Measuring abortion knowledge levels and stigmatizing atitudes, beliefs and behaviors towards abortion among women aged 15-49

In this study, which aims to examine the knowledge level of women between the ages of 15 and 49 about abortion and their stigmatizing attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors towards abortion at a descriptive level, quantitative data were obtained by using the survey method within the scope of the field study conducted with 220 women living in Kastamonu province. The data collection tool used in the study consisted of a 30-item structured scale measuring demographic characteristics, knowledge level about abortion, and three sub-dimensions of stigma (negative stereotypes, exclusion and discrimination, fear of contamination). The confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the structural integrity of both the Abortion Knowledge Level Scale and the Stigmatizing Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors Towards Abortion Scale; the Cronbach's Alpha coefficients of both measurement tools were 0.889 and 0.945, respectively, indicating a high level of internal consistency. Descriptive findings show that the women's knowledge level was moderate (Average=2.94±0.96) and their stigmatizing attitudes were generally low (Average=1.57±0.57); when the sub- dimensions were examined, it was found that the highest score was in negative stereotypes (Average=1.76±0.71). In comparisons made with demographic variables, it was determined that age, marital status, level of education, having children and abortion experience created statistically significant differences on both knowledge level and stigmatizing attitudes. It was observed that especially low-educated women and women with children had high stigmatizing scores; as the level of education increased, the level of knowledge increased and stigmatizing attitudes decreased; these findings were consistent with previous literature emphasizing the influence of cultural norms and social roles. According to Spearman correlation analysis, significant, negative relationships were observed between abortion knowledge level and stigmatizing attitudes (r=-0.344; p<0.001); This situation has shown that the level of knowledge reduces especially the negative stereotype and exclusion-discrimination dimensions. It has been concluded that stigmatizing attitudes are shaped not only by lack of knowledge but also by individuals' social positions, maternal roles and normative pressures in the cultural context; and that knowledge is a basic but insufficient factor in transforming these attitudes. In line with the findings, it is recommended that multi-layered intervention programs be developed that are based on education, include norm criticism and take into account the socio-cultural context in order to correct false beliefs about abortion.