Phenomenology of Induced Abortion in Northern Uganda Among HIV-Positive Women Following an Unintended Pregnancy
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Open Access Journal of Contraception
Abstract
Background: More than half of pregnancies in Uganda are unintended, and nearly a third of these end in abortion. However, little
research has focused on women living with HIV’s subjective experiences following induced abortion. We explored how women living
with HIV subjectively experience induced abortions in health facilities in Lira District, Uganda.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-phenomenological study between October and November 2022. The study was
conducted among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) who were HIV positive and had undergone induced abortion following an
unintended pregnancy. Purposive sampling was used to sample 30 participants who could speak to the research aims and have
experience with the phenomenon under scrutiny. The principle of information power was used to estimate the sample size. We
conducted face-to-face, in-depth interviews to collect data. Data were presented as direct quotes while providing a contextual
understanding of the lived experiences of the study participants.
Results: The results showed that the major causes of induced abortion were financial constraints, concern for the unborn babies,
unplanned pregnancy, and complex relationships. Regarding induced abortion-related experiences, three themes emerged: loss of
family support, internalized and perceived stigma, and feelings of guilt and regret.
Conclusion: This study highlights the lived experiences of women living with HIV following an induced abortion. The study shows
that women living with HIV had induced abortions due to numerous reasons, including financial concerns, complicated relationships,
and a fear of infecting their unborn babies. However, after induced abortion, the women living with HIV faced several challenges like
loss of family support, stigma, and feelings of guilt and regret. Based on HIV-infected women who underwent induced abortion and an
unexpected pregnancy, they may need mental health services to reduce the stigma associated with induced abortion.
Description
Keywords
abortion, lived experiences, unintended pregnancy