Knowledge on Unsafe Abortion and Associated Factors Among Medical Female Undergraduates at the University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Majani Edward, Muksini Mohamedi Shante, Ally Ally HamisiABSTRACT
Background and Aims
Globally, approximately 25 million unsafe abortions occur annually, with 97% in developing countries, accounting for 67% of maternal deaths. Unsafe abortion practices exacerbated by traditional methods and even unsafe procedures performed by healthcare professionals. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of medical female undergraduates at the University of Dodoma regarding unsafe abortion and its complications, and to identify associated socioeconomic factors.
Methodology
Analytical cross‐sectional study was conducted among 344 female medical undergraduates from the School of Medicine and Dentistry (SOMD) and the School of Nursing and Public Health (SONPH) at the University of Dodoma between February and September 2024. A convenient sampling technique was employed. Data were collected using self‐administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive analysis, cross‐tabulations, and logistic regression.
Results
Of the 344 respondents, 74.7% were aged 18–25 years, and 86.9% were single. Two‐thirds (66.6%) knew a female undergraduate who had an unsafe abortion, with self‐medication (57.6%) being the most common method. First‐year students were identified as being at the highest risk (45.9%). The majority (73.0%) demonstrated good overall knowledge of unsafe abortion complications, with SOMD students (82.6%) showing significantly better knowledge than SONPH students (63.4%) ( p < 0.001). Regarding personal experience, 11.0% of respondents reported a past pregnancy, and 52.6% of these resulted in abortion, primarily performed by quack doctors (70.0%) using oral medication (70.0%). Economic factors played a role, as 65.3% from low‐income families indicated they would abort an unplanned pregnancy compared to 2.9% from high‐income families ( p < 0.001). Key social factors contributing to abortion decisions included the desire to complete studies (78.2%), fear of disappointing parents (66.6%), and societal unacceptability of pre‐marital pregnancy (75.9%).
Conclusion
Generally study participants possess good knowledge about the complications of unsafe abortion. However, a significant proportion still engages in unsafe abortion practices, largely driven by socioeconomic pressures such as economic instability, the desire to continue education, and fear of social stigma and parental disapproval.