Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41219760›Full record

ArticleBMC women's health2025

Understanding women's physical and emotional experiences following medication abortion in china: a qualitative study using the writing express method.

Yanhong Du, Mengying Bai, Ying Chang, Waixiang Yuan, Yun Gao, Xiangfei Zhu, Wei Cheng, Liyan Wang, Shuyi Ling, Wenbo Wu and 1 more

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Article in BMC women's health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Yanhong Du *Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
Mengying Bai *The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.l, Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518033, China.
Ying ChangDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
Waixiang YuanDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
Yun GaoDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
Xiangfei ZhuDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
Wei ChengDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
Liyan WangDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
Shuyi LingThe Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.l, Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518033, China.
Wenbo WuThe Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.l, Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518033, China. wwb15870937687@163.com.
Yuehui ZhengThe Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.l, Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518033, China. yuehuizheng@163.com.

Funding

the Basic Research Scheme of Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission JCYJ20230807094815031
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveMedication abortion (MA) is legally accessible and commonly practiced in China; however, limited qualitative research has explored women's physical and emotional experiences in this context. Understanding these experiences is crucial for improving clinical care and social support. This study aimed to explore the physical and emotional responses of Chinese women following MA using the Writing Express Method.

methodsWe conducted a qualitative study involving 30 women who underwent MA between January and June 2023 at a tertiary hospital in southern China. Participants completed written narratives in response to six open-ended prompts. Data collection was continued until thematic saturation was achieved. Three independent researchers with clinical and qualitative training conducted reflexive thematic analysis. Data were managed and coded manually using Excel spreadsheets, and themes were developed through iterative discussion and consensus.

resultsParticipants reported diverse experiences organized into three domains of inquiry: (1) physical responses to MA, including pain, bleeding, and fatigue; (2) emotional reactions such as fear, sadness, guilt, and relief; and (3) coping strategies and sources of support. Most participants described moderate to severe pain and prolonged bleeding, while some reported minimal physical discomfort. Many women expressed feelings of guilt and self-blame, whereas a few described relief after the procedure. Sources of support included family, friends, and online resources, though some participants noted stigma and lack of professional counseling.

conclusionsWomen's physical and emotional experiences following MA in China are multifaceted and shaped by both biomedical and sociocultural factors. These findings highlight the need for integrating psychological support into post-abortion care and for public health initiatives aimed at reducing abortion-related stigma.

Indexed as

Abortion, InducedEmotionsAdaptation, PsychologicalAdultChinaFemaleHumansPregnancyQualitative ResearchSocial SupportWritingYoung AdultDecision-makingEmotional impactMedication abortionQualitative researchSide effectsWomen's experiencesWriting express method

Identifiers

PMID41219760
PMCPMC12607107

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.