2016 Volume 20 Issue 3 Pages 294-301
The purpose of this study was to investigate the major traumatic stress related to induced abortion care and their relationship with psychiatric responses among nurses and midwives. Questionnaire data were collected from 202 nurses and midwives working in induced abortion care and childbirth services between October 2011 and January 2012. The questionnaire included the Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R) and 7 stress factors. A multiple regression analysis was used. High scores were observed for factors related to the aborted fetus and patients' behavior or attitudes. In multiple regression analysis, the factor "thinking that the aborted fetus deserved to live," "difficulty in controlling emotions during abortion care" and "touching the aborted fetus for the purpose of measurement" were statistically significant predictors of psychological stress (IES-R total score). These factors explained 24.0% of the variance of responses. The high-risk post-traumatic stress disorder cases were defined as those scoring ≥25 on the 88-point IES-R, and the total number of such cases was 31 (15.3%). Induced abortion care is a significantly distressing event for some nurses and midwives. Organizations play an important role in decreasing distress, improving the work environment and support system for nurses, and providing appropriate directions for professionals working in this field.
