Introduction: Induced abortion is a sensitive topic especially among young women who often choose to handle it with secrecy because of a myriad of unanswered questions. Hence, the study assessed knowledge of induced abortion and the health implications, as well as practice of induced abortion and related factors among female undergraduates.
Methods: A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and 154 respondents were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data collection was done using a pre-tested questionnaire with reliability co-efficient of 0.81 using Pearson’s correlation formular. Data analysis was reported in the form of frequencies and simple percentages with SPSS version 27.
Results: Among the surveyed undergraduates, 88.4% and 87% were recorded as knowledge level for induced abortion and its health implications respectively. Additionally, 22.7% reported previous induced abortion(s), most of which were performed by chemists. Peer pressure, lack of contraceptives, fear of judgement, financial instability among others were identified as practice influencers. Significant relationship did not exist between knowledge and practice of induced abortion (χ² = 0.89, p = 0.64).
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it was recommended that nurses-midwives, gynecologists and other reproductive healthcare specialists should design more effective health education programs, improve counseling services and advocate for youth-friendly reproductive healthcare services in order to bridge the identified gap in knowledge and address possible barriers to safe abortion practices.
Keywords: Induced Abortion, Knowledge, Practice, Health Implications, Female Undergraduates, Unsafe Alternatives, Factors.
Citation: Kanikwu, P, N., & Ireotoi, F, I. (2026). Induced Abortion: Why Do Female Undergraduates Seek Unsafe Alternatives?. J Prim Health Glob Health 1(1):1-8.