Abstract

GOMEZ LAVIN, Carmen; UROZ MARTINEZ, Victoria  and  ZAPATA GARCIA, Ricardo. Precedents of induced abortion in women with post-abortion syndrome. Salud(i)ciencia [online]. 2018, vol.23, n.1, pp.27-33. ISSN 1667-8682.

Abstract Introduction: The aims of the present work were to study the circumstances and motives preceding induced abortion in a sample of women with post-abortion syndrome (PAS), and based on these circumstances and motives, to establish the clues for a prevention strategy. Methodology: Factors preceding abortion were retrospectively studied through a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire in a series of 52 PAS patients. Results: Most patients were Spanish (72.5%), single (74%), childless (79%), with post compulsory and/or higher education levels (82%). Mean age of their first sexual intercourse was 18.2 years. Forty-two per cent of the patients were using contraceptives when they became pregnant. Patients' mean age when abortion was performed was 25.3 years. Depression had been suffered by 44% of women and 67% had a serious life event in the year prior to the abortion. The most frequent motives for having the abortion were: pressure from the partner (44%), changes in personal projects (38%), and lack of economic resources (35%). Half of the sample (49%) reported lack of freedom to decide and 56% said they had no real wish to have the abortion. Conclusions: Previous psychopathology, life problems, the reported motives for the abortion and pressure from the partner were seen to be factors influencing the decision to have the abortion, as well as being key targets of intervention on preventing abortion and its psychopathological sequels.

Keywords : induced abortion; prevention; post-abortion syndrome; contraceptive methods; unwanted pregnancy.

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