Qualitative Investigation into Pre- and Post-Natal Experience of Parents of Triplets

AbstractAlthough parents of triplets experience substantial mental distress, research about this increasing population has primarily focused on physical health risks of triplets and mothers, failing to capture the subjective wellbeing of parents. Accordingly, this study aimed to understand first-hand experience of parents of triplets, using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews participated by eight parents (four couples: Age M = 48.63, SD = 10.61 years). Six themes were identified: (1) Negative and (2) Positive experiences of raising triplets prenatally and postnatally, (3) Social, psychological, and material support, (4) Experiences and challenges specific to mothers and (5) fathers, and (6) Advice for future parents. These themes suggest that being reassured and accepting support from others are particularly essential in reducing stress and anxiety. Self-compassion interventions were recommended to support the wellbeing of parents of triplets. Our findings will help parents of triplets, their social circles, and healthcare workers to develop effective approaches to reduce the mental health difficulties that this under-researched population experiences.

Download Full-text

Engaging Parents of Lower-Socioeconomic Positions in Internet- and Mobile-Based Interventions for Youth Mental Health: A Qualitative Investigation

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18179087 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (17) ◽

pp. 9087

Author(s):

Grace Broomfield ◽

Catherine Wade ◽

Marie B. H. Yap

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Youth Mental Health ◽

Relative Importance ◽

Qualitative Investigation ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Lower Socioeconomic ◽

Mental Health Difficulties ◽

Use Of Internet ◽

Inductive Thematic Analysis ◽

Parenting Behaviours

Growing literature supports the use of internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) targeting parenting behaviours to prevent child and adolescent mental health difficulties. However, parents of lower-socioeconomic positions (SEP) are underserved by these interventions. To avoid contributing to existing mental health inequalities, additional efforts are needed to understand the engagement needs of lower-SEP parents. This study qualitatively explored lower-SEP parents’ perspectives on how program features could facilitate their engagement in IMIs for youth mental health. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 lower-SEP parents of children aged 0–18 to identify important program features. Participants were mostly female (81.3%) and aged between 26 and 56 years. Transcriptions were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Twenty-three modifiable program features important to lower-SEP parents’ engagement in IMIs were identified. These features aligned with one of three overarching themes explaining their importance to parents’ willingness to engage: (1) It will help my child; (2) I feel like I can do it; (3) It can easily fit into my life. The relative importance of program features varied based on parents’ specific social and economic challenges. These findings offer initial directions for program developers in optimising IMIs to overcome barriers to engagement for lower-SEP parents.

Download Full-text

Experiences of Tourette Syndrome Caregivers With Supportive Communication

Qualitative Health Research ◽

10.1177/1049732320915444 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (10) ◽

pp. 1480-1490

Author(s):

Eryn Travis ◽

Anna Victoria Ortiz Juarez-Paz

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Data Analysis ◽

Tourette Syndrome ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽

Qualitative Investigation ◽

Supportive Communication ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Childhood Onset ◽

Motor Tics ◽

Reducing Stress

The experiences of Tourette syndrome (TS) caregivers with supportive communication are examined in this qualitative investigation. TS is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder marked by a combination of involuntary verbal and motor tics lasting for more than 1 year. Although individuals are impacted the most by TS, the stress for caring for a child with TS takes an emotional and physical toll on the caregiver. Eleven participants shared their experiences with receiving supportive communication by taking part in semi-structured interviews. Data analysis yielded three themes: (a) TS caregivers describe their experiences as a struggle; (b) they seek out specific social support from friends and families; and (c) they frequently receive social support that increases instead of reducing stress.

Download Full-text

Experiences of Mental Distress during COVID-19: Thematic Analysis of Discussion Forum Posts for Anxiety, Depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Illness Crisis & Loss ◽

10.1177/10541373211023951 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 105413732110239

Author(s):

G. Brewer ◽

L. Centifanti ◽

J. Castro Caicedo ◽

G. Huxley ◽

C. Peddie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽

Mental Distress ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Discussion Forum ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Compulsive Disorder ◽

Care Workers ◽

Positive Experiences ◽

Anxiety Depression ◽

The Impact

The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on coronavirus patients, health care workers, and the general population is clear. Relatively few studies have, however, considered the impact of the pandemic on those with pre-existing mental health conditions. Therefore, the present study investigates the personal experiences of those with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder during COVID-19. We conducted a qualitative study utilising Reddit discussion forum posts. We conducted three separate thematic analyses from 130 posts in subreddit forums aimed for people identifying with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. We identified a number of similar discussion forum themes (e.g., COVID-19 intensifying symptoms and a lack of social support), as well as themes that were unique to each forum type (e.g., hyperawareness and positive experiences during the pandemic). Findings should guide future practice and the support provided to those living with mental distress.

Download Full-text

Protective Factors against Emergency Stress and Burnout in Healthcare and Emergency Workers during Second Wave of COVID-19

Social Sciences ◽

10.3390/socsci10050178 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 178

Author(s):

Monia Vagni ◽

Tiziana Maiorano ◽

Valeria Giostra ◽

Daniela Pajardi

Keyword(s):

Protective Factors ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Predictive Power ◽

Total Stress ◽

Emergency Workers ◽

Stress Levels ◽

And Coping ◽

Reducing Stress ◽

Second Wave

Working as healthcare workers (HCWs) and emergency workers (EWs) during the first wave of COVID-19 has been associated with high levels of stress and burnout, while hardiness, coping strategies and resilience have emerged as protective factors. No studies have so far investigated these psychological factors during the second wave. We aimed to verify the trend of stress levels, burnout, coping strategies and resilience during the pandemic in Italian healthcare and emergency workers by comparing a first sample recruited from the first COVID-19 wave (N = 240) with a second sample relating to the second wave (N = 260). Through an online platform we administered questionnaires to measure stress, burnout, resilience, hardiness and coping strategies. The results showed that in the two waves the total stress levels of HCWs and EWs did not differ, while the physical stress and hardiness scores in the second wave were greater. No differences were found in the coping strategies used. An analysis of burnout levels in the second wave sample found that stress showed a high predictive power in the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scales. Hardiness and resilience emerged as protective factors in reducing stress. The implications for the need to provide support and to improve hardiness for HCWs and EWs are discussed.

Download Full-text

Betegjogok etnikai metszetben

Orvosi Hetilap ◽

10.1556/650.2016.30424 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 157 (18) ◽

pp. 712-717

Author(s):

Ágnes Lukács ◽

Helga Judit Feith

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Medical System ◽

Religious Socialization ◽

Social Psychological ◽

Lower Socioeconomic Status ◽

Patients Rights ◽

Lower Socioeconomic ◽

Cultural Determinants ◽

Psychological Mechanism ◽

Perception Of Health

Introduction: The perception of health and sickness are culturally determined and, therefore, ethnic and religious socialization forms attitudes toward the medical system. During everyday practice, patients’ rights and obligations, which are based on the norms of the major society, confront Roma minority norms. Aim: The aim of the authors was to explore the main interferences of patients’ rights and obligations during the medical care of the Roma. Method: The authors analyzed the results of medical anthropology, health sociology, and the experience obtained from more than 40 courses about patients’ rights. Results: Cultural determinants, effects of the lower socioeconomic status and social-psychological mechanism equally form the situations of healthcare and the observance of patients’ rights and obligations. Conclusions: Most of the misunderstandings between healthcare workers and Roma patients stem from the lack of knowledge about cultural differences. Therefore, transcultural approach and Romani studies should be significant part of graduate and postgraduate courses in the field of medical education. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(18), 712–717.

Download Full-text

Barriers to Physical Distancing among Healthcare Workers on an Academic Hospital Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2021.154 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-26

Author(s):

Sara C. Keller ◽

Sara Pau ◽

Alejandra B. Salinas ◽

Opeyemi Oladapo-Shittu ◽

Sara E. Cosgrove ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Tertiary Hospital ◽

Peer Leaders ◽

Human Factors Engineering ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Hospital Unit ◽

Positive Behaviors ◽

Cognitive Aids ◽

Close Proximity

Abstract Background: Physical distancing among healthcare workers (HCW) is an essential strategy in preventing HCW-to-HCW transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Objective: To understand barriers to physical distancing among HCW on an inpatient unit and identify strategies for improvement. Design: Qualitative study including observations and semi-structured interviews over three months. Setting: A non-COVID adult general medical unit in an academic tertiary hospital. Participants: HCWs based on the unit. Methods: We performed a qualitative study in which we (1) observed HCWs activities and proximity to each other on the unit during weekday shifts July-October 2020 and (2) conducted semi-structured interviews of HCWs to understand their experiences with and perspectives of physical distancing in the hospital. Qualitative data were coded based on a human factors engineering model. Results: We completed 25 hours of observations and 20 HCW interviews. High-risk interactions often occurred during handoffs of care at shift changes and patient rounds, where HCWs gathered regularly in close proximity for at least 15 minutes. Identified barriers included spacing and availability of computers, the need to communicate confidential patient information, and the desire to maintain relationships at work. Conclusions: Physical distancing can be improved in hospitals by restructuring computer workstations, work rooms, and breakrooms; applying visible cognitive aids; adapting shift times; and supporting rounds and meetings with virtual conferencing. Additional strategies to promote staff adherence to physical distancing include rewarding positive behaviors, having peer leaders model physical distancing, and encouraging additional safe avenues for social connection at a safe distance.

Download Full-text

“Kicking and Screaming” or “Gracefully Conceding”: Creative Nonfiction Stories of Aging With Multiple Sclerosis

Qualitative Health Research ◽

10.1177/10497323211009864 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 104973232110098

Author(s):

Emma V. Richardson ◽

Robert W. Motl

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Older Adults ◽

Knowledge Translation ◽

Creative Nonfiction ◽

Complex Phenomenon ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Cognitive Dysfunctions ◽

Positive Experiences

Aging with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex phenomenon. Some individuals report physical and cognitive dysfunctions regarding these combined experiences, whereas others report perceived improvements in quality of life. Beyond this, little is known regarding how people make sense of, and come to embody, negative or positive experiences of MS. Thus, our objectives were to (a) explore how people made sense of aging with MS and (b) present this in an artful, engaging, transformative way. To achieve this, we conducted 40 semi-structured interviews with older adults who had MS, analyzed data using pluralistic narrative analyses, and presented results through two creative nonfictions. We detail our process of creating the nonfictions before presenting the different stories of aging with MS, namely “Kicking and Screaming” and “Gracefully Conceding.” We then offer recommendations and implications for using these stories as knowledge translation devices, and further critique the limitations of these stories in practice.

Download Full-text

Opportunities and challenges for telemedicine oncology: Perspectives from the frontline (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.29635 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kea Turner ◽

Margarita Bobonis Babilonia ◽

Cristina Naso ◽

Oliver Nguyen ◽

Brian D. Gonzalez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Outcomes ◽

Cancer Care ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Healthcare Delivery ◽

Implementation Strategies ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Biometric Data ◽

Quality Costs ◽

Workflow Integration ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND Rapid implementation of telemedicine for cancer care during COVID-19 required innovative and adaptive solutions among healthcare workers. OBJECTIVE The objective of this qualitative study was to explore healthcare workers’ experiences with telemedicine implementation during COVID-19. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 oncology healthcare workers who implemented telemedicine during COVID-19. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for themes using Dedoose software (Version 4.12). RESULTS Approximately half of participants were physicians (55%) and one quarter of participants were APPs (25%). Other participants included social workers (n=3), psychologists (n=2), dieticians (n=2), and a pharmacist. Five key themes were identified: 1) establishing and maintaining patient-provider relationships, 2) coordinating care with other providers and informal caregivers, 3) adapting in-person assessments for telemedicine, 4) developing workflows and allocating resources, and 5) future recommendations. Participants described innovative strategies for implementing telemedicine, such as coordinating inter-disciplinary visits with multiple providers. Healthcare workers discussed key challenges, such as workflow integration, lack of physical exam and biometric data, and overcoming the digital divide. Participants recommended policy advocacy to support telemedicine (e.g., medical licensure policies) and monitoring how telemedicine affects patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. CONCLUSIONS To support the growth of telemedicine, implementation strategies are needed to ensure providers and patients have the tools necessary to effectively engage in telemedicine. At the same time, cancer care organizations will need to engage in advocacy to ensure policies are supportive of oncology telemedicine and develop systems to monitor the impact of telemedicine on patient outcomes, healthcare quality, costs, and equity. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

Download Full-text

“Why can’t I Have the Office Jobs?”: Immigrant Latinx Transgender Peoples’ Experiences with Seeking Employment

Journal of Career Development ◽

10.1177/08948453211062951 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089484532110629

Author(s):

Roberto L. Abreu ◽

Kirsten A. Gonzalez ◽

Louis Lindley ◽

Cristalís Capielo Rosario ◽

Gabriel M. Lockett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Community Sample ◽

The United States ◽

Disability Benefits ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Future Directions ◽

Transgender People ◽

Job Opportunities ◽

Positive Experiences

Research has documented the experiences of transgender people in seeking employment. To date, no scholarship has explored the experiences of immigrant Latinx transgender people seeking employment in the United States. Using an intersectionality framework, the present study aimed to uncover the experiences of immigrant Latinx transgender people as they sought employment in the United States. A community sample of 18 immigrant Latinx transgender people from a large metropolitan city in Florida engaged in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed five themes related to participants’ experiences seeking employment, including: (1) discrimination, (2) limited options, (3) positive experiences, (4) momentary de-transition, and (5) disability benefits as financial relief. Future directions such as exploring ways in which immigrant Latinx transgender people resist discrimination while seeking job opportunities are discussed. Implications for practice and advocacy such as advocating for equitable employment policies that acknowledge the intersectional experiences of this community are presented.

Download Full-text