Investigating Awareness Level and Attitudes Toward Induced Abortion in Patients Admitted to Medical Centers in Tehran, Iran

Abortion is recognized as a social and cultural problem across societies, posing risks to people’s health. This study aims to explore various facets of induced abortion in patients admitted to medical centers in Tehran.

This descriptive-cross-sectional study surveyed referred patients at Mahdieh, Taleghani, and Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Information was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed employing the chi-square test, t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient, considering a P-value <0.05 as significant.

Among the 1,200 examined patients, 75% were in favor of induced abortion but within legal bounds (95%, CI=58-90). Furthermore, 65% of the participants demonstrated adequate knowledge about induced abortion and its associated side effects (95%, CI=55-75), yet they advocated it due to financial and welfare problems. Meanwhile, there was a statistically significant correlation between awareness scores and age, education, and gestational age (P-value<0.04).

The awareness and attitude toward abortion vary among individuals. However, enforcing different severe restrictions and stringent abortion laws may lead to destructive consequences.