Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine

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Browsing Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine by Subject "Abortion"

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    Exploring factors associated with abortion in Walvis Bay community in Erongo region, Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2023) Shaker, Amir Eskander
    Walvis Bay is one of Namibia’s districts, which recently recorded a significant increase in the number of threatened abortion cases. For the period 2009 to 2015, Walvis Bay town recorded an average 2000 abortion cases per year which accounts for 4 to 6 cases per day for women aged between 15-28 years old (Erongo Health Directorate’s Annual Report: 2014). Ninety-eight percent of the diagnostic abortion (Threatened Abortion) conducted at Walvis Bay hospital, were treated with dilatation and curettage in order to safely complete the abortion process whilst remaining 2% was treated for other pregnancy disorders. The increase in abortions and increase of maternal death due to bleeding is a big concern in the harbour town. Thus, the increase in teenage abortion is becoming a public health concern that needs to be addressed. The study purpose of the study was to explore factors associated with abortion in Walvis Bay community. It was essential for a study to be conducted in order to investigate the factors leading women to engage in unsafe abortions, and find an amicable solution to help them access maternal health services, and help policy makers to find solutions to address the abortion problem in the region. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was applied. The researcher conducted in depth interviews with key informants including community members, health care workers and teenagers who had abortion. Population for the study was Walvis Bay community of which key informants were made up of patients (abortion victims), Social workers, doctors, nurses, community and religious leaders, secondary school teachers and police officers working at women and child protection welfare. A non- ii probability purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants and a total of eight participants were recruited and participated in the study. The study findings revealed that there are several factors that contribute to abortion such as burden to look after the baby while the mother is still at school, humiliation by peers, fathers do not want the responsibility of pregnancies, some ladies have affairs with married men, and some have multiple partners. These are some of the factors that make young women to go for illegal abortion. Therefore, the researcher recommended that health education programme should be strengthened to improve awareness, the use of family planning, support system and creation of adoption centres
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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