Knowledge and Attitude of Lebanese Women Regarding Induced Abortion: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Induced abortion is a sensitive public health concern in Lebanon, particularly with the existence of Legal restriction and informal access to abortion services. Data regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices of induced abortion among Lebanese women is limited, thus, this study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices and to identify the most common associated factors.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 502 Lebanese women aged over 18 years. An online self-administered survey was distributed among the different governorates in Lebanon to assess sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of induced abortion. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with the outcomes.

RESULTS

The mean knowledge score was 9.76 ± 1.71 out of 14. Most of participants were unaware of the Lebanese abortion law, 61.8% believed abortion should not be socially acceptable, and 9% of participants reported having undergone an induced abortion and the majority used safe methods.

CONCLUSION

Lebanese women demonstrated moderate knowledge about abortion but substantial gaps in legal awareness and knowledge of medication abortion were identified. Findings highlight the importance of a culturally appropriate reproductive health awareness and educational programs to promote abortion safety within the context of the Lebanese law restrictions.