Exploring Behavioral Determinants of Women Who Had an Abortion in Java, Indonesia

¹ Department of Public Health Science, Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Malang, East Java, Indonesia
² Department of Biostatistics and Population Studies, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java, Indonesia
³ Independent Consultant, Jakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: arum.romadlona.fik@um.ac.id

Abstract

Stigma on abortion has limited the study of abortion in several countries, including Indonesia. Understanding factors of abortion can improve programs and policies aimed at increasing women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, especially abortion. This study aims to draw a picture of the behavioral determinants of women who had abortions.

This cross-sectional study utilized data from a community-based survey of 8,969 randomly selected women aged 15-49 in six provinces in Java. Data were collected via an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, collecting information on socio-demographic characteristics, experience using contraception, pregnancy, abortion, partner violence, and other issues related to reproductive health. Structural Equation Modeling Analysis was used to get an overview of the structural determinants of women who had abortions based on the concept of Integrated Behavioral Model Theory.

Model fit with RMSEA value = 0.037, CFI = 0.924, and SRMR =0.048. Intention shows the most significant direct effect on abortion. The experience of physical and sexual violence, the attitude toward the impact of ending pregnancy, and the lack of contraception knowledge have a direct effect on increasing the intention to have an abortion.