Factors Related to and the Consequences of the Termination of Pregnancy at the Umtata General Hospital, Eastern Cape

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors related to and the consequences of the termination of pregnancy (TOP) among women who underwent the termination of pregnancy procedure at Umtata General Hospital, using Miller's (1992) abortion decision model. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the participants. Only those women who had undergone TOP at the gynaecological clinic of the hospital during November and December 2000 and were willing to talk about their experience were included. Ninety-eight women expressed a willingness to participate. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Responses were recorded using a pen-and-paper method. Data were analysed using SPSS and thematic analysis. The findings were interpreted using Miller's (1992) abortion decision model. The women who participated came from different age groups, marital status, and educational levels. The findings revealed that the women's decision to go for TOP was related to a lack of preparedness for childbearing, age, marital status, relationship problems, and lack of financial resources and support. Anticipated parental support and perceived support from friends were associated with more favourable reactions to undertaking TOP.