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| Research article summary (published 29 Apr 2003): |
Decision making regarding multifetal reduction.
Full Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To identify salient variables that influence decision making regarding multifetal reduction (MFR) and describe their effect on individuals over time.
DESIGN:
Prospective, exploratory, descriptive design, using qualitative and quantitative methods.
SETTING:
Midwestern tertiary care center.
PARTICIPANTS:
A convenience sample of 11 consecutive consenting couples with triplet or higher-order pregnancies who elected to undergo MFR.
METHODS:
Semistructured audiotaped telephone interviews at three points:
(a) 2 weeks postreduction, (b) 6 weeks postpartum, and (c) 6 months postpartum; a demographic and marital adjustment questionnaire.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Themes identified by content analysis and compared via matrix analysis between males and females and at three points in time; trends in marital adjustment.
RESULTS:
Dominant variables influencing MFR decision making were risks associated with higher-order pregnancies and preservation of infants' and mothers' health. Most participants identified emotional issues, including moral and ethical dilemmas, as the most difficult aspect of reduction. Over time, participants reported feeling more positive about their decision; nonetheless, negative feelings emerged progressively.
CONCLUSIONS:
Risk aversion favored MFR decision making. Yet, both making and living with the decision were emotionally difficult for this sample. Interventions are needed to assist couples with this decision and its consequences.
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Author information
Author/s: Maifeld, Michelle (M); Hahn, Sandra (S); Titler, Marita G (MG); Mullen, Meredithe (M);
Affiliation: Center for Advanced Reproductive Care, Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care, College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA. michelle-maifeld(-atsign-)uiowa.edu
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Journal: Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing : JOGNN / NAACOG (J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs), published in United States. (Language: eng)
Reference: -2003 May-Jun; vol 32 (issue 3) : pp 357-69
Dates: Created 2003/05/30; Completed 2003/08/05; Revised 2006/11/15;
PMID: 12774878, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
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