SRINAGARIND MEDICAL JOURNAL

Volume 35, No. 06, Month NOVEMBER, Year 2020, Pages 713 - 719

The effect of options counselling and factors associate with decision making on pregnancy options among unintended pregnant adolescents and youths

Kesorn Lao-unka, Orathai Seanbon, Jen Sothornwit, Somjit Muangpin

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Background and Objectives: An options counselling for unintended pregnant women is provided by Srinagarind hospital to support them to make their own choices. This study aimed to study the effects of options counselling and factors associate with decision making on pregnancy options among unintended pregnant adolescents and youths. Methods: A retrospective study over three years (2016-2019) was conducted. The data were retrieved from the medical records of unintended pregnant adolescents and youths who participated in the options counselling program at Srinagarind hospital. This study included pregnant adolescents and youths aged 24 years old and under. The sociodemographic data and decision making on pregnancy options were gathered and analyzed by the Fisher’s exact test. Results: Thirty-one of samples with average age was 17.9 years old (SD ±3.0). Eighty-four percent were students from high school and college. Almost 94 percent were primigravida. The average gestational age at first visit was 12 weeks and 6 days (SD ±7 weeks and 6 days). The pregnant adolescents and youths who decided either to continue a pregnancy to term or terminate a pregnancy were accounted for 38.7 and 61.3 percent, respectively. In addition, 58.4 percent of them decided to use the effective contraceptive methods. Gestational age at the first visit was associated with decision making on pregnancy options (Fisher’s exact test 9.54, df=1, p=0.007). Age, occupation, number of pregnancies, contraceptive methods and healthcare access (by herself or being referred) were not significantly associated with decision making on pregnancy options. Conclusion: Most of unintended pregnant women decided to terminate their pregnancies. The first visit was late for some women that could lead to delay receiving options counselling and minimize their choices. The release information of options counselling should be provided for all unintended pregnant women to promote healthcare accessibility within early trimester for reducing the crisis of unintended pregnancy.

Keywords

option counseling unintended pregnancy adolescent youth decision making

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