Multidisciplinary approach about contraception in a day hospital of mental health

Abstract

Background

Women with mental illness are a disadvantaged group both in terms of their gender and because of their mental disorders, and they experience serious problems related to reproductive health.

The high rates of unplanned and unwanted pregnancies among women with schizophrenia underscore the importance of understanding their attitudes and practices related to family planning. Different studies reveal that even though many sexually active women with serious mental illnesses do not want to become pregnant, they do not use birth control.

Objectives

Release last data about contraception methods among patients with severe mental illness after doing a bibliographical review. Also reflect present setup in Motril day hospital women patients and their relationship with sexuality and contraception. At the same time we intend to clarify and unify the proceedings on ethical problems respecting subject's autonomy, beneficence, qualification and minors’ protection.

Methods

Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and a questionnaire based on the literature and prepared by the researchers which was designed to determine the kinds of reproductive health issues the patients were experiencing.

Results

It was found that female patients with psychiatric disorders had more negative attributes with regard to contraception approach and sexuality compared with a corresponding healthy population.

Conclusions

We reached an agreement about future contraception approaches in Motril day hospital users as part of the global treatment offered in our section.

Motril

Hospital gynaecology service has facilitated the proceedings for contraceptive subcutaneous implants insertion in those indicated women.

Day hospital patients were instructed individually and through group work about healthy sexuality.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.