Barriers to accessibility and availability of safe abortion services among young women in Nepal: a mixed-methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite Nepal's progressive legal framework permitting abortion, young women continue to face barriers in accessing safe abortion services (SAS), leading to preventable maternal mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to identify the key obstacles to SAS access among young women in the Makwanpur district of Nepal.

Methods

A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted in 2018. The quantitative component involved a cross-sectional survey of 447 female students aged 18-34, using a structured questionnaire to assess knowledge, stigma (via the Stigmatizing Attitudes, Beliefs, and Actions Scale - SABAS), and access to SAS. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with low access. The qualitative component included six in-depth interviews with p

SUBMITTER: Ghimire R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12642376 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature