Research code: IR.SUMS.REC.1399.1090
Ethics code: IR.SUMS.REC.1399.1090
Clinical trials code: IR.SUMS.REC.1399.1090

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Shiraz university , serajmahmoudiani@gmail.com
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Extended Abstract
Background: Abortion is one of the components of reproductive health among women. This action can occur spontaneously or be induced intentionally. Induced or intentional abortion refers to the unnatural loss of a fetus, which can be done by the woman herself or another person, using various methods (1). Abortion can pose risks and complications for the mother, such as bleeding, damage to the reproductive system, and even death, especially in cases of unsafe abortions. It is important to note that the consequences of unsafe abortion not only affect the individual but also have broader implications for the entire healthcare system (2). Marital satisfaction is a crucial indicator of life satisfaction and plays a significant role in women's health (13). It encompasses the satisfaction and pleasure experienced in various aspects of marital relations, including personality issues, communication with each other, conflict resolution, financial matters, sexual relations, and parenting (14). Marital satisfaction includes various topics, such as satisfaction with different roles in married life, conflict resolution strategies, satisfaction with sexual and emotional relationships, the level of satisfaction with family financial management, agreement about having children, and a realistic understanding of the impact of children on marital relationships (15). Due to unfavorable economic and social conditions, low quality of life, and a lack of suitable welfare and health services, especially for women, areas with low income and education levels tend to have a lower level of reproductive health than other urban groups (24). Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between marital satisfaction and induced abortion among women with husbands of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) living in the suburbs of Bandar Abbas city.
Methods: The present study was conducted using a quantitative approach and a survey method. The statistical population of this study consisted of married women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years old) living in the suburbs of Bandar Abbas city. Based on Cochran's formula, 379 women from the statistical population were surveyed, and a multi-stage cluster method was employed for sampling. The data collection tool comprised a standard questionnaire, which included one part dedicated to capturing the demographic, social, and economic characteristics of the participants. Another section of the questionnaire addressed questions related to marital satisfaction. The measurement of marital satisfaction utilized the Kansas standard questionnaire (25). The validity of the questionnaire was assessed through content validity, with relevant experts evaluating and ultimately approving the questionnaire. Additionally, the reliability of the questionnaire was verified using Cronbach's alpha test, which yielded a value of 0.983 for the measure of marital satisfaction, indicating high reliability in the desired measure.
Results: The highest proportion of women (26.9%) were between 30 and 34 years old, with an average age of 32.8 years. The majority of women's husbands (50.9%) were between 30 and 39 years old, and the average age of the spouses was 37.1 years. Approximately 82% of housewives and over 92% of their husbands were employed. More than 48% of women considered themselves to belong to the middle class, while only 1.2% identified as belonging to the high socio-economic class. The study also found that more than 89% of the women belonged to the Fars ethnicity, and 94.5% were Shiites. The highest proportion of women (33.5%) and their spouses (35.4%) had a diploma. The majority of women (51.2%) had resided in the marginal areas for 1 to 10 years, with an average duration of 13.6 years. The average length of marriage for women was 12 years. Regarding marital satisfaction, the majority of women (64.6%) reported an average level of satisfaction. The research findings also indicated that about 3% of the surveyed women had a history of at least one induced abortion. Marital satisfaction was the only variable that demonstrated a statistically significant effect on the probability of induced abortion in this research. As marital satisfaction increased among women, the probability of abortion decreased. The coefficient of determination showed that the model used in this research can predict between 8.8% and 40.7% of the probability of induced abortion.
Conclusion: The findings of this research showed that none of the background variables and individual characteristics of women had a statistically significant effect on the probability of induced abortion. This result contradicted previous studies (5-12, 16) that demonstrated a significant relationship between economic, social, and demographic characteristics and the likelihood of induced abortion. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that marital satisfaction had a statistically significant effect on the probability of induced abortion. As marital satisfaction increased among women, the occurrence of abortion decreased. This finding aligns with the results of previous studies (16, 17, 19), each of which also found a significant impact of relationship and marital satisfaction on abortion. However, this finding was not confirmed in some other studies (18). Overall, the regression model used in this research was able to predict up to 40.7% of the possibility of induced abortion. Reducing induced abortion can lead to improved maternal health in society. Additionally, decreasing abortion rates can influence the current level of fertility in the country. Even in conditions of fertility below the replacement level, the influence of this factor, however small, can be significant. Based on the findings of this research and the aforementioned literature, it can be suggested that efforts to improve the quality of life and marital relations among couples can deter women from choosing induced abortion. Therefore, it is recommended that population policies, family support programs, and health policies pay serious attention to this important issue. Developing and implementing practical and operational programs before marriage to train women in managing marital conflicts can enhance the level of marital satisfaction. Furthermore, identifying couples with marital conflicts and providing counseling sessions can be other effective solutions in this domain.
 
     
Type of Study: Research | Subject: Community Medicine

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