Dataset—Addressing unintended pregnancy in humanitarian settings in Ethiopia
Document Type
Data Set
Publication Date
4-20-2026
Abstract
Humanitarian crises exposed women and girls to heightened risk of unintended pregnancy in part, due to increased risk of sexual violence as well as disruption in access to and provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. The burden of unintended pregnancy in refugee settings was not known with only sparse evidence available to support improved programming and reporting on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). There was also limited information about how to effectively deliver SRHR services to the most vulnerable, including women and girls. This study generated evidence for addressing unintended pregnancy in refugee settings in Ethiopia. The specific objectives were to: 1) determine the prevalence of unintended pregnancy in refugee settings in Ethiopia; 2) identify strategies for expanding access to SRH services that could mitigate unintended pregnancy using existing low-cost approaches; and 3) assess the feasibility and acceptability of the strategies identified in refugee settings.
The research involved both prospective and cross-sectional designs and was conducted in three purposively identified refugee camps in Ethiopia. Awubare camp from Jigiga- Somale, Tsore camp from Benishangul Gumuz, and Nguenyyiel camp from Gambela were purposively selected in consultation with RRS and implementing partners' guidance. The study subjects were women in the reproductive age (15–45 years) selected randomly. The research specifically involved: 1) prospective interviews with approximately 3,019 women of reproductive age (15–45 years) in sampled refugee households; 2) cross-sectional focus group discussions with between 36–72 women aged 15–45 years; and 3) cross-sectional key informant interviews with approximately 12 representatives of implementing partners and community health workers. The evidence generated helped the host government, humanitarian partners, and donors to seek long-term and innovative solutions to bring about change in the SRHR and lives of refugee women and girls.
Recommended Citation
Wado, Yohannes, Yadeta Dessie, Francis Obare, Bonnie Wandera, Dagim Habteyesus, Caroline W. Kabiru, George Odwe, Stella Muthuri, Chi-Chi Undie, Gloria Seruwagi, Peter Kisaakye, and Hellen Akinyi. 2026. “Addressing unintended pregnancy in humanitarian settings in Ethiopia,” dataset. Nairobi: African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC).
Language
English
Project
Baobab: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Refugee Settings