| 1. |
- Annborn, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Obstetric violence a qualitative interview study.
- 2021
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In: Midwifery. - : Elsevier. - 0266-6138 .- 1532-3099. ; 105
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To investigate the meaning of the concept of 'obstetric violence' to women in Sweden, who reported a negative birth experience.DESIGN: An inductive qualitative approach with individual narratives. A thematic qualitative content analysis was used.SETTING: Three midwifery clinics in southwest Scania.PARTICIPANTS: Twelve women who had given birth less than three years previously and reported a negative/traumatic birth experience.FINDINGS: The key findings showed that the women had experienced psychological and physical abuse during childbirth which may be interpreted as 'obstetric violence'. Four categories emerged from the analyses describing the women's experiences: Lack of information and consent including poor information and no right to participate in decisions concerning the process of labour, Insufficient pain relief, which encompassed unbearable pain without pain relief, Lack of trust and security where the women experienced staff with bad attitudes and jargon, and The experience of abuse including threats of violence from midwives and where the birth experience was compared to rape.KEY CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that physical and psychological abuse during childbirth exists in Sweden and that women experience this as being subjected to 'obstetric violence' during childbirth. The phenomenon of obstetric violence is very complex. The abuse of women during childbirth might be a significant problem and quality assurance is required to secure the rights of women giving birth.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: In order to secure the rights of birthing women and to promote respectful and supportive care for new mothers, quality development programs are required.
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| 2. |
- Bohm, Mattias, et al.
(author)
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Detailed analysis of health-related quality of life after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
- 2019
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In: Resuscitation. - : Elsevier. - 0300-9572 .- 1873-1570. ; 135:February, s. 197-204
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim:To describe the detailed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in survivors from the TTM-trial and to investigate potential differences related to sex and age.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study originating from a large prospective international, multicentre trial, including 442 respondents who answered the Short Form-36 item Questionnaire Health Survey version 2® (SF-36v2®) at a structured follow-up 6 months after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Statistical analysis between independent groups were performed with Mann-Whitney U or Chi-square. Age was analysed primarily as a dichotomised variable.Results:Although overall physical and mental health were within the normal range, a substantial proportion of respondents had impaired function at domain-specific levels, particularly in Role-Physical (50%) and Role-Emotional (35%). Females scored significantly lower than males in; Physical Functioning (41.7 vs. 47.9, p < 0.001), Role-Physical (40.4 vs. 44.3, p = 0.02), General Health (47.0 vs. 50.5, p = 0.02), Vitality (47.2 vs. 52.7, p < 0.001), and Role-Emotional (41.5 vs. 46.2, p = 0.009). Those ≤65 years scored significantly better in Physical Functioning (47.9 vs. 44.1 p < 0.001), while those >65 years scored significantly better in Vitality (50.8 vs. 53.7, p = 0.006) and Mental Health (50.3 vs. 52.6, p = 0.04).Conclusions:Many OHCA survivors demonstrated impaired function in HRQoL at a domain level, despite most patients reporting an acceptable general HRQoL. Females reported worse HRQoL than males. Older age was associated with a worse Physical Functioning but better Vitality and Mental Health. Role-Physical and Role-Emotional aspects of health were especially affected, even when effects of age and sex where accounted for.
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| 3. |
- Finnbogadottir, Hafrún, et al.
(author)
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A multi-centre cohort study shows no association between experienced violence and labour dystocia in nulliparous women at term
- 2011
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In: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2393 .- 1471-2393. ; 11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Although both labour dystocia and domestic violence during pregnancy are associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcome, evidence in support of a possible association between experiences of domestic violence and labour dystocia is sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate whether self-reported history of violence or experienced violence during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of labour dystocia in nulliparous women at term.Methods: A population-based multi-centre cohort study. A self-administrated questionnaire collected at 37 weeks of gestation from nine obstetric departments in Denmark. The total cohort comprised 2652 nulliparous women, among whom 985 (37.1%) met the protocol criteria for dystocia.Results: Among the total cohort, 940 (35.4%) women reported experience of violence, and among these, 66 (2.5%) women reported exposure to violence during their first pregnancy. Further, 39.5% (n = 26) of those had never been exposed to violence before. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed no association between history of violence or experienced violence during pregnancy and labour dystocia at term, crude OR 0.91, 95% CI (0.77-1.08), OR 0.90, 95% CI (0.54-1.50), respectively. However, violence exposed women consuming alcoholic beverages during late pregnancy had increased odds of labour dystocia, crude OR 1.45, 95% CI (1.07-1.96).Conclusions: Our findings indicate that nulliparous women who have a history of violence or experienced violence during pregnancy do not appear to have a higher risk of labour dystocia at term, according to the definition of labour dystocia in this study. Additional research on this topic would be beneficial, including further evaluation of the criteria for labour dystocia. Background Accumulating knowledge suggests that domestic violence occurring during pregnancy is a serious public health issue due to the risk for adverse maternal and fetal health outcomes [1-3]. Labour dystocia, another serious complication in obstetrics, has also been increasingly highlighted during the past decades [4-9]. Labour dystocia is defined as a slow or difficult labour or childbirth. According to Kjaergaard et al. [10] the term ‘dystocia’ is frequently used in clinical practice, yet there is no consistency in the use of terminology for prolonged labour or labour.
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| 4. |
- Finnbogadottir, Hafrún, et al.
(author)
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Birth outcomes in a Swedish population of women reporting a history of violence including domestic violence during pregnancy : a longitudinal cohort study
- 2020
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In: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2393 .- 1471-2393. ; 20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Victimisation of women is encountered in all countries across the world, it damages the mental and physical health of women. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, women are at a greater risk of experiencing violence from an intimate partner. The aim of this study was to explore childbirth outcomes in a Swedish population of women reporting a history of violence including domestic violence during pregnancy.METHODS: A longitudinal cohort design was used. In total, 1939 pregnant women ≥18 years were recruited to answer two questionnaires, both questionnaires were administered in the early and late stages of their pregnancy. The available dataset included birth records of 1694 mothers who gave birth between June 2012 and April 2014. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, T-test and bivariate logistic regression.RESULTS: Of 1694 mothers 38.7% (n = 656) reported a history of violence and 2% (n = 34) also experienced domestic violence during pregnancy. Women who were single, living apart from their partner, unemployed, smoked and faced financial distress were at a higher risk of experiencing violence (p = 0.001). They also had significant low scores on the SOC-scale and high EDS-scores ≥13 (p = 0.001) when compared to women without a history of violence (p = 0.001). Having a history of violence increased the woman's risk of undergoing a caesarean section (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.02-1.70). A history of emotional abuse also significantly increased the risk of having a caesarean section irrespective of whether it was a planned or an emergency caesarean section (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.09-2.06). Infants born to a mother who reported a history of violence, were at significant risk of being born premature < 37 weeks of gestation compared to infants born by mothers with no history of violence (p = 0,049).CONCLUSIONS: A history of violence and/or exclusively a history of emotional abuse has a negative impact on childbirth outcomes including caesarean section and premature birth. Therefore, early identification of a history of or ongoing violence is crucial to provide women with extra support which may have positive impact on her birth outcomes.
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| 5. |
- Finnbogadottir, Hafrún, et al.
(author)
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Breastfeeding in the context of domestic violence : a cross sectional study
- 2017
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In: Journal of Advanced Nursing. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0309-2402 .- 1365-2648. ; 73:12, s. 3209-3219
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: To determine the differences in breastfeeding among women who did and did not experience domestic violence during pregnancy and postpartum in a Swedish context. In addition, to identify possible differences regarding breastfeeding between groups with or without a history of violence. Further, determine the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and symptoms of depression.Background: History of violence may increase the risk of depression and a decrease in, or cessation of, breastfeeding.Design: The study has a cross-sectional design. Methods: Data were collected prospectively from March 2012 - May 2015. A cohort of 731 mothers answered a questionnaire from a larger project (1.5 years postpartum). Results: Breastfeeding was reported by 93.7% of participants. Women exposed to domestic violence during pregnancy and/or postpartum (4.5%) were just as likely to breastfeed as women who had not reported exposure to domestic violence. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with or without a history of violence regarding exclusive breastfeeding. Women reporting several symptoms of depression breastfed exclusively to a lesser extent compared with women who had a few symptoms of depression.Conclusion: Domestic violence did not influence breastfeeding prevalence or duration. Breastfeeding did not differ in women with or without a history of violence. Symptoms of depression influenced duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Beyond recognizing women who are exposed to violence, it is important to identify and to support pregnant women and new mothers with symptoms of depression as their health and the health of their infants depends on the mothers’ mental well-being.
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| 6. |
- Finnbogadóttir, Hafrún
(author)
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Domestic violence and pregnancy : impact on outcome and midwives' awareness of the topic
- 2011
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Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Objective: The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate whether selfreported history of violence is associated with increased risk of labour dystocia in nulliparous women at term and to elucidate midwives’ awareness of domestic violence during pregnancy in southern Sweden. Design/Method/Setting/Population: Paper I utilised a population-based multi-centre cohort study design. A self-administrated questionnaire was administered at four points in time with start at 37 weeks of gestation, at nine obstetric departments in Denmark. The total cohort comprised 2652 nulliparous women, among whom 985 (37.1%) met the protocol criteria for labour dystocia. In paper II an inductive qualitative design was utilised, based on focus group interviews. Participants were midwives with experience of working in antenatal care units connected to two university hospitals in southern Sweden. Sixteen midwives were recruited by network sampling complemented by purposive sampling, and were divided into four focus groups of 3 to 5 individuals. Results: In paper I cohort of the total, 940 (35.4 %) women reported experience of violence and of these 66 (2.5 %) women reported exposure of violence during their first pregnancy. Further, 39.5% (n = 26) of those had never been exposed to violence before. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed no association between history of violence or experienced violence during pregnancy and labour dystocia at term, crude OR 0.91, 95% CI (0.77-1.08), OR 0.90, 95% CI (0.54-1.50), respectively. However, violence exposed women consuming alcoholic beverages during late pregnancy had increased odds of labour dystocia (crude OR 1.49, CI: 1.07 – 2.07) compared to unexposed to violence women who were alcohol consumers (crude OR 0.89, 95 % CI: 0.69- 1.14). In paper II five categories emerged: 1) ‘Knowledge about ‘the different faces’ of violence’, perpetrator and survivor behaviour, and violence-related consequences. 2) ‘Identified and visible vulnerable groups’, ‘at risk’ groups for exposure to domestic violence during pregnancy, e.g. immigrants and substance users. 3) ‘Barriers towards asking the right questions’, the midwife herself as an obstacle, lack of knowledge among midwives as to how to handle disclosure of violence, and presence of the father-to-be at visits to the midwife. 4) ‘Handling the delicate situation’, e.g. the potential conflict between the midwife’s professional obligation to protect the abused woman and the unborn baby and the survivor’s wish to avoid interference. 5) ‘The crucial role of the midwife’, insufficient or non-existent support, lack of guidelines and/or written plans of action in situations when domestic violence is disclosed. The above five categories were subsumed under the overarching category ‘Failing both mother and the unborn baby’ which highlights the vulnerability of the unborn baby and the need to provide protection for the unborn baby by means of adequate care to the pregnant woman. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that nulliparous women who have a history of violence or experienced violence during pregnancy do not appear to have a higher risk of labour dystocia at term, according to the definition of labour dystocia used in this study. Additional research on this topic would be beneficial, including further evaluation of the criteria for labour dystocia (Paper I). Avoidance of questions concerning the experience of violence during pregnancy may be regarded as a failing not only to the pregnant woman but also to the unprotected and unborn baby. Nevertheless, certain hindrances must be overcome before the implementation of routine enquiry concerning pregnant women’s experiences of violence. It is of importance to develop guidelines and a plan of action for all health care personnel at antenatal clinics as well as continuous education and professional support for midwives in southern Sweden (Paper II).
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| 7. |
- Finnbogadottir, Hafrún, et al.
(author)
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Expectant first-time fathers’ experiences of pregnancy
- 2003
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In: Midwifery. - : Elsevier. - 0266-6138 .- 1532-3099. ; 19:2, s. 96-105
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: to describe first-time-expectant fathers’ experiences of pregnancy.Design: an inductive method using narrative interview formand qualitative content textanalysis.The text of the transcriptswas coded and categorised.Settings and participants: seven first-time-expectant fathers living in a multicultural industrial town in southern Sweden were interviewed individually when their partner was in the 38th to 39thweek of pregnancy.Measurements and findings: all the fathers-to-be experienced some psychological, socialand/or physical change during the pregnancy. The main category, was ‘time of transition’. Eight categories were found under this. They were: ‘feelings of unreality, ‘insufficiency and inadequacy’, ‘exclusion’, ‘reality’, ‘social changes’, ‘physical changes’, ‘responsibility, and development’.Key conclusion: the fathers’-to-be special needs for support and encouragement durin gpregnancymay be as important as those of the mothers’-to-be. The caregiver needs to be as aware of and sensitive to these needs. However, before any interventions can be recommendedmore research is needed.
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| 8. |
- Finnbogadóttir, Hafrún
(author)
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Exposure to domestic violence during pregnancy : impact on outcome, midwives’ awareness, women´sexperience and prevalence in the south of Sweden
- 2014
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Objective: The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate pregnant women’shistory of violence and experiences of domestic violence during pregnancy andto explore the possible association between such violence and various outcomemeasures as well as background factors. A further aim was to elucidate midwives’awareness of domestic violence among pregnant women as well as women’sexperiences and management of domestic violence during pregnancy.Design/Setting/Population: Paper I utilised material derived from a populationbasedmulti-centre cohort study. A total of 2652 nulliparous women at nineobstetric departments in Denmark answered a self-administrated questionnaireat 37 weeks of gestation. Among the total sample, 37.1% (985) women met theprotocol criteria for labour dystocia. In Paper II an inductive qualitative methodwas used, based on focus group interviews with sixteen midwives working inantenatal care in southern Sweden who were divided into four focus groups. InPaper III a grounded theory approach was used to develop a theoretical modelof ten women’s experiences of intimate partner violence during pregnancy. PaperIV was a cross-sectional study including a cohort of 1939 pregnant women whoanswered a self-administered questionnaire at their first visit to seventeen ANCsin south-west Scania in Sweden.Results: In paper I, 35.4 % (n = 940) of the total cohort of women reportedhistory of violence, and among these, 2.5 % (n = 66) reported exposure toviolence during their first pregnancy. Further, 39.5% (n = 26) of those had neverbeen exposed to violence before. No associations were found between historyof violence or experienced violence during pregnancy and labour dystocia atterm. However, among those women consuming alcoholic beverages during latepregnancy, women exposed to violence had increased odds of labour dystocia(crude OR 1.49, CI: 1.07 – 2.07) compared to women who were unexposedto violence. In Paper II, an overarching category ‘Failing both mother and theunborn baby’ highlighted the vulnerability of the unborn baby and the needto provide protection for the unborn baby by means of adequate care to thepregnant woman. Also, the analysis yielded five categories: 1) ‘Knowledge about‘the different faces’ of violence’ 2) ‘Identified and visible vulnerable groups’, 3)‘Barriers towards asking the right questions’, 4) ‘Handling the delicate situation’and 5) ‘The crucial role of the midwife’. In Paper III, the analysis of the empiricaldata formed a theoretical model, and the core category, ‘Struggling to survivefor the sake of the unborn baby’, constituted the main concerns of women whowere exposed to IPV during pregnancy. The core category also demonstratedhow the survivors handled their situation. Three sub-core categories wereidentified that were properties of the core category; these were: ‘Trapped inthe situation’, ‘Exposed to mastery’ and ‘Degradation processes’. In Paper IV,‘history of violence’ was reported by 39.5% (n = 761) of the women. Prevalenceof experience of domestic violence during pregnancy, regardless of type or levelof abuse, was 1.0 % (n = 18), and prevalence of history of physical abuse byactual intimate partner was 2.2 % (n = 42). The strongest factor associated withdomestic violence during pregnancy was history of violence (p < 0.001). Thepresence of several symptoms of depression was associated with a 7-fold risk ofdomestic violence during pregnancy (OR 7.0; 95% CI: 1.9-26.3).Conclusions: Our findings indicated that nulliparous women who have ahistory of violence or experienced violence during pregnancy do not appearto have a higher risk of labour dystocia at term, according to the definitionof labour dystocia used in this study. Additional research on this topic wouldbe beneficial, including further evaluation of the criteria for labour dystocia(Paper I). Avoidance of questions concerning the experience of violence duringpregnancy may be regarded as failing not only the pregnant woman but also theunprotected and unborn baby. Still, certain hindrances must be overcome beforethe implementation of routine enquiry concerning pregnant women’s experiencesof violence (Paper II). The theoretical model “Struggling to survive for the sakeof the unborn baby” highlights survival as the pregnant women’s main concernand explains their strategies for dealing with experiences of violence duringpregnancy. The findings may provide a deeper understanding of this complexmatter for midwives and other health care professionals (Paper III). The reportedprevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy in southwest Scania in Swedenis low. Both history of violence and the presence of several depressive symptomsdetected in early pregnancy may indicate that the woman also is exposed todomestic violence during pregnancy (Paper IV).
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| 9. |
- Finnbogadottir, Hafrún, et al.
(author)
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Increasing prevalence and incidence of domestic violence during the pregnancy and one and a half year postpartum, as well as risk factors : a longitudinal cohort study in Southern Sweden
- 2016
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In: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : Springer. - 1471-2393 .- 1471-2393. ; 16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Domestic violence is a global health problem as well as a violation against human rights. The aim of this study was to explore prevalence and incidence of domestic violence during pregnancy and 1 to 1.5 years postpartum as well as to explore the history of violence among new mothers in the southwestern region of Sweden. In addition, the aim was to explore the association between domestic violence postpartum and possible risk factors.Methods: This is a longitudinal cohort-study including pregnant women ≥ 18 years of age. Total 1939 pregnant women were recruited to the study and requested to answer three questionnaires (QI-III) during pregnancy and postpartum. Statistical analysis were descriptive statistics, logistic regression and multiple regression with Odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). Results: The response rate for those who received the Q-III (n = 755) at a Child Welfare Center was almost 97 % (n = 731). When all three questionnaires were answered the prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy irrespective of type or severity was reported by 2.5 % (n = 40/1573). At 1 to 1.5 years postpartum the prevalence of domestic violence had increased to 3.3 % (n = 23/697). The incidence was 14 per 1000 women during pregnancy and 17.2 per 1000 women postpartum. The strongest risk factor for domestic violence reported at1-1.5 years postpartum was a history of violence whereby all of the women (n = 23) who had revealed their exposure to domestic violence postpartum also reported a history of violence (p < 0.001). Being single/living apart gave a 12.9 times higher risk for domestic violence postpartum (AOR 12.9; 95 % CI: 4.5–37.1). Having several symptoms of depression and a low score on the SOC-scale gave a 3.5 and 3.0 times higher risk respectively (AOR 3.5; 95 % CI: 1.2–10.4) and (AOR 3.0; 95 % CI 1.1–8.3). Conclusion: Domestic violence increases as the pregnancy develops and postpartum. A history of violence and being single/living apart may be strong indicators for domestic violence during pregnancy as well as postpartum. Also, having symptoms of depression are associated with domestic violence both during pregnancy and postpartum. Collaboration between health care providers at Antenatal and Welfare centres is essential.
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| 10. |
- Finnbogadottir, Hafrún, et al.
(author)
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Lifestyle factors, self-reported health and sense of coherence among fathers/partners in relation to risk for depression and anxiety in early pregnancy
- 2019
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 33:2, s. 436-445
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundFather's health is important for mothers and unborn/newborn children and knowledge about expectant fathers’ health in relation to lifestyle and psychosocial aspects is essential.AimsTo determine sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, self‐reported health and sense of coherence among fathers and partners in relation to their risk for depression and anxiety in early pregnancy.MethodsA cross‐sectional design, descriptive statistics, chi‐squared analysis, T‐test, binary logistic regression, multiple logistic regression with OR and 95% CI were used.ResultsA total of 532 prospective fathers/partners constituted the cohort (mean age 31.55, SD 5.47 years). Nearly, one in ten (9.8%) had a statistically high risk for depression; mainly those who were unemployed (p = 0.043), had financial distress (0.001), reported ‘very or fairly bad’ health (p = 0.002), had a ‘very or fairly bad’ sexual satisfaction (p = 0.006) and scored low on the SOC scale (p < 0.001). They smoked more often (p = 0.003) were hazardous users of alcohol (p = 0.001) and slept with difficulties (p = 0.001). Those with sleeping difficulties were 5.7 times more likely to have several symptoms of depression (p = 0.001). Hazardous users of alcohol and smokers had 3.1 respectively 3.0 times higher risk for depression (p = 0.001 respectively 0.003). The single strongest risk factor was a low score on the SOC‐scale which gave 10.6 (AOR 10.6; 95% CI 5.4–20.6) higher risk for depression. High‐anxiety ‘just now’ was reported by 8.9% and ‘in general’ by 7.9%, and those who had sleeping difficulties reported ‘very or fairly bad’ health (p < 0.001).ConclusionsAllocating more resources and introducing more family‐focused care with depression and anxiety screening in early pregnancy for both expecting parents at antenatal care should be strongly considered by actors and policymakers, as this is a step in maintaining a family's well‐being.
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