Trends and inequalities in unplanned pregnancy in three population-based birth cohorts in Pelotas, Brazil

Laísa Rodrigues Moreira (), Fernanda Ewerling (), Iná S. Santos (), Fernando César Wehrmeister (), Alicia Matijasevich (), Aluisio J. D. Barros (), Ana M. B. Menezes (), Helen Gonçalves (), Joseph Murray (), Marlos R. Domingues () and Mariângela Freitas Silveira ()
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Laísa Rodrigues Moreira: Federal University of Pelotas
Fernanda Ewerling: Federal University of Pelotas
Iná S. Santos: Federal University of Pelotas
Fernando César Wehrmeister: Federal University of Pelotas
Alicia Matijasevich: Federal University of Pelotas
Aluisio J. D. Barros: Federal University of Pelotas
Ana M. B. Menezes: Federal University of Pelotas
Helen Gonçalves: Federal University of Pelotas
Joseph Murray: Federal University of Pelotas
Marlos R. Domingues: Federal University of Pelotas
Mariângela Freitas Silveira: Federal University of Pelotas

International Journal of Public Health, 2020, vol. 65, issue 9, No 15, 1635-1645

Abstract: Abstract Objectives To assess time trends in unplanned pregnancy, stratified by sociodemographic status, reproductive history, and inequalities in family income and women’s skin color, in Pelotas, Brazil. Methods Data from mothers of participants of the 1993 (N = 5264), 2004 (N = 4243), and 2015 (N = 4268) Pelotas birth cohorts were analyzed. Unplanned pregnancy was investigated in the perinatal period, with tests to assess changes over time among different sociodemographic and reproductive history subgroups and inequalities as a function of family income and skin color. Results The prevalence of unplanned pregnancy was 62.7% (3299/ 5264), 65.9% (2794/ 4243), and 52.2% (2226/ 4268) in the 1993, 2004, and 2015 cohorts, respectively. Black or brown women and women of lower socioeconomic status had a higher prevalence of unplanned pregnancy in all cohorts. The overall rate of unplanned pregnancy decreased over time in most subgroups. Inequality as a function of family income and skin color increased during the time frame of assessment. Conclusions The prevalence of unplanned pregnancies decreased in the period analyzed, but it is still unjustifiably high. Efforts aimed at reducing unplanned pregnancy are vital and will require special attention to the most vulnerable groups.

Keywords: Unplanned pregnancy; Family planning; Reproductive health; Socioeconomic factors; Health inequalities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-020-01505-0

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