The experiences of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey: A qualitative study

BackgroundDue to spread and impact of COVID-19 in the world and Turkey lead to fear, stress and anxiety in individuals. This trend is increasing more especially in pregnant women at risk as they are concerned about the safety of themselves and the fetus.AimIn our study, concerns, problems and attitudes of pregnant women related to diseases in the pandemic process will be determined by detailed discussions based on their individual experience, and by increasing the awareness of midwives and nurses about what pregnant women experience in this process.MethodsContent analysis is used as qualitative study pattern. Due to the social isolation rules during the coronavirus pandemic, interviews with pregnant women were planned to be held via mobile phone. The study was completed with 15 pregnant women.ResultsAs a result of the content analysis of the interviews, 3 main themes and 11 sub-themes were identified. The identified themes were as following: (1) not understanding the seriousness and fear of the unknown, (2) coronavirus pandemic and disruption of the routine prenatal care (3) disrupted routines and social lives. Each theme was necessarily discussed separately.ConclusionThe results of the study show that coronavirus pandemic has a significant potential for creating anxiety, adversity and fear, which has a negative emotional effect on pregnant people. It will be useful to provide awareness for midwives and nurses not only about the physical health of pregnant women, but also their mental health, and to cooperate with mental health experts if necessary.     

Differences in levels of stress,social support,health behaviours,and stress-reduction strategies for women pregnant before and during the COVID-19 pandemic,and based on phases of pandemic restrictions,in Ireland

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions can adversely impact antenatal maternal well-being and health behaviours.AimTo examine antenatal stress and stress-reduction strategies, social support, and health behaviours between women pregnant before and during the pandemic in Ireland.Methods210 pregnant women were recruited online and in the antenatal department of a tertiary maternity hospital before the pandemic, and 235 women recruited online during the pandemic. Only women resident in Ireland were included in this study. Women completed measures of stress, social support, health-behaviours, and self-reported stress-reduction strategies. Differences in outcomes were examined between women pregnant before and during the pandemic, and between Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Irish Government COVID-19 restrictions.FindingsWomen pregnant during the pandemic reported lower perceived social support, including support from a significant other, friends and family, than women pregnant before the pandemic. There were no significant differences in stress in health behaviours but women reported higher stress and less physical activity during the pandemic. Women reported a range of comparable stress-reduction strategies before and during the pandemic. No differences were observed between phases of pandemic-related restrictions for any outcome.DiscussionOur findings highlight negative impacts of the pandemic on social support, stress, and physical activity, which can have implications for maternal and child health. Lack of differences between restriction phases suggests on-going negative effects for antenatal well-being and behaviours.ConclusionDevelopment of supports for pregnant women during the pandemic should include social-support and stress-reduction components.     

Pregnancy nutrition knowledge and experiences of pregnant women and antenatal care clinicians: A mixed methods approach

Background

Dietary intake of pregnant women do not appear to meet the dietary recommendations. Nutrition knowledge and practices of pregnant women and their antenatal care clinicians are factors that may be influential on dietary intakes of pregnant women.

Impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding intention and behaviour among postpartum women in five countries

BackgroundStudies regarding the impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding have mostly used single- country samples or a qualitative design.AimThe objective of this study was to examine breastfeeding intention during pregnancy and breastfeeding behaviour among postpartum women in five countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated factors.MethodsAn online questionnaire survey was conducted in Thailand, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Taiwan, and Brazil from July through November 2021. The study participants included 3253 mothers within six months of birth.FindingsAbout 90% of participants intended to breastfeed during pregnancy and 85.7% reported breastfeeding in the past 24 h. More than half reported their breastfeeding duration being as planned or longer despite COVID-19. Multivariate logistic regression models showed that being multiparous, ever tested COVID-19 positive, and having positive breastfeeding beliefs were associated with increased odds for intention to breastfeed during pregnancy. Lower maternal educational level, being primiparous, ever tested COVID-19 positive, and experiencing food insecurity were associated with decreased odds for breastfeeding duration being as planned or longer. Vaginal birth, currently working or on maternity leave, breastfeeding beliefs, breastfeeding support from spouse/partner/friend/relative, online support groups, and in-person or telephone contact with healthcare professionals were associated with increased odds for breastfeeding duration being as planned or longer.ConclusionBreastfeeding intention and behaviour remained high during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online support groups and telephone contact with health professionals were effective during the pandemic.     

Supporting routine psychosocial assessment in the perinatal period: The concurrent and predictive validity of the Antenatal Risk Questionnaire-Revised

BackgroundAustralian clinical practice guidelines support comprehensive psychosocial assessment as a routine component of maternity care.AimTo examine the concurrent and predictive validity of the Antenatal Risk Questionnaire-Revised (ANRQ-R) when used across the perinatal period.MethodsWomen completed the ANRQ-R and a diagnostic reference standard (SAGE-SR) in the second and third trimesters and at 3-months postpartum. ANRQ-R test performance for cut-off scores at each time-point was assessed using Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis.FindingsOverall sample sizes were N = 1166 (second trimester), N = 957 (third trimester) and N = 796 (3-month postpartum). 6.5%, 5.6% and 6.2% of women met SAGE-SR criteria for any depressive or anxiety disorder at these time-points (‘cases’), respectively. ROC analysis yielded acceptable areas under the curve (AUC) when the ANRQ-R was used to detect current (AUC = 0.789?0.798) or predict future (AUC = 0.705?0.789) depression or anxiety. Using an example cut-off score of 18 or more, the ANRQ-R correctly classified 72–76% of concurrent ‘cases’ and ‘non-cases’ (sensitivity = 0.70?0.74, specificity = 0.72?0.76) and correctly predicted 74–78% of postnatal ‘cases’ and ‘non-cases’ (sensitivity = 0.52?0.72, specificity = 0.75?0.79). Completion of the ANRQ-R earlier in pregnancy yielded greater positive likelihood ratios for predicting depression or anxiety at 3-months postpartum (cut-off ≥18: second trimester = 3.8; third trimester = 2.2).ConclusionThe ANRQ-R is a structured psychosocial assessment questionnaire that can be scored to provide an overall measure of psychosocial risk. Cut-off scores need not be uniform across settings. Such decisions should be guided by factors including diagnostic prevalence rates, local needs and resource availability.     

Stigma,guilt and motherhood: Experiences of pregnant women with COVID-19 in Brazil

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic raises health issues worldwide. Infected pregnant women may have negative mental health outcomes, but little is known about their emotional experiences.AimWe aimed to understand the experience of women infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy, regarding their feelings, their relationships, and the influence of social media.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study among 22 women infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy, from a tertiary hospital during the first wave of the pandemic in Brazil (May–August 2020). We applied semi-directed interviews, sociodemographic and health data sheets, and field diaries. We built the sample purposefully. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used thematic analysis and discussed data considering the health psychology framework.ResultsWe created five categories following a timeline perspective, from before infection to the experience after recovering. Pregnant women were resistant to believing the diagnosis. They described a fear of serious symptoms or death, concerns about the fetus, sorrow from being isolated, and worries about stigma. Family relationships were ambiguous, generating either support or tension. The attachment to the health team through telemedicine or support during hospitalization produced a feeling of security.ConclusionsParticipants psychologically denied the COVID-19 diagnosis and did not accomplish isolation properly, even upon medical recommendations. The illness may produce a traumatic experience, regardless of mild or severe symptoms, but family/friend support and contact with the health team helped them to cope. We offer important insights for the clinical approach and future research, emphasizing that infected pregnant women require emotional support.     

A selective review of prenatal exercise guidelines since the 1950s until present: Written for women,health care professionals,and female athletes

BackgroundTraditional society values have long-held the notion that the pregnant woman is construed as a risk to her growing fetus and is solely responsible for controlling this risk to ensure a healthy pregnancy. It is hard to ignore the participation of pregnant women in sport and exercise today, especially in high-level sports and popular fitness programs such as CrossFit™. This challenges both traditional and modern prenatal exercise guidelines from health care professionals and governing health agencies. The guidelines and perceived limitations of prenatal exercise have drastically evolved since the 1950s.AimThe goal of this paper is to bring awareness to the idea that much of the information regarding exercise safety during pregnancy is hypersensitive and dated, and the earlier guidelines had no scientific rigor. Research is needed on the upper limits of exercise intensity and exercise frequency, as well as their potential risks (if any) on the woman or fetus.DiscussionPregnant women are physically capable of much more than what was once thought. There is still disagreement about the types of exercise deemed appropriate, the stage at which exercise should begin and cease, the frequency of exercise sessions, as well as the optimal level of intensity during prenatal exercise.ConclusionResearch is needed to determine the upper limits of exercise frequency and intensity for pregnant women who are already trained. Healthy women and female athletes can usually maintain their regular training regime once they become pregnant.     

Fear of childbirth and depressive symptoms among postnatal women: A cross-sectional survey from Chhattisgarh,India

Background

Prevalence rates of Fear of Birth and postnatal depressive symptoms have not been explored in Chhattisgarh, India.

The nutrition-related information seeking behaviours and attitudes of pregnant women with a high BMI: A qualitative study

BackgroundThe prevalence of high body mass index is increasing amongst women of child bearing age. High maternal body mass index has ramifications for both mother and baby including increased health risks from gestational diabetes mellitus, caesarean section and stillbirth. Despite the increasing prevalence of high maternal body mass index little is known of the experiences of these women regarding nutrition information access and use during the antenatal period.MethodsA qualitative study using individual interviews was undertaken at a tertiary hospital in south-eastern Australia. Twenty-Eight women with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m² participated. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, cross-checked for consistency and entered into a word processing document for further scrutiny. Data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). In any phenomenological study the researcher’s objective is to elicit the participant’s views on their lived experiences.FindingsThree major themes emerged: (1) Nutrition-related information attainment; (2) Nutrition-related information management; (3) Nutrition-related information needs and wants.ConclusionThe findings from this study may assist the future development and dissemination of nutrition-related information for pregnant women with a high body mass index. Women want more individualised support regarding nutritional requirements during pregnancy.     

The empowerment of women,fertility, and child mortality: Towards a theoretical analysis

This paper examines one avenue through which female autonomy impinges on fertility and child mortality in developing countries. A simple model is set out in which couples are motivated to have children for old age security purposes. The decisions of a couple regarding fertility and allocation of resources for the healthcare of their children are made within a bargaining framework. An increase in female autonomy translating into an increase in the relative bargaining power or the threat point utility of mothers is shown to reduce fertility and also to reduce child mortality rates. Paradoxically, the increase in female autonomy within a household may increase the disadvantage suffered by female children in that household with respect to survival. Received: 4 August 1999/Accepted: 7 September 2000     

Fear of childbirth in primiparous Italian pregnant women: The role of anxiety,depression, and couple adjustment

Background

The prevalence of fear of childbirth in pregnant women is described to be about 20–25%, while 6–10% of expectant mothers report a severe fear that impairs their daily activities as well as their ability to cope with labour and childbirth. Research on fear of childbirth risk factors has produced heterogeneous results while being mostly done with expectant mothers from northern Europe, northern America, and Australia.

性别偏好与性别选择性生育技术利用意愿——中国与德国、英国和美国的比较

国内以往对人们性别偏好的研究多集中于对"男孩偏好"的研究,而对性别偏好的其他类型关注很少,特别是对人们性别偏好的强度几乎没有涉及。运用国内298名大学生的问卷调查资料,结合美国、英国和德国的相关实证研究,对性别偏好的类型和强度进行中外比较研究后发现,与西方育龄妇女生育意愿相比,中国大学生总体上性别均衡偏好的比例更大,而无偏好的比例较小;中国大学生希望使用性别选择技术以达到生育理想性别孩子的比例相对更高。     

Trust,privacy, community,and culture: Important elements of maternity care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women giving birth in Victoria.

BackgroundThe Australian maternity system must enhance its capacity to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) mothers and babies, however evidence regarding what is important to women is limited.AimsThe aim of this study was to explore what women having a First Nations baby rate as important for their maternity care as well as what life stressors they may be experiencing.MethodsWomen having a First Nations baby who booked for care at one of three urban Victorian maternity services were invited to complete a questionnaire.Results343 women from 76 different language groups across Australia. Almost one third of women reported high levels of psychological distress, mental illness and/or were dealing with serious illness or death of relatives or friends. Almost one quarter reported three or more coinciding life stressors. Factors rated as most important were privacy and confidentiality (98 %), feeling that staff were trustworthy (97 %), unrestricted access to support people during pregnancy appointments, (87 %) birth (66 %) and postnatally (75 %), midwife home visits (78 %), female carers (66 %), culturally appropriate artwork, brochures (68 %) and access to Elders (65 %).ConclusionsThis study provides important information about what matters to women who are having a First Nations baby in Victoria, Australia, bringing to the forefront social and cultural complexities experienced by many women that need to be considered in programme planning. It is paramount that maternity services partner with First Nations communities to implement culturally secure programmes that respond to the needs of local communities.     

Motor Vehicles in China: The Impact of Demographic and Economic Changes

While China's transportation sector is relatively small compared to other nations—both in absolute terms and relative to the size of the population—the nation is currently experiencing one of the highest annual motorization growth rates in the world. This rapid growth has raised both excitement among business leaders over the potentially enormous market for automobiles and concern among environmentalists over their further impact on the global environment. This paper examines the influence of population growth, increased urbanization, and economic development on the rapid growth of motor vehicles in China, and considers their implications for future motor vehicle growth in the country.     

Another country,another language and a new baby: A quantitative study of the postnatal experiences of migrant women in Australia

BackgroundGovernments and service providers have consistently acknowledged the importance of support for women and families in the transition to parenthood. Lower levels of satisfaction and concern about postnatal depression have highlighted women's needs at this time. Migrant women may also face relocation, distant family and support networks, language barriers and potentially discriminatory or culturally insensitive care.ObjectiveThe present study evaluates the unique contribution of migrant status, comparing the experience of this group to that of native-born English-speaking women.MethodSecondary analysis of data from a population-based survey of maternity care in Queensland. Experiences of 233 women born outside Australia who spoke another language at home were compared to 2722 Australian-born English-speaking women with adjustment for demographic differences.ResultsAfter adjustment, differences between the groups included physical, psychological aspects and perceptions of care. Women born outside Australia were less likely to report pain after birth was manageable, or rate overall postnatal physical health positively. They more frequently reported having painful stitches, distressing flashbacks and feeling depressed in the postnatal period. Few differences in ratings of care providers were found, however, women born outside Australia were less likely to feel involved in decisions and to understand their options for care. However, they were more likely to report being visited by a care provider at home after birth.ConclusionsThe findings represent an important addition to existing qualitative reports of the experiences of migrant women, reflecting poorer postnatal health, issues associated with migration and parenthood and highlighting areas for care improvement.     

The Normalization Project: The Progress and Limitations of Promoting LGBTQ Research and Teaching in Mainland China

ABSTRACT

This article reflects on the author’s own experience of promoting LGBTQ research and teaching in mainland China, where the fight for institutional legitimacy and recognition has been a core element in this journey. After a historical survey of how Chinese LGBTQ research has grown out of the particular sociopolitical milieu, it focuses on a discussion of the “normalization project”—a key approach to both create and expand the institutional space for LGBTQ studies. Apart from the positive effects this project entails, this article also critically examines its limitations by bringing into the picture certain critical perspectives.     

A review of midwifery in mainland China: Contemporary developments within historical,economic and sociopolitical contexts

Background

With the recent surging economic and social development in China, midwifery has undergone transformation.

Attitudes Toward Homosexuality in China: Exploring the Effects of Religion,Modernizing Factors,and Traditional Culture

Using the zero-inflated model and nationally representative sample data from the Chinese General Social Surveys 2013, this study systematically explored the effects of religion, modernizing factors, and traditional culture on attitudes toward homosexuality in China. The findings indicate that most Chinese people generally hold conservative attitudes toward homosexuality, as approximately 78.53% of the respondents believed that “same-sex sexual behavior is always wrong.” Modernizing factors (i.e., education, exposure to Internet information, and liberal inclinations) predicted greater tolerance for homosexuality, whereas Islamic beliefs negatively influenced respondents’ attitudes toward homosexuality. In contrast to the findings of the existing literature, Christian beliefs and traditional culture did not have significant effects on attitudes toward homosexuality. These findings may contribute to the literature by not only quantitatively testing the applicability of several factors identified in most Western studies of this topic but also providing new knowledge of attitudes toward homosexuality in the social context of China.     

我国台湾就业保障体系与失业保险制度的演进

我国台湾就业保障体系在20世纪50—90年代偏重于就业服务、职业培训,以此提高民众的就业能力。随着岛内经济转轨不成功,失业率大幅攀升,才被迫于1999年正式实施失业保险制度。面对新形势台湾地区就业保障体系与失业保险制度将面临更严峻的挑战。     

农村老年人自杀及其危机干预（1980—2009）

调查显示,农村老年人自杀率在近10年来呈快速上升态势。摆脱疾病痛苦而形成的利己型自杀与因生存困境等而致的绝望型自杀则越来越成为农村老年人自杀的主要类型。在不同的文化区域中,农村老年人自杀的诸项特征呈现出较为明显的分布差异,这些差异性分布与不同区域所在地的社会结构与文化结构有关。同时,农村老年人自杀诸项特征在不同区域中趋同发展的趋势则表明。正式的医疗与养老等制度支持的长期缺位急需纠正和完善,从而缓解农村老年人自杀的危机。