scholarly journals Lived experiences of pregnant and new mothers during COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative analysis of YouTube birth stories

Author(s):  
Kobi V. Ajayi ◽  
Idethia S. Harvey ◽  
Sonya Panjwani ◽  
Inyang Uwak ◽  
Whitney Garney ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought on unprecedented changes, not only to our daily lives but also to our healthcare system. The pandemic has particularly impacted pregnant women that must give birth with tight restrictions and significant uncertainties. Birth stories have frequently been used as a way for women to describe their experiences with the birthing process. In this uncertain time, birth stories can provide valuable insight into how pregnancy and birth stressors during a pandemic can impact the patient’s overall experience. This study sought to describe and understand pregnant and new mothers’ lived experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsResearchers extracted relevant YouTube birth stories using predetermined search terms and inclusion criteria. The mothers’ birth stories were narrated in their second or third trimester or those who had recently given birth during the study period. Birth stories were analyzed using an inductive and deductive approach to capture different aspects of the birthing experience.ResultsOverall, eighty-three birth stories were analyzed. Within these birth stories, four broad themes and twelve subthemes emerged. Key themes included a sense of loss, hospital experiences, experiences with healthcare providers, and unique experiences during birth and postpartum. The birth stories revealed negative and positive birth experiences. Particularly, mothers were frustrated with constantly changing policies within the healthcare setting that negatively affected their birthing experience. On the other hand, support from healthcare professionals, having their partners in the delivery room, and having a positive mindset was instrumental in having a positive birth experience.ConclusionResults from this study provided a detailed description of women’s lived experience with giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare providers need to provide clear communication and compassionate patient-centered care to relieve women’s anxiety about uncertain and unpredictable policy as the pandemic continues to evolve.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gamze Senyurek ◽  
Mustafa Volkan Kavas ◽  
Yesim Isil Ulman

Abstract Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection rates have been gradually increasing in Istanbul, Turkey. Many people living with HIV (PLWH) here encounter difficulties, for example, in adapting to the chronic disease and obtaining continuous access to healthcare services. In this study, we aimed to explore the challenges PLWH face in their daily lives and understand their perceptions of themselves, healthcare professionals and services, and their social spheres via their expressed lived experiences in the healthcare setting. Method Individual semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted face-to-face with 20 PLWH in Istanbul. All the interviews were voice-recorded and transcribed verbatim except one, upon participant request, for which the interviewer took notes. These logs and the interviewer’s notes were analyzed thematically using the inductive content analysis method. Results The themes concerned experiences in three distinct contexts: 1) Interactions with healthcare providers; 2) Participants’ responses to their HIV diagnosis; and 3) Interactions with their social networks. Firstly, the results highlighted that the participants perceived that healthcare professionals did not inform them about the diagnosis properly, failed to protect patients’ confidentiality and exhibited discriminative behaviors towards them. Secondly, after the diagnosis the participants had difficulty in coping with their unsettled emotional state. While many ceased sexual activities and isolated themselves, some sought support. Lastly, living with HIV affected their relationships with their families and friends either positively or negatively. Moreover, they had to face the difficulties concerning spouse/partner notification issues about which many needed professional support. Conclusion Healthcare professionals’ discriminative or inappropriate attitudes and customs in healthcare institutions are perceived to impair PLWH’s utilization of healthcare services. Structural factors such as social pressure, societal ignorance about HIV, limited access to HIV prevention, and regulatory barriers might contribute to these challenges. The results suggest that it is necessary to raise healthcare professionals’ and society’s awareness about HIV and develop national policies to establish a well-functioning referral system and appropriate spouse/partner notification services.


RMD Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e001590
Author(s):  
Ilgin G Arslan ◽  
Rianne M Rozendaal ◽  
Marienke van Middelkoop ◽  
Saskia A G Stitzinger ◽  
Maarten-Paul Van de Kerkhove ◽  
...  

To provide an overview of quality indicators (QIs) for knee and hip osteoarthritis (KHOA) care and to highlight differences in healthcare settings. A database search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL and Google Scholar, OpenGrey and Prospective Trial Register, up to March 2020. Studies developing or adapting existing QI(s) for patients with osteoarthritis were eligible for inclusion. Included studies were categorised into healthcare settings. QIs from included studies were categorised into structure, process and outcome of care. Within these categories, QIs were grouped into themes (eg, physical therapy). A narrative synthesis was used to describe differences and similarities between healthcare settings. We included 20 studies with a total of 196 QIs mostly related to the process of care in different healthcare settings. Few studies included patients’ perspectives. Rigorous methods for evidence synthesis to develop QIs were rarely used. Narrative analysis showed differences in QIs between healthcare settings with regard to exercise therapy, weight counselling, referral to laboratory tests and ‘do not do’ QIs. Differences within the same healthcare setting were identified on radiographic assessment. The heterogeneity in QIs emphasise the necessity to carefully select QIs for KHOA depending on the healthcare setting. This review provides an overview of QIs outlined to their healthcare settings to support healthcare providers and policy makers in selecting the contextually appropriate QIs to validly monitor the quality of KHOA care. We strongly recommend to review QIs against the most recent guidelines before implementing them into practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-60
Author(s):  
Abiola Bamijoko-Okungbaye

Background: Anxiety disorder patients tend to feel that they are misunderstood and judged. Their lived experiences were understudied in clinical setting where the focus is mostly on their response to treatment. Apart from the stigma associated with the disorder, they face negative social perceptions, which affect their ability to interact with their community, disrupting their healing path. A narrative account in mental health can lead to the creation of a healthier society. This research examines how people with anxiety disorders view themselves and ascribe meaning to the stigma surrounding their condition. Method: A narrative analysis of case studies in Europe, each patient sharing their in-depth lived experiences with anxiety disorders. Results: Nadir's experience was initially expressed and as the participants gained a moderate, balanced level of self-awareness through narrative approaches, they quickly develop coping strategies that are essential to their recovery. Conclusion: Narrative mental health might be an area that needs refocusing during the treatment of anxiety disorders patients.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Al Omari ◽  
Dianne Wynaden

The qualitative research method of interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to explore the lived experience of 14 Jordanian adolescents with haematological malignancies. They were admitted to two hospitals in Jordan and were interviewed for this study twice during the first six months after receiving their diagnosis. The results of this study revealed three themes: (1) Being in hospital, (2) The changing self, and (3) Fearing the unknown. When the participants were hospitalised due to their illness they were removed from their families and friends and prevented from engaging in their normal daily routine. Participants also reported receiving limited emotional and psychological support from health team members during hospitalisation. From the onset of cancer treatments, the bio-psychosocial side effects of the chemotherapy became one of the most distressing factors for participants affecting all aspects of their life and generated uncertainty about their future. The findings add to existing understanding of the lived experiences of cancer patients and in particular Jordanian adolescents. They provide a valuable insight for clinicians into improvements in service delivery to this group of patients.


Author(s):  
Russell M. Harris ◽  
Russell A. Bors

We collected personal documents from various participants on the topic of "a personal experience in which you observed or experienced psychopathology." The protocols were "topical autobiographical" personal documents, which we analyzed using the procedures set forth by van Kaam, to describe—rather than attempting to explain—lived experiences. Subsequently, 15 protocols obtained from an undergraduate class in psychopathology at the University of Regina were analyzed. We feel that both the methodology used and our findings reveal a new way of viewing psychopathology, showing the inadequacy of reducing psychopathology to diagnostic labels. We found that the fullness of the pathological experience can only be understood through elucidating experienced interpersonal dynamics. Consequently, both an essential and a situational quality is evidenced, revealing the inadequacy of theories in which either the existence of psychopathology or its subjective character are denied.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000542
Author(s):  
Nabil Issa ◽  
Whitney E Liddy ◽  
Sandeep Samant ◽  
David B Conley ◽  
Robert C Kern ◽  
...  

BackgroundCricothyrotomy is associated with significant aerosolization that increases the potential risk of infection among healthcare providers. It is important to identify simple yet effective methods to suppress aerosolization and improve the safety of healthcare providers.Methods5 ear, nose and throat and general surgeons used a locally developed hybrid cricothyrotomy simulator with a porcine trachea to test three draping methods to suppress aerosolization during the procedure: an X-ray cassette drape, dry operating room (OR) towels and wet OR towels. The three methods were judged based on three categories: effectiveness of suppression, availability in all healthcare systems and ease of handling.ResultsAll five surgeons performed the procedure independently using each of the three suppression methods. The wet OR towel drape was found to be an effective method to suppress aerosolization, and it did not hinder the surgeons from performing the procedure accurately. This finding was confirmed by using an atomized fluorescein dye injection into the porcine trachea, representing aerosolized material while performing the procedure.ConclusionsWe present a novel intervention using wet towels to suppress aerosolization during cricothyrotomy. Wet towels are cheap and readily available within any healthcare setting regardless of the financial resources available.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-63
Author(s):  
Claire McCarthy ◽  
Sarah Meaney ◽  
Marie Rochford ◽  
Keelin O’Donoghue

Healthcare providers commonly experience risky situations in the provision of maternity care, and there has been increased focus on the lived experience in recent years. We aimed to assess opinions on, understanding of and behaviours of risk on the LW by conducting a mixed methods study. Staff working in a LW setting completed a descriptive questionnaire-based study, followed by qualitative structured interviews. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS on quantitative data and thematic analysis performed on qualitative data. Nearly two thirds of staff (64%; 73/114) completed the questionnaire, with 56.2% (n = 47) experiencing risk on a daily basis. Experiencing risk evoked feelings of apprehension (68.4%; n = 50) and worry (60.2%; n = 44) which was echoed in the qualitative work. Structured clinical assessment was utilised in risky situations, and staff described “ going on autopilot” to manage these situations. A large number of respondents reflected on their provision of care following an adverse event (87.7%; n = 64). Debriefing was mentioned as an important practice following such events by all respondents. This study describes the negative terminology prevailing in emergency obstetric care. These experiences can have a profound impact on staff. Risk reduction strategies and the provision of increased staff support and training are crucial to improve staff wellbeing in stressful scenarios.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000486742098788
Author(s):  
Giles Newton-Howes ◽  
Jessica Senior ◽  
Ben Beaglehole ◽  
Gordon L Purdie ◽  
Sarah E Gordon

Objective: This study sought to investigate the impact of a service user-led anti-stigma and discrimination education programme, encompassing numerous interventions focused on facilitating multiple forms of social contact, the promotion of recovery, and respect for human rights, on medical student attitudes. Method: A comparison cohort study was used to compare the attitudes of two cohorts of medical students who received this programme as part of their fifth (the fifth-year cohort) or sixth (the sixth-year cohort) year psychological medical education attachment (programme cohorts) with two cohorts of equivalent students who received a standard psychological medical attachment (control cohorts). Attitudes to recovery (using the Recovery Attitudes Questionnaire) and stigma (using the Opening Minds Scale for Healthcare Providers) were measured at the beginning and end of the attachments for each year and compared both within and between the cohorts using Wilcoxon signed-rank or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results: With sample sizes ranging from 46 to 70 across all cohorts, after their psychological medicine attachment both the programme and control cohorts showed more positive attitudes towards recovery and less stigmatising attitudes towards people with lived experience of mental distress. Significant differences between the programme cohorts and the control cohorts were found for recovery attitudes (median difference of 2, p < 0.05 in both fifth and sixth year), with particularly large differences being found for the ‘recovery is possible and needs faith’ subdomain of the Recovery Attitudes Questionnaire. There were no significant between cohort differences in terms of stigmatising attitudes as measured by the Opening Minds Scale for Healthcare Providers. Conclusion: The introduction of a comprehensive service user-led anti-stigma and education programme resulted in significant improvements in recovery attitudes compared to a control cohort. However, it was not found to be similarly superior in facilitating less stigmatising attitudes. Various possible reasons for this are discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyoun S. Kim ◽  
David C. Hodgins ◽  
Benjamin Kim ◽  
T. Cameron Wild

Using a transdiagnostic perspective, the present research examined the prominent indicators of substance (alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, tobacco) and behavioral (gambling, video games, sex, shopping, work, eating) addictions nominated by people with lived experiences. Specifically, we aimed to explore whether the perceived most important indicators nominated were consistent across the 10 addictions or differed based on the specific addiction. Additionally, we explored gender differences in the perceived most important indicators across addictive behaviors. A large online sample of adults recruited from a Canadian province (n = 3503) were asked to describe the most important signs or symptoms of problems with these substances and behaviors. Open-ended responses were analyzed among a subsample of 2603 respondents (n = 1562 in the past year) who disclosed that they had personally experienced a problem with at least one addiction listed above. Content analyses revealed that dependence (e.g., craving, impairments in control) and patterns of use (e.g., frequency) were the most commonly perceived indicators for both substance and behavioral addictions, accounting for over half of all the qualitative responses. Differences were also found between substance and behavioral addictions regarding the proportion of the most important signs nominated. Consistent with the syndrome model of addiction, unique indicators were also found for specific addictive behaviors, with the greatest proportion of unique indicators found for eating. Supplemental analyses found that perceived indicators across addictions were generally gender invariant. Results provide some support for a transdiagnostic conceptualization of substance and behavioral addictions. Implications for the study, prevention, and treatment of addictions are discussed.


Author(s):  
Roxana Damiescu ◽  
Mita Banerjee ◽  
David Y. W. Lee ◽  
Norbert W. Paul ◽  
Thomas Efferth

Opioid abuse and misuse have led to an epidemic which is currently spreading worldwide. Since the number of opioid overdoses is still increasing, it is becoming obvious that current rather unsystematic approaches to tackle this health problem are not effective. This review suggests that fighting the opioid epidemic requires a structured public health approach. Therefore, it is important to consider not only scientific and biomedical perspectives, but societal implications and the lived experience of groups at risk as well. Hence, this review evaluates the risk factors associated with opioid overdoses and investigates the rates of chronic opioid misuse, particularly in the context of chronic pain as well as post-surgery treatments, as the entrance of opioids in people’s lives. Linking pharmaceutical biology to narrative analysis is essential to understand the modulations of the usual themes of addiction and abuse present in the opioid crisis. This paper shows that patient narratives can be an important resource in understanding the complexity of opioid abuse and addiction. In particular, the relationship between chronic pain and social inequality must be considered. The main goal of this review is to demonstrate how a deeper transdisciplinary-enriched understanding can lead to more precise strategies of prevention or treatment of opioid abuse.


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