BACKGROUND sub-Saharan Africa continue to bear the greatest burden of HIV/AIDS epidemic due to its large population, high fertility rate and unmet contraceptive need, most especially with poor uptake of dual methods (use of condom and another effective family planning method) which protects against STIs/HIV and unplanned pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness, pattern and ...

BACKGROUND Pregnancies in women with sickle cell disease (SCD) are known to have high rates of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Given these pregnancy-associated problems for women with SCD, advice both about pregnancy planning and about effective contraception are of paramount importance. This study sought to discover the contraception methods used by women with SCD, what complicatio...

Pregnancy in women aged 40 and above is frequently unplanned and the legal abortion rate is high in this age group. Contraception and fertility are shrouded in popular mythology and many women do not appreciate either their risk of conception or the range of methods available to prevent conception. Either hormonal or non-hormonal methods of contraception may be appropriate.

Unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortion are common in Kenya, leading to high levels unplanned births and avoidable maternal injury and death. Until recently, abortion was only legally permissible to save the life of a woman, but a new constitution adopted in 2010 includes language that makes abortion available to protect a woman's health.

BACKGROUND Unplanned pregnancy rates in South Africa are high. Effective use of contraception is therefore an essential public health intervention to prevent unplanned pregnancies. This study describes contraception use and its impact on pregnancy in women participating in HIV prevention research and its implications for public health practice. METHOD A secondary analysis of sociodemographic,...

OBJECTIVE To investigate and compare determinates for delayed first presentation to antenatal care (ANC) services. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst pregnant women attending their first ANC visit in rural Capricorn District and peri-urban Tlokwe sub-district communities in South Africa. Data collection included questionnaires and medical record abstraction. Bivariate and m...

BACKGROUND The disparity in rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV/AIDS, and unplanned pregnancy between Alaska Native (AN) and non-AN populations, particularly among young adults and females, is significant and concerning. Focus groups were conducted to better understand the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of rural Alaska youth (both AN and non-AN) and communities regarding STDs,...

BACKGROUND The risk of adverse pregnancy outcome for women with type 1 diabetes is reduced through tight diabetes control. Most women enter pregnancy with inadequate blood glucose control. Interview studies with women suggest the concept of 'planned' and 'unplanned' pregnancies is unhelpful. AIM To explore women's accounts of their journeys to becoming pregnant while living with type 1 diabet...