Comparing Pain and Psychological Distress in Women Undergoing Abortion
Author Information
Author(s): Suliman Sharain, Ericksen Todd, Labuschgne Peter, de Wit Renee, Stein Dan J, Seedat Soraya
Primary Institution: MRC Research Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch
Hypothesis
Women who received intravenous sedation would have significantly less pain, PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms compared to those who received local anaesthesia.
Conclusion
The type of anaesthetic for the termination procedure does not seem to impact long-term outcomes, but women who receive intravenous sedation report less pain and dissociation immediately after the procedure.
Supporting Evidence
- Women who received intravenous sedation reported significantly less pain than those who received local anaesthesia.
- High rates of PTSD were observed in women who underwent surgical abortions.
- Women receiving local anaesthesia experienced more severe acute reactions immediately post-termination.
Takeaway
This study looked at how different types of pain relief during abortion affect women's feelings afterward. It found that the type of pain relief doesn't change how women feel in the long run, but those who had sedation felt less pain right away.
Methodology
155 women were assessed on pain, cortisol levels, and psychological distress before, immediately after, and at 1 and 3 months post-procedure.
Potential Biases
Participants self-selected their anaesthetic type, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
High attrition rate, non-randomized design, and variations in cortisol sample collection times.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 25.4 years, with 34% aged 16 to 21; most were of mixed ethnicity and living with a partner.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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