Ethics code: IR.SBMU.CRC.REC.1402.018
1- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
2- Cancer Research Center Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences ,Tehran ,Iran
3- Department of Women's and Family Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Religions and Denominations
2- Cancer Research Center Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences ,Tehran ,Iran
3- Department of Women's and Family Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Religions and Denominations
Abstract: (27 Views)
Objective(s): Abortion, as a multifaceted social and public health concern, necessitates an in-depth exploration of the cognitive and attitudinal perspectives of affected populations. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of reproductive-aged women in Iran who have undergone intentional abortion.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted as part of a larger national survey. Data collection was carried out via telephone interviews with 16,044 women aged 18 to 49. From this pool, the final analytic sample consisted of 99 women who reported experiencing an induced abortion within the preceding year. The national survey utilized a multi-stage sampling approach. Information was gathered using a structured questionnaire developed for the research. Knowledge and attitude levels were quantified on a scale of 0 to 20 and subsequently analyzed employing non-parametric statistical tests and logistic regression. Lower scores in attitude and awareness favor agreement with abortion.
Results: The mean knowledge score (9.3 ± 6.4) and attitude score (10.2 ± 3.1) were obtained. The level of knowledge regarding key dimensions was assessed as low. However, the attitude score fell within the moderate range. Simultaneously, a dual attitudinal pattern was observed in the results: although the majority of respondents (67.7%) considered abortion equivalent to murder, an overwhelming majority changed their attitude in concrete and specific conditions, and approved of it in cases of fetal impairment (82.8%) or with medical authorization (91.9%). Higher levels of education were associated with increased knowledge and a more positive attitude. Furthermore, a history of intentional abortion was linked to higher levels of knowledge and a more positive attitude.
Conclusion: The results reveal a notable knowledge disparity alongside complex and context-dependent attitudes among women who have experienced intentional abortion. This highlights the necessity for targeted educational measures that acknowledge these nuanced perspectives, which is essential for developing informed and effective policies in this field.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted as part of a larger national survey. Data collection was carried out via telephone interviews with 16,044 women aged 18 to 49. From this pool, the final analytic sample consisted of 99 women who reported experiencing an induced abortion within the preceding year. The national survey utilized a multi-stage sampling approach. Information was gathered using a structured questionnaire developed for the research. Knowledge and attitude levels were quantified on a scale of 0 to 20 and subsequently analyzed employing non-parametric statistical tests and logistic regression. Lower scores in attitude and awareness favor agreement with abortion.
Results: The mean knowledge score (9.3 ± 6.4) and attitude score (10.2 ± 3.1) were obtained. The level of knowledge regarding key dimensions was assessed as low. However, the attitude score fell within the moderate range. Simultaneously, a dual attitudinal pattern was observed in the results: although the majority of respondents (67.7%) considered abortion equivalent to murder, an overwhelming majority changed their attitude in concrete and specific conditions, and approved of it in cases of fetal impairment (82.8%) or with medical authorization (91.9%). Higher levels of education were associated with increased knowledge and a more positive attitude. Furthermore, a history of intentional abortion was linked to higher levels of knowledge and a more positive attitude.
Conclusion: The results reveal a notable knowledge disparity alongside complex and context-dependent attitudes among women who have experienced intentional abortion. This highlights the necessity for targeted educational measures that acknowledge these nuanced perspectives, which is essential for developing informed and effective policies in this field.
type of study: Descriptive |
Subject:
Sicial Medicine
Received: 2026/01/27 | Accepted: 2026/01/31 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/06/7
Received: 2026/01/27 | Accepted: 2026/01/31 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/06/7
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