Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes of Men and Women Aged between 15-49 Years towards Legalization of Induced Abortion in Mizan Aman Town, Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia, 2016

Abstract

Background: Countries with narrow bases for legal abortion are vulnerable for burden of unsafe abortion and related mortality. Globally, 26% of populations live where abortion is prohibited or permitted on certain circumstances where majorities are in developing countries. Objectives: To assess knowledge and attitudes of men and women aged 15-49 years towards legalization of abortion in Mizan Aman town, South West Ethiopia. Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2015 to June 2016. Data collection tool used was structured questionnaire. Data entry and analysis was done using EpiData V3.1 and SPSS V20. The result was displayed using tables and figures. Verbal consent was obtained from study participant. Result and Discussion: Total of 422 individuals were included in this study. Majority, 238 (56.4%), of them preferred legalization of induced abortion. Only, 24 (5.7%), respondents know current legal status of abortion. Knowledge about abortion complication and preference to terminate unwanted pregnancy has association with attitude towards legalization of abortion (P<0.005). Conclusions and Recommendation: Low number of respondents knows current legal status of abortion. Professionals and other influential individuals should be involved in improving community perception towards legal aspects of abortion.