Themes in Abortion Forum Discussions in a Restrictive Access Context: Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses

Area of Science:

• Medical Sociology
• Public Health
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Abortion is a common global medical procedure, yet access is restricted in many countries, including Poland.
• Restricted access leads women to seek unsafe abortions, risking severe health complications like poisoning, bleeding, and infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively identify key themes and analyze issues faced by individuals seeking abortions.
• To quantitatively determine the prevalence of these issues through forum analysis.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 13,397 responses from 370 threads across 4 popular abortion forums.
• Qualitative thematic analysis followed by manual quantitative analysis by two independent researchers.

Main Results:

• "Abortion Process Progression" was the most discussed theme, indicating a high demand for information, emotional support, and medical guidance.
• The need for mental support (18.3%) and concerns about termination effectiveness (9.4%) were prevalent topics.
• Anxiety, fear, and isolation were significant issues, underscoring the need for holistic care and support networks.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for enhanced information and support for women undergoing abortions, particularly in regions with restricted access.
• Addressing multifaceted challenges requires policy changes and strengthened support systems to improve women's health and rights.
• Further research is recommended to refine and expand support strategies for individuals seeking gynecological care in abortion contexts.