Anabela Araújo Pedrosa

Sociodemographic, sexual, reproductive and relationship characteristics of adolescents having an abortion in Portugal: a homogeneous or a heterogeneous group?

Abstract Objectives: The aims of the study were to describe the sociodemographic, sexual, reproductive and relational characteristics of adolescents having an abortion in Portugal and to explore the differences between three adolescent age groups. Methods: We recruited a nationally representative sample of 224 adolescents (<16 years, n =  18; 16–17 years, n =  103; 18–19 years, n =  103) who had an abortion. Data were collected from 16 health care services that provide abortion. Results: The adolescents were predominantly single, were from non-nuclear families, had low-socioeconomic status and were students. Mean age at first sexual intercourse was 15 years and mean gynaecological age was 5 years. Most had had multiple sexual partners, and for most it was their first pregnancy. At conception, the majority were involved in a long-term romantic relationship, were using contraception but did not identify the contraceptive failure that led to the pregnancy. Significant age group differences were found. Compared with the younger age groups, the 18–19 year age group was more frequently married or living with a partner, had finished school, had attained a higher educational level (as had their partner), intended to go to university, and had a greater number of sexual partners. Compared with the other groups, those under 16 years of age reported earlier age at menarche and at first sexual intercourse, and had a lower gynaecological age. Conclusions: Our study characterises the life contexts of Portuguese adolescents who had an abortion. It highlights the need to recognise the heterogeneity of this group according to age. The findings have important implications for the development of age-appropriate guidelines to prevent unplanned pregnancy.

Eficácia de um protocolo de intervenção psicológica em situações de perda perinatal: A percepção das utentes

Resumen Context: The Psychological Intervention Unit (UnIP) developed a psychological intervention protocol for cases of perinatal loss, with the aim of promoting parental adjustment to perinatal loss in terms of acceptance of loss and resumption of normal life functioning. Aim: The goal of this study was to explore womens perceptions of the psychological intervention protocol (goal achievement, importance and usefulness). Method: Thirty- seven women, who received psychological intervention according to the protocol after the occurrence of a perinatal loss, participated in this descriptive-correlational study. Results: Results suggested that women perceived the intervention protocol as useful and effective in the attainment of its goals; this perception varied according to some characteristics of the intervention protocol. Results also showed that the psychological intervention protocol seemed to be more effective in promoting loss-focused coping than resumption of routines. Conclusion: Despite the benefits of the protocol, there is a gap in the encouragement of the alternating process between dimensions of loss-focused coping and coping focused on resumption of routines. Implications for the intervention protocol application are discussed.