A life-saving endeavor: The meanings and strategies of coping in patients with ectopic pregnancy in Iran

Abstract

Abstract Aim of this study was to explore the experienced coping strategies by patients with an ectopic pregnancy in order to ameliorate the quality of treatment. This is a qualitative study based on a phenomenological tradition in which data were collected through semi-structured and in-depth phenomenological interviews with twenty-five married women, experienced ectopic pregnancy. Data were analyzed through an interpretative phenomenological analysis. “Life-saving endeavor” was the main theme that emerged from the participants’ experiences. It refers to a set of strategies used by women to cope with Ectopic Pregnancy. Life-saving endeavor consists of four subthemes, that is ‘submission to destiny’, ‘the blue sky after the storm’, ‘karma; the world’s supervisor’ and ‘setting foot on earth’. The results of this study reveal that women with ectopic pregnancy have implemented various strategies to cope with this complication of pregnancy, based on their life worldviews and beliefs. However, only those women who had a realistic angle to the disease were able to adapt to life again. As a result, accurate identification of these strategies and real comprehension of their life experiences by medical care providers, and applying positive experiences including a realistic attitude promotion to the other patients are recommended.