Experiences with Family Planning amongst Persons with Mental Health Problems: A Nationwide Patient Survey

Schonewille, Noralie; Eijnden, Monique J. van den van den M.; Jonkman, Nini H.; Kempen, Anne A. M. van van W.; Pampus, Maria van van G.; Goedhart, Francisca G.; Heuvel, Odile van den; Broekman, Birit F. P.

doi:10.3390/ijerph20043070

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Seventeen volunteers of the Dutch mental health umbrella organization MIND with self-reported psychiatric disorders were included. Participants were recruited from a sample of survey respondents ( n = 378) from MIND [ 5 ]. The survey was conducted to collect quantitative and qualitative information about family planning.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recent studies revealed that women with psychiatric disorders more often experience unintended pregnancies compared to counterparts without such vulnerability [ 1 – 3 ]. Moreover, childlessness is associated with having chronic illnesses, among which are psychiatric illnesses [ 4 , 5 ]. However, there is limited knowledge about contributing factors that shape family planning decision-making in women with psychiatric disorders [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Unintended pregnancies are particularly common among women with psychiatric disorders, reaching rates of up to 65% [ 5 , 16 ]. Aside from difficulties with planning, women with psychiatric disorders face elevated risks of psychiatric problems after pregnancy, leading to additional risks for adverse outcomes for both mothers and children [ 17 – 20 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Family planning decision-making in relation to psychiatric disorders in women: a qualitative focus group study

Ahmad,

Holtrop,

van den Eijnden

et al. 2024

Reprod Health

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Background Recent studies revealed an elevated likelihood of unintended pregnancies among women with psychiatric disorders compared to their counterparts without such vulnerability. Despite the importance of understanding family planning decision-making in this group, qualitative inquiries are lacking. This study explored family planning decisions among women with psychiatric disorders. Methods Utilizing a qualitative approach, three focus group discussions were conducted with purposive sampling: women with a history of unintended pregnancies (N = 3), women without children (N = 5), and women with a history of intended pregnancies (N = 9), all of whom had self-reported psychiatric disorders. Using thematic framework analysis, we investigated the themes “Shadow of the past,” reflecting past experiences, and “Shadow of the future,” reflecting future imaginaries, building upon the existing “Narrative Framework.” Results The Narrative Framework formed the foundation for understanding family planning among women with psychiatric disorders. The retrospective dimension of focus group discussions provided opportunities for reflective narratives on sensitive topics, revealing emotions of regret, grief and relief. Childhood trauma, adverse events, and inadequate parenting enriched the "Shadow of the past". The “Shadow of the present” was identified as a novel theme, addressing awareness of psychiatric disorders and emotions toward psychiatric stability. Social influences, stigma, and concerns about transmitting psychiatric disorders shaped future imaginaries in the shadow of the future. Conclusions This study enlightens how family planning decision-making in women with psychiatric disorders might be complex, as marked by the enduring impact of past experiences and societal influences in this sample. These nuanced insights underscore the necessity for tailored support for women with psychiatric disorders.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Family planning decision-making in relation to psychiatric disorders in women: a qualitative focus group study

Ahmad,

Holtrop,

van den Eijnden

et al. 2024

Reprod Health

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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The conversation about family planning and desire for children in mental healthcare: Patients' perspective versus Professionals' perspective in a mixed methods study

Schonewille,

van den Eijnden,

Sahin

et al. 2024

Acta Psychiatr Scand

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BackgroundReproductive health and mental health are intertwined, but studies investigating family planning needs and desire for children in mental healthcare are scarce.MethodsWe studied the experiences of (former) patients, those with close relationships with the (former) patients (close ones) and mental health professionals (MHP) on discussing family planning and desire for children in mental healthcare. We combined quantitative (two nationwide surveys) and qualitative data (four focus groups) in a mixed‐methods approach with sequential analytical design.ResultsCombined data from focus groups (n = 19 participants) and two surveys (n = 139 MHPs and n = 294 (former) patients and close ones) showed that a considerable group of MHPs (64.0%), patients (40.9%) and close ones (50.0%) found that family planning should be discussed by a psychiatrist. However, several obstacles impeded a conversation, such as fear of judgment, lack of time and knowledge and limited opportunity for in‐depth exploration of life themes in therapeutic relationships.ConclusionsTo increase the autonomy of patients in discussing family planning, we suggest MHPs explore the desire to discuss family planning with all patients in the reproductive phase of life, prior to discussing contraceptive care. MHPs should receive education about psychiatric vulnerability in relation to family planning and desire for children, and patients and close ones should be empowered to initiate a conversation themselves.

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Experiences with Family Planning amongst Persons with Mental Health Problems: A Nationwide Patient Survey

Cited by 2 publications

References 29 publications

Family planning decision-making in relation to psychiatric disorders in women: a qualitative focus group study

Family planning decision-making in relation to psychiatric disorders in women: a qualitative focus group study

The conversation about family planning and desire for children in mental healthcare: Patients' perspective versus Professionals' perspective in a mixed methods study

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