Project – Prevalence of abortion among young women age 15-25 years
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Abortion, defined as the intentional termination of a pregnancy before the fetus attains viability outside the womb, continues to evoke intense global debates cutting across public health, legal, ethical, and religious dimensions. It is a major reproductive health concern, particularly in settings where access to safe abortion services is limited. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), an estimated 73 million induced abortions occur worldwide annually. Alarmingly, nearly 45% of these procedures are unsafe, meaning they are performed by unqualified individuals or in environments lacking the minimum medical standards. Young women, especially those aged 15 to 25, account for a large portion of these cases, often due to unintended pregnancies and poor access to contraception.
In Nigeria, the situation is particularly complex due to the country’s highly restrictive abortion laws. Abortion is only legally permitted when the life of the mother is at risk, with no provision for cases of rape, incest, or fetal abnormality. As a result, the majority of abortions are conducted clandestinely, often by untrained practitioners or through self-induced methods. Bankole et al. (2015) estimate that more than 1.25 million induced abortions occur annually in Nigeria, many of them unsafe. These procedures contribute significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality, as they often lead to complications such as severe bleeding, infections, infertility, and even death. Young women are disproportionately affected due to their vulnerability, limited knowledge of reproductive health, and inability to access confidential health services.
Several social and cultural factors exacerbate the situation among adolescents and young adults in Nigeria. Taboos surrounding premarital sex, limited comprehensive sexuality education, and societal stigma regarding contraception all contribute to a high rate of unintended pregnancies among young women. Economic dependence and fear of family or societal rejection further pressure young women into seeking abortion, often through unsafe means. Peer influence, misinformation about reproductive health, and lack of youth-friendly health services also compound the challenges faced by this demographic. The intersection of these factors reflects a reproductive health crisis that demands urgent attention.
Karshi Angwan Hausawa, a semi-urban community in Nasarawa State, is not exempt from this nationwide challenge. Situated near the Federal Capital Territory, the area is influenced by both modern urban dynamics and deeply rooted traditional beliefs. Young women in Karshi face a complex blend of issues, including peer pressure, early sexual debut, economic hardships, and a general lack of access to safe reproductive health services. Anecdotal evidence suggests that abortion is prevalent in the community, yet there is little empirical data to support targeted interventions. This gap in data significantly hinders policy responses and the allocation of resources aimed at addressing reproductive health needs.
The absence of reliable and localized information on abortion prevalence among young women in Karshi Angwan Hausawa calls for a structured investigation. Understanding the magnitude and drivers of abortion in the area will not only provide insight into the reproductive health behavior of young women but also help in developing community-based health education and support programs. Such data are crucial for stakeholders including health officials, NGOs, educators, and religious and community leaders who play pivotal roles in shaping youth behavior and access to health services.
Therefore, this study seeks to explore the prevalence of abortion among young women aged 15–25 years in Karshi Angwan Hausawa, as well as the underlying socio-demographic and economic factors influencing their choices. By doing so, it aims to inform the design and implementation of effective interventions that can reduce the incidence of unsafe abortion and improve reproductive health outcomes in the community. Ultimately, the findings are expected to contribute to efforts aimed at safeguarding the health and rights of young women in Nasarawa State and beyond.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Unsafe abortion continues to be a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, with young women aged 15 to 25 particularly affected. These abortions are often performed in non-clinical settings by untrained individuals or are self-induced using dangerous substances or instruments. Despite global and national efforts to improve access to reproductive health services and promote family planning, the issue of unsafe abortion remains persistent. Nigeria’s highly restrictive abortion laws, coupled with strong cultural and religious opposition, have created an environment where young women are forced to seek clandestine and often life-threatening methods of terminating unwanted pregnancies.
The challenge is further compounded by widespread societal stigma and the limited availability of comprehensive sexuality education. Many young women in Nigeria lack accurate information on reproductive health, contraceptive options, and the legal and medical implications of abortion. As a result, they are ill-equipped to make informed choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health. In communities like Karshi Angwan Hausawa, young women often face intense social pressure, judgment, and fear of disgrace, which discourages them from seeking proper medical care or confiding in trusted adults. Instead, they resort to unsafe procedures that put their lives at risk.
While national data provides a general understanding of abortion trends in Nigeria, there is a significant gap in community-level evidence, especially in semi-urban and peri-urban areas such as Karshi Angwan Hausawa. Anecdotal reports and informal observations suggest that abortion is prevalent among young women in the area, yet there is no empirical data to quantify the scale of the problem or analyze its root causes. This lack of localized information makes it difficult for policymakers, health authorities, and non-governmental organizations to design targeted interventions that address the specific needs of young women in the community.
Without credible data on the prevalence and determinants of abortion among young women in Karshi Angwan Hausawa, public health initiatives may remain broad and ineffective. Generic reproductive health programs often fail to consider the unique cultural, economic, and social dynamics that influence health behavior in specific communities. This results in missed opportunities for impact, continued health risks for young women, and wasted resources on programs that are not contextually appropriate. Understanding the specific patterns and reasons behind abortion in this locality is crucial for tailoring interventions that will resonate with the target population.
Therefore, this study seeks to fill this critical knowledge gap by investigating the prevalence of abortion among young women aged 15–25 years in Karshi Angwan Hausawa, as well as identifying the socio-demographic, economic, and behavioral factors associated with it. By uncovering the realities on the ground, the findings will help inform community-specific strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of unsafe abortion and improving overall reproductive health outcomes. Ultimately, this will contribute to efforts to lower maternal mortality rates and enhance the wellbeing of young women in the region.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of abortion among young women aged 15–25 years in Karshi Angwan Hausawa, Nasarawa State.
The specific objectives are to:
- Determine the proportion of young women aged 15–25 years who have experienced abortion.
- Identify the common reasons for abortion among young women in the area.
- Examine the methods and conditions under which abortions are carried out.
- Assess the socio-demographic factors (such as age, education, marital status, and economic status) associated with abortion.
1.4 Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- What is the prevalence of abortion among young women aged 15–25 in Karshi Angwan Hausawa?
- What are the major reasons cited for abortion by young women in the area?
- What methods and settings are commonly used for abortion?
- What socio-demographic factors are associated with abortion among these young women?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:
H₀: There is no significant relationship between socio-demographic factors (age, education, marital status, and economic status) and the prevalence of abortion among young women aged 15–25 years
H1 There is a significant relationship between socio-demographic factors (age, education, marital status, and economic status) and the prevalence of abortion among young women aged 15–25 years
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study holds considerable significance for public health officials and policymakers at the local, state, and national levels. In Nigeria, where reproductive health issues are often generalized in national surveys, localized data is crucial for developing effective interventions. By shedding light on the specific context of Karshi Angwan Hausawa, the findings of this study will help authorities better understand the scale and nature of abortion among young women in the area. Such data-driven insights are essential for designing policies that are not only relevant but also culturally sensitive and sustainable within the community.
For healthcare providers, the study will offer valuable information about the circumstances, methods, and motivations surrounding abortion among young women aged 15–25. This understanding can lead to more targeted and youth-friendly healthcare services, particularly in areas of reproductive counseling, post-abortion care, and contraception access. Knowing the barriers that push young women toward unsafe abortion practices will enable medical professionals to offer more empathetic and preventive care. Additionally, the results can inform the training of healthcare workers to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and sensitivity needed to support at-risk populations.
Community leaders, including religious and traditional authorities, also stand to benefit from the findings of this research. These leaders play a vital role in shaping societal attitudes and behaviors, particularly in conservative communities like Karshi Angwan Hausawa. By engaging them with evidence-based information, they can be better positioned to advocate for responsible reproductive health behavior and reduce the stigma surrounding abortion and contraception. This could help foster an environment where young women feel safer accessing health services and discussing their reproductive choices without fear of judgment or rejection.
Academically, this study contributes to the relatively limited body of research on abortion and youth reproductive health in Nigeria’s semi-urban settings. While national-level studies exist, there is a lack of disaggregated data focusing on specific communities like Karshi Angwan Hausawa, which often have unique socio-cultural dynamics. By providing context-specific insights, this research enriches the academic literature and fills a critical gap in understanding how abortion manifests in underrepresented areas. It also creates a foundation upon which future researchers can build further studies, including comparative analyses with other communities.
The study is equally significant for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international development partners working in the field of reproductive health and youth empowerment. With empirical data, these organizations can better allocate resources, design outreach programs, and measure the effectiveness of their interventions in reducing unsafe abortion and promoting sexual and reproductive health education. Moreover, the findings could attract interest from donor agencies and support evidence-based advocacy for reforms in reproductive health legislation and service delivery.
Ultimately, the study aims to empower the young women of Karshi Angwan Hausawa by giving voice to their experiences and reproductive health challenges. Through its findings, it seeks to influence the creation of safe spaces where young people can access accurate information, make informed decisions, and receive compassionate care. By addressing a pressing but often overlooked issue, the research aspires to contribute meaningfully to the broader goals of reducing maternal mortality, advancing gender equity, and ensuring the right of every woman to control her reproductive health in a safe and dignified manner.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is geographically limited to Karshi Angwan Hausawa in Nasarawa State. Thematically, it focuses on the prevalence, causes, methods, and associated socio-demographic factors of abortion among young women aged 15–25 years. It does not include spontaneous (natural) abortions, but is limited to induced abortions, whether legal or illegal.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Abortion: Abortion refers to the deliberate or intentional termination of a pregnancy before the fetus reaches viability—typically before 20 to 24 weeks of gestation. This termination can be achieved through medical means (using pharmaceutical drugs) or surgical procedures (such as dilation and curettage or vacuum aspiration). In the context of this study, abortion is understood specifically as an induced process, not spontaneous (miscarriage), and is often sought due to unintended pregnancies, social pressure, or lack of support systems.
Prevalence: Prevalence is a statistical concept that indicates the proportion or percentage of individuals within a specific population who have experienced a particular condition or event over a defined period of time. In this study, prevalence refers to the number or percentage of young women aged 15–25 years in Karshi Angwan Hausawa who have undergone one or more abortions within a given timeframe. It provides insight into how widespread the practice is within the target demographic.
Unsafe Abortion: Unsafe abortion is defined by the World Health Organization as a procedure for terminating an unintended pregnancy that is conducted either by individuals who do not have the necessary medical training or in an environment that does not meet minimum medical standards. These procedures are often carried out in secrecy due to legal or societal restrictions, leading to severe complications such as infections, hemorrhage, infertility, or death. This study is particularly concerned with unsafe abortion, given its implications for public health and the well-being of young women.
Young Women: In this research, young women refer to female individuals between the ages of 15 and 25 years. This age group is considered critical in reproductive health studies due to their heightened vulnerability to sexual and reproductive health risks, including early sexual initiation, lack of access to contraception, peer pressure, and societal expectations. The focus on this age group stems from their susceptibility to unintended pregnancies and their limited ability to access safe abortion services.
Socio-demographic Factors: Socio-demographic factors are the social and demographic characteristics that define a population group and influence behavior, opportunities, and access to services. In this study, such factors include age, level of education, marital status, income level, occupation, and religious affiliation. These variables are important for understanding the underlying causes and patterns of abortion among young women, as they often determine health-seeking behavior, access to reproductive services, and exposure to risk factors.
Project – Prevalence of abortion among young women age 15-25 years