Suchergebnisse

SummaryQuestions concerning their attitudes towards induced abortion in six different circumstances were asked of 1254 rural Thai married women, aged 15–44, in a 1972 nationwide fertility survey. A positive response was given to one or more of the questions by nearly three-fifths of the women; the largest proportion of positive responses (42·0%) was given by women if the pregnancy resulted from rape, and 40·1 % responded affirmatively if the pregnancy might endanger the health of the woman. The lowest proportions, but still nearly one-fifth of the women, were in favour of abortion if the couple do not want another child or if they cannot support another child. Responses are analysed in relation to the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the women and their husbands, to fertility and family planning experiences, and to the women's communication activities. Comparisons of the results are made with similar data from rural South Korea, rural US and suburban Thailand. The study suggests that positive attitudes towards induced abortion among Thai rural women reflect traditional values, not recent 'modernization' ones.

SummaryA retrospective study of 185 Thai males who had been vasectomized at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, between January 1970 and March 1973 was conducted during the period May–July 1973. At the time of the vasectomy the mean age of the men was 33·5 years and the mean age of their wives was 29·9 years; they had a mean of 3·7 living children. The motivation for seeking a permanent method of fertility control was a combination of adverse economic pressures, a degree of rationality in family building, and worry over additional pregnancies. Only a few of the men experienced any medical complications as a result of the operation, and the most significant factor associated with health was fatigue. Few changes in mental health, social relationships, or personal habits occurred as a result of the operation. Post-vasectomy changes in sexual relations were found to be minimal; if occurring at all, such changes were usually improvements. Taking into consideration the age of husband and wife, duration of marriage, and number of living children, the demographic impact of vasectomies in Thailand seems to be greater than that in other developing countries where comparisons can be made.