| 1. |
- Baroudi, Mazen, et al.
(author)
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Men and sexual and reproductive healthcare in the Nordic countries : a scoping review
- 2021
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In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2044-6055. ; 11:9
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context: Men generally seek healthcare less often than women and, other than traditional gender norms, less is known about the explanation. The aim was to identify knowledge gaps and factors influencing men regarding sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRHC) in the Nordic countries.Methods: We searched PubMed and SveMed+ for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2010 and May 2020. The analyses identified factors influencing men’s experiences of and access to SRHC.Results: The majority of the 68 articles included focused on pregnancy, birth, infertility and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. During pregnancy and childbirth, men were treated as accompanying partners rather than individuals with their own needs. The knowledge and attitudes of healthcare providers were crucial for their ability to provide SRHC and for the experiences of men. Organisational obstacles, such as women-centred SRHC and no assigned healthcare profession for men’s sexual and reproductive health issues, hindered men’s access to SRHC. Lastly, the literature rarely discussed the impact of health policies on men’s access to SRHC.Conclusions: The literature lacked the perspectives of specific groups of men such as migrants, men who have sex with men and transmen, as well as the experiences of men in SRHC related to sexual function, contraceptive use and gender-based violence. These knowledge gaps, taken together with the lack of a clear entry point for men into SRHC, indicate the necessity of an improved health and medical education of healthcare providers, as well as of health system interventions.
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| 2. |
- Bergman, Frida, Medicine doktor, 1984-, et al.
(author)
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The ability to benefit from an intervention to encourage use of treadmill workstations : Experiences of office workers with overweight or obesity
- 2020
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In: PLOS ONE. - : PLOS. - 1932-6203. ; 15:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- One way to increase physical activity in offices is to install treadmill workstations, whereoffice workers can walk on a treadmill while performing their normal tasks. However, theexperiences of people using these treadmill workstations over a long period of time is notknown. In this 13-month study, we explored the experiences of office workers with treadmillworkstations available in their offices. After completing a larger randomized controlled trialwith 80 office workers ages 40 to 67 years with overweight or obesity, we interviewed 20 participantsfrom the intervention group, using a semi-structured interview guide. Data wereanalyzed using a grounded theory approach with constant comparison of emerging codes,subcategories, and categories, followed by connecting the categories to create a core category.The core category is described as the “Ability to benefit.” Although all participants hada rather high motivational level and pre-existing knowledge about the health benefits ofincreasing physical activity at work, they had different capacities for benefiting from the intervention.The categories are described as ideal types: the Convinced, the Competitive, theResponsible, and the Vacillating. These ideal types do not represent any single participantbut suggest generalized abstractions of experiences and strategies emerging from the codingof the interviews. One participant could easily have more than one ideal type. Becauseof differences in ideal type strategies and paths used throughout the course of the study,participants had different abilities to benefit from the intervention. Knowledge regarding theideal types may be applied to facilitate the use of the treadmill workstations. Because differentideal types might require different prompts for behavior change, tailored interventionstrategies directed towards specific ideal types could be necessary.
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| 3. |
- Edin, Kerstin E, 1952-
(author)
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Perspectives on intimate partner violence, focusing on the period of pregnancy
- 2006
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Målet med denna avhandling var att undersöka partnerrelaterat våld mot kvinnor i Sverige från olika perspektiv och med ett särskilt fokus på graviditetsperioden. Syftet var: 1) att ta reda på barnmorskors erfarenheter, attityder och rutiner angående partnerrelaterat våld mot gravida kvinnor inom mödravården; 2) att utforska hur personer som arbetar inom olika program för våldsbenägna män (inom och utom kriminalvården) talar om manligt och kvinnligt och om partnerrelaterat våld, speciellt i förhållande till graviditet; och 3) att belysa kvinnors erfarenheter av att bli och vara gravid samtidigt som de var utsatta för våld i relationen, samt deras möten med barnmorskorna på mödravårdscentralen. Data för tre studier samlades in under åren 1998-2003 med kvantitativa och kvalitativa metoder. En enkät skickades till alla yrkesverksamma mödravårdsbarnmorskor i Västerbotten och analyserades statistiskt och med innehållsanalys. Forskningsintervjuerna utfördes och analyserades enligt ’grundad teori’ (för att skapa teoretiska förklaringsmodeller), ’diskursanalys’ (för att visa hur ett gemensamt språkbruk konstruerar ’sanning’) och ’narrativ metod’ (för att tolka och återberätta innebörden i personliga berättelser). Resultaten från de studier som lade grunden till denna avhandling visar på problemets komplexitet, både från de professionellas och från kvinnornas perspektiv. Barnmorskorna (artikel I) var yrkeskunniga men också kunniga om partnerrelaterat våld mot kvinnor, men utan PM eller andra riktlinjer, så blev de osäkra och ställde sällan direkta frågor eftersom ämnet ansågs vara känsligt och tabubelagt. De professionella (artikel II-III) som arbetade med våldsbenägna män i olika program (inom eller utanför kriminalvården) krävde att män skulle ta ansvar för sitt våld. De ansåg att våldsamma män var tämligen vanliga män men avvikande i särskilda avseenden såsom i samspel, kommunikation, nära relationer och i deras kvinnosyn. De professionella beskrev stereotyper om könsskillnader och hur aggressivitet kan starta på olika sätt hos olika typer av män och ansåg också att graviditet kan utlösa konflikter och våld. Likväl så ingick i programmen vanligtvis inte känsliga frågor, om t.ex. graviditet och samlevnad, och trots en god vilja och avsikt att skapa en ’ny maskulinitet’, så tycktes deras strategier och tankegångar rent av kunna motverka deras egna goda syften. De nio intervjuade kvinnorna (artikel IV) som hade varit utsatta för våld beskrev hur deras liv hade varit komplicerade och blivit till en mardröm då deras hjärtevän hade förvandlats till en förövare. Två kvinnor bröt upp från sina relationer under graviditeten på grund av livshotande våld medan de andra för det mesta höll uppe en fasad och dolde det pågående våldet inför barnmorskan och andra alltmedan de gick balansgång mellan hopp och förtvivlan eller väntade på rätt tidpunkt att ge sig av. Förutom kvinnornas berättelser om partnerrelaterat våld under graviditet (artikel IV) så presenterades två professionella grupper och deras gemensamma svårigheter gällande tabun och känsliga frågor utanför det man vanligtvis sysslade med i sin profession (artikel I-III). Barnmorskorna var yrkeskunniga men hade ingen handlingsplan för att kunna bemöta och identifiera komplexiteten i våldsutsatta gravida kvinnors situation som ofta består i att dölja och balansera. De professionella i program för män konfronterade tydligt mäns våld och hade ambitionen att utmana deras maskulinitet, men då de i samtalen exempelvis förbisåg att ta upp vissa känsliga frågor kan utfallet ifrågasättas.
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| 4. |
- Edin, Kerstin, 1952-, et al.
(author)
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"Keeping up a front" : narratives about intimate partner violence, pregnancy, and antenatal care
- 2010
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In: Violence against Women. - : Sage Publications. - 1077-8012 .- 1552-8448. ; 16:2, s. 189-206
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nine women who had been subjected to severe intimate partner violence during pregnancy narrated their ambiguous and contradictory feelings and the various balancing strategies they used to overcome their complex and difficult situations. Because allowing anyone to come close posed a threat, the women mostly denied the situation and kept up a front to hide the violence from others. Three women disclosed ongoing violence to the midwives, but only one said such disclosure was helpful. This article highlights the complexity of being pregnant when living with an abusive partner and challenges antenatal care policies from the perspective of pregnant women.
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| 5. |
- Gebrehiwot, Tesfay Gebregzabher, et al.
(author)
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The Health Extension Program and Its Association with Change in Utilization of Selected Maternal Health Services in Tigray Region, Ethiopia : A Segmented Linear Regression Analysis
- 2015
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; :7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: In 2003, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health established the Health Extension Program (HEP), with the goal of improving access to health care and health promotion activities in rural areas of the country. This paper aims to assess the association of the HEP with improved utilization of maternal health services in Northern Ethiopia using institution-based retrospective data.METHODS: Average quarterly total attendances for antenatal care (ANC), delivery care (DC) and post-natal care (PNC) at health posts and health care centres were studied from 2002 to 2012. Regression analysis was applied to two models to assess whether trends were statistically significant. One model was used to estimate the level and trend changes associated with the immediate period of intervention, while changes related to the post-intervention period were estimated by the other.RESULTS: The total number of consultations for ANC, DC and PNC increased constantly, particularly after the late-intervention period. Increases were higher for ANC and PNC at health post level and for DC at health centres. A positive statistically significant upward trend was found for DC and PNC in all facilities (p<0.01). The positive trend was also present in ANC at health centres (p = 0.04), but not at health posts.CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed an increase in the use of antenatal, delivery and post-natal care after the introduction of the HEP. We are aware that other factors, that we could not control for, might be explaining that increase. The figures for DC and PNC are however low and more needs to be done in order to increase the access to the health care system as well as the demand for these services by the population. Strengthening of the health information system in the region needs also to be prioritized.
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| 6. |
- Gebremichael, Mengistu Welday, et al.
(author)
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Women suffer more from disrespectful and abusive care than from the labour pain itself : a qualitative study from Women's perspective
- 2018
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In: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2393 .- 1471-2393. ; 18
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Utilization of institutional delivery services could be hampered by women's experience of disrespectful and abusive care during childbirth. However, such experiences are not well documented and taken into consideration id planning maternal health services in many developing countries. The aim of this study was to describe women's experience of disrespect and abuse during giving birth at health facilities in northern Ethiopia. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted in Tigray, Ethiopia. Focus group discussions (FGDs) with primipara and multipara women were conducted to collect the necessary information. All study participants had their last delivery at a health facility in the year preceding the study. A semi-structured discussion guide was used to elicit discussion. Discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim in the local language and then translated to English. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis approach assisted by the Open Code qualitative data management software. Results: The study participants described disrespect and abuse as serious obstacles to utilization of maternal health services. Women reported experiencing feelings of being infantilized, losing self-control, being overlooked, being informed bad news without proper preparation, repeated examination without being properly communicated/ informed, disallow companions, and left unattended during labor. Facility related issues include women's perception of incompetence of professionals attending delivery, unhygienic facilities, and unavailability of basic supplies. Conclusion: Women consider health facilities not fully prepared to provide respectful maternal care. Sustainable increase in institutional delivery requires ensuring quality, compassionate and caring services in all health facilities.
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| 7. |
- Lusey, Hendrew, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence and correlates of gender inequitable norms among young, church-going women and men in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- 2018
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In: BMC Public Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2458. ; 18
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Prolonged political instability may have exacerbated gender inequitable beliefs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The aim of this study was to assess attitudes related to gender-equitable norms and its determinants among young, church-going women and men in Kinshasa, DRC.METHOD: Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey with 291 church-going women and 289 men aged 18-24 years old, residing in three disadvantaged communes of Kinshasa. Variables included sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes towards gender equality, and responses to issues related to the gender-equitable men (GEM) scale. The GEM scale is a 24 item-questionnaire developed to measure attitudes towards gender equitable norms. Logistic regression was applied to discover the associations between the independent variables and the GEM outcome.RESULTS: Our study reflected the existence of attitudes hampering gender equality that were endorsed by both women and men. For example, 91.4% of women and 83% of men agreed with the statement "a woman's most important role is to take care of her home and cook for her family". Similarly, 88.3% of women and 82.9% of men concurred with the idea that men need more sex than women. These findings coexisted with a few equitable norms, because 93.7% of women and 92.3% of men agreed that a man and a woman should decide together if they want to have children. A positive association was found in both women and men between being educated, being single and separated and having supportive attitudes towards gender equality and a higher GEM scale score. Residency in Camp Luka and Masina was also a significant social determinant associated with equitable gender norms among men whilst job status was only significant among women.CONCLUSION: While both women and men had high levels of gender inequitable norms, those with more education, single, and with supportive attitudes to gender equality had high GEM scale scores. The results highlight an urgent need for the church to challenge and change gender norms among church youths.
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| 8. |
- Moen, Elisabeth, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Volatile and violent relationships among women sentenced for homicide in Sweden between 1986 and 2005
- 2016
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In: Victims & Offenders. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1556-4886 .- 1556-4991. ; 11:3, s. 373-391
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Data from Swedish court judgments of all 124 women convicted of homicide during 20 years was analyzed. The typical pattern was an abused woman who kills her intimate partner at home with a knife, often with alcohol involved. A subsample (n = 66) was analyzed qualitatively, with a focus on intimate partner relationships. The findings indicate that female homicides usually take place after a long progression of violence and reflect women’s subordinate gendered position. Situational triggers finally lead up to the killing event. Gender equality and the so-called woman-friendly welfare state in Sweden do not appear to reduce women’s volatility in violent relationships.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Nilsson, Bo, 1959-, et al.
(author)
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"It has seldom been so difficult to try to dress up a sound experience in words" : Technology and the Rhetoric of Sound and Music Reproduction in Hi-Fi Magazines
- 2022
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In: Puls. - : Svenskt visarkiv. - 2002-2972. ; 7, s. 121-140
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this paper is to explore the rhetoric of sound in high fidelity magazines, and how this rhetoric is linked to a technological discourse. Rhetoric of sound refers to the magazines’ efforts to describe sound and music experiencesin words. The aim is also to show how an identified technological discourse legitimizes a specific social order. The paper argues that the technological discourse naturalizes the link between technology and masculinity based on notions of gender differences, and that it reproduces a technological worldview in general by offering multiple positions of identification.
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| 11. |
- Nilsson, Bo, 1959-, et al.
(author)
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Obstacles to intergenerational communication in caregivers' narratives regarding young people's sexual and reproductive health and lifestyle in rural South Africa
- 2020
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In: BMC Public Health. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2458. ; 20:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Statistics from South Africa show the world's highest HIV prevalence with an estimated seven million people living with the virus. Several studies have pointed to communication about sexuality between parents/caregivers and children as a protective factor. However, communication between generations has been described as problematic, especially due to discomfort in discussing sexual matters. The aim of this study was to explore how caregivers in a poor, rural part of South Africa talked about young people in general, their sexuality, and their lifestyle practices. A particular interest was directed towards central discourses in the caregivers' narratives and how these discourses were of importance for the caregivers to function as conversation partners for young people.METHODS: In this qualitative study convenience sampling was used to select and invite participants. Information was collected from nine one-on-one interviews conducted with caregivers from rural areas within South Africa. The interview guide included nine main questions and optional probing questions. Each interview took place in an uninterrupted setting of choice associated with the caregivers' home environment. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using discourse analysis.RESULTS: Interview narratives were characterized by three central discourses - demoralized youths in a changing society, prevailing risks and modernity and a generation gap. The youths were discursively constructed as a problematic group relating to specific prevailing risks such as early pregnancies, modern technologies, STI/HIV and contraceptives. The interview narratives illustrated that caregivers tried to impose their views of a respectable lifestyle in young people. At the same time caregivers expressed a morality of despair mirroring a generation gap which counteracted their ability to communicate with their children and grandchildren.CONCLUSIONS: The findings add to the body of earlier research illustrating that rural South African caregivers and their children/grandchildren hold different moral standards. The interview material reflected a 'clash' between generations relating to their differing perceptions of a desirable lifestyle. To overcome the generational gap, we recommend further research about how a well-founded national and community collaboration linked to school-based programs can support family participation in order to empower adults in their communication with young people.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Pat, Puthy, et al.
(author)
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Mental health problems and suicidal expressions among young male prisoners in Cambodia : a cross-sectional study
- 2021
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In: Global Health Action. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1654-9716 .- 1654-9880. ; 14:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Incarceration and mental health problems are known to have a strong empirical association. Many studies have confirmed the high prevalence of mental health problems among young prisoners in particular, yet none has been conducted in Cambodia.Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of mental health problems and suicidal expressions, and determine the associated risk factors among young prisoners in Cambodia.Method: This was a cross-sectional study among 572 young prisoners between the ages of 15 and 24 from three prisons. Sociodemographic data and detailed information on participants’ profiles were gathered, and mental health problems and suicidal expressions were assessed using the Youth Self-Report (YSR) and the Attitude Towards Suicide (ATTS) questionnaires, respectively.Results: Mental health problems as revealed by the mean YSR scores were: 25.97 for internalizing and 18.12 for externalizing problems; 11.88 for anxiety/depression, 9.97 for aggressive behaviours and 7.53 for somatic complaints. Social problems, attention problems and rule breaking behaviour were in the range of 8.10 to 8.49. Withdrawal depression and thought problems mean scores were 6.55 and 6.66, respectively. Mental health problems were associated with younger age, lower educational background, and shorter duration of incarceration. Around 16% had thought about their own death, and 12% expressed wish to die. Suicide ideation, planning, and attempts were reported by almost 7%, 2%, and 3% of participants respectively. Prior drugs users thought about death significantly more than their counterparts while suicide ideation was significantly lower among prisoners with higher education.Conclusion: Mental health problems and suicidal expressions among young prisoners warrant well-planned mental health services that are integrated into the current prison health system. A contextualised intervention that takes into account age, education, duration of incarceration and previous drug use may contribute to improve the mental well-being of young prisoners in Cambodia.
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| 14. |
- Pat, Puthy, et al.
(author)
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“Overcrowded but lonely” : exploring mental health and well-being among young prisoners in Cambodia
- 2023
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In: International Journal of Prisoner Health. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 1744-9200 .- 1744-9219. ; 19:4, s. 628-640
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose – Young prisoners are one of the most vulnerable groups in society for mental health problems and ill-being. Therefore, there is a crucial need to understand their physical, psychological and social situations. This study aims to explore young Cambodian prisoners’ experiences and perceptions of mental health and well-being, their determinants and their coping strategies.Design/methodology/approach – Six focus group discussions were carried out in three prisons with atotal of 48 young prisoners between the ages of 15 and 24 years (50% women, 50% men). Semistructured questions guided the discussions, and thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data.Findings – Young prisoners reported multifaceted experiences of mental health and well-being. The majority described adverse mental health experiences, while some revealed better well-being, partlyinfluenced by the socio-economic support from outside the prisons and previous involvement or not indrug abuse. The experience of physical overcrowding without emotional attachment among the fellow prisoners was perceived as the overarching determinant of loneliness and mental health problems, while socio-emotional support and rituals were described as the most important coping mechanisms.Originality/value – This pioneering study from Cambodia gives young prisoners an opportunity to voice their experiences and perceptions of mental health and well-being in the prison setting. The findings inthis study underline the importance of prison authorities tackling overcrowding to promote well-being andreduce mental health problems. Also, the coping mechanisms outlined by the participants should be considered when planning psychosocial interventions.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Westergren, Agneta, et al.
(author)
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Autonomous and dependent–The dichotomy of birth : a feminist analysis of birth plans in Sweden
- 2019
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In: Midwifery. - : Elsevier. - 0266-6138 .- 1532-3099. ; 68, s. 56-64
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To elicit pregnant women's perceptions of childbirth as expressed in their birth plans, and through a feminist lens analyse their wishes, fears, values, and beliefs about childbirth, as well as their expectations on partner and midwife.DESIGN: This study used qualitative content analysis, identifying subcategories, categories, and an overall theme in data gathered from women's written birth plans. A feminist theoretical framework underpinned the research.SETTING: A middle-sized city in northern Sweden.PARTICIPANTS: 132 women who gave birth in an obstetrician-led hospital labour ward between March and June 2016 and consented to grant access to their birth plans and antenatal and intrapartum electronic medical records.FINDINGS: Three categories emerged: 'Keeping integrity intact through specific requests and continuous dialogue with the midwife', 'A preference towards a midwife-supported birth regardless of method of pain relief", and '"Help my partner help me" - Women anticipating partner involvement.' The overall theme linking the categories together was: 'Autonomous and dependent - The dichotomy of birth', portraying women's ambiguity before birth -expressing a wish to remain in control while simultaneously letting go of control by entrusting partner and midwifewith decision-making regarding their own bodies.KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Women primarily desired a natural, midwife-supported birth and favoured a relationship-based, woman-centred model of care, based on the close interaction between woman, partner, and midwife. Midwives need to be aware of women's ambiguous reliance on them and the power they have to influence women's birth choices and birth experiences. Feminist theory and values in midwifery practice may be useful to inspire a maternity care based on women's wishes and expectations, acknowledging and valuing women's voices, and embracing the sanctity of birth and of the birthing woman's body.
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| 17. |
- Westergren, Agneta, 1970-
(author)
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Deficient bodies and divine interventions : women, midwives, and the medicalisation of childbirth - a gender perspective
- 2021
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background In Sweden, one of the safest countries to give birth and to be born in, there is a trend towards increasing interventions during childbirth, and fewer women than ever give birth without having their labours induced or augmented, epidural analgesia, or caesarean section. While interventions at times are vital for a safe birth, there is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that an overuse of medical and technological interventions may have adverse effects on woman and child. Furthermore, intervention rates vary widely between different hospitals, suggesting varying local practices and in some places, poor adherence to national recommendations. In addition, the ‘Swedish maternity care crisis’ continues to attract media attention, with recurrent reports of overcrowded labour wards, overworked midwives, and of women feeling mistreated during labour and birth.Aim The overall aim of this research project was to explore the implications of a medicalised birth culture for birthing women and midwives in a Swedish context. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, focus was placed on women’s expectations before birth; their preferences for and actual use of pain relief; rates of intrapartum interventions; women’s level of satisfaction with the birth experience; their written evaluations of the birth experience; and interactions between women and midwives in the birth room. The project was informed by a gender perspective, aiming to illuminate the impact of gender on childbirth experiences and practices.Methods The thesis is based on four papers. Data collection for Papers I, II, and III consisted of birth plans, data from medical records, and written birth evaluations. Four hundred women were invited to participate, of which 259 consented. Out of these, participants were selected according to the specific aims of each study. Thus, Study I included women with birth plans (n=132), and data was analysed through qualitative content analysis. Study II was a cross-sectional study analysed by means of descriptive statistics and logistic regression, and included women with a birth plan (n=129) and without a birth plan (n=110). Study III included women with written birth evaluations (n=190), and the analysis consisted of word frequency and thematic analysis. Finally, Study IV was a focused ethnography, gathering data through participant observation during eight births, as well as interviews with the women who gave birth and with the midwives who assisted them (n=16). Data was analysed by thematic analysis. Results Women and midwives alike had similar ideals of childbirth, many valorising natural childbirth and a woman-centred, relational care, based on trust and reciprocity. When comparing women’s expectations and wishes for pain relief as expressed in their birth plans, with actual pain relief used, first-time mothers with birth plans used more pharmacological pain relief than intended, and 93.6% of them had some form of intrapartum intervention, such as induction or augmentation of labour, internal foetal monitoring, or urinary catheterisation. Regardless of having a birth plan or not, primiparas used more pain relief, had more interventions, and were slightly less satisfied with their birth experiences than multiparas: VAS 7.4 vs 8.4 respectively. In their written birth evaluations, written within 48 h of birth, women were mostly satisfied with the support they had from the midwife. In a manner that is suggested to affect their birth experiences, women displayed examples of a gender-normative behaviour, being thankful, sympathetic, and belittling of their own feelings or requests, despite the fact that some women felt that they had not had the support or overall birth experience they had hoped for. In the interaction between women and midwives in the birth room, the midwives continuously bridged the gap between the medical and the social models of care, integrating medicalised practices into midwifery care. Although very passionate about their work, low staffing, hospital hierarchies, and working against their ideological convictions came with a price, at times leaving midwives with feelings of inadequacy and a bad conscience, when trying to meet the needs of the birthing women and colleagues, as well as the demands of the work place.Conclusion Women’s birth choices and experiences and midwives’ working conditions are closely intertwined, and mirror contemporary discourses not only on childbirth, but also on women’s rights and position in society. The present work illustrates that women’s and midwives’ birth ideals, i.e. relational, one-to-one care, incidentally supported by a growing body of evidence, is in conflict with a medicalised and efficiency-driven labour care organisation, leading to job strain for midwives, and a fragmented and interventionist birth care for women. More attention needs to be drawn to the impact of societal and cultural gender norms on contemporary birth practices. There is also the need to recognise birth as existential, emotional, and potentially empowering experiences for women. To achieve this, women need to be informed of, and offered, choices in the way they give birth. At the same time, midwives must be given the time and the support of the organisation to be able to practice ‘watchful attendance’, acknowledging the values of relational care and emotional support.
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| 18. |
- Westergren, Agneta, et al.
(author)
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Exploring the medicalisation of childbirth through women's preferences for and use of pain relief
- 2021
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In: Women and Birth. - : Elsevier. - 1871-5192 .- 1878-1799. ; , s. e118-e127
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Sweden, along with other countries, is facing rising intrapartum intervention rates.AIM: To explore the medicalisation of childbirth through women's preferences for and use of pain relief, and to investigate whether the presence of a birth plan had any impact on use of pain relief, rate of intervention, and satisfaction with the birth experience.METHODS: The study was cross-sectional, and included 129 women with birth plans and 110 without, all of whom gave birth in one hospital in Sweden between March and June 2016. Data from birth plans and medical records was analysed through descriptive statistics and logistic regression.FINDINGS: Parity rather than birth plan was a greater determinant for use of pain relief, frequency of interventions, and level of satisfaction; primiparas used more pain relief, had more interventions, and were less satisfied with their birth experiences than multiparas. Epidural analgesia was associated with a two to threefold increase in interventions, but 79.5% of all women had some form of intervention during birth, regardless of having an epidural or not. Women were generally highly satisfied with their birth experiences, women without epidural analgesia and interventions slightly more so.CONCLUSION: Contrary to their initial plans, especially primiparas used more pharmacological pain relief than intended, and nearly all (94.6%) had some form of intervention during labour and birth. More interventions were associated with lower levels of satisfaction. The high rate of intervention in a healthy population of birthing women is disquieting and requires further attention.
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| 19. |
- Westergren, Agneta, et al.
(author)
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Reproducing normative femininity : Women's evaluations of their birth experiences analysed by means of word frequency and thematic analysis
- 2021
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In: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2393 .- 1471-2393. ; 21:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Given the significance of the birth experience on women's and babies' well-being, assessing and understanding maternal satisfaction is important for providing optimal care. While previous research has thoroughly reviewed women's levels of satisfaction with the childbirth experience from a multitude of different angles, there is a dearth of papers that use a gender lens in this area. The aim of this study is to explore through a gender perspective the circumstances attributed to both women's assessment of a positive birth experience and those which contribute to a lack of satisfaction with their birth experience.METHODS: Through the use of a local birth evaluation form at a Swedish labour ward, 190 women gave written evaluations of their birth experiences. The evaluations were divided into groups of positive, ambiguous, and negative evaluations. By means of a latent and constructionist thematic analysis based on word count, women's evaluations are discussed as reflections of the underlying sociocultural ideas, assumptions, and ideologies that shape women's realities.RESULTS: Three themes were identified: Grateful women and nurturing midwives doing gender together demonstrates how a gender-normative behaviour may influence a positive birth experience when based on a reciprocal relationship. Managing ambiguous feelings by sympathising with the midwife shows how women's internalised sense of gender can make women belittle their negative experiences and refrain from delivering criticism. The midwifery model of relational care impeded by the labour care organisation describes how the care women receive during labour and birth is regulated by an organisation not always adapted to the benefit of birthing women.CONCLUSIONS: Most women were very satisfied, predominantly with emotional support they received from the midwives. The latent constructionist thematic analysis also elicited women's mixed feelings towards the birth experience, with the majority of negative experiences directed towards the labour care organisation. Recognising the impact of institutional and medical discourses on childbirth, women's birth evaluations demonstrate the benefits and challenges of gender-normative behaviour, where women's internalised sense of gender was found to affect their experiences. A gender perspective may provide a useful tool in unveiling gender-normative complexities surrounding the childbirth experience.
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| 20. |
- Wilson, Ingrid M., et al.
(author)
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Is there an association between pregnant women's experience of violence and their partner's drinking? : A Swedish population-based study
- 2019
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In: Midwifery. - : Elsevier. - 0266-6138 .- 1532-3099. ; 69, s. 84-91
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Pregnancy is a time of heightened vulnerability for women, especially for experiencing violence in their close and intimate relationships. Alcohol misuse by a male intimate partner is a known contributor to increased risk and severity of intimate partner violence generally, however less is known about the relationship between partner drinking patterns and women's experience of violence in their relationship, and particularly in early pregnancy. This study aimed to explore these associations in a large, population-based sample of Swedish expectant parents.DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Data for this cross-sectional study were drawn from 11 461 couples (22 922 participants) enrolled in Salut, a child health promotion programme in Västerbotten County Council, Sweden. Data were collected at women's antenatal care visits during the first trimester of pregnancy.MEASUREMENTS: Questionnaires included male partners' self-reported drinking patterns using AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and pregnant women's reports of violence. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were undertaken to examine prevalence of reported violence and association with partner drinking patterns.FINDINGS: There was a strong association between male partner alcohol misuse and the odds of pregnant women experiencing violence in general, experiencing violence since becoming pregnant, and fear for their own safety at the time of enrolment in ANC. The odds of having experienced being controlled or physically hurt in a relationship, or having ever experienced sexual violence, were higher with more serious alcohol misuse by the male partner. Most striking was that women whose partners reported hazardous drinking or alcohol dependence had nearly nine times higher odds of experiencing being physically hurt by a partner since becoming pregnant, compared to women whose partners reported non-harmful alcohol use (OR 8.50, CI 2.39-30.17, p = 0.001). Fearing for current safety was also strongly linked to more severe alcohol use by their current male partner (OR 7.65, CI 1.02-57.24, p = 0.048).KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study contributes population-level evidence that the risk for women of experiencing violence in general or in early pregnancy is exacerbated when a male partner drinks in harmful ways. Health professionals and those supporting pregnant women should pay attention to the role of risk factors such as partner alcohol use. Ensuring the health of pregnant women and safety in their relationships is important for maternal, foetal and infant health and family functioning.
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| 21. |
- Öhman, Ann, et al.
(author)
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'The public health turn on violence against women' : Analysing Swedish healthcare law, public health and gender-equality policies
- 2020
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In: BMC Public Health. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2458. ; 20:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This article focuses on policy and law concerning violence against women as a public health issue. In Sweden, violence against women is recently recognized as a public health problem; we label this shift "The public health turn on violence against women". The new framing implies increased demands on the Swedish healthcare sector and its’ ability to recognise violence and deal with it in terms of prevention and interventions. The aim was to describe and discuss the main content and characteristics of Swedish healthcare law, and national public health and gender-equality policies representing the public health turn on violence against women. Through discursive policy analysis, we investigate how the violence is described, what is regarded to be the problem and what solutions and interventions that are suggested in order to solve the problem. Healthcare law articulates violence against women as an ordinary healthcare issue and the problem as shortcomings to provide good healthcare for victims, but without specifying what the problem or the legal obligation for the sector is. The public health problem is rather loosely defined, and suggested interventions are scarce and somewhat vague. The main recommendations for healthcare are to routinely ask patients about violence exposure. Violence against women is usually labelled "violence within close relationships" in the policies, and it is not necessarily described as a gender equality problem. While violence against women in some policy documents is clearly framed as a public health problem, such a framing is absent in others, or is transformed into a gender-neutral problem of violence within close relationships. It is not clearly articulated what the framing should lead to in terms of the healthcare sector's obligations, interventions and health promotions, apart from an ambivalent discourse on daring to ask about violence.
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