Publication:

Factors associated with the knowledge and attitudes of the population of Parakou towards law no. 2021-12 on abortion in Benin in 2024

Background Law 2021-12 was passed in Benin to address unsafe abortions. This study aimed to study the knowledge and attitudes of the population of Parakou regarding Law No. 2021-12 in Benin.

Methods This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with a prospective design. All individuals aged 18 years or older, residing in Parakou, who gave informed consent were included. Those who did not consent, those suffering from a psychological condition, those who did not complete the questionnaire, and those without consent were excluded. The data collected by Epi Data 3.1 and processed by Microsoft Word 2016 were analyzed by Epi Info 7.1.3.3. Central tendency and dispersion parameters, the chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test were used.

Results There were 444 participants included and 10 excluded. The average age was 28.55±11.90 years, with extremes of 18 and 76 years. A total of 307 (70.74%) were aware of the law, 46.65% had a favourable opinion, and 29.7% had a favourable attitude. Age (p=0.011); level of education (p=0.0000); marital status (p=0.023), ethnicity (p=0.000), religion (p=0.0004); and profession (p=0.001) were significantly associated with poor knowledge of the new law. Ethnicity (p=0.0000), having been pregnant (p=0.001), and having had an abortion (p=0.000) were significantly associated with a negative attitude.

Conclusions The knowledge and attitudes of the population of Parakou regarding Law No. 2021-12 in Benin in 2024 need to be improved through information and outreach.