Recorded presentation

Z Harry Piotrowski, MS¹, Eric J. Keroack, MD², and Donald S. Childs, MD¹. (1) Care First Pregnancy Centers, 104 S.Michigan Avenue #610, Chicago, IL 60603, 708 4882331, zhp@sprynet.com, (2) A Woman's Concern Pregnancy Resource Centers, 1855 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, MA 02124

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy resource centers are increasingly adding the viewing of an ultrasound to counseling and education. The assumption is that, taken together, an ultrasound will change the mind of a pregnant women who intends to have an elective abortion..

PURPOSE: Describe (1) patient characteristics of pregnant women that are associated with changing and not changing their mind after viewing an ultrasound; (2) their different attitudes after viewing the ultrasound; (3) differences between abortion minded and abortion vulnerable patients; and (4) some of the methodologic challenges in social science quasi-experimental research in this area.

METHODS: From two independent quasi-experimental studies, describe the age, race/ethnicity, and marital status (living arrangement) among different groups among women who came to 6 Chicago (N=4,913) and 5 Boston (N=2,806) centers. Patients completed a questionnaire prior to leaving. Chi-square tests and logistic regressions will evaluate differences.

RESULTS: Focus will be on demographic and attitudinal differences between women who change and do not change their mind about an intended elective abortion. Report on logistic regression analyses suggesting that select patient characteristics are associated with change in intentions Discuss some of the issues around patient self-selection, alternative sampling designs, validity and reliability of patient self-report, and consequences of lost-to-follow-up when assessing different.

CONCLUSION: Issues around validity and reliability limit conclusions in quasi-experimental study designs in this area. However, our data provide support for the observation that the impact of an ultrasound is not uniform on all patients. thereby suggesting need for tailored educational strategies.

Learning Objectives:

• Increase participants knowledge about the type of patients and their attitudes about viewing an ultrasound in a pregnancy resource center.

Keywords: Pregnancy Outcomes, Abortion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Consultant, supported to conduct the evaluation study.

Recorded presentation