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- Christenson, Anne, et al.
(författare)
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“…or else I close my ears” How women with obesity want to be approached and treated regarding gestational weight management : A qualitative interview study.
- 2019
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science. - 1932-6203. ; 14:9, s. 1-17
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: The importance of helping pregnant women maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent excessive gestational weight gain is well recognized, but pregnant women do not always perceive communication about body weight as respectful or helpful. Furthermore, fear of inducing shame or guilt can prohibit some midwives from talking about body weight, especially if the woman has obesity. We aimed to explore what women of reproductive age with obesity regard to be the most important and relevant aspects when discussing gestational weight management. Methods: Qualitative interview study using focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews with 17 women of reproductive age (19–39 y) with obesity. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: We identified three themes: 1) Importance of obtaining vital medical information; 2) A wish to feel understood and treated with respect; 3) Midwives’ approach is crucial in sensitive key situations, which include bringing up the subject of body weight, weighing, providing weight-related information, coaching lifestyle modification, dealing with emotional reactions and ending a conversation. Conclusions: A majority of the interviewed women wished to receive information about risks about obesity and gestational weight gain, and recommendations on weight management. However, the risk of midwives offending someone by raising the topic may be increased if the pregnant woman believe that gestational weight gain is uncontrollable by the individual. Also, several situations during maternity care meetings can be stigmatizing and make women less receptive to advice or support. Women suggest that a good working alliance is likely to be achieved if midwives have knowledge about the causes of obesity, take interest in the patients’ background, have a non-judgmental approach and refrain from giving unsolicited advice.
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| 2. |
- Christenson, A., et al.
(författare)
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Attitudes and beliefs in Swedish midwives and obstetricians towards obesity and gestational weight management
- 2020
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Ingår i: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2393. ; 20:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Gestational weight interventions are important in maternity care to counteract adverse pregnancy events. However, qualitative findings indicate potential obstacles in the implementation of interventions due to the sensitivity of the subject and existing obesity stigma. Pregnant women have reported disrespectful or unhelpful communication, while some midwives seem to avoid the topic, as not to upset women. This descriptive study aimed to provide knowledge about maternity care providers' beliefs about obesity, and their attitudes towards gestational weight management. Method A web survey was emailed to Swedish maternity care clinics. Existing questionnaires, "Beliefs About Obese People" (BAOP), "Perceived weight bias in health care" and "Attitudes toward obese patients" was used, supplemented with questions formulated for this study. An open free-text question allowed participants to provide a deeper and more nuanced picture of the topic. Results 274 respondents (75% midwives and 25% obstetricians) participated. One third of respondents found obesity to be a more sensitive topic than smoking or alcohol habits, and 17% of midwives agreed to the statement: "I sometimes avoid talking about weight so as not to make the pregnant woman worried or ashamed". Having had training in motivational interviewing seemed positively associated with midwives' inclination to talk about body weight, especially with women with obesity (p = .001), whereas years of working experience were not associated. Having received obesity education increased confidence in providing adequate information, but still only 46% felt they had enough knowledge to provide diet and exercise advice to pregnant women with obesity. Qualitative data revealed great empathy for women with obesity, and a wish to have more obesity education and access to other professionals. Conclusion Swedish maternity care staff displayed empathy for women with obesity and found gestational weight interventions important, but almost one fifth of midwives sometimes avoid the subject of body weight for fear of upsetting women. Education about obesity facts, training in person-centered communication, i.e. motivational interviewing, and access to dieticians may facilitate gestational weight management implementation.
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