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Research: HOCHSTRASSER (No affiliat
Listed in Issue 43
Abstract
HOCHSTRASSER (No affiliation provided) conducted a study which investigated pregnant women cared for and treated by physicians specialised in homoeopathy with pregnant women cared for and treated by mainstream gynaecologists.
Background
Methodology
120 pregnant women treated by homoeopathic physicians and 85 pregnant women treated by mainstream gynaecological physicians participated in this study. Quality of life was assessed twice during pregnancy and once shortly following delivery, using SEIQoL (Schedule for the Evaluation of Individualised Quality of Life). This study also registered individual personality characteristics, the psychological situation, attitude towards the forthcoming delivery and functional state prior to and following delivery.
Results
Women from the homoeopathic group judged their quality of life lower than the women from the mainstream group, although their criteria for medical decisions and for the assessment of their own personal situation differed as well. There was some correlation between quality of life and age, number of deliveries, partnership and certain personality characteristics.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated the importance of paying more attention to the subjective world of the pregnant woman. This applies particularly in an analysis of 2 dissimilar therapeutic systems. SEIQoL was a useful instrument for such a study. The 2 populations investigated turned out to be different.
References
Hochstrasser B. Quality of life of pregnant women in homeopathic or mainstream medical type of care and the course of the pregnancy. Forschende Komplementarmedizin. 6(1): 23-5 Feb 1999.