Little is known about unintended pregnancies due to the lack of available research in the Gaza Strip. Researchers did this study with the purpose of exploring the causes and consequences of unintended pregnancies among women in the Gaza Strip.
The present study was qualitative. It included 21 women who had experienced unintended pregnancies previously. Data collection took place in three focus groups of 5–12 participants, facilitated by one female researcher. Structures were answered by all participants on reasons for, causes, and impact of unintended pregnancies. Sessions were audiotaped, and responses were transcribed and read by all the researchers to extract themes.
The 16 participants had benefited from secondary level education or above.
Five main themes were identified that were economic hardship was the main reason for pregnancies to be unwanted; high pressure was exerted on women for male babies, exposing women to gender-based violence; advanced maternal age was perceived as a social stigma; complete lack of support for women facing unintended pregnancy led to self-management of terminations including attempts of unsafe methods, and changes of strategies and incorrect use leading to the contraceptive failure were the most frequent cause.
The study concluded that unintended pregnancies in the Gaza Strip are a common cause of distress for women.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/45/2/159
