Pregnancy loss: spontaneous and induced abortions among young XXXX in Lusaka, Zambia.

@entity1 @entity6003 @entity393 @entity5852
An estimated 60% of all adolescent pregnancies in low-income countries are unintended. The present study was carried out at the university hospital in Lusaka, Zambia over a four-month period in 2005. The aim was to explore experiences of @entity393 and to ascertain the @entity1 's contraceptive knowledge and use and their partner's involvement in the pregnancy/ @entity5852 . Eighty-seven @entity1 aged 13-19 years admitted to hospital for @entity6003 were interviewed. Of these @entity1 , 53 (61%) had had a spontaneous @entity5852 and 34 (39%) had undergone an unsafe induced @entity5852 . Significantly more @entity1 with an unsafe induced @entity5852 were single, students, had completed more years in school and were in less stable relationships. @entity1 ' overall contraceptive knowledge and use was low and most pregnancies were unplanned. Partners played a decisive role in terminating pregnancy through unsafe induced @entity5852 . Traditional healers, @entity1 themselves and health professionals were the main @entity5852 providers. Young @entity1 's health risks due to unprotected sex and lack of contraceptive services should urgently be addressed. The existence of the @entity5852 law and access to emergency contraception should be better publicized in Zambia.
