KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE OF INDUCED ABORTION AND ATTITUDE ABOUT ITS LEGALIZATION AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS OF AGENA HIGH SHOOL AND PREPARATORY SHOOL. GURAGE ZONE, CENTERAL ETIOPIA,2025 G.C

Abstract

Background: Unsafe abortion is one of the three leading causes of maternal mortality globally. In Africa unsafe abortion accounts for more than a quarter causes for maternal death. Ethiopia is one of the east African countries with highest incidence of unsafe abortion.. However lots of things remain to be done to address this major public health problem; this stems from high number of unwanted pregnancy which is a result of low contraceptive usage. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of women on induced abortion and their attitude about its legalization at Agena High school and Preparatory School in Agena town, Ezha woreda, Guraghe zone ,central Ethiopia from 24 December -6 January,2025 Method: Institutional based cross sectional study design was conducted among 298 regular female students of Agena High school and Preparatory School and data was collected by using structured questionnaire. A simple random sampling technique was carried out. Collected data were cleaned, edited, and it was analyzed using SPSS computer programmed version 25. After analyzing of collected data results was summarized and presented in texts, tables, charts and graphs as necessary. Result: Out of 184 participants, 180 completed the provided questionnaire, resulting in an impressive response rate of 97.8%. However, only 18.9% demonstrated good knowledge on the topic. Regarding attitudes towards induced abortion, only 17.8% held a positive view, while most of the study participants, 60%, expressed an unfavorable attitude toward the legalization of abortion in Ethiopia. Conclusion and recommendation The study found that participants had limited knowledge about induced abortion and held negative views on the subject. Many students engaged in unprotected sex, leading some to attempt self-induced abortions using local herbs due to fear of family member’ s reactions. The study recommends offering education on modern contraceptives, the dangers of unsafe abortion, and pregnancy prevention. It also suggests making health information in schools and modern contraceptives accessible where it is possible for the needs to be used in Agena town.