| Abstract [eng] |
The legalisation of medical abortion in Lithuania starting from 2023 is a significant step towards ensuring women's right to choice and access to modern and high-quality reproductive healthcare services. Despite this advancement, medical abortion remains a relatively new concept to many patients. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the opinions and awareness of Lithuanian women regarding medical abortion, considering their demographic characteristics. Additionally, it seeks to explore the factors influencing the choice of abortion method, evaluate the need for further education on women's reproductive health services, and provide an overview of scientific literature on medical abortion. Methods. An online survey was conducted in September 2023 targeting women aged 18-45 residing in Lithuania. Data were collected via Google Forms between September 2023 and February 2024, processed in Microsoft Excel, and statistically analysed using R Commander. Literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the keywords: medical abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, adverse effects, complications, with the inclusion criteria: publication date 2019 to 2024, publications in Lithuanian and English languages. Results. Data were collected from 355 women. Findings revealed that slightly over half of the respondents (57.5%) were aware of the abortion methods available in Lithuania, with 19 respondents (5.4%) having never heard of medical abortion. It was observed that as the age of the respondents decreased, price (p<0.001) and comfort (p=0.026) had a statistically significant greater influence on the choice between the abortion methods, while medical abortion was more likely to be chosen by younger women (p=0.034) and those with fewer pregnancies (p<0.001) and deliveries (p<0.001). Younger respondents were statistically significantly more likely to choose medical abortion due to lower cost (p<0.001). Women with a history of abortion were statistically significantly more likely to cite the lack of need for surgical intervention as an advantage of medical abortion (p=0.024), while younger respondents were more likely to cite the fact that medical abortion does not increase the risk of infertility, breast and other cancers (p<0.001). In terms of factors causing concern about medical abortion, younger respondents were statistically significantly more likely to mention less medical care (p=0.048) and shorter period of time to terminate the pregnancy (p=0.002). In addition, younger respondents (p=0.013) and those with less education (p=0.009) were statistically significantly more likely to express fear of unsuccessful abortion, while patients with no history of abortion were statistically significantly more likely to be concerned about possible complications of medical abortion (p=0.011). Finally, with increasing age, respondents were statistically significantly more likely to want more access to and information about medical abortion (p=0.002). Conclusions. Despite a majority of women being aware of medical abortion, it remains a source of concern for many. It is crucial to educate women about their options for abortion methods, assuring them that medical abortion is safe and does not have long-term negative effects on mental or physical health or future fertility. By providing comprehensive information and compassionate support throughout the decision-making and termination process, healthcare providers can alleviate the psychological distress associated with unplanned pregnancies and abortion, reducing the risk of post-abortion trauma. |
