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Stage-Specific Psychological Distress, Coping, and Social Support among Women Undergoing Pregnancy Termination in Rwanda: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BackgroundTermination of pregnancy is a complex, emotionally charged experience. This study assessed psychological outcomes, including coping mechanisms and social support, among women undergoing pregnancy termination in Rwanda, aiming to identify predictors of psychological distress and resilience and to inform culturally sensitive, stage-specific interventions.MethodsA cross-sectional comparative design was employed among 305 women sampled once at different stages of the termination process (pre , peri , and post termination) across 11 district hospitals. Data were collected using validated instruments to measure distress, coping, and social support. Stage-specific comparisons were conducted using ANOVA (F tests), correlations, and linear regressions.ResultsThe peri‑termination phase emerged as the most emotionally vulnerable, with elevated stress (F = 6.12, p = 0.003), depression (F = 5.03, p = 0.008), declining self‑esteem (F = 3.78, p = 0.024), reduced adaptive coping (F = 2.45, p = 0.01), and lowest perceived support (F = 5.67, p = 0.01). Distress intensified into the post‑termination phase, where stress and depression peaked. Regression models confirmed perceived stress (β = .41, p < 0.001), maladaptive coping (β = .29, p < 0.001), and lower perceived social support (β = -.16, p = 0.004) as significant predictors of anxiety (R² = .52), and depression (R² = .49). Overall, 28% of participants reported moderate‑to‑severe anxiety, 25% reported moderate‑to‑severe depression, and 33% reported high stress.ConclusionFindings underscore the need for integrated emotional support and empathetic provider communication, alongside community-based interventions to reduce stigma, promote recovery, contribute to Rwanda’s maternal health strategy, and global efforts to humanize the service.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2025;8(3):650-668

Source: Rwanda Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences

DOI: 10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.16

Authors: Marie Grace Sandra Musabwasoni, Marie Klingberg-Allvin, Donatilla Mukamana, Stephen Rulisa, Oliva Bazirete

Institutions: University of Rwanda, Karolinska Institutet

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Health and Contraception

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7125976032

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