The Frequency of Unplanned Pregnancies during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Factors Affecting the Situation

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the incidence of unplanned pregnancies and the factors affecting it during the COVID-19 pandemic. An analytical-cross-sectional study was carried out at a public hospital in Aydin, Turkey between January and October 2021. The sample of the study comprised 220 pregnant women. The data was collected with a Pregnant Information Form, and the Pearson Chi-square test and Binary Logistic Regression analysis were employed in the analysis. It was determined that the incidence of unplanned pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic was 33.6% and that number of living children [AOR:0.73, 95% CI:(0.23-0.99)], thought of having another child [AOR:1.21, 95% CI:(1.43-7.89)], the family planning method used [AOR:1.31, 95% CI:(1.05-5.22)], and having problems in reaching a family planning method [AOR:1.97, 95% CI:(0.04-0.50)] affected the occurrence of unplanned pregnancies (p < .05). IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Unplanned pregnancies adversely affect maternal and newborn health.What do the results of this study add? It was found that approximately one out of three pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic process was unplanned and that the number of living children, the thought of having another child, the family planning method used, and having problems in obtaining a family planning method affected the occurrence of unplanned pregnancies.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? It can guide politicians in the arrangements regarding sexual and reproductive health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.