Department of Public Health

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Browsing Department of Public Health by Advisor "Shilunga, Anna"

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    Factors associated with increased number of abortions among women at Katima Mulilo State Hospital, Zambezi region
    (University of Namibia, 2025) Simasiku, Lynn M.; Shilunga, Anna
    Background: In low- and middle-income countries, abortion is one of the leadingcauses of maternal mortality. According to reports, abortion is a common causeofmaternal death in Namibia. This study described and probed factors associatedwiththe high number of abortion cases and aimed to better understand, in an exploratorymanner, the knowledge and awareness of abortion implications amongwomenexperiencing abortion at Katima Mulilo State Hospital. Methodology: A qualitative approach with an exploratory, descriptive, andcontextual design was used. The study's population consisted of womenwhounderwent abortions at Katima Mulilo State Hospital. Purposive samplingwasemployed to select ten participants until data saturation was reached. Asemi-structured interview guide was the sole means of data collection, and the collecteddata were analysed following the six steps proposed by Braun and Clarke (2013). Ethical considerations of institutional clearance, informed consent, the principleofjustice, beneficence, privacy, and the principle of autonomy were adhered to. Findings: Findings showed key reasons for abortion , including financial insecurityand dependence, being unprepared for pregnancy and motherhood, pregnancy-relatedmental and physical conditions, feelings of control over dismissal, influencesonemployment and education, personal assurance regarding termination, lack of partnersupport, lack of family support, risks of negative effects on family relationships, institutional and organizational support services, termination services availableat private clinics, government clinics, and illegal termination services, as well as ii societal norms and community socio-cultural beliefs surrounding terminationandpregnancy. Conclusions: There are factors associated with an increased number of abortionsinwomen at Katima Mulilo State Hospital in the Zambezi region. Therefore, thestudyrecommended that nurses offer comprehensive counselling to women onfamilyplanning, sexual health, and contraception options, promote better accesstoreproductive healthcare, and advocate for policy changes to ensure accessiblecontraception and supportive work environments