of a woman's reproductive health status. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of unwanted pregnancy and related factors among pregnant women in Erbil Governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan. This cross-sectional study was carried out between 1/2/2020 and 31/1/2021. It was conducted with 500 pregnant women who attended an antenatal care hospital in downtown Erbil, as well as two health centers in the region. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistical method was used to analyze data using the SPSS system. The results showed that of the total pregnant women participating, 179 (39.4%) were exposed to an unintended pregnancy, the proportion of unintended pregnant women in the older (≥ 35) age group (18.4%) and those with insufficient income (30.4%) was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater compared with those who intended to become pregnant (2.8% and 22.6%). Women with unintended pregnancies had a significantly higher incidence of multi-gravida and parity ≥4 than women with intended pregnancies. The majority of pregnant women without intent (73%) were using contraceptives, 58% of whom gave birth naturally. Our region needs more studies on unintended pregnancies, delving into more accurate details, and spreading reproductive health awareness among women, especially concerning contraceptives.