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Women's Perceptions (women + perception)
Selected AbstractsChildbearing Women's Perceptions of Nursing Care That Promotes DignityJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 4 2004Rachel Matthews RN Objective: To gain an understanding of the perceptions of childbearing women about the maintenance of dignity while laboring and giving birth. Design: Descriptive qualitative study. Setting: A university community in the western United States. Patients/Participants: Twenty low-risk primiparous women who had recently given birth to healthy term neonates. Main Outcome Measures: Semistructured audio-taped interviews were conducted in the homes of participants using an interview guide. Results: The following themes were identified: (a) nurses played a pivotal role in preserving dignity during childbirth, (b) women appreciated feeling valued and respected, and (c) dignity was enhanced by nursing care that gave women their preferred level of control. Conclusion: Nursing behaviors that demonstrate valuing and respect of childbearing women are essential in preserving the quality of the birth experience. [source] Scaling the Socioeconomic Ladder: Low-Income Women's Perceptions of Class Status and OpportunityJOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES, Issue 4 2003Heather E. Bullock This study examined how 69 low-income women enrolled in an educational training program perceived social class and upward mobility. Participants identified their social class during childhood, their current status, and their anticipated post graduate status. Beliefs about income inequality and attributions for wealth and poverty were also assessed. Respondents expected to achieve middle class status and perceived higher education as a route to upward mobility, although the accessibility of post-secondary programs was questioned. Consistent with previous research involving low-income groups (Bullock, 1999; Kluegel & Smith, 1986), structural attributions for poverty and wealth were favored over individualistic causes. Also, respondents perceived income inequality as unjust. The construction of class identity and implications for class-based mobilization are discussed. It [the American dream] means the opportunity to go as far in life as your abilities will take you. Anyone in America can aspire to be a doctor, a teacher, a police officer or even, as Oprah said, a President. But you can't get any of those important jobs if you don't have the opportunity to acquire the skills you need , . And that's why I believe that the key to the American Dream is education. ,,,,,Former President George Herbert Walker Bush, 1997 [source] Childbearing in U.S. Military Hospitals: Dimensions of Care Affecting Women's Perceptions of Quality and SatisfactionBIRTH, Issue 1 2005Erica M. Harriott MHSA Information is lacking about how well the military health system has adopted patient-centered approaches for promoting individual choice and preference in a bureaucratically structured military hospital. The purpose of this study was to examine women's evaluations of maternity care with respect to decision-making, confidence, trust in health care providers, and treatment within the military hospital. Methods: The Department of Defense Inpatient Childbirth Survey was mailed to a simple stratified random sample of beneficiaries who received maternity care at a military hospital between July 1 and September 30, 2001. Data for 11 dimensions of women's care and experiences were examined from self-reported assessments of 2,124 respondents who gave birth at one of 44 military hospitals. A multiple logistic regression model was estimated to determine which dimensions of care predicted beneficiaries' likelihood to recommend the military hospital to family and friends. Result: Less than 50 percent of respondents would recommend the military hospital to family and friends. Significantly associated with women's willingness to recommend their specific military hospital to others were courtesy and availability of staff, confidence and trust in provider, treatment with respect and dignity, information and education, physical comfort, involvement of friends and family, continuity and transition, and involvement in decision-making. Conclusions: In a military population, obstetric patients who are treated with respect, courtesy, and dignity, are involved in decisions about their care, and have established trusting relationships with their practitioners are significantly more likely to recommend the military hospital to others. It is important for military health care leaders to establish a proactive program of patient-centered maternity care. Continuous care, education, support services, and a multidisciplinary approach should be integrated to retain and recapture obstetric patients who are served in military hospitals in the United States. [source] Women With Primary Antibody Deficiencies Requiring IgG Replacement Therapy: Their Perception of Prenatal Care During PregnancyJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 5 2004Susanne Hansen RN Objective: To investigate how a group of women with primary antibody deficiencies (PAD) and receiving replacement therapy with IgG experienced the care they received in their prenatal clinics in relation to PAD and IgG therapy. Design: An exploratory study using a written questionnaire. Setting: The study originates from an immunodeficiency unit but evaluates care experienced at prenatal clinics. Participants: Nine women (25,43 years) attending an immunodeficiency unit and who fulfilled inclusion criteria for simultaneously having PAD, replacement IgG therapy, and full-term pregnancy (the latter within the past 5 years). Main outcome: Women's perception of the response of midwives and physicians at their prenatal clinics to their PAD and IgG therapy during pregnancy. Results: Women perceived that the obstetricians and the midwives had insufficient knowledge about PAD and IgG replacement therapy. Two women reported that their IgG therapy during pregnancy had been questioned. All nine women felt marginalized and unheard by staff regarding their PAD and need for IgG therapy. However, the women were satisfied with the checkups regarding the pregnancy as such. Conclusions: This study is the first attempt to investigate the prenatal experience of women with PAD (Search of PubMed, 1980 to present, including search terms primary immunodeficiency, pregnancy, and prenatal care). This study demonstrates that increased knowledge about PAD and IgG replacement therapy among midwives and physicians working in prenatal care clinics is needed. This can prevent misleading advice that puts the health of the mother and her fetus at risk. Sensitizing staff about this special group of women can create conditions in which women feel respected, heard, and satisfied with their prenatal care. [source] Women's perceptions and experiences of a traumatic birth: a meta-ethnographyJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 10 2010Rakime Elmir elmir r., schmied v., wilkes l. & jackson d. (2010) Women's perceptions and experiences of a traumatic birth: a meta-ethnography. Journal of Advanced Nursing,66(10), 2142,2153. Abstract Aim., This study presents the findings a meta-ethnographic study reporting women's perceptions and experiences of traumatic birth. Background., Childbirth is viewed by many as a life transition that can bring a sense of accomplishment. However, for some women, birth is experienced as a traumatic event with a minority experiencing post-traumatic stress. A traumatic birth experience can have a significant impact on the physical and emotional well-being of a woman, her infant and family. Data source., The CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus and PubMed databases were searched for the period January 1994 to October 2009 using the keywords birth trauma, traumatic birth, qualitative research, birth narrative and birth stories. Review methods., A meta-ethnographic approach was used. Quality appraisal was carried out. An index paper served as a guide in identifying particular findings and comparing them with other findings. This ,reciprocal translation' process started with a search for common themes, phrases and metaphors. Results., Ten qualitative studies were included in the final sample. Six major themes were identified: ,feeling invisible and out of control', ,to be treated humanely', ,feeling trapped: the reoccurring nightmare of my childbirth experience', ,a rollercoaster of emotions', ,disrupted relationships' and ,strength of purpose: a way to succeed as a mother'. Conclusions., It is evident that a small percentage of women experience a traumatic birth. Although some women who experience a traumatic birth do not necessarily have physical or psychological adverse outcomes, others identify a significant personal impact. Healthcare professionals must recognize women's need to be involved in decision-making and to be fully informed about all aspects of their labour and birth to increase their sense of control. [source] Women's perceptions of chemotherapy-induced cognitive side affects on work ability: a focus group studyJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 9-10 2010Fehmidah Munir Aims and objectives., To investigate women's awareness of chemotherapy-induced cognitive changes, their perception of cognitive limitations in carrying out daily tasks and subsequent return to work decisions and perceptions of work ability. Background., Evidence suggests that women diagnosed with breast cancer experience cognitive changes as a consequence of chemotherapy treatment. Although these changes tend to be subtle deficits in memory, concentration and the ability to organise information, there has been no published research identifying how they can impact patient's ability to work and subsequent employment decisions. Design., This was a qualitative study. Method., Data were collected from breast cancer survivors using semi-structured interviews with two focus groups (n = 6, n = 7). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using template analysis. Results., Data were categorised into four main themes: (1) awareness of cognitive changes during and following chemotherapy, (2) cognitive ability and confidence in return to work, (3) impact of cognitive changes on work ability and (4) information on the cognitive side effects of chemotherapy. Conclusions., The views and experiences of breast cancer survivors towards returning to work and subsequent work ability were affected by chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment. More specifically the appraisal of returning to work and ability to manage work were influenced by three interrelated factors: (1) actual cognitive ability following chemotherapy, (2) awareness of cognitive failures by the women and their families and (3) the subsequent impact on their confidence in carrying out daily tasks including work tasks. Relevance to clinical practice., More information and support is needed to help patients with cancer to manage chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairments in home and workplace. Nurses are increasingly asked about the impact of cancer and its treatment on work and are therefore well positioned to offer this advice. Subsequently, nurses require additional knowledge and guidance to provide this information and support. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,COUPLES' SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a Shared Sexual Concern of Couples I: Couple Conceptions of EDTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2009William A. Fisher PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be regarded as a shared sexual concern with a significant negative impact on both patients and their partners. Aim., The current research sought to explore the degree of concordance or divergence of couple members' perceptions of the specific functional impairments characterizing the man's ED, and the concordance or discordance of their attitudes, beliefs and experiences about the male partner's erectile difficulty. Methods., Questionnaires were sent to partners of men who participated in the Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (MALES) 2004 study, who consented to their partner's involvement. A modified version of the questionnaire used in the MALES study was employed, adapted to reflect the female partner's perspective. Questionnaire responses were analyzed in relation to responses provided by male study participants. Main Outcome Measure., A 65-item questionnaire assessing women's perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes regarding aspects of ED. Results., High levels of concordance between couple members were observed across almost all items. Women's perceptions of both the specific functional impairments characterizing their partner's ED and the frequency of the partner's erection difficulty were strongly associated with assessments the men themselves had made. Significant associations were also observed between couple members' responses relating to their beliefs about the causes of ED, effects of ED on the relationship, communication about ED, finding a solution to ED, and attitudes toward medication. A number of specific male,female discordant perceptions and attitudes were also identified. Conclusions., Findings of this study demonstrate a high degree of concordance in couple members' perceptions of the male partner's ED, and in their attitudes and beliefs about ED. Specific instances of discordance between couple members may contribute to treatment avoidance or couple conflict. Fisher WA, Eardley I, McCabe M, and Sand M. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a shared sexual concern of couples I: Couple conceptions of ED. J Sex Med 2009;6:2746,2760. [source] Women's perceptions of decision-making about hysterectomyBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 2 2004Z. Skea Objective To explore women's views of decision-making relating to hysterectomy. Design Structured questionnaire and in-depth interview surveys. Setting A teaching hospital and a district general hospital in northeast Scotland. Sample Women scheduled for hysterectomy for benign menstrual problems. Methods Pre-operative questionnaires were sent to a consecutive sample of women booked for hysterectomy. A purposive sample was interviewed post-operatively. Main outcome measures Women's experiences of, and satisfaction with, information provision, communication and decision-making processes; the relationship between views of decision-making processes and decisions made. Results One hundred and four women (66%) returned questionnaires. Most responded positively to structured questions about the process by which the decision to have a hysterectomy was reached. Almost all (97%) reported satisfaction with the decision made. Twenty women were interviewed post-operatively. A number, including some who had responded positively on the questionnaire, described aspects of the decision-making process that were suboptimal. Women's perceptions of the decision-making process, including the way their doctors communicated with them, did impinge on their views of the course of action selected. Some women had residual doubts about the appropriateness of hysterectomy. Conclusions In a significant minority of women, there are important shortcomings in current patterns of information provision and communication relating to decision-making. These are unlikely to be picked up by conventional structured patient feedback surveys. Further efforts are required to ensure that women are adequately informed and involved in decisions about gynaecological treatments. [source] African American Women's Satisfaction with the Design and Marketing of Ready-to-Wear ClothingFAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES RESEARCH JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009Nora M. MacDonald The African American market has increased in terms of percentage of the United States population and income, with purchasing power estimated at more than $800 billion. This pilot study assessed older African American women's perception of how well their clothing needs were being met using focus group discussion methodology. The primary objective was to determine African American women's satisfaction with marketing clothing, clothing fit, cultural dress, and accessories. The dress-body clothing purchase decision-making factors model was used as the theoretical framework. Thirty-two African American women from the Charleston, West Virginia, area participated in the study. Results indicated dissatisfaction with the portrayal of African American females in targeted advertisements and the fit of clothing. Suggestions are provided to overcome these reservations. [source] Smoking during pregnancy: analysis of influencing factors using the Theory of Planned BehaviourINTERNATIONAL NURSING REVIEW, Issue 3 2010M. Ben Natan phd BEN NATAN M., VIKTORIA G. & SHAMRAI V. (2010) Smoking during pregnancy: analysis of influencing factors using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. International Nursing Review57, 388,394 Aim:, To investigate factors affecting women's intention to smoke during pregnancy. Design:, A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study, employing the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Methods:, A questionnaire that was constructed based on a literature review of research on smoking during pregnancy and on the TPB was administered to 201 Israeli female smokers aged 19,46. Descriptive, correlational and linear regression statistics were calculated. Results:, Behavioural attitudes (women's total appraisal of smoking during pregnancy), subjective norms (women's perception of the opinion of significant others regarding the specific behaviour) and perceived behavioural control (women's total appraisal of their control of the behaviour and perceived ease or difficulty of quitting smoking during pregnancy) were found to predict women's intention to smoke during pregnancy. Conclusions:, Nursing interventions guided by the TPB constructs may help Israeli women quit smoking during pregnancy and reduce the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy. [source] Media Influences on Attitudes and Perceptions Toward the Body Among Adult Men and WomenJOURNAL OF APPLIED BIOBEHAVIORAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2007Marita P. McCabe The current study investigated media influences on men's and women's body perception. Participants were 60 men and 60 women. Men overestimated their chest, waist, and thighs and underestimated their hips. Women overestimated the size of all body parts. Men's and women's perception of their body was not predicted by media exposure or attitudes to the media. Both men's and women's ideal body was different from their current bodies. Attitudes and exposure to the media predicted men's (but not women's) perceptions of the ideal body held by the media, as well as both men's and women's ideal chest and waist. These findings suggest that the media has an impact on the ideal body size of both men and women. [source] Black, Hispanic, and White Women's Knowledge of the Symptoms of Acute Myocardial InfarctionJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 4 2005Cynthia Arslanian-Engoren Objective: To examine Black, Hispanic, and White women's knowledge of the symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. Design: Descriptive, nonexperimental design. Setting: Detroit, Michigan, and San Antonio, Texas, metropolitan areas. Participants: A convenience sample of 78 ethnically diverse women. Hispanics (n = 26) were recruited from San Antonio, Texas; Blacks (n = 26) were recruited from Detroit, Michigan; and Whites were recruited from San Antonio, Texas (n = 13), and Detroit, Michigan (n = 13). Main Outcome Measures: Participants ranked 10 acute symptoms they believed represented a myocardial infarction: anxiety, arms ache, change in thinking, chest pain, cough, fatigue, decreased appetite, headache, indigestion, and shortness of breath. Next, participants assigned a likelihood score for each acute symptom as representing a myocardial infarction. Results: Hispanic women were more likely than Black women to perceive the symptom of headache as indicative of a myocardial infarction. Women older than age 45 were more likely to assign a higher likelihood score to the symptom of shortness of breath than were women age 45 or younger. Conclusions: Age and ethnic differences were noted in women's perception of the signs and symptoms indicative of a myocardial infarction. [source] Psychometric testing of the Perception of Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire,RESEARCH IN NURSING & HEALTH, Issue 5 2009Maureen I. Heaman Abstract Pregnant women's perception of risk may influence their health behaviors during pregnancy; however, no validated instrument exists to measure those perceptions. The purpose of this study was to refine a new instrument, the Perception of Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire (PPRQ), and conduct psychometric assessment of the final 9-item version. Reliability and validity were assessed using a sample of 199 women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a two-factor solution. Evidence of construct validity was demonstrated using the known-groups technique and through convergent validity. Ratings of pregnancy risk correlated with state anxiety level, providing evidence of concurrent validity. The PPRQ had high internal consistency reliability and excellent test,retest reliability. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 32:493,503, 2009 [source] Maternal perception of foetal movement compared with movement detected by real-time ultrasound: An exploratory studyAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Zina R. HIJAZI In this exploratory study, women perceived 35.8% of 763 foetal movements seen on 14 ultrasound scans, with increased sensitivity when movements involved more than one foetal body part (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.232,2.999), contacted the uterus (adjusted OR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.653,3.995) and were of increasing duration (adjusted OR: 9.33, 95% CI: 5.616,15.513). These findings may inform future studies of the importance of and ability to improve women's perception of foetal movements. [source] Epidural versus Non-Epidural or No Analgesia in LabourBIRTH, Issue 1 2006Article first published online: 28 JUN 200 A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 16 August 2005. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary. Abstract Background:, Epidural analgesia is a central nerve block technique achieved by injection of a local anaesthetic close to the nerves that transmit pain and is widely used as a form of pain relief in labour. However, there are concerns regarding unintended adverse effects on the mother and infant. Objectives:, To assess the effects of all modalities of epidural analgesia (including combined-spinal-epidural) on the mother and the baby, when compared with non-epidural or no pain relief during labour. Search strategy:, We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trials Register (June 2005). Selection criteria:, Randomised controlled trials comparing all modalities of epidural with any form of pain relief not involving regional blockade, or no pain relief in labour. Data collection and analysis Two of the review authors independently assessed trials for eligibility, methodological quality and extracted all data. Data were entered into RevMan and double checked. Primary analysis was by intention-to-treat; sensitivity analyses excluded trials with >30% of women receiving un-allocated treatment. Main results:, Twenty-one studies involving 6664 women were included, all but one study compared epidural analgesia with opiates. For technical reasons, data on women's perception of pain relief in labour could only be included from one study, which found epidural analgesia to offer better pain relief than non-epidural analgesia (weighted mean difference (WMD),2.60, 95% confidence interval (CI),3.82 to ,1.38, 1 trial, 105 women). However, epidural analgesia was associated with an increased risk of instrumental vaginal birth (relative risk (RR) 1.38, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.53, 17 trials, 6162 women). There was no evidence of a significant difference in the risk of caesarean delivery (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.23, 20 trials, 6534 women), long-term backache (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.12, 2 trials, 814 women), low neonatal Apgar scores at 5 minutes (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.10, 14 trials, 5363 women), and maternal satisfaction with pain relief (RR 1.18 95% CI 0.92 to 1.50, 5 trials, 1940 women). No studies reported on rare but potentially serious adverse effects of epidural analgesia. Authors' conclusions:, Epidural analgesia appears to be effective in reducing pain during labour. However, women who use this form of pain relief are at increased risk of having an instrumental delivery. Epidural analgesia had no statistically significant impact on the risk of caesarean section, maternal satisfaction with pain relief and long-term backache and did not appear to have an immediate effect on neonatal status as determined by Apgar scores. Further research may be helpful to evaluate rare but potentially severe adverse effects of epidural analgesia on women in labour and long-term neonatal outcomes. Citation:, Anim-Somuah M, Smyth R, Howell C. Epidural versus non-epidural or no analgesia in labour. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD000331.pub2. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000331.pub2. *** The preceding report is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1465,1858). Abstracts of Cochrane reviews are compiled and produced by Update Software Ltd on behalf of the publisher, John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [source] Maternal Position at Midwife-Attended Birth and Perineal Trauma: Is There an Association?BIRTH, Issue 3 2005Barbara Soong RM, IBCLC ABSTRACT:,Background: Most women will sustain some degree of trauma to the genital tract after vaginal birth. This study aimed to examine the association between maternal position at birth and perineal outcome in women who had a midwife-attended, spontaneous vaginal birth and an uncomplicated pregnancy at term. Methods: Data from 3,756 births in a major public tertiary teaching hospital were eligible for analysis. The need for sutures in perineal trauma was evaluated and compared for each major factor studied (maternal age, first vaginal delivery, induction of labor, not occipitoanterior, use of regional anesthesia, deflexed head and newborn birthweight >3,500 g). Birth positions were compared against each other. Subgroup analysis determined whether birth positions mattered more or less in each of the major factors studied. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Results: Most women (65.9%) gave birth in the semi-recumbent position. Of the 1,679 women (44.5%) who required perineal suturing, semi-recumbent position was associated with the need for perineal sutures, whereas all-fours was associated with reduced need for sutures; these associations were more marked in first vaginal births and newborn birth weight over 3,500 g. When regional anesthesia was used, semi-recumbent position was associated with a need for suturing, and lateral position associated with a reduced need for suturing. The four major factors significantly related to perineal trauma included first vaginal birth, use of regional anesthesia, deflexed head, and newborn weight more than 3,500 g. Conclusions: Women should be given the choice to give birth in whatever position they find comfortable. Maternity practitioners have a responsibility to inform women of the likelihood of perineal trauma in the preferred birth position. Ongoing audit of all clinicians attending births is encouraged to further determine effects of maternal birth position and perineal trauma, to investigate women's perception of comfortable positioning at birth, and to measure changes to midwifery practice resulting from this study. [source] Does Gender Still Matter?GENDER, WORK & ORGANISATION, Issue 4 2007A Study of the Views of Women in the ICT Industry in New Zealand Using data from in-depth interviews with female information and communication technology (ICT) professionals from New Zealand's four main cities, this article uses a social constructivist framework to investigate the women's perceptions of their ICT work place. The results show that there are regional differences in organization type, job category and salaries, as well as in the perceptions of the women towards their environment. Most women did not actively seek to be employed in ICT , rather their entry was serendipitous. While they enjoyed working in the environment, there was an obvious gendering of the workforce with most technical positions being held by men and women working mainly in the softer side of ICT. The women perceived their gendered roles to be a highly important and an integral part of ICT and believed their salaries were equitable with their male colleagues. Having a greater understanding of how women view their ICT work place will contribute to attracting and retaining them in an industry where a shortage of skills is envisaged in the near future. [source] Promoting breast health: older women's perceptions of an innovative intervention to enhance screeningINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OLDER PEOPLE NURSING, Issue 2 2006Robin Y. Wood EdD Aims and objectives., This study is a continuation of prior funded research in which we tested the use of age and ethnically sensitive video breast health kits to increase knowledge about breast cancer and enhance the screening practices of breast self-examination and mammography among older Caucasian and African-American women. Background., Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women worldwide and accounts for 23% of all cancers. Mammography is currently the best procedure available for mass screening of breast cancer. However, underutilization of mammography is a problem among older women in the United States. Elders are at the greatest risk for developing and dying from breast cancer but they are the least likely group to be screened routinely with mammograms or to practice breast self-examination, particularly if they are African-American. Design., Participatory qualitative evaluation focus groups were used to assess the overall impact of the video kit intervention programme and to elucidate the quantitative findings of the original study. Methods., Four focus groups were conducted in two diverse settings with a purposive sample of 23 participants (N = 23). The overall sample was predominantly African-American (87%) with mean age of 71 ± 7.9 years and mean education completed of 12 ± 3.4 years. Results., Five major themes emerged from group discussions: usability and appeal of the intervention, fear and empowerment, personal relevance and intergenerational sharing, impact on screening behaviours, and story telling. Conclusions., Analyses suggest that customized media materials constructed especially for older African-American women empowered participants in this sample to action regarding their own breast health. Relevance to clinical practice., These findings may translate to global populations where risk is increasing but screening programmes are not widely available. Given that older women are historically difficult to access and impact, further design and evaluation of innovative and sensitive educational programmes such as the one described here are recommended. [source] Turkish women's perceptions of antenatal educationINTERNATIONAL NURSING REVIEW, Issue 3 2010P. Serçeku Serçeku, P. & Mete S. (2010) Turkish women's perceptions of antenatal education. International Nursing Review57, 395,401 Background:, Antenatal education is considered essential for expectant women. Although there are a number of studies on the effects of antenatal education, there are few studies featuring substantial evidence in this area. For this reason, the benefits have not been clearly defined. Aim:, To describe women's perceptions of the effectiveness of antenatal education on pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period, and also to describe their impressions on the type of education received. Methods:, A qualitative approach was used. The study featured 15 primipara women who had attended antenatal education. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analysed using the content analysis method. Findings:, The results of this study showed that education provided a basis of knowledge about pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period. It was found that education could have positive effects on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, motherhood and infant care, and that it could at the same time have a positive or negative effect on fear of childbirth. Although different advantages were found to be perceived in both individual and group education, it was discovered that the study participants were much more satisfied with attending group sessions. Key conclusions and implications for practice:, Antenatal education should be planned in such a way that its content and methodology do not increase fear. When the lower costs incurred and the higher satisfaction level attained are considered, group education appears to be the type of antenatal education that should be preferred. [source] Risk and protective behaviours of bisexual minority women: a qualitative analysisINTERNATIONAL NURSING REVIEW, Issue 2 2005J. D. Champion phd Background, Public health messages urging women to seek health care services such as sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and cervical cancer screening or family planning services fail to address women who have sex with women (WSW). This negligence may have led to a false sense of security amongst WSW concerning sexual risk behaviour. Research has shown that WSW engaged in more high-risk sexual behaviours than heterosexual women. WSW has been identified as an important vector in the spread of STDs in all populations because of bisexuality. To prevent and reduce transmission of STDs amongst WSW, perceptions of risk for STD amongst WSW need to be understood so that effective interventions may be developed. Aim, To describe the relationship between sexual risk and protective behaviour and STD transmission amongst bisexual minority women with a history of STD. Methods, Life history methods were used to interview 23 African-American bisexual women with a history of STD. Findings, Various themes unfolded during analysis of the patient interviews, including bisexual women's perceptions of STD risk, the context of sexual relationships with women and STD prevention, screening, and treatment practices. Conclusions, The contexts of sexual relationships including multiple or concurrent partner relationships with both men and women placed these women at high risk for STD. Regardless of the type of relationship or belief it is possible to get an STD, protection was often not used. These circumstances identify an extremely high-risk population of women with need for more extensive research to identify strategies for health care interventions. [source] Women's perceptions and experiences of a traumatic birth: a meta-ethnographyJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 10 2010Rakime Elmir elmir r., schmied v., wilkes l. & jackson d. (2010) Women's perceptions and experiences of a traumatic birth: a meta-ethnography. Journal of Advanced Nursing,66(10), 2142,2153. Abstract Aim., This study presents the findings a meta-ethnographic study reporting women's perceptions and experiences of traumatic birth. Background., Childbirth is viewed by many as a life transition that can bring a sense of accomplishment. However, for some women, birth is experienced as a traumatic event with a minority experiencing post-traumatic stress. A traumatic birth experience can have a significant impact on the physical and emotional well-being of a woman, her infant and family. Data source., The CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus and PubMed databases were searched for the period January 1994 to October 2009 using the keywords birth trauma, traumatic birth, qualitative research, birth narrative and birth stories. Review methods., A meta-ethnographic approach was used. Quality appraisal was carried out. An index paper served as a guide in identifying particular findings and comparing them with other findings. This ,reciprocal translation' process started with a search for common themes, phrases and metaphors. Results., Ten qualitative studies were included in the final sample. Six major themes were identified: ,feeling invisible and out of control', ,to be treated humanely', ,feeling trapped: the reoccurring nightmare of my childbirth experience', ,a rollercoaster of emotions', ,disrupted relationships' and ,strength of purpose: a way to succeed as a mother'. Conclusions., It is evident that a small percentage of women experience a traumatic birth. Although some women who experience a traumatic birth do not necessarily have physical or psychological adverse outcomes, others identify a significant personal impact. Healthcare professionals must recognize women's need to be involved in decision-making and to be fully informed about all aspects of their labour and birth to increase their sense of control. [source] A decision theory perspective on why women do or do not decide to have cancer screening: systematic reviewJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 6 2009Kelly Ackerson Abstract Title.,A decision theory perspective on why women do or do not decide to have cancer screening: systematic review. Aim., This paper is a report of a review in which decision theory from economics and psychology was applied to understand why some women with access to care do not seek cancer screening. Background., Mammography and cervical smear testing are effective modes of cancer screening, yet many women choose not to be screened. Nurses need to understand the reasons behind women's choices to improve adherence. Data sources., Research papers published between January 1994 and November 2008 were identified using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE and PsycINFO data bases. The search was performed using the following terms: cervical cancer screening, breast cancer screening, decision, choice, adherence and framing. Forty-seven papers were identified and reviewed for relevance to the search criteria. Methods., Nineteen papers met the search criteria. For each paper, reasons for obtaining or not obtaining cancer screening were recorded, and organized into four relevant decision theory principles: emotions, Prospect Theory, optimism bias and framing. Findings., All women have fears and uncertainty, but the sources of their fears differ, producing two main decision scenarios. Non-adherence results when women fear medical examinations, providers, tests and procedures, do not have/seek knowledge about risk and frame their current health as the status quo. Adherence is achieved when women fear cancer, but trust care providers, seek knowledge, understand risk and frame routine care as the status quo. Conclusion., Nurses need to address proactively women's perceptions and knowledge about screening by openly and uniformly discussing the importance and benefits. [source] Support for teenage mothers: a qualitative study into the views of women about the support they received as teenage mothersJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 1 2001Ank De Jonge MSc HBOV RM RGNArticle first published online: 7 JUL 200 Support for teenage mothers: a qualitative study into the views of women about the support they received as teenage mothers Aim of the study.,To gain insight into the support teenage mothers received during pregnancy, birth and their child's pre-school years and young women's perceptions of the usefulness of a support group for teenage mothers. Background.,Most qualitative studies have focused on teenage mothers around the time of the birth of their first child. For this study, women were recruited several years after the birth (median 8·5 years), so that they would have had time to reflect on the support they had received. Design.,The qualitative method of semi-structured interviews was chosen to obtain in-depth information and to allow teenage mothers' own views to be heard. Ten individual interviews and one paired interview were undertaken. Findings.,Recruitment was difficult because taking part in research was not a priority for many of the women. The study confirmed the strong link between deprivation and teenage pregnancy found in other studies, and suggested that mental health problems in teenage mothers may be more difficult to detect. Teenage women need more information on mental health and on services available to them. The fear, expressed by some of the women in this study, of becoming different from other women in their social network should be considered by health workers when establishing intervention programmes. Conclusions.,Professional bodies of health workers should lobby government to provide a minimum standard of living and sufficient child-care to combat deprivation. Former teenage mothers should be involved in the recruitment, planning and implementation stages of research and interventions. Health professionals should be aware that mental health problems in teenage mothers may be particularly difficult to detect. Key community health workers or a support group may provide information on services, mental health and education facilities available that would benefit teenage mothers. A support group may also give emotional support. [source] Health Perception and Health Care Access: Sex Differences in Behaviors and AttitudesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS AND SOCIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Marta Gil-Lacruz This article analyzes the link between men's and women's perceptions of health and the demand for health goods and services. The study examines access to the health care system in a community characterized by social and economic variance. The data have been taken from a health survey carried out in a suburb of the city of Zaragoza in Spain. The sample (1,032 people over the age of 15) was selected according to specifications of sex, age, and place of residence. The sample shows a confidence interval of 95.5 percent with a ±3 margin of error. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques are used. Sex differences are reflected in social conditions, lifestyles, health perception, and health care behaviors. The research describes how differences in health attitudes can be contextualized by the neighborhood. The results of this type of research are essential for the design of preventive strategies that are better adapted to need. [source] Cancer-specific worry interference in women attending a breast and ovarian cancer risk evaluation program: impact on emotional distress and health functioningPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 5 2001Peter C. Trask Intrusive thoughts about cancer, often identified as ,cancer-specific worries' or ,cancer-specific distress', have been postulated to be associated with dysfunction in women at increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. The current study discusses the development and validation of a measure designed to assess women's perceptions of the interference such worries create in their daily functioning. Analyses revealed that approximately two-thirds of a high-risk breast cancer clinic sample perceived worries about breast cancer as interfering with their functioning across a variety of life domains. Multiple regression analyses indicated that worry interference scores predicted Profile of Mood States (POMS) Anxiety and Confusion, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) Role-Emotional and Mental Health scores after the effects of other variables such as frequency of worry about breast cancer, and having a family history of cancer had been considered. Women who perceived their worries as interfering with their functioning reported higher levels of anxiety and confusion, and diminished mental health and role functioning. The results add to the expanding area of anxiety/distress in at-risk populations by providing (1) a direct measure of the perceived interference associated with breast cancer-specific thoughts, (2) a validation of the measure via its associations with standard measures of emotional distress and health functioning, and (3) evidence of the measure's incremental predictive value in explaining distress and quality of life, after consideration of background variables, such as having a family history of cancer. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,COUPLES' SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a Shared Sexual Concern of Couples I: Couple Conceptions of EDTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2009William A. Fisher PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be regarded as a shared sexual concern with a significant negative impact on both patients and their partners. Aim., The current research sought to explore the degree of concordance or divergence of couple members' perceptions of the specific functional impairments characterizing the man's ED, and the concordance or discordance of their attitudes, beliefs and experiences about the male partner's erectile difficulty. Methods., Questionnaires were sent to partners of men who participated in the Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (MALES) 2004 study, who consented to their partner's involvement. A modified version of the questionnaire used in the MALES study was employed, adapted to reflect the female partner's perspective. Questionnaire responses were analyzed in relation to responses provided by male study participants. Main Outcome Measure., A 65-item questionnaire assessing women's perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes regarding aspects of ED. Results., High levels of concordance between couple members were observed across almost all items. Women's perceptions of both the specific functional impairments characterizing their partner's ED and the frequency of the partner's erection difficulty were strongly associated with assessments the men themselves had made. Significant associations were also observed between couple members' responses relating to their beliefs about the causes of ED, effects of ED on the relationship, communication about ED, finding a solution to ED, and attitudes toward medication. A number of specific male,female discordant perceptions and attitudes were also identified. Conclusions., Findings of this study demonstrate a high degree of concordance in couple members' perceptions of the male partner's ED, and in their attitudes and beliefs about ED. Specific instances of discordance between couple members may contribute to treatment avoidance or couple conflict. Fisher WA, Eardley I, McCabe M, and Sand M. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a shared sexual concern of couples I: Couple conceptions of ED. J Sex Med 2009;6:2746,2760. [source] Being Seen and Heard: Listening to Young Women in Alternative SchoolsANTHROPOLOGY & EDUCATION QUARTERLY, Issue 4 2002Assistant Professor Lisa W. Loutzenheiser This interview-based study examines nine young women's perceptions of their disconnection from high school and reconnection to school in an alternative program. Rather than focusing on a fixed notion of what "at-risk" students "need," the students and author note the importance of working with the messy, partial, and complicated sense of students' identities to gain better understandings of the schooling experiences of marginalized youth. With an eye toward practice- and theory-oriented representations and sense-makings, this article presents theoretical constructions of student disconnection and connection, student testimony as one useful pedagogy, and policy implications for schools. [source] Prevalence of Breastfeeding and Acculturation in Hispanics: Results from NHANES 1999,2000 StudyBIRTH, Issue 2 2005Maria V. Gibson MD The study objective was to describe current national estimates of the prevalence of breastfeeding and evaluate differences in reasons not to breastfeed by acculturation status. Methods: Secondary data analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999,2000 was performed on a nationally representative sample of non-Hispanic white women born in the U.S. and Hispanic women with at least one live birth. Acculturation status among Hispanics was assessed using a validated language scale, and prevalence of breastfeeding was based on maternal self-report. Results: Prevalence of breastfeeding was higher in less acculturated Hispanic women (59.2%) than high acculturated Hispanic women (33.1%) and white women (45.1%). Less acculturated Hispanic women were more likely to cite their child's physical/medical condition as a reason not to breastfeed (53.1%), whereas whites and more acculturated Hispanics were more likely to cite their child preferred the bottle (57.5% and 49.8%, respectively). A logistic regression analysis revealed no significant differences in likelihood to breastfeed between non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics after controlling for education, age, and income. Higher acculturated women were less likely to breastfeed their children than low acculturated women (95% CI: 0.14,0.40) even after education, age, and income were taken into account. Conclusions: Acculturation differences in prevalence of breastfeeding and reasons not to breastfeed may be the result of attitudinal changes that occur due to acculturation. Further research into the acculturation process and its impact on breastfeeding may help to prevent the decline in breastfeeding that occurs as mothers become more acculturated. Meanwhile, patient education that addresses women's perceptions of the child's health condition and benefits of breastfeeding would be helpful. (BIRTH 32:2 June 2005) [source] Acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccination among Chinese women: concerns and implicationsBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 4 2009TTC Kwan Objective, To explore Chinese women's perceptions of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and their intention to be vaccinated. Design, A cross-sectional community-based survey study. Setting, Thirteen community women's health centres of The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong. Sample, A total of 1450 ethnic Chinese women aged 18 or above who attended the health centres. Methods, Participants completed a written consent and an anonymous questionnaire onsite. Main outcome measures, Knowledge and beliefs about HPV and HPV vaccination against cervical cancer and participants' own intention to be vaccinated. Results, About 38% of the participants (n = 527) had heard of HPV and 50% (n = 697) had heard of vaccination against cervical cancer. HPV infection was perceived to be stigmatising and detrimental to intimate, family and social relationships. Despite misconceptions and a grossly inadequate knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination, 88% of the participants (n = 1219) indicated that they would likely be vaccinated. Majority of the participants believed that sexually experienced women should be vaccinated, while 27% opposed vaccinating sexually naive women. Younger age women who perceived a disruptive impact of HPV infection on intimate relationship and their partners' approval were significantly associated with a positive intention to be HPV vaccinated. Conclusions, The easy acceptability of HPV vaccination among the mostly sexually experienced Chinese participants and their knowledge deficit on the subject may implicate potential misuse of the vaccines and a false sense of security against cervical cancer. There is a dire need for culturally sensitive and tailored education for the public, women of different ages and their partners about HPV and HPV vaccination. Emphasis must be placed on the prophylactic nature of the current vaccines, the uncertain effects when given to sexually experienced women, the importance of adolescent vaccination and the need for continued cervical screening whether vaccinated or not. [source] Maternal serum screening for Down syndrome: are women's perceptions changing?BJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 4 2007M Gidiri Objectives, To document trends in serum screening for Down's syndrome. Background, Trends in the uptake of serum screening for Down syndrome have not been documented in a UK population. Design, A retrospective review of the rate of uptake in a unit that has offered serum screening for Down syndrome to all pregnant women. Setting, A large north of England hospital that has offered universal Down syndrome screening using the ,triple test' since 1992. Patients, A total of 47 998 women who booked for antenatal care. Main outcome measures, Uptake of serum screening for Down syndrome. Methods, The results of the screening programme were contemporaneously recorded on a computer database, and the study team accessed the data. Results, There was a significant reduction in the uptake of serum screening for Down syndrome from a maximum of 82.6% in 1993 to 41.4% in 2005. There was a significant but small trend upwards in the age of women accepting screening and also a significant trend in the increase in the screen-positive rates. Conclusions, The reduction in uptake of Down syndrome screening over the past 13 years must be taken into account when planning a screening programme. Other units should be encouraged to review their rate of uptake to determine if our data are representative of a wider trend. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||