Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Alborz, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3
a) Professor, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran b) Department Associate Professor, Center for Air Pollution Research, Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Bon.C., Islamic Azad University, Bonab, Iran
5
Associate Professor, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.22038/jmrh.2025.89823.2728
Abstract
Background & aim: Unsafe abortion is a major issue in developing countries. Legal, cultural, religious, and customary challenges surrounding the issue of intentional abortion limit direct assessment of the status of intentional abortion and its associated factors in different regions of the world. Therefore, indirect methods of inquiry are useful in this sensitive issue. In direct estimation, the answers to the questions are direct and clear, but in indirect estimation, non-random answers are used. This study aims to estimate the rate of intentional abortions in Tehran over the past five years and to explore its related causes, methods, and consequences.
Methods: This sequential explanatory mixed-methods study will be conducted in Tehran, Iran. In the first stage, a descriptive cross-sectional study will be conducted on 831 women aged 15 to 49, using random sampling and a four-part quantitative questionnaire. Then, the data will be analyzed by SPSS 22 software using Fisher's exact test, chi-square, and regression model. In the second stage, based on the results of the first stage, a qualitative study will be conducted with purposeful selection of participants (women seeking intentional abortion), with a qualitative content analysis approach until data saturation. Finally, both quantitative and qualitative data sets will be integrated to form a comprehensive interpretation.
Discussion: Using indirect methods for investigating sensitive topics such as intentional abortions, that individuals may conceal, could provide a more accurate estimate of this issue, which can be used to design and implement healthcare programs for all people with unsafe abortions.
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