Self-management of medical abortion

A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

Datos Bibliográficos

ID3972981
AutoresMegan Wainwright (0000-0001-9584-9944, University of Cape Town), C J Colvin (0000-0002-8930-7863, University of Cape Town), Alison Swartz (0000-0002-4021-9838, University of Cape Town), Natalie Leon (0000-0001-9392-3426, South African Medical Research Council)
Año2016
Volumen24
Número47
Páginas155-167
Fecha de publicación2016-01-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaReproductive Health Matters (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0968-8080 • E-ISSN: 1460-9576
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1016/j.rhm.2016.06.008
PMID27578349
OpenAlexW2475822691
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas19
Referencias citadas40

Medical abortion is a method of pregnancy termination that by its nature enables more active involvement of women in the process of managing, and sometimes even administering the medications for, their abortions. This qualitative evidence synthesis reviewed the global evidence on experiences with, preferences for, and concerns about greater self-management of medical abortion with lesser health professional involvement. We focused on qualitative research from multiple perspectives on women's experiences of self-management of first trimester medical abortion (<12weeks gestation). We included research from both legal and legally-restricted contexts whether medical abortion was accessed through formal or informal systems. A review team of four identified 36 studies meeting inclusion criteria, extracted data from these studies, and synthesized review findings. Review findings were organized under the following themes: general perceptions of self-management, preparation for self-management, logistical considerations, issues of choice and control, and meaning and experience. The synthesis highlights that the qualitative evidence base is still small, but that the available evidence points to the overall acceptability of self-administration of medical abortion. We highlight particular considerations when offering self-management options, and identify key areas for future research. Further qualitative research is needed to strengthen this important evidence base

Abortion · Family medicine · Gynecology · Pregnancy · Qualitative research · Sociology · Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Reproductive Health and Contraception · Reproductive Health and Technologies · Social Psychology