Sociodemographic characteristics
A total of 363 were invited to participate in the study; 346 completed the survey with a response rate of 95%. All of them were Muslims and were currently pregnant. Most of them were in the age groups of 21–30 and 31–40 (197,128) (56.9% and 37%), respectively. Many of the participants lived in Jeddah (317, 91.6%). All of them were married and living together, except for two who were married but no longer together: 344 (99.4%) and 2 (0.6%).
Regarding the participant's educational level, most of them were high school or university graduates (91,230, 26,3%, 66,5%). More than three-fourths were housewives, 257 (74.3%), and only 65 (18.8%) were employed, while 17 (4.9%) were students.
When asked about their income, it was found that more than half of the participants, 224 (64.7%), were in the range of an income between 5000–10000 Saudi Riyal (1300–2600 USD). (Table 1)
Table 1
Characteristics of participant demographics
Variable | Frequency | % |
(n = 346) |
Age |
15–20 | 13 | 3.8 |
21–30 | 197 | 56.9 |
31–40 | 128 | 37.0 |
> 40 | 8 | 2.3 |
Marital status |
Married and living together | 344 | 99.4 |
Married and not together | 2 | 0.6 |
Religion | | |
Muslim | 346 | 100 |
Others | 0 | 0 |
Education level |
Primary | 8 | 2.3 |
High school | 91 | 26.3 |
University | 230 | 66.5 |
Postgraduate | 17 | 4.9 |
Current job |
Student | 17 | 4.9 |
Employee | 65 | 18.8 |
Business | 7 | 2 |
Housewife | 257 | 74.3 |
Family income |
Less than 5000 SR | 65 | 18.8 |
5000–10000 | 224 | 64.7 |
More than 10000 | 57 | 16.5 |
Participant's past and current obstetric history
Table 2 shows that most of the study population, 327 (94.5%), became pregnant between the ages of 18 and 35, with the minority, 14 (4%), being less than 18 years old. Approximately 192 (55.5%) had 1–3 children, 31 (8.6%) had more than three children, and 123 (34.2%) had no previous children.
Regarding the participant's current pregnancy age, most participants were between 4–6 months of age (145, 41.9%), 116 (33.5%) were between 7–9 months, and less than a quarter were between 1–3 months of pregnancy (85, 24.6%).
For those with children, the duration between the last two pregnancies was less than two years in 62 (17.9%), and 163 (47.1%) were more than two years. When asked about previous abortions, 275 (79.5%) had no abortions, while 71 (20.5%) had a history of 1–3 abortions. (Table 2)
Table 2
Participants’ past and current obstetric history
Variable | Frequency | % |
(n = 346) |
History of previous children |
No children before | 123 | 35.5 |
1–3 Children | 192 | 55.5 |
More than3 | 31 | 8.9 |
The duration between the last two pregnancies |
No previous pregnancy | 121 | 35 |
Less than 2 years | 62 | 17.9 |
More than 2 years | 163 | 47.1 |
History of abortion |
No abortions | 275 | 79.5 |
1–3 abortions | 71 | 20.5 |
Age when first pregnant |
Less than 18 | 14 | 4 |
18–35 | 327 | 94.5 |
More than 35 | 5 | 1.4 |
Months of current pregnancy |
1–3 months | 85 | 24.6 |
4–6 months | 145 | 41.9 |
7–9 months | 116 | 33.5 |
The prevalence of unplanned pregnancy and related characteristics
The lifetime prevalence of unplanned pregnancy among study participants was 61 (17.6%), while 67 (19.36%) hesitated to become pregnant. (Fig. 1)
Among women who unplanned or were hesitant to become pregnant, n = 128, 20 (15.6%) said it was not good timing for the pregnancy, while half of them, 68 (53.1%), said it was not the best timing, but it was ok.
Concerning whether this pregnancy was desired, 18 (14.1%) did not desire this pregnancy, 27 (21.1%) were not sure, and 83 (64.8%) desired this pregnancy.
When those women were asked if they wanted to keep this pregnancy, 6 (4.7%) said no, 8 (6.3%) were not sure, and 114 (89.1%) wanted to keep the baby.
Seventeen (13.3%) had thought about terminating this pregnancy, 9 (7%) were not sure if they had thought of terminating the pregnancy, and 102 (79.7%) had no thoughts of terminating this pregnancy at all. Regarding taking action to terminate this pregnancy, 11 (8.6%) said yes, 4 (3.1%) said maybe, and 113 (88.3%) said no actions were taken. Forty-two (32.8%) said their religious beliefs affected their decision to keep the baby, 4 (3.1%) were not sure, and 82 (64.1%) said there was no relation between their religious beliefs and the decision to keep the baby.
In response to the question (does your partner want to keep the baby? ), one (0.8%) said no, 11 (8.6%) said the husband wanted to keep the baby, and 13 (10.2%) were not sure. Moreover, 3 (2.3%) thought that keeping this baby would affect their relationship with their partner, and 9 (7%) said yes, it could affect their relationship with their partner.
Among participants who were unplanned/hesitant to become pregnant, 42 (32.8%) had no previous pregnancies, 70 (54.7%) had between 1–3 children, and 16 (12.5%) had more than four. In addition, most of the participants who were unplanned/hesitant to become pregnant, 85 (66.4%), had no previous history of unplanned pregnancy, while 11 (8.6%) responded yes or maybe. (Table 3)
Table 3
The prevalence of unplanned pregnancy and related characteristics
Variable | Frequency | % |
(n = 128) |
Planned pregnancy |
Not planned | 61 | 47.7 |
Hesitant to get pregnant | 67 | 52.3 |
Good timing of the current pregnancy |
Not good timing | 20 | 15.6 |
Yes, good timing | 40 | 31.3 |
Yes, but not the best timing | 68 | 53.1 |
Desire for the current pregnancy |
Not desired | 18 | 14.1 |
Yes desired | 83 | 64.8 |
Maybe, not sure | 27 | 21.1 |
Do you want this baby? |
No | 6 | 4.7 |
Yes | 114 | 89.1 |
Not sure | 8 | 6.3 |
Any thoughts on terminating this pregnancy? |
No | 102 | 79.7 |
Yes | 17 | 13.3 |
Maybe, not sure | 9 | 7 |
Any actions taken to terminate this pregnancy? |
No | 113 | 88.3 |
Yes | 11 | 8.6 |
Maybe, not sure | 4 | 3.1 |
Dose your partner want to keep this baby? |
No | 1 | 0.8 |
Yes | 114 | 89.1 |
Maybe, not sure | 5 | 3.9 |
Keeping this baby with affect the relationship with my partner |
No | 116 | 90.6 |
Yes | 3 | 2.3 |
Maybe, not sure | 9 | 7 |
Religion effect the decision to keep the baby |
No | 82 | 64.1 |
Yes | 42 | 32.8 |
Maybe, not sure | 4 | 3.1 |
Previous history of unwanted pregnancy |
No previous pregnancies | 32 | 25 |
No previous unwanted pregnancy | 85 | 66.4 |
Yes, I had a previous unwanted pregnancy | 9 | 7 |
Maybe, not sure | 2 | 1.6 |
Contraception-related use and awareness
Regarding contraceptive use before this pregnancy, 95 (74.2%) were not using any contraception, 17 (13.3%) used contraception but not all the time, 7 (5.5%) used contraception but thought something wrong happened, and 9 (7%) always used contraception. Thirty-three (25.8%) thought this pregnancy could be related to side effects or incorrect use of the contraceptive method.
Thirty-three (25.8%) thought that their contraceptive needs were not met, and 16 (12.5%) said that they may have been met. While 79 (61.7%) said, their contraceptive needs were met.
Considering awareness about emergency contraception, 60 (46.9%) were aware or thought they were, while 68 (53.1%) were unaware of any form of emergency contraception. (Fig. 2)
In terms of the preparation taken for this pregnancy, 101 (78.9%) did not do anything, 17 (13.3%) women used folic acid, 6 (4.7%) improved their eating habits, 2 (1.6%) stopped smoking, and 2 (1.6%) said their husband stopped smocking. (Table 4)
Table 4
Contraception-related use and awareness
Variable | Frequency | % |
(n = 128) |
The use of contraception before this pregnancy |
No | 51 | 39.8 |
Yes | 77 | 100 |
Type of contraceptive used |
Not on contraception | 85 | 24.6 |
If yes, type: • IUCD • LAM • Menstrual calendrer • Male condom • Withdrawal method • Combined hormone • Patch • Subdermal implant • More than one type | 38 4 24 8 28 68 19 2 70 | 11 1.2 6.9 2.3 8.1 19.7 5.5 0.6 20.2 |
Contraceptive needs were met |
No, it was not met | 33 | 25.8 |
Yes, it was met | 79 | 61.7 |
It was met sometimes | 16 | 12.5 |
Awareness about emergency contraception |
Not aware | 68 | 53.1 |
Yes aware | 52 | 40.6 |
Maybe, not sure | 8 | 6.3 |
This pregnancy is related to contraception incorrect use or side effect |
Not on contraception | 37 | 28.9 |
Not due to side effects or incorrect use | 58 | 45.3 |
Yes, related to contraception side effect or incorrect use | 22 | 17.2 |
Maybe, not sure | 11 | 8.6 |
The month that I got pregnant, me and my partner |
Did not use contraception | 95 | 74.2 |
We used contraception but not all the time | 17 | 13.3 |
We always use contraception, but something happened | 7 | 5.5 |
Always used contraception | 9 | 7 |
Preparation taken before this pregnancy |
Did not do anything | 101 | 78.9 |
Used folic acid | 17 | 13.3 |
Improved eating habits | 6 | 4.7 |
Stopped smocking | 2 | 1.6 |
husband stopped smocking | 2 | 1.6 |
The relation between hesitant/unplanned pregnancy and sociodemographic factors
This study demonstrated no relationship between the mother's age, marital status, city of residence, and unplanned pregnancy (P values: 0.08, 0.44, and 0.4, respectively).
Although unplanned/hesitant to become pregnant was high among high school students, university students (35, 55.5%), and housewives (91, 53.4%), these findings were not statistically significant (P = 0.21, 0.47). Furthermore, there was no association between family income and planning to become pregnant (P = 0.43). (Table 5)
Table 5
The relationship between unplanned pregnancy and the demographic characteristics
Variable | Planned pregnancy. no (%) | Hesitant to get pregnant. no (%) | Do not want to get pregnant. no (%) | *Chi- square | p value |
Age |
15–20 | 5 (38.5) | 3 (23.1) | 5 (38.5) | 11.15 | 0.084 |
21–30 | 130(66) | 36(18.3) | 31(15.7) |
31–40 | 79(61.7) | 24(18.8) | 25(19.5) |
> 40 | 4(50) | 4(50) | 0(0) |
Marital status |
Married, living together | 217(63.1) | 67(19.5) | 60(17.4) | 1.639 | 0.441 |
Married and not together | 1(50%0 | 0(0) | 1(50%) |
Level of education |
Primary | 4(50) | 1(12.5) | 3(37.5) | 8.314 | 0.216 |
High school | 56(61.5) | 13(14.3) | 22(24.2) |
University | 148(64.3) | 48(20.9) | 34(14.8) |
Postgraduate | 10(58.8) | 5(29.4) | 2(11.8) |
Current job |
Student | 10(58.8) | 5(29.4) | 2(11.8) | 5.560 | 0.474 |
Employee | 37(56.9) | 18(27.7) | 10(15.4) |
Business | 5(71.4) | 1(14.3) | 1(14.3) |
Housewife | 166(64.6) | 43(16.7) | 48(18.7) |
Family income |
Less than 5000 | 36(59.6) | 14(21.5) | 15(23.1) | 3.791 | 0.435 |
5000–10000 | 148(66.1) | 39(17.4) | 37(16.5) |
More than 10000 | 34(59.6) | 14(24.6) | 9(15.8) |
*Pearson chi-square test
In addition, unplanned pregnancy was more common among women with 1–3 children, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). A history of abortion and the mother's age when first pregnant did not show any significant association, with P values of 0.77 and 0.08, respectively.
Unplanned pregnancies tended to be more common than planned pregnancies if the duration between the last two pregnancies was less than two years (47% vs 25%); these results were statistically significant (P < .001). (Table 6)
Table 6
The relationship between unplanned pregnancy and obstetric history
Variable | Planned pregnancy. no (%) | Hesitant to get pregnant. no (%) | Do not want to get pregnant. no (%) | *Chi- square | p value |
History of previous children |
No children | 81(65.9) | 27(22) | 15(12.2) | 11.2 | 0.080 |
1–3 Children | 122(63.5) | 31(16.1) | 39(20.3) |
3–4 Children | 12(48) | 6(24) | 7(28) |
More than 4 | 3(50) | 3(50) | 0(0) |
History of abortion |
No abortions | 173(62.90 | 55(20) | 47(17.1) | 0.50 | 0.778 |
1–3 abortions | 45(63.4) | 12(16.9) | 14(19.7) |
Age when first pregnant |
Less than 18 | 6(42.9) | 2(14.3) | 6(42.9) | 8.29 | 0.081 |
18–35 | 209(63.9) | 63(19.3) | 55(16.8) |
More than 35 | 3(60) | 2(40) | 0(0) |
Months of current pregnancy |
1–3 months | 49(57.6) | 17(20) | 19(22.4) | 5.91 | 0.205 |
4–6 months | 90(62.1) | 34(23.4) | 21(14.5) |
7–9 months | 79(68.1) | 16(13.8) | 21(18.1) |
*Pearson chi-square test
The relation between the hesitant/unplanned pregnancy and the action taken by the parents.
All those who thought that the current pregnancy was not at a good time were those who believed their pregnancy was not planned; there was a significant relation between unplanned pregnancy and the good timing of the current pregnancy (P < 0.001). Moreover, among those who did not desire the pregnancy, 18 (90%) pregnancies were unplanned; the desired timing of the pregnancy was significantly associated with having an unplanned pregnancy (P < 0.001). There was a significant association between wanting the current pregnancy and whether the pregnancy was planned (P < 0.001).
It was shown that having a previous unplanned pregnancy was not correlated with the current unplanned pregnancy or the hesitance to become pregnant (P = 0.08).
There was a significant relationship between unplanned pregnancy and having thoughts about terminating the pregnancy (P < .001). The thoughts of terminating the pregnancy were higher with unplanned pregnancies (16, 26.2%) compared to those who were hesitant to become pregnant (1, 1.5%). Moreover, actions to terminate the current pregnancy were significantly related to an unplanned pregnancy (P < .001), and unplanned pregnancies were more common than hesitant pregnancies (10 (16.4%) and 1 (1.5%), respectively).
There was a significant relationship between unplanned pregnancy and the partner's decision to keep the baby (P < 0.001). Keeping the baby did not affect the relationship between partners (P = 0.30). It also showed that religious background did not affect the decision to maintain the current pregnancy (P = 0.22). (Table 7)
Table 7
The relationship between unplanned pregnancy and thoughts about unplanned pregnancy
Variable | Planned pregnancy. no (%) | Hesitant to get pregnant. no (%) | Do not want to get pregnant. no (%) | *Chi- square | p value |
The duration between the last two pregnancies |
No previous pregnancy | 81(66.9) | 27(22.3) | 13(10.7) | 61.3 | < 0.001 |
Less than 2 years | 16(25.8) | 16(25.8) | 30(48.4) |
More than 2 years | 121(74.2) | 24(14.7) | 18(11) |
Good timing of the current pregnancy |
Not good timing | 0(0) | 0(0) | 20(100) | 219.7 | < 0.001 |
Yes, good timing | 203(83.5) | 35(14.4) | 5(2.1) |
Yes, but not best timing | 15(18.1) | 32(38.6) | 36(43.4) |
Desire the current pregnancy |
Not desired | 2(10) | 0(0) | 18(90) | 147.3 | < 0.001 |
Yes desired. | 216(72.2) | 58(19.4) | 25(8.4) |
Maybe, not sure | 0(0) | 9(33.3) | 18(66.7) |
Do you want this baby? |
No | 0(0) | 0(0) | 6(100) | 57.7 | < 0.001 |
Yes | 218(65.7) | 66(19.9) | 48(14.5) |
Not sure | 0(0) | 1(12.5) | 7(87.5) |
Any thoughts on terminating this pregnancy? |
No | 214(67.70 | 61(19.3) | 41(13) | 72.5 | < 0.001 |
Yes | 2(10.5) | 1(5.3) | 16(84.2) |
Maybe, not sure | 2(18.2) | 5(45.5) | 4(36.4) |
Any actions taken to terminate this pregnancy? |
No | 218(65.9) | 65(19.6) | 48(14.5) | 53.3 | < 0.001 |
Yes | 0(0) | 1(9.1) | 10(90.9) |
Maybe, not sure | 0(0) | 1(25) | 3(75) |
Dose your partner want to keep this baby? |
No | 0(0) | 0(0) | 1(100) | 33.8 | < 0.001 |
Yes | 216(65.5) | 64(19.4) | 50(15.2) |
Maybe, not sure | 2(28.6) | 1(14.4) | 4(57.1) |
Keeping this baby with affect the relationship with my partner |
No | 208(64.2) | 62(19.1) | 54(16.7) | 10.7 | 0.030 |
Yes | 7(70) | 2(20) | 1(10) |
Maybe, not sure | 3(25) | 3(25) | 6(50) |
Religion affect the decision to keep the baby |
No | 161(66.3) | 45(18.5) | 37(15.2) | 5.72 | 0.220 |
Yes | 53(55.8) | 21(22.1) | 21(22.1) |
Maybe, not sure | 4(50) | 1(12.5) | 3(37.5) |
Previous history of unwanted pregnancy |
No previous pregnancies | 62(66) | 21(22.3) | 11(11.7) | 11.20 | 0.082 |
No previous unwanted pregnancy | 145(63) | 42(18.3) | 43(18.7) |
Yes, I had a previous unwanted pregnancy | 9(50) | 2(911.1) | 7(38.9) |
Maybe, not sure | 2(50) | 2(50) | 0(0) |
*Pearson chi-square test
The relation between unplanned/unwanted pregnancy and contraceptive use
Although the results of this study showed no relation between the past use of contraception and unplanned pregnancy (P = .54) or awareness about the various emergency contraception options (P = 0.60), there was statistical significance related to the type of contraception used (P = .01) and the use of contraception before this pregnancy (P = .002). These findings were primarily observed among those who did not use contraception, followed by those who used contraception but not all the time and finally those who used contraception all the time (38 (62.3%), 14 (23%), and 3 (4.9%), respectively).
Moreover, there is a significant relationship between meeting the contraceptive needs by the health care system, families, and the community and the current unplanned pregnancy (P = .03). In addition, unplanned pregnancy was correlated with incorrect use and the side effects of contraception (P = .007).
Actions taken before this pregnancy, such as taking folic acid or vitamins, stopping smoking, and improving eating habits, were not statistically related to hesitant/unplanned pregnancy (P = .72). (Table 8)
Table 8
The relation between unplanned/unwanted pregnancy and contraceptive use
Variable | Planned pregnancy. no (%) | Hesitant to get pregnant. no (% | Do not want to get pregnant. no (%) | *Chi- square | p value |
The use of contraception before this pregnancy |
No | 103(66.9) | 25(16.2) | 26(16.9) | 2.15 | 0.341 |
Yes | 115(59.9) | 41(21.9) | 35(18.2) |
Method of contraceptive used |
No contraception | 61(71.8) | 12(14.1) | 12(14.1) | 38.46 | 0.003 |
IUCD LAM Menstrual calendar Male condom Withdrawal OCP Patch Subdermal implants Others | 30(78.9) 0(0) 13(54.2) 3(37.5) 12(42.9) 47(69.1) 12(63.2) 0(0) 40(57.1) | 7(18.4) 1(25) 4(16.7) 2(25) 7(25) 15(22.1) 4(21.1) 1(50) 14(20) | 1(2.6) 3(75) 7(29.2) 3(37.5) 9(32.1) 6(8.8) 3(15.8) 1(50) 16(22.9) |
Contraceptive needs were met |
No, it was not met | 67(30.7) | 16(23.9) | 17(27.9) | 13.74 | 0.008 |
Yes, it was met | 138(63.3) | 47(70.1) | 32(52.5) |
It was met sometimes | 13(6) | 4(6) | 12(19.7) |
Awareness about emergency contraception |
Not aware | 101(46.3) | 33(49.3) | 35(57.4) | 2.48 | 0.647 |
Yes aware | 101(46.3) | 30(44.8) | 22(36.1) |
Maybe, not sure | 16(7.3) | 4(6) | 4(6) |
This pregnancy is related to contraception incorrect use or side effect |
Not on contraception | 47(21.6) | 21(31.3) | 16(26.2) | 77.27 | < 0.001 |
Not due to side effects or incorrect use | 166(76.1) | 37(55.2) | 21(34.4) |
Yes, due to side effects or incorrect use | 3(1.4) | 7(10.4) | 15(24.6) |
Maybe, not sure | 2(0.9) | 2(3) | 9(14.8) |
The month that I got pregnant, me and my partner |
Did not use contraception | 213(97.7) | 57(85.1) | 38(62.3) | 77.70 | < 0.001 |
Used contraception but not all the time | 3(1.4) | 3(4.5) | 14(23) |
Always use contraception, but something happened | 1(0.5) | 1(1.5) | 6(9.8) |
Always used contraception | 1(0.5) | 6(9) | 3(4.9) |
Preparation taken before this pregnancy |
Did not do anything | 101(46.3) | 49(73.1) | 52(85.2) | 51.64 | < 0.001 |
Used folic acid | 86(39.4) | 13(19.4) | 4(6.6) |
Improved eating habits | 24(11) | 3(4.5) | 3(4.9) |
Stopped smocking | 0(0) | 0(0) | 2(3.3) |
Husband stopped smocking | 5(2.3) | 2(3) | 0(0) |
Others | 2(0.9) | 0(0) | 0(0) |
*Pearson chi-square test