INDUCED ABORTION IN KAZAKHSTAN: WOMEN'S PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES BASED ON CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding induced abortion among women of Kazakhstan.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 240 women from different regions of Kazakhstan from March to August, 2023. We used convenience sampling for this study. The questionnaire was developed independently in accordance with international findings and experience and underwent validation. SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Quantitative and qualitative variables are presented as frequencies/percentages. Statistical analysis was conducted using a logistic regression model with statistical significance defined as p<0.05.

RESULTS

In this study, the majority of the survey participants (74.6%) were familiar with abortion methods. Two-thirds (61.7%) of women had a medium level of knowledge. Only 66 (27.5%) respondents had positive attitudes toward induced abortion. The general practice of abortion among half of the study population was revealed to be medium (49.3%). A total of 67 participants (27.9%) reported a history of abortion. Factors associated with abortion history included residence in Southern [AOR=0.786], Eastern [AOR=0.635], and Central/Northern Kazakhstan [AOR=0.287], as well as having one to two [AOR=1.414], three to four [AOR=10.16], or five or more pregnancies [AOR=9.911]

Conclusions

Most women had moderate knowledge of abortion, with limited positive attitudes. A history of abortion was linked to regional and reproductive factors, highlighting the need for targeted educational and policy interventions.