scholarly journals Childbirth Education Prior to Pregnancy? Survey Findings of Childbirth Preferences and Attitudes Among Young Women

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce K. Edmonds ◽  
Taylor Cwiertniewicz ◽  
Kathrin Stoll

ABSTRACTThe childbirth preferences and attitudes of young women prior to pregnancy (N = 758) were explored in a cross-sectional survey. Sources of influential childbirth information and self-reported childbirth learning needs were described. Young women’s attitudes about childbirth, including the degree of confidence in coping with a vaginal birth, whether birth is considered a natural event, and expectations of labor pain were associated with their mode of birth preference. Conversations with friends and family were the most influential source of childbirth information. Gaps in knowledge about pregnancy and birth were identified. An improved understanding of women’s preferences and attitudinal profiles can inform the structure and content of educational strategies that aim to help the next generation of maternity care consumers participate in informed decision making.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anca Angela Simionescu ◽  
Alexandra Horobet ◽  
Erika Marin ◽  
Lucian Belascu

Abstract Background. Cesarean section (C-section) rate in Romania is the second-highest in the European Union (44.1% in 2017), and the number of C-sections performed in the country has increased in the past decades. Given how common C-section is now, it is important to gain insight into the practice and perceptions of patients and doctors in countries with high C-section rates. The objectives are 1) to compare the preferred modes of birth among women; 2) to draw a profile of patients and doctors in whose case the actual birth method is different from the preferred method; and 3) to analyze the way Romanian women want to give birth. Methods. We conduct a statistical analysis based on an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional survey on 117 singleton pregnant women more than 36 weeks in spontaneous labor in tertiary level maternity in Romania. Various statistical tests have been used to indicate statistical significance. Results. We calculate an increase of almost 58% in actual childbirth mode against preferred childbirth by C-sections, rather difficult to justify based only on medical emergencies. There are 22 patients with non-concordant C-section indications between preferred and actual mode of birth, 7 of them (31.8%) preferred natural birth and 15 (68.2%) preferred C-section. The profiles of patients with concordant and non-concordant delivery modes are different and indicate a statistically significant difference between the preference for delivery and actual birth method. Patients who preferred vaginal birth, but gave birth by C-section, are mature and more educated women, in the middle to high-income category, mostly attended by consultant doctors and specialists. Doctors’ profiles show that specialists and consultants attend the largest share of non-concordant births, while residents and young senior doctors attend mostly vaginal births. Conclusions. We emphasize health system particularities in Romania as triggers of high C-section rates that favor women’s preferences against C-section medical indication. Improving patients’ confidence in the health care system, built on competence and fitted hierarchical team position may lead to choosing the optimal way of birth for childbirth safety and pain control.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anca Angela Simionescu ◽  
Alexandra Horobet ◽  
Erika Marin ◽  
Lucian Belascu

Abstract Background. Cesarean section (C-section) rate in Romania is the second-highest in the European Union (44.1% in 2017), and the number of C-sections performed in the country has increased in the past decades. Given how common C-section is now, it is important to gain insight into the practice and perceptions of patients and doctors in countries with high C-section rates. The objectives are 1) to compare the preferred modes of birth among women; 2) to draw a profile of patients and doctors in whose case the actual birth method is different from the preferred method; and 3) to analyze the way Romanian women want to give birth. Methods. We conduct a statistical analysis based on an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional survey on 117 singleton pregnant women more than 36 weeks in spontaneous labor in tertiary level maternity in Romania. Various statistical tests have been used to indicate statistical significance. Results. We calculate an increase of almost 58% in actual childbirth mode against preferred childbirth by C-sections, rather difficult to justify based only on medical emergencies. There are 22 patients with non-concordant C-section indications between preferred and actual mode of birth, 7 of them (31.8%) preferred natural birth and 15 (68.2%) preferred C-section. The profiles of patients with concordant and non-concordant delivery modes are different and indicate a statistically significant difference between the preference for delivery and actual birth method. Patients who preferred vaginal birth, but gave birth by C-section, are mature and more educated women, in the middle to high-income category, mostly attended by consultant doctors and specialists. Doctors’ profiles show that specialists and consultants attend the largest share of non-concordant births, while residents and young senior doctors attend mostly vaginal births. Conclusions. We emphasize health system particularities in Romania as triggers of high C-section rates that favor women’s preferences against C-section medical indication. Improving patients’ confidence in the health care system, built on competence and fitted hierarchical team position may lead to choosing the optimal way of birth for childbirth safety and pain control.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhanu Prasad ◽  
Lucas Diebel ◽  
Maryam Jafari ◽  
Sachin Shah

Abstract Background and Aims Peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers similar clinical outcomes to hemodialysis (HD) at a fraction of the cost. PD remains underutilized as remote HD patients in the province of Saskatchewan often relocate or travel hundreds of kilometers weekly in order to receive dialysis related care. Many barriers to patient uptake of PD have been described, but the scale of their impact on our patient population have not been quantified. To improve uptake of peritoneal dialysis in Saskatchewan, we need to address the most prominent barriers to patient access to PD to ensure that they truly have a choice in determining the modality with which they choose to dialyze. The purpose of this study was to determine the barriers to receiving PD in Saskatchewan Method We conducted a cross sectional survey of in-center HD patients across the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. A total of 740 in-center HD patients at two academic sites and 7 satellite units were approached by study coordinators. 421 patients (n=268 in the main units and n=153 in the satellite units) agreed to participate in the study. A questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale was created to identify barriers to PD with questions addressing PD awareness and knowledge, accessibility, and risks, fears, beliefs surrounding PD. Responses were anonymous and tabulated using a data collection tool. Survey data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results 45.9% of participants had more than 12 years of formal education. 11% lived on farm, 19% on reserve, and 71% in town/city. The median (interquartile range=IQR) distance of home to in-center dialysis units was 10 (5-70) kilometers. Only 82% of patients were aware of PD as a treatment option. 35% of patients felt they had no understanding of the benefits or risks of PD. Despite only 13% of patients being told they were unsuitable for PD by their nephrologist, approximately half (47%) had ever considered it as a treatment option. Prominent barriers to PD that we identified were: excellent care in the HD unit (62%), proximity to dialysis unit (41%), unwilling to dialyze daily (36%), and unwilling to learn a new technique (34%). Beliefs held by patients that figured prominently in their decision to choose HD over PD included not wanting to take their disease home (32%), fear of being a burden on family (32%), lack of space (28%), risk of infection, issues with self-image while on PD, and PD being an inferior modality to HD (all approximately 24%). Conclusion Several barriers to PD were identified with a few consistent themes being identified, including deficiencies in knowledge, patient specific beliefs, poor patient education, and perceived benefits of in-center care (satisfaction with current care). The most frequently reported knowledge barrier was a lack of understanding of benefits and risks of PD. These findings suggest that not enough patients are receiving formal education, or active involvement in deciding which modality they would be most suitable for them when initiating dialysis. To improve uptake of PD in Saskatchewan, we will have to generate both increased awareness of PD as a treatment modality, alongside improved educational strategies to enable patients to make an informed choice about how they receive renal replacement therapy. While the study does not reflect the views of all patients, the information gained will be valuable in designing an educational program to improve adoption of PD within our province.


2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 36-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia de Sá Policarpo ◽  
Jayne Ramos Araujo Moura ◽  
Eugênio Barbosa de Melo Júnior ◽  
Paulo César de Almeida ◽  
Suyanne Freire de Macêdo ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices for the prevention of diabetic foot in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. This study was based on a cross-sectional survey conducted in two Family Health Units, in the city of Picos - PI, Brazil, with 85 diabetics of both sexes, by means of a semi-structured Knowledge, Attitude and Practice questionnaire. There was a predominance of females in the study (62.4%). On the topic of foot care, 49.4% had no knowledge on hygiene or what to observe in their feet. In relation to nail care, 56.5% were unaware of the correct way to cut nails. Regarding attitudes, 80% were willing to engage in self-care. In terms of practice, results showed that activities such as washing, drying, moisturizing and massaging were not executed together. It is therefore necessary to develop educational strategies to create awareness, both for diabetics and health professionals, on the effective prevention of diabetic foot.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-266
Author(s):  
Saumya P Jose ◽  
Tobin Joseph

Aim: To assess the post caesarean complications among young women through a survey study. Background: Caesarean section delivery has many adverse effects in the post natal period and later including pain, muscle weakness, reduced endurance, adverse reactions from anaesthesia and difficulty in breast feeding. There are several studies reported the health-related complications following caesarean section. However it is not been fully understood the various complications and its reasons. Design: An explorative cross sectional survey study. Method: participants were identified based on the inclusion criteria. Information on caesarean section delivery related complications and experience were gathered. Conclusion: The complications following the caesarean survey may increase the risk of physical difficulties, incidence of lower back pain, reduced abdominal strength, and difficulty in selfcare activities. Keywords: caesarean delivery, complications, child labour, Postpartum period pain.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Nyangu ◽  
Tanki Moteane

Abstract Background In Lesotho, cervical cancer is the most common female cancer and leading cause of death amongst women. In 2019, the annual number of new cancer cases was 477 and 346 women died from cancer related complications in Lesotho. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of young women towards cervical cancer screening at a selected higher education institution in Lesotho. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire from 80 young women. Random sampling using a fishbowl technique was used to select study respondents. Permission to conduct the study was sought and granted from relevant authorities. Informed consent was sought from the respondents who were identified using codes and participated voluntarily. Data were analysed using Microsoft excel and presented using proportions and diagrams. Results Fifty percent (n=40) of the women did not know cervical cancer screening tests, 70% (n=56) did not know about the frequency of screening, whilst 75% (n=60) knew that human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine is used to prevent cervical cancer. Additionally, 95% (n=76) had not screened for cervical cancer, 65% (n=52) perceived cervical cancer screening as painful, 35% (n=28) said it caused discomfort, and 95% (n=76) needed more information on cervical cancer screening. Conclusions Even though some respondents had knowledge on cervical cancer and its prevention, the uptake of the screening procedure was low. Negative experiences of pain and discomfort were reported amongst those who had the procedure done. This heightens the need for health education and incorporating regular cervical cancer screening in health care services to increase reassurance, counselling, and the uptake of the procedure amongst young women.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew H V Byrne ◽  
James Ashcroft ◽  
Jonathan C M Wan ◽  
Laith Alexander ◽  
Anna Harvey ◽  
...  

Introduction: COVID-19 has caused major disruptions to healthcare, with voluntary opportunities offered to medical students to provide clinical support. We used the conceptual framework of prosocial behavior during an emergency - behaviors whose primary focus is benefiting others - to examine volunteering during COVID-19. Methods: We conducted an in-depth, mixed-methods cross-sectional survey, from 2nd May to 15th June 2020, of medical students studying at UK medical schools. Data analysis was informed by Latane and Darley's theory of prosocial behavior during an emergency and aimed to understand students' decision-making processes. Results: A total of 1145 medical students from 36 medical schools completed the survey. While 947 (82.7%) of students were willing to volunteer, only 391 (34.3%) had volunteered. The majority (92.7%) of students understood that they may be asked to volunteer; however, we found that deciding one's responsibility to volunteer was mitigated by a complex interaction between the interests of others and self-interest. Further, concerns revolving around professional role boundaries influenced students' decisions over whether they had the required skills and knowledge to volunteer. Deciding to volunteer depended not only on possession of necessary skills, but also seniority and identification with the nature of volunteering roles offered. Conclusions: We propose two additional domains to Latane and Darley's theory of prosocial behavior during an emergency that students consider before making their final decision to volunteer. These are 'logistics' - whether it is logistically feasible to volunteer - and 'safety' - whether it is safe to volunteer. This study highlights a number of modifiable barriers to prosocial behavior that medical students encounter and provides suggestions regarding how Latane and Darley's theory of prosocial behavior can be operationalized within educational strategies to address these barriers. Optimizing the process of volunteering can aid healthcare provision and may facilitate a safer volunteering process for all.


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