Khusbu Regmi
Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
Title: Abortion Practices and its Associated Factors among the Women in Bhaktapur District, Nepal
Biography
Biography: Khusbu Regmi
Abstract
With the legalization of abortion services and availability of prenatal diagnostic technique, evidence of sex selective abortion are seen in such countries where there is patriarchal society with strong son preference and preference for small family size. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with the sex selective abortion and health workers perspective on sex selective abortion.
METHODS:
Mixed method study design was used and using a multistage cluster random sampling technique 320 women were interviewed using semi structured questionnaire and key informant interview was done among the four health workers. This study was conducted in Bhaktapur district during September-November, 2019.
RESULTS:
Finding of the study showed that 7.8% of the women had sex selective abortion. Pressure to have a son (AOR= 6.859, 95% CI=2.255-20.867) and knowledge on abortion law (AOR= 4.616, 95% CI=1.496-14.247) were positively associated with the sex selective abortion practices. Findings from the KII also suggest about the prevalence of son preference in the society and increasing trend of sex selection practices among the couples.
CONCLUSIONS:
Promoting gender equality and enhancing girls’ status on the society are crucial along with strong enforcement of law against sex disclosure and sex selective abortion.There is also the need for additional research on these issues. More of the qualitative study might further help to bring forward the information on these adverse form of gender inequality like sex selective abortion.
Keyword: abortion, sex selective abortion, sex selection