Measuring, Comparing, and Predicting Knowledge Related to Reproductive Healthcare in the United States

Abstract

<p>This study explores public knowledge of US reproductive healthcare policies through the measurement, comparison, and prediction of different knowledge items. The topic is important since previous research links knowledge to support for reproductive freedom (Buyuker et al. 2023; Jozkowski et al. 2023), and little research has been done on predicting reproductive healthcare policy knowledge. In April 2024, a representative sample of 775 Americans were surveyed. Employing descriptive statistics, statistical measurement techniques, and logistic regression, the study analyzed knowledge across four questions related to reproductive healthcare. Findings reveal significant gaps in knowledge about current events. Despite topical similarities, the questions lack statistical interrelation, challenging the prospects for latent measures of policy knowledge. Further, diverse predictors for each knowledge question suggest the need for nuanced educational campaigns tailored to specific knowledge items and demographic groups or attitudinal positions. This research initiates inquiry into the public’s understanding of governmental actors’ roles in reproductive healthcare policies.<br></p>