Receiving care from health professionals: Perceptions and feelings of women who have undergone abortion

Abstract

This study attempts to identify perceptions and feelings of women who have undergone abortions, especially those related to the care of health professionals within a hospital. It is a qualitative and descriptive-exploratory research. The instruments for data collection were an open interview and recording a field diary. Data was collected in two occasions: during hospitalization and in homes. Five women who suffered respective spontaneous abortions were selected for this study. Thematic analysis was used in order to examine their testimonies, with the category to be cared for in a hospital: the perspective of women who have suffered abortion, which then divided into nine categories. Several feelings and perceptions were mentioned, including fear, nervousness, sadness, embarrassment, pain over the loss of the child, satisfaction with the care from health professionals, support, and security, among others. This study may contribute to health care professionals and students, in the sense of reflecting upon and qualifying assistance.