Prevalence of unplanned pregnancies and their family planning preferences among antenatal clinic attendees in Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat Division

Introduction: Pregnancies can be either planned or unplanned. Unplanned pregnancies are a major public health issue globally causing poor maternal and foetal outcomes. Addressing this problem would improve the well-being of antenatal mothers their children. Family planning is an important step to minimise burden unplanned pregnancies. Objective: To determine prevalence family preferences in Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat Division. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted three randomly selected clinics (Borella, Kirula Wellawatte) which covered District 3, 4 5 Medical Officer Health (MOH) areas Division Colombo Municipal Council. total 425 who attended these clinics, fulfilling inclusion exclusion criteria were included using consecutive sampling method. Data collection done by principal investigator interviewer-administered questionnaires. on following current pregnancy obtained analysed. The calculated based responses given questions timing decision-making pregnancy. practices as percentages. Results: sample size ten percent nonresponse rate. age distribution between 15 44 years. group 22 34 years 83.2% population. There 37.2% Sinhalese, 33.9% Moors 28.9% Tamils sample. 32.7%. Thirty-three had used some form contraceptive method past most them condoms depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), closely followed combine oral pills, implants intrauterine devices. Side effects reason for not among nonusers. Around 60% have decided use majority chosen two five Conclusions: According study, one-third at One-third main space More than half participants many (DMPA). Among future users, preferred years, while nonusers, side considered future. Recommendations: methods should encouraged eligible couples. studies similar other settings needed