Factors influencing termination of pregnancy among young women in Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore and describe factors influencing termination of pregnancy and describe measures that can be implemented to reduce the high rate of Termination of pregnancy (TOP). A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was followed, in order to explore and describe factors influencing termination of pregnancy in Mafikeng North West Province. Purposive sampling was utilized to identify participants who met inclusion criteria for the study. The sample size was determined by data saturation, which was reached after twenty five in-depth individual interviews with women requesting TOP was done. In-depth individual interviews were utilized to gather data after written approval from the Human research Ethics committee as well as the Research Ethics Committee of the North West University (Mafikeng Campus), North West Provincial Department of Health, Operational manager of Montshioa Stadt Health Centre, and Hospital Manager of Mafikeng Provincial Hospital where data was collected, and consent was also obtained from women who requested TOP. The findings of this study indicated that factors influencing termination of pregnancy were economic factors, the need for self development, health factors and social factors. From the results, women requesting termination of Pregnancy think that effective use of contraceptives and correct use of condom can reduce the high rate of termination of pregnancy. Conclusion reached were that, non-use of contraceptives and incorrect use of condoms influenced TOP, as it was their common problem, hence the researcher suggested that health education on different methods of contraceptives should be given to teenage girls and other older women by health care providers. Recommendations in the field of nursing practice, nursing education, as well as nursing research were made.