Weighing Distress: Decision-Making Surrounding Management of the Pregnancy Experience Among HIV-Infected Thai Women

Abstract

The researchers conducted this grounded theory study in order to describe the decision making surrounding management of the pregnancy experience of 38 pregnant, HIV-infected Thai women. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and an open-ended questionnaire, and they were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. We found that “weighing distress” was the core category of the decision-making process. The supporting categories were being ambivalent about continuing the pregnancy, exploring alternative options, and selecting the appropriate choice. Health care providers should encourage family members to participate and be involved in the women's decision-making processes.

This study was funded by Prince of Songkla University and the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council. The authors thank Associate Professor Diane W. Wardell, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Nursing, USA, for her guidance in data analysis. Special thanks also are extended to all participants.