Incidence of induced abortion among adolescents in Port Harcourt city: knowledge attitude and practice

This study which involv.ed 752 adolescents aged 13-24 years has attempted. ,,c• '
to examine the knowledge, attitude and practice of induced abortion in Port
Harcourt City. In all, six hypotheses were tested using logistic regression model.
The study found that the rate of sexual activity and sexual networking
among the adolescents is high. Contraceptive use is low and condoms and pills
were the most _common modem contraceptives used. Other traditional methods
.,
like alcohol, w~\te._quilline, lime, herbs etc. were. also used. It was also found that "· ·"'·"·' '·
.
the rate of abortion practice is high and the estimated rate of abortion is 15 % .
In all, about 90% of the girls who get pregnant out of wedlock resort to abortion,
and the major reason for pregnancy termination is the desire to remain in school.
We also found that those who have had induced abortion also experienced
abortion complications and most of them did not receive proper post-abortal
counselling. Private hospitals and pharmacist shops were found to be the major
sources of abortion and contraceptive services.
The majority of the adolescents have negative attitudes toward abortion and
its legalization. Education, religion, age and socio-economic status were found to.
have significant influence on sexual activity,,.contraceptive use,· premarital
pregnancy and induced abortion and legalization of abortion.