A study on depression in women with unwanted pregnancies receiving abortion services at Huai Rat Hospital, Buriram Province

…After the abortion, it was found that most service recipients had normal levels of depression. In the abnormal group, it was found that they had moderate to severe depression. This answers the research question that the depression levels after abortion for most service recipients were normal. When comparing depression levels before and after the abortion, it was found that most service recipients had reduced depression, indicating improved treatment outcomes. However, it was also found that 10.3% of service recipients had increased depression levels, similar to the study by Christensen et al., which found that 10.2% of unintended pregnant women had postpartum depression. Statistical tests showed that depression levels after receiving abortion services were significantly different from before receiving services (p <0.001) at a 95% confidence level. This answers the research question that the depression levels after receiving abortion services at the adolescent clinic, Huai Rat Hospital, significantly decreased as a result of various processes of abortion services, including counseling activities, psychotherapy services, and the resolution of unintended pregnancies, which is problem-solving for the service recipients.(Problem solving)

97.2% of service recipients felt that this service could solve their problems. However, when asked if they would recommend others with similar problems to receive abortion services, some service recipients responded that they would not recommend or were unsure, with a ratio of 1.2 to 1. Similarly, when considering those with improved treatment outcomes, when asked if they would recommend others with similar problems to receive abortion services, it was found that those who responded that they would recommend compared to those who would not recommend or were unsure had a ratio of 1.1 to 1.

This may be because these women feel that abortion is a loss and a secret, and society generally views abortion as sinful and immoral. As stated in the research findings of Kanokwan Tharawan (cited in Jatuporn Chaisuwan), some service recipients still feel depressed or guilty, which is an emotional reaction to loss (Vacarolis cited in Chawiwan Satyatham) similar to the period when taking the posttest. Service recipients are still hesitant to recommend or refuse to recommend because they do not want to feel more sinful.

In conclusion, women receiving abortion services at the adolescent clinic, Huai Rat Hospital, had stress and symptoms of depression before receiving services. After receiving services, it was found that service recipients had significantly reduced stress levels, with most having normal depression levels.