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Factors Influencing Abortion Decision-Making Processes among Young Women

Author

Listed:
  • Mónica Frederico

    (International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium
    Centro de Estudos Africanos, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, C. P. 1993, Maputo, Mozambique)

  • Kristien Michielsen

    (International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium)

  • Carlos Arnaldo

    (Centro de Estudos Africanos, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, C. P. 1993, Maputo, Mozambique)

  • Peter Decat

    (Department of Family Medicine and primary health care, Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium)

Abstract

Background: Decision-making about if and how to terminate a pregnancy is a dilemma for young women experiencing an unwanted pregnancy. Those women are subject to sociocultural and economic barriers that limit their autonomy and make them vulnerable to pressures that influence or force decisions about abortion. Objective : The objective of this study was to explore the individual, interpersonal and environmental factors behind the abortion decision-making process among young Mozambican women. Methods : A qualitative study was conducted in Maputo and Quelimane. Participants were identified during a cross-sectional survey with women in the reproductive age (15–49). In total, 14 women aged 15 to 24 who had had an abortion participated in in-depth interviews. A thematic analysis was used. Results : The study found determinants at different levels, including the low degree of autonomy for women, the limited availability of health facilities providing abortion services and a lack of patient-centeredness of health services. Conclusions : Based on the results of the study, the authors suggest strategies to increase knowledge of abortion rights and services and to improve the quality and accessibility of abortion services in Mozambique.

Suggested Citation

  • Mónica Frederico & Kristien Michielsen & Carlos Arnaldo & Peter Decat, 2018. "Factors Influencing Abortion Decision-Making Processes among Young Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:2:p:329-:d:131758
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Yui Koiwa & Eri Shishido & Shigeko Horiuchi, 2024. "Factors Influencing Abortion Decision-Making of Adolescents and Young Women: A Narrative Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-24, March.
    2. Jon Øyvind Odland, 2018. "Teenage Reproductive Health: Pregnancy, Contraception, Unsafe Abortion, Fertility," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-4, June.
    3. Kornelia Zaręba & Marta Makara-Studzińska & Michał Ciebiera & Jacek Gierus & Grzegorz Jakiel, 2018. "Role of Social and Informational Support while Deciding on Pregnancy Termination for Medical Reasons," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-13, December.

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