Thesis (M.S.)--Auburn University, 2008. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 69-77).

M.A. / The aim of this study was to ascertain which variables affect and influence women when making choices in unplanned pregnancy. In addition, to determine if there were any significant differences between the pregnancy and termination of pregnancy (TOP) group, indicating a specific profile for the respective group. Comparatively little research has been conducted on unplanned pregnancy and abortion within South Africa, as compared with international studies. Future longterm studies are recommended. The research conducted was of a quantitative quasi-experimental research design, wherein the researcher compared the following variables between the two groups: Biographic/demographic data, Personality Styles, perceived Family Environments and Coping Resources. Subjects were not randomly assigned, but selected by the nursing staff and researcher. Statistical analysis reflected that the two groups differed significantly on four variables. The majority of women in the TOP group were found to be the sole earners within their families. Conversely, women in the pregnancy group had more financial resources and lower levels of employment. A lack of sufficient finances was shown to be the strongest determining factor for those electing abortions. A compounding factor, were the nature of the relationships from where conception arose, 71% of the women who elected abortion described difficulties with the partnerin- conception. These included poor relationships due to excessive drinking, extramarital affairs, disinterest in the pregnancy, subsequent abandonment and divorce. Although the two groups had similar profiles in terms of the religious variable, many of the women who elected to remain pregnant, cited religion and/or their beliefs as the primary reason for continuing their pregnancies. In contrast, the TOP group reported a higher level of conflict within their family of origin, compared to the pregnancy group. IV No underlying pathology was found to exist in the group electing terminations, with both groups presenting similar personality styles. The two groups were also found to use comparable coping skills and resources. This research indicates, that most of the women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy based their decisions to abort on external variables; such as their relationships, financial position and religious beliefs. Studies indicate that these women are more likely to experience deleterious consequences, than those who make this decision based on their own personal needs. Many of these women made their decisions based on limitations not preference. This study may be considered to show important findings, as it reflects the need for effective pre- and post-abortion intervention/counselling services, which should be easily accessible to the public. The psychological well-being of the individual is critical for the overall well-being of the community, and ultimately therefore, society.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1982. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-102).

<p>The overall aim of this thesis was to examine the adoption of emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) in Sweden. Two cross-sectional surveys and two quasi-experimental studies were used. Reasons for induced abortion, contraceptive practices and contraceptive failure were examined in a group of abortion applicants with a waiting-room questionnaire (I) and knowledge, use and practices of ECP were assessed with a postal questionnaire in a population-based sample of young women (II). One community-based information campaign was evaluated with a repeated postal questionnaire (III) and a school-based education intervention was evaluated with repeated class-room questionnaires (IV). Abortion applicants had inadequate contraceptive practices and a low use of ECP. One year after the deregulation of ECP women were highly aware of the method and preferred the pharmacy for the purchase of ECP. Correct knowledge and positive attitudes influenced the willingness to use ECP in the future. The information campaign was noticed by two-thirds of the women and there was an overall trend towards better knowledge, improved attitudes and increased use among all women at follow-up. The school-based intervention improved the students’ knowledge of, and attitudes to, ECP without jeopardizing condom use. The adoption of ECP in Sweden seems to have gone through the first stages of diffusion of an innovation, i.e., developement, dissemination, and adoption, and has reached the stage of implementation since the studies indicated a general awareness of more than 90%, an intention to use in case of need of more than 70%, and womens’ own experience of use of around 30%. The most cited information channels were media, friends and the local Youth Clinic. ECP is gradually becoming a more widely known, accepted and used contraceptive method in Sweden, but must be considered as being only one of many tools in the prevention of unintended pregnancies.</p>

The overall aim of this thesis was to examine the adoption of emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) in Sweden. Two cross-sectional surveys and two quasi-experimental studies were used. Reasons for induced abortion, contraceptive practices and contraceptive failure were examined in a group of abortion applicants with a waiting-room questionnaire (I) and knowledge, use and practices of ECP were assessed with a postal questionnaire in a population-based sample of young women (II). One community-based information campaign was evaluated with a repeated postal questionnaire (III) and a school-based education intervention was evaluated with repeated class-room questionnaires (IV). Abortion applicants had inadequate contraceptive practices and a low use of ECP. One year after the deregulation of ECP women were highly aware of the method and preferred the pharmacy for the purchase of ECP. Correct knowledge and positive attitudes influenced the willingness to use ECP in the future. The information campaign was noticed by two-thirds of the women and there was an overall trend towards better knowledge, improved attitudes and increased use among all women at follow-up. The school-based intervention improved the students’ knowledge of, and attitudes to, ECP without jeopardizing condom use. The adoption of ECP in Sweden seems to have gone through the first stages of diffusion of an innovation, i.e., developement, dissemination, and adoption, and has reached the stage of implementation since the studies indicated a general awareness of more than 90%, an intention to use in case of need of more than 70%, and womens’ own experience of use of around 30%. The most cited information channels were media, friends and the local Youth Clinic. ECP is gradually becoming a more widely known, accepted and used contraceptive method in Sweden, but must be considered as being only one of many tools in the prevention of unintended pregnancies.

Thesis (Dr. P.H.)--University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 2001. / Supervisor: Beth E. Quill. Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 62-09, Section: B, page: 3993. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-146).