Understanding factors influencing request for a repeat termination of pregnancy

• Published in: Health bulletin Vol. 59; no. 3; p. 193
• Main Authors: Tewari, S K, Diaz-Morales, O, Urquhart, D R, Mahmood, T A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland 01-05-2001
• Subjects: Abortion, Induced - utilization; Adult; Contraceptives, Postcoital; Family Planning Services; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Motivation; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women - psychology; Scotland; Scotland
• ISSN: 0374-8014

To assess factors influencing request for a termination of pregnancy (TOP).
A questionnaire based, prospective study of 150 women requesting a TOP. This questionnaire contained a modified version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).
Of the 150 women requesting a TOP, 100 were seeking a TOP for the first time and the remaining 50 had at least one TOP in the past.
Forty-five percent of women requesting termination of the first pregnancy were under the age of 20, 62% earned less than 10,000 Pounds per year and 12% did not use any form of contraception. Ninety-eight percent knew about emergency contraception but only 3% used it. The repeat termination group were older (only 24% under the age of 20). Fifty-five percent earned less than 10,000 Pounds per year, 15% did not use any contraception, 92% knew about emergency contraception but only 10% used it. Both groups were highly satisfied with the counselling, explanation about the procedure and future contraception advice. However, about 60% of women in both groups had suffered from mild to moderate depression as a consequence of termination.
This study confirms the need for easy availability of emergency contraception and emphasises the importance of education about contraception in general.