Background: Sexual violence is one of the most prevalent but underreported incidents. One among many consequences of sexual violence is unwanted pregnancy.
Objectives: To describe events related to and factors associated with sexual violence among women with unwanted pregnancy and describe knowledge and use of contraception among these women with unwanted pregnancy.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was done at one NGO clinic in Addis Ababa. Data was collected from women with unwanted pregnancy seeking termination of pregnancy using a structured questionnaire in March 2003. Sociodemographic variables were analyzed with selected variables related to sexual violence, knowledge and practice of contraception among these women seeking termination of pregnancy.
Results: Of the 394 women seeking termination of pregnancy, there was unwelcome kiss in 26.9%, attempted rape in 23.9% and completed rape in 18.3%. Most, 63/72 (87.5%), of the victims of completed rape were below 25 years of age. A linear trend was observed with increasing age (P < 0.05, X2 = 24.365). Unmarried and economically dependent groups were more vulnerable to rape related pregnancy, P < 0.05. Only 18/72 (25%) reported to the police. Psychological problems were common in women with completed rape. Suicidal thoughts was reported by 8/72 (11%). Only 84/394 (21.3%) used contraceptives of which 29/84 (34.5%) used emergency contraceptives.
Conclusion: Unwanted pregnancy as a result of rape was observed more in younger, unmarried and economically dependent women. Use of contraception including emergency contraception, reporting to legal authorities and health professionals was low.