1.1 Introduction
Induced abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable, typically through medical intervention or other methods. Induced abortion remains a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria, where it is often associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The complexities surrounding induced abortion among undergraduate students in Nigeria are influenced by various socio-cultural, economic, and individual factors. According to Sedgh et al., (2009), the legal framework in Nigeria, which largely restricts access to safe abortion services, exacerbates the issue, pushing many students towards clandestine and unsafe procedures. Studies have highlighted the role of peer influence, cultural norms, and the perceived consequences of unintended pregnancies in shaping attitudes towards abortion among Nigerian undergraduates (Sedgh et al., 2009).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Induced abortion is a critical public health issue globally, with significant implications for women's health, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 25 million unsafe abortions occur each year, predominantly in developing regions, contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality (WHO, 2018). In Nigeria, the restrictive abortion laws further exacerbate the risks associated with induced abortions, compelling many women to seek unsafe procedures. The phenomenon of induced abortion among undergraduate students in Nigeria is a multifaceted issue influenced by various determinants. Undergraduate students, who are typically young and navigating the complexities of emerging adulthood, face unique challenges regarding reproductive health. Factors such as inadequate sexual education, limited access to contraceptives, and economic constraints significantly impact their reproductive choices (Okonofua, 2003).
The history of induced abortion in Nigeria is deeply intertwined with the country’s socio-cultural, economic, and legal contexts. Traditionally, abortion in Nigeria has been a highly stigmatized and legally restricted practice, influenced by colonial-era laws and religious beliefs. These restrictions have persisted into the modern era, significantly impacting the reproductive choices of women, including undergraduate students. During the 20th century, the Nigerian government and various non-governmental organizations began to recognize the high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality linked to unsafe abortions. Despite this recognition, legislative reforms have been minimal, and access to safe abortion services remains severely limited. This legal environment has significantly shaped the determinants of induced abortion among various demographics, including undergraduate students.
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to address the determinants of induced abortion among Nigerian undergraduates comprehensively. Efforts by health advocates and international organizations aim to improve sexual and reproductive health education, increase access to contraceptives, and push for policy reforms. However, significant barriers remain, including persistent socio-cultural stigmas and restrictive legal frameworks (Okonofua et al., 2009).
Research indicates that unintended pregnancies are prevalent among Nigerian undergraduates, largely due to insufficient knowledge and use of contraception. A study by Bankole et al. (2006) revealed that many young women resort to abortion to avoid the socio-economic consequences of unintended pregnancies, such as discontinuation of education, social stigma, and financial burdens. The clandestine nature of these abortions often leads to unsafe practices, posing severe health risks.
Cultural and societal norms play a critical role in shaping attitudes towards abortion. In many Nigerian communities, premarital pregnancy is stigmatized, leading to significant social and familial pressures to terminate pregnancies. This societal stigma, combined with the fear of academic disruption, drives many students towards induced abortion, often in unsafe conditions (Sedgh et al., 2009). Moreover, the legal framework in Nigeria, which severely restricts abortion except to save a woman's life, limits access to safe abortion services. This legal restriction forces many women, including students, to seek unsafe methods, contributing to the high rates of abortion-related complications and deaths (Grimes et al., 2006). Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the determinant of induced abortion among undergraduate’s students.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that induced abortion among undergraduate students in Nigeria is a pressing public health issue that encompasses a range of socio-economic, cultural, and legal challenges. Despite the high incidence of unintended pregnancies among this demographic, access to safe and legal abortion services remains severely limited due to restrictive abortion laws. This legal framework forces many students to resort to unsafe and clandestine abortion procedures, which are associated with significant health risks, including maternal morbidity and mortality (Okonofua, 2003).
A major problem contributing to the high rates of induced abortion among Nigerian undergraduates is the lack of comprehensive sexual education. Many students enter university with insufficient knowledge about contraception and safe sex practices, leading to a high prevalence of unintended pregnancies (Sedgh et al., 2006).
Economic constraints also play a significant role in the decision to seek an abortion. Undergraduate students, who often rely on their families for financial support, may face considerable pressure to avoid the economic burden of an unplanned pregnancy. The fear of jeopardizing their academic and future career prospects due to childcare responsibilities compels many to opt for abortion, despite the potential health risks involved (Bankole et al., 2006).
Moreover, the inadequacies in healthcare infrastructure and the limited availability of safe abortion services significantly contribute to the problem. Even when students seek to terminate pregnancies safely, the lack of trained medical personnel and the scarcity of facilities offering safe abortion services pose substantial barriers. Consequently, many students turn to unqualified providers or attempt self-induced abortions, further heightening the risks of complications (Grimes et al., 2006). Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to examine the determinant of induced abortion among undergraduate’s students in Nigeria.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the determinants of induced abortion among undergraduate students in Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the legal and healthcare barriers that influence the accessibility and safety of abortion services for undergraduate students;
- To identify the socio-economic factors that contribute to the decision to seek induced abortion among undergraduate students;
- To explore the cultural and societal norms that impact attitudes towards induced abortion among Nigerian undergraduates;
- To evaluate the level of sexual education and contraceptive use among undergraduate students in Nigeria;
- To assess the prevalence of induced abortion among undergraduate students; and
- To provide recommendations for policy and programmatic interventions that will aid incidence of unsafe abortions reduction among undergraduate students.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there socio-economic factors that influence the decision to seek induced abortion among undergraduate students in Nigeria?
- Are there legal and healthcare barriers faced by undergraduate students in Nigeria when seeking abortion services?
- How do cultural and societal norms affect the attitudes and decisions of undergraduate students regarding induced abortion?
- What is the prevalence of induced abortion among undergraduate students?
- What is the level of sexual education and contraceptive use among undergraduate students in Nigeria, and how does it relate to the incidence of unintended pregnancies and induced abortions?
- What strategies and interventions can be recommended to reduce the incidence of unsafe abortions and improve reproductive health outcomes among undergraduate students in Nigeria?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Undergraduate students with lower socio-economic status are more likely to seek induced abortion compared to their peers with higher socio-economic status due to financial constraints and the pressure to continue their education.
- H1: Undergraduate students with higher socio-economic status are more likely to seek induced abortion compared to their peers with higher socio-economic status due to financial constraints and the pressure to continue their education.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Undergraduate students with inadequate sexual education and limited access to contraceptives are more likely to experience unintended pregnancies, leading to a higher likelihood of seeking induced abortion.
- H1: Undergraduate students with inadequate sexual education and limited access to contraceptives are more likely to experience unintended pregnancies, leading to a higher likelihood of seeking induced abortion.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome realized from the research findings will be significant to the following stakeholders:
- Policy Makers and Government Agencies: Policy makers can use the study findings to advocate for reforms in reproductive health policies, including amendments to restrictive abortion laws. This can lead to improved access to safe abortion services for undergraduate students, thereby reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.
- Healthcare Providers: Healthcare providers can benefit from the study by gaining insights into the specific needs and challenges faced by undergraduate students seeking abortion services. This can lead to tailored healthcare interventions that prioritize safety, confidentiality, and reproductive health education.
- Educational Institutions: Universities and colleges can use the study findings to develop comprehensive sexual education programs and support services for students. This can help in reducing unintended pregnancies and providing timely information and resources regarding reproductive health options.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Advocacy Groups: NGOs and advocacy groups can leverage the study findings to advocate for improved access to contraceptives, sexual education, and safe abortion services. They can also use the data to raise awareness about reproductive rights and lobby for policy changes that protect the health and rights of young women.
- Community and Religious Leaders: Community and religious leaders can use the study findings to facilitate discussions about reproductive health within their communities. This can help in addressing cultural and societal stigmas associated with abortion and promoting supportive environments for young women facing reproductive health challenges.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the determinant of induced abortion among undergraduate’s students in Nigeria.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Induced Abortion:
The deliberate termination of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable, typically through medical intervention or other methods.
Undergraduate Students:
Individuals enrolled in tertiary education programs at universities or colleges, pursuing a bachelor's degree.
Determinants:
They are Factors or variables that influence or contribute to a particular outcome or decision.
Socio-Economic Factors:
It refers to the social and economic conditions that influence individuals' decisions and behaviors, including factors such as income, education level, employment status, and access to resources.
Cultural Norms:
Shared beliefs, values, and practices within a society that shape individuals' attitudes and behaviors, including norms related to reproductive health and abortion.
Legal Framework:
It refers to the system of laws, regulations, and policies governing abortion and reproductive rights in Nigeria.
Unsafe Abortion:
It refers to a procedure for terminating an unintended pregnancy carried out either by persons lacking the necessary skills or in an environment that does not conform to minimal medical standards, or both (WHO, 2020).
