scholarly journals Women’s perceptions and experiences of reproductive coercion and abuse: a qualitative evidence synthesis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261551
Author(s):  
Jessica E. Moulton ◽  
Martha Isela Vazquez Corona ◽  
Cathy Vaughan ◽  
Meghan A. Bohren
Keyword(s):  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Reproductive Coercion ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Qualitative Evidence

Background Reproductive coercion and abuse is a major public health issue, with significant effects on the health and well-being of women. Reproductive coercion and abuse includes any form of behaviour that intentionally controls another person’s reproductive choices. The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis is to explore women’s experiences of reproductive coercion and abuse globally, to broaden understanding of the different ways reproductive coercion and abuse is perpetrated, perceived and experienced across settings and socio-cultural contexts. Method We searched Medline, CINAHL and Embase for eligible studies from inception to 25th February 2021. Primary studies with a qualitative study design that focused on the experiences and perceptions of women who have encountered reproductive coercion and abuse were eligible for inclusion. Titles and abstracts, and full texts were screened by independent reviewers. We extracted data from included studies using a form designed for this synthesis and assessed methodological limitations using CASP. We used Thomas and Harden’s thematic analysis approach to analyse and synthesise the evidence, and the GRADE-CERQual approach to assess confidence in review findings. Results We included 33 studies from twelve countries in South Asia, the Asia Pacific, North America, South America, Africa and Europe. Most studies used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to discuss women’s experiences of reproductive coercion and abuse. Reproductive coercion and abuse manifested in a range of behaviours including control of pregnancy outcome, pregnancy pressure or contraceptive sabotage. There were a range of reasons cited for reproductive coercion and abuse, including control of women, rigid gender roles, social inequalities and family pressure. Women’s different responses to reproductive coercion and abuse included using covert contraception and feelings of distress, anger and trauma. Across contexts, perpetration and experiences of reproductive coercion and abuse were influenced by different factors including son preferences and social exclusion. Conclusions We reflect on the importance of socio-cultural factors in understanding the phenomenon of reproductive coercion and abuse and how it affects women, as well as how the mechanisms of power and control at both individual and societal levels work to perpetuate the incidence of reproductive coercion and abuse against women.

scholarly journals Women’s experiences and perceptions of anxiety and stress during the perinatal period: a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan McCarthy ◽  
Catherine Houghton ◽  
Karen Matvienko-Sikar
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Transitional Period ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Qualitative Evidence ◽  
Perinatal Anxiety

Abstract Background The perinatal period, from pregnancy to the first year postpartum, is a transitional period that can result in anxiety and stress for some women. Perinatal anxiety and stress can adversely impact the physical and psychological health of women and children. Understanding women’s lived experiences of perinatal anxiety and stress is essential to better support women. The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis was to examine women’s experiences and perceptions of, and barriers and facilitators to coping with, perinatal anxiety and stress. Methods Databases CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Maternity and Infant Care were searched from inception to June 2020. Eligible studies included women who were pregnant or up to one year postpartum and examined women’s experiences of anxiety and/or stress during the perinatal period. Data were synthesised using thematic synthesis. Results Of 20,318 identified articles, 13 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Five key themes emerged: Social support, women’s experiences of healthcare, social norms and expectations, factors that impact on coping and mother and baby’s health. Conclusion This review provided a comprehensive synthesis of perinatal anxiety and stress. Findings indicate that increased support for perinatal mental health in antenatal and postpartum care is needed. Addressing unrealistic expectations and conceptualisations of motherhood is also important to better support women. Enhancing women’s social support networks and provision of clear and consistent information are also essential to support women and minimise stress and anxiety in the perinatal period.

scholarly journals Women’s Experiences and Perceptions of Anxiety and Stress During The Perinatal Period: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan McCarthy ◽  
Catherine Houghton ◽  
Karen Matvienko-Sikar
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Transitional Period ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Qualitative Evidence ◽  
Perinatal Anxiety

Abstract Background. The perinatal period, from pregnancy to the first year postpartum, is a transitional period that can result in anxiety and stress for some women. Perinatal anxiety and stress can adversely impact the physical and psychological health of women and children. Understanding women’s lived experiences of perinatal anxiety and stress is essential to better support women. The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis was to examine women’s experiences and perceptions of, and barriers and facilitators to coping with, perinatal anxiety and stress.Methods. Databases CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Maternity and Infant Care were searched from inception to June 2020. Eligible studies included women who were pregnant or up to one year postpartum and examined women’s experiences of anxiety and/or stress during the perinatal period. Data were synthesised using thematic synthesis.Results. Of 20,318 identified articles, 13 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Five key themes emerged: Social support, women’s experiences of healthcare, social norms and expectations, factors that impact on coping and mother and baby’s health.Limitations. Studies were predominantly conducted in high-income countries.Conclusion. This review provided a comprehensive synthesis of perinatal anxiety and stress. Findings indicate that increased support for perinatal mental health in antenatal and postpartum care is needed. Addressing unrealistic expectations and conceptualisations of motherhood is also important to better support women. Enhancing women’s social support networks and provision of clear and consistent information are also essential to support women and minimise stress and anxiety in the perinatal period.

“Continuing the Connection” or “Carrying On”? A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis of How Widows Explain the Physical Health Outcomes After Spousal Loss

2020 ◽  
pp. 106648072097341
Author(s):  
Umair Majid ◽  
Jeffrey Ennis
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Spousal Loss ◽  
Physical Health Outcomes ◽  
Qualitative Evidence ◽  
Increased Risk

The experience of losing a loved one can have profound effects on physical and psychological well-being, and previous research has reported an increased risk of mortality after spousal loss. This qualitative evidence synthesis reviewed 16 studies on the perspectives of widows who experienced adverse physical health outcomes after spousal loss. This review examines how widows described or explained the physical health outcomes after losing their spouse. We found that widows implicitly associated the physical health outcomes they experienced with losing their spouse. They described that losing their spouse exacerbated preexisting illness and led to new disease conditions such as heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, infections, acute urinary retention, shingles, and impaired mobility. While these physical health outcomes limited widows’ ability to come to terms with their loss, widows in multiple studies prioritized the emotional and mental consequences associated with grief over any physical health outcomes they experienced. Furthermore, since the deceased spouse performed caregiving responsibilities, the surviving spouse experienced a shift from caregiving to self-management of their preexisting medical condition. In situations where widows were unable to meet their own health needs, they experienced an intensification of their own illness. Given these findings, we consider the relationship between widows’ meaning-making and physical and clinical outcomes. We discuss how meaning-making can contribute to severe emotional, mental, and physical health outcomes after a traumatic event such as spousal loss.

scholarly journals Parenting among Settled Migrants from Southern Africa: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruvimbo Machaka ◽  
Ruth Barley ◽  
Laura Serrant ◽  
Penny Furness ◽  
Margaret Dunham
Keyword(s):  
Extended Family ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Children's Health ◽  
Children’S Health ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Raising Children ◽  
Global North ◽  
Need For Support ◽  
Health And Well Being

AbstractThe Global North has over the years been a popular destination for migrants from the Global South. Most of the migrants are in their reproductive ages who go on to bear and raise children. The differences and subjectivity in the context of their experiences may have an impact on how they ensure that their children have the best possible health and well-being. This paper synthesises 14 qualitative research papers, conducted in 6 Global North countries. We gathered evidence on settled Southern African migrants experiences of bearing and raising children in Global North destination countries and how they conceptualise sustaining children’s health and well-being. Results of the review indicated a concerning need for support in sustaining children’s health and well-being. Cultural and religious beliefs underpin how the parents in these studies raise their children. More research is needed which engages with fathers and extended family.

scholarly journals Study protocol of a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis using two different approaches: Healthcare related needs and desires of older people with post-stroke aphasia

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e039348
Author(s):  
Nadine Janis Pohontsch ◽  
Thorsten Meyer ◽  
Yvonne Eisenmann ◽  
Maria-Inti Metzendorf ◽  
Verena Leve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older People ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Qualitative Evidence

IntroductionStroke is a frequent disease in the older population of Western Europe with aphasia as a common consequence. Aphasia is known to impede targeting treatment to individual patients’ needs and therefore may reduce treatment success. In Germany, the postacute care of patients who had stroke is provided by different healthcare institutions of different sectors (rehabilitation, nursing and primary care) with substantial difficulties to coordinate services. We will conduct two qualitative evidence syntheses (QESs) aiming at exploring distinct healthcare needs and desires of older people living with poststroke aphasia. We thereby hope to support the development of integrated care models based on needs of patients who are very restricted to communicate them. Since various methods of QESs exist, the aim of the study embedding the two QESs was to determine if findings differ according to the approach used.Methods and analysisWe will conduct two QESs by using metaethnography (ME) and thematic synthesis (ThS) independently to synthesise the findings of primary qualitative studies. The main differences between these two methods are the underlying epistemologies (idealism (ME) vs realism (ThS)) and the type of research question (emerging (ME) vs fixed (ThS)).We will search seven bibliographical databases. Inclusion criteria comprise: patients with poststroke aphasia, aged 65 years and older, studies in German/English, all types of qualitative studies concerning needs and desires related to healthcare or the healthcare system. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines and includes three items from the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the synthesis of Qualitative Research checklist.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented on national conferences.

‘You don’t look autistic’: A qualitative exploration of women’s experiences of being the ‘autistic other’

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132199372
Author(s):  
Kate Seers ◽  
Rachel C Hogg
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Social Expectations ◽  
Autism Spectrum Condition ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Spectrum Condition ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experiences Of Women

There is currently a paucity of literature exploring the experiences of women on the autism spectrum. It is imperative research is conducted to capture the experiences of women on the autism spectrum and ensure appropriate support is provided to this cohort. Drawing upon a social constructionist framework, this qualitative research study sought to understand how psychological and socio-cultural constructions of autism spectrum condition and gender influence the well-being of women on the autism spectrum. Eight participants engaged in a semi-structured interview, with thematic analysis conducted to demonstrate the impact of gender roles and social expectations on the women’s identity and autism spectrum condition expression. The research highlighted the changing understandings of autism spectrum condition across a woman’s lifespan and the process and impact of resisting hegemonic autism spectrum condition categorisation. The findings demonstrate that social constructions of gender and stereotypical understandings of autism spectrum condition, which prioritise a deficit, medical model, have significant consequences for women’s well-being and subjectivity. The women experienced challenging formative years, but with diagnosis and the evolution and acceptance of their identities, they were able to resist negative narratives of autism spectrum condition, embrace their strengths and develop adaptive coping strategies. It is hoped this article generates insights for societal and clinical recognition to better support women on the autism spectrum. Lay abstract Most autism spectrum condition research addresses the neurological and biological causes of autism spectrum condition, focusing upon deficits associated with autism spectrum condition and behavioural interventions designed to minimise these deficits. Little is known about the lived experiences of adult women on the autism spectrum and how they navigate social expectations around gender, autism spectrum condition and gendered understandings of autism spectrum condition. The lived experiences of eight women on the AS will be shared here, with attention to how gendered expectations influence women’s experiences of autism spectrum condition, their sense of self and well-being. Findings showed these women struggled to reconcile the expectations of others, particularly early in life. The women had difficultly conforming to stereotypical ideals of femininity, yet as they aged, they felt less need to conform, valuing their unique style and behaviours. The women also rejected deficit-oriented descriptions of autism spectrum condition generated by the medical community, preferring to focus on their strengths and unique characteristics. It is hoped this article helps psychologists and the wider community to understand and meet the needs of women on the AS.

scholarly journals University students’ representations of Europe and self-identification as Europeans: a synthesis of qualitative evidence for future policy formulation

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Cores-Bilbao ◽  
María del Carmen Méndez-García ◽  
M. Carmen Fonseca-Mora
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Evidence ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe current European context is characterised by the emergence of socio-political tensions that threaten to derail the cohesion objectives traditionally promoted by the authorities of the European Union. With EU citizenship in the shadow of Brexit, the fear of dismemberment of the current Europe of the 28 looms over a renewed debate on concepts like European identity, European citizenship or EU legitimacy and the involvement of its constituents in European affairs, as well as the role of education for promoting democratic awareness among young Europeans. This work aims to collect, appraise and synthesise qualitative evidence obtained in primary research exploring the perceptions of European university students about their civic and cultural identity. This systematic analysis sets out to identify predictors of positive self-identification with the EU and its institutions, focusing on the impact that different educational interventions have had on the attitudes and perceptions expressed by university students, and the importance of foreign language learning in the results obtained. The authors report their assessment of quality of the findings in a Cochrane-style qualitative evidence synthesis (QES), based on the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) method. The 12 informed findings described in this study support decision-making in future education policy formulation.

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