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Unexpected pregnancies in Addis Ababa: What drives the risk?
Addis Ababa, EthiopiaFriday, July 10, 2026
In a busy district of Ethiopia’s capital, many women find themselves pregnant without planning it.
A research team examined why this occurs among mothers who visit health centers for prenatal care. They compared 103 women with unplanned pregnancies to 197 who expected them, gathering data through interviews.
Key Risk Factors
| Factor | Findings |
|---|---|
| Religious Affiliation | Women in Muslim and Protestant faiths had higher odds of unplanned pregnancy. |
| Decision‑Making Power | Limited autonomy at home significantly increased risk. |
| Distance to Clinic | Living four kilometres or farther from the clinic raised vulnerability, highlighting travel barriers. |
| Parity | Having two or more children before the current pregnancy was a risk factor, as was desiring only a small family size. |
| Contraceptive Choice | Using natural birth‑control methods instead of modern options lowered protection. |
| Sexual Behavior | Multiple partners increased risk, pointing to gaps in safe‑sex education. |
Implications for Practice
- Engage Faith Leaders: Collaborate with religious figures to disseminate accurate family‑planning information.
- Empower Women: Develop programs that enhance women’s independence and decision‑making capacity.
- Target High‑Risk Mothers: Focus interventions on mothers with several children to reduce unplanned pregnancies.
These findings provide clear actions for health workers and community leaders aiming to curb unintended pregnancies in the region.
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