Anxiety for Support and Psychological Care of Women Experiencing Abortion

Abstract

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to produce materials concerning anxiety for support of women receiving induced abortion and need for psychological care through questionnaire survey. Subjects and Method : The survey was conducted from September 2003 through January 2004 at 15 clinics and hospitals. It was the anonymous questionnaire to be filled in by the women surveyed. One hundred subjects who replied both before and after induced abortion were analyzed. The contents include anxiety for support, desire to be supported, support provided and feeling of self respect. Results : The women received less support from doctors and nurses when they had strong concern about response and stigma. The support determinants identified in the survey are "responsiveness concern", "stigma concern" and "woman's desire to be supported". Conclusion : It is necessary to reduce concerns about response and stigma and to enhance "woman's desire to be supported" in creating environment where women can easily receive supports by doctors and nurses.