Women's General Knowledge Regarding Abortion: Impact of Counseling Based on PLISSIT Model

Research Abstract

Background: Pregnancy loss and abortion are psychologically impactful events leading to pain, hospitalization, social limitations, and lifestyle changes. Societal responses to abortion are influenced by religious, cultural, and psychosocial factors, and a woman's comprehension of abortion affects her access to safe reproductive health services. Post-abortion care counseling, utilizing frameworks like PLISSIT, assists women in making informed decisions by addressing psychological, emotional, and social complications, thereby enhancing their well-being and adaptation. Aim: The current study was conducted to evaluate women's general knowledge regarding abortion after implementation counseling based on PLISSIT model. Subjects and Methods: Design: A quasi-experimental (pre- and post-test) research design was used. Subjects & Settings: A convenient sample of 92 women who had abortions affiliated obstetrics & gynecology unit at Beni-Suef University Hospital. Tools: (1) structured interview questionnaire. (2) women's knowledge regarding abortion and management. (3) post-abortion counseling based on the PLISSIT model. Results: the mean age 28.13±5.824 years, 87% were married and 42.4% had intermediate education. Results proved satisfactory answers were among women’s aged 20-30 years. It revealed that 7.6% of the studied women pre-counseling improved to 54.3% satisfactory answer post implementation of counseling sessions. Moreover, 7.6% of studied women who married had satisfactory answer knowledge before the counseling which improved into 69.5% satisfactory answer post implementation of counseling sessions. Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, it was observed that there was no There was no statistically significant relation between the studied women’ total knowledge level and their age, marital status, and educational level. However, post counselling; satisfactory answers were more proven among young, married women who had intermediate education. Recommendations: Implement an educational counseling program based on PLISSIT and provide model for nurses to improve their knowledge to improve women's knowledge, so, they will be able to counseling for women after that.

Research Keywords

General Knowledge, Abortion, Counseling, PLISSIT Model