A study to examine the relationship between knowledge levels on self-care practices and occurance of abortion among women of child bearing age admitted for post arbotal care at Gwanda gynaecology ward.

Abstract

Abortion is a major public health obstetric problem across the globe. Worldwide, twenty million unsafe abortions occur each year. Eighty thousand women die each year because of complications following unsafe abortions [WHO 2006]. In Zimbabwe it is estimated that ten to fifteen thousand abortions occur annually. It is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. In 2008 abortion complications resulted in 35% of maternal death and were ranked ninth out of Zimbabwe’s top ten diseases/conditions [MOHCW 2009].

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between knowledge levels on self-care practice and occurrence of abortion among women of childbearing age. The study utilized Orem’s self-care model. The concepts used were self-care deficit, supportive educative and self-care. A descriptive correlational design was used. A non-probability sampling which is convenience sampling was employed in the study. The sample size was seventy eight subjects. The instrument used to measure the variable was a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe, analyze and summarize data on knowledge levels on self-care practice and occurrence of abortion. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to establish the relationship between knowledge levels on self-care practice and occurrence of abortion. A weak negative significant relationship was noted r = -.265*, p =< 0.05.

Midwifery practice should ensure that women should be empowered with knowledge on self-care practice to prevent occurrence of abortions. Empowering women addresses the millennium Development Goal 5 which targets to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality by ¾ by the year 2015.