Background: Unintended pregnancies pose serious health risks to mothers and their infants by causing
unnecessary high risk of pregnancy related complications and self-induced abortions. Hence, this study estimates
(a) The prevalence of unintended pregnancy and (b) Assess associated factors among pregnant women attending
antenatal care at health institutions of Debre Markos Town Amhara Regional State.
Methods: A quantative, cross sectional institutional based study was conducted from April 15 to May 14, 2012
in Debre Markos town health institutions. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study
units. A total of 413 pregnant women were interviewed using structured questionnaire by 7 trained data collectors
and 3 supervisors. Both Binary and multiple logistic regressions were utilized to assess the associations. Strength of
associations was presented using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
Result: All recruited 413 subjects responded to the questionnaire making the response rate of 100%. The
overall prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 136(32.9%). Being single [AOR (95%CI)=13.489(5.05-36.031)],
unemployment [AOR(95%CI)=2.26(1.717.605)], not visited by Health extension worker[AOR (95%CI)=3.18(1.70-
5.954)], never used FP methods [AOR (95%CI)=1.511(1.50-6.45)], large number of previous pregnancies
[AOR(95%CI)=7.45(2.27-24.44)]and not communicate with her husband [AOR(95%CI=4.38(2.19-8.70) were found to
have statistically significant association with unintended pregnancies.
Conclusion: The large proportions of pregnant women attending ANC have unintended pregnancy. Awareness
raising and the continuation of modern contraceptive methods use will reduce unwanted pregnancies’ prevalence.