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Głaz S. Religious Experience as a Predictor of the Meaning in Life and Life Satisfaction in the Lives of Polish Women after a Stillbirth. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:839-858. [PMID: 36418755 PMCID: PMC10042945 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01698-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Many researchers have demonstrated the relationship of religiosity with dimensions of mental health such as searching for meaning in life, the presence of meaning in life, and life satisfaction. Hence, this study attempts to link such aspects of religiosity with the experience of the presence and/or absence of God with the search for and presence of meaning in life and satisfaction with life among a group of Polish women who have experienced a stillbirth in the past five years. The study included 64 women who lost a baby through stillbirth after the 22nd week of gestation. All the women were born into Christian families and declared themselves to be Christians and actively practicing their faith. Women's ages ranged from 29 to 47 years. The research results showed that the experience of God's presence and absence have a positive and significant relationship with the search for meaning in life and the presence of meaning in life, as well as with the satisfaction with life in the lives of women after stillbirth. The strongest relationship was between the presence of meaning in life and life satisfaction (r = .72; p < .01), God's presence and life satisfaction (r = .66; p < .01), as well as the presence of meaning in life and the search for meaning in life (r = .57; p < .01). The structural equation model showed that the experience of God's presence and God's absence have a significant, direct impact on the search for meaning in life and the presence of meaning in life, and the satisfaction with life. These also have an indirect impact on the satisfaction with life in the lives of women who have lost a child to stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanisław Głaz
- Jesuit University Ignatianum in Krakow, Ul. Kopernika 26, 31-501, Kraków, Poland.
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Power A, Atkinson S, Noonan M. "Stranger in a mask" midwives' experiences of providing perinatal bereavement care to parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland: A qualitative descriptive study. Midwifery 2022; 111:103356. [PMID: 35576867 PMCID: PMC9046145 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the experiences and perceptions of midwives providing perinatal bereavement care during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the barriers and facilitators to providing compassionate bereavement care. DESIGN A qualitative descriptive design was utilized to address the research question. Following ethical approval, in depth, semi structured interviews were undertaken to explore midwives' experiences of providing care to parents following perinatal bereavement. Narrative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. SETTING A standalone regional maternity hospital located in a large metropolitan center in the Republic of Ireland. PARTICIPANTS A purposeful sample of eleven midwives, who cared for bereaved parents during the COVID-19 pandemic volunteered to participate in the study. FINDINGS Two main themes were identified, each with associated subthemes (1) Challenges of providing compassionate bereavement care during a pandemic (2) Psychological effect and coping strategies utilised by midwives during a pandemic. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges when providing perinatal bereavement care. The mandatory infection prevention and control measures significantly disrupted human communication and connections. Participants in the study utilized techniques to optimize care while adhering to COVID-19 guidelines, and simultaneously putting their own fear and anxieties aside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annmarie Power
- Health Service Executive, University Maternity Hospital, Ennis Road, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Sandra Atkinson
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Health Science Building, North Bank Campus, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Maria Noonan
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Health Science Building, North Bank Campus, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland
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Azeez S, Obst KL, Due C, Oxlad M, Middleton P. Overwhelming and unjust: A qualitative study of fathers' experiences of grief following neonatal death. DEATH STUDIES 2022; 46:1443-1454. [PMID: 35107411 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2030431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Limited research has examined the grief experiences of fathers following neonatal death. Using a qualitative research design, ten fathers were interviewed, and thematic analysis resulted in three overarching themes: 'A complicated grief experience: Neonatal death is highly emotional', 'Grief is multidimensional' and 'Sense of injustice'. Overall, results showed that grief was a multidimensional experience for fathers, with expressions of grief including strong feelings of anger and guilt and the manifestation of grief in physical symptoms. In addition, the findings also indicated a sense of injustice that contributed to the disenfranchisement of grief for fathers. The results of this study contribute to developing a better understanding of the grief that fathers experience following neonatal death, and can inform improvements in healthcare practices after the death of a baby in the neonatal period, including father-specific programs and adequate provision of information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazleen Azeez
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Kate Louise Obst
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Clemence Due
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Melissa Oxlad
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Philippa Middleton
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia
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Milton R, Alkali FI, Modibbo F, Sanders J, Mukaddas AS, Kassim A, Sa'ad FH, Tukur FM, Pell B, Hood K, Ghazal P, Iregbu KC. A qualitative focus group study concerning perceptions and experiences of Nigerian mothers on stillbirths. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:830. [PMID: 34906118 PMCID: PMC8670111 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04207-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the experiences and perceptions of stillbirth among mothers from a tertiary medical centre in Kano, Northern Nigeria. Design Qualitative, interpretative. Setting Tertiary healthcare facility, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital (MMSH), Kano, Northern Nigeria. Sample Mothers who had given birth to a liveborn baby at the MMSH in the prior 6 months (n = 31). In order to capture the experiences and perception of stillbirth within this cohort we approached mothers who had in a previous pregnancy experienced a stillbirth. Of the 31 who attended 16 had a previous stillbirth. Methods Semi-structured Focus Group Discussions, consisting of open-ended questions about stillbirth, beliefs, experiences and influences were held in MMSH, conducted over 1 day. Results Our findings highlight that this is a resource-poor tertiary facility serving an ever-growing population, increasing strain on the hospital and healthcare workers. Many of the participants highlighted needing permission from certain family members before accessing healthcare or medical treatment. We identified that mothers generally have knowledge on self-care during pregnancy, yet certain societal factors prevented that from being their priority. Judgement and blame was a common theme, yet a complex area entwined with traditions, superstitions and the pressure to procreate with many mothers described being made to feel useless and worthless if they did not birth a live baby. Conclusions As access to healthcare becomes easier, there are certain traditions, family and social dynamics and beliefs which conflict with scientific knowledge and act as a major barrier to uptake of healthcare services. The findings highlight the need for investment in maternity care, appropriate health education and public enlightenment; they will help inform appropriate interventions aimed at reducing stigma around stillbirth and aide in educating mothers about the importance of appropriate health seeking behaviour. Stillbirths are occurring in this area of the world unnecessarily, globally there has been extensive research conducted on stillbirth prevention. This research has highlighted some of the areas which can be tackled by modifying existing successful interventions to work towards reducing preventable stillbirths. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-04207-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Milton
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| | - F I Alkali
- Department of Biochemistry, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - F Modibbo
- Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - J Sanders
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - A S Mukaddas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - A Kassim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - F H Sa'ad
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - F M Tukur
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - B Pell
- Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Intervention for Public Health Improvement, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - K Hood
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - P Ghazal
- Systems Immunity Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - K C Iregbu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
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Doaltabadi Z, Amiri-Farahani L. The effect of in-person and virtual prenatal care education of the spouses of primiparous women on the father and mother's attachment to infant: a quasi-experimental and controlled study. Trials 2021; 22:588. [PMID: 34479602 PMCID: PMC8414746 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05559-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Considering the important role of education in promoting parents' attachment to the infant, temporal and spatial limitations, and the need to use new educational methods for spouses' participation in childbirth preparation classes, the present study was conducted to compare the effect of in-person and virtual prenatal care education of the spouses of primiparous women on the father and mother's attachment to the infant. METHODS This is a quasi-experimental clinical trial that was conducted on primiparous pregnant women referring to three prenatal clinics in Tehran, Iran. Sampling was done by continuous method and pregnant women were divided into three groups of face-to-face education (n = 28), virtual education (n = 31), and control (n = 29). The content of the training program in the virtual and face-to-face groups was similar, which was presented in 4 sessions. At 18-20 weeks of gestation, demographic characteristics and pregnancy records were obtained from the samples, and 12 weeks after the delivery, maternal postnatal attachment scale, and postnatal paternal-infant attachment questionnaire were completed. Both intention-to-treat analysis and per-protocol analysis were performed. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups of in-person education and control, and also virtual education and control for both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups of in-person and virtual education. Results showed a large and medium effect size between the two groups of in-person education and control, and virtual education and control in terms of father-infant attachment score, respectively. There was also no statistically significant difference between the three groups after the educational intervention in terms of the mother-infant attachment score for both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis. CONCLUSION Considering that education by both in-person and virtual methods had the same effect on improving the score of father-infant attachment, it is suggested that to increase the participation of spouses of pregnant women in the process of prenatal care, the spouses of pregnant women should have the option of virtual education in addition to in-person training. TRIAL REGISTRATION TCTR.ir TCTR20200515011 . Registered on May 12, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zari Doaltabadi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Amiri-Farahani
- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Nursing Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Nuzum D, Fitzgerald B, Evans MJ, O'Donoghue K. Maternity Healthcare Chaplains and Perinatal Post-Mortem Support and Understanding in the United Kingdom and Ireland: An Exploratory Study. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:1924-1936. [PMID: 33415602 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-020-01176-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal autopsy rates have declined significantly in recent decades. There is a lack of consensus concerning the potential religious influences for bereaved parents in their decision making process for post-mortem. This online study of British and Irish maternity healthcare chaplains explored their understanding of general and local perinatal post-mortem procedures and their experiences in the support of parents. Participants included Christian, Muslim and non-faith chaplains. No chaplain identified any religious prohibition to perinatal post-mortem. A majority of chaplains reported that they had been asked about post-mortem by parents; only a minority felt adequately prepared. A key recommendation is that following appropriate training chaplains may be well placed to support colleagues and parents during the decision making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Nuzum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
| | - B Fitzgerald
- Department of Histopathology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - M J Evans
- Department of Pathology, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Honorary Professor, Department of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - K O'Donoghue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
- Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Murphy D, Flynn P, Warland J. Stillbirth And Faith: When Belief And Death Collide. THE JOURNAL OF PASTORAL CARE & COUNSELING : JPCC 2021; 75:33-39. [PMID: 33843312 DOI: 10.1177/1542305020962421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mothers who had experienced stillbirth (n = 436) were asked about their "faith base" and whether it was "helpful to their healing." Only 178 (24.5%) indicated their faith base was "helpful;" there was also a wide range of other responses including those who indicated their faith was "lost" following their baby's death. Findings are discussed in terms of what participants found helpful from their pastor and/or church community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jane Warland
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Australia
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When Death Precedes Birth: The Embodied Experiences of Women with a History of Miscarriage or Stillbirth—A Phenomenological Study Using Artistic Inquiry. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DANCE THERAPY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10465-020-09340-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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9
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Hawthorne DM, Joyner R, Gaucher E, Liehr P. Death of an infant: Accessing the voices of bereaved mothers to create healing. A qualitative study. J Clin Nurs 2020; 30:229-238. [PMID: 33113218 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe the health challenge for mothers whose infants have died and approaches and resources they used to manage the loss. BACKGROUND The death of an infant is a devastating experience for families. Bereaved mothers have higher rates of mental distress, loneliness and isolation. While some learn to cope, others remain consumed by grief, unable to function, with persistent affective, cognitive and physical symptoms. DESIGN Qualitative design guided by story theory. METHODS In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with mothers 13-36 months after the death of their infant. Looking at the present, past and future, mothers were asked to describe the health challenge of losing an infant and approaches used to manage the loss. The COREQ checklist was used. RESULTS These mothers' experiences were captured in six main themes: 'Painful aloneness', 'Blemished identity', 'Burden of being misunderstood', 'Being with and being heard', 'Being present and building a future' and 'Finding meaning in the tragedy'. In sharing their stories, mothers identified positive and negative encounters with healthcare professionals following the death of their infant. CONCLUSION After losing an infant, mothers experience an array of challenges as they move forward. They describe their approaches used to manage the loss. This included a need to be heard, feel supported and find meaning in the loss as they try to build a new future. Their stories express a need for health care encounters to be healing, allowing mothers to feel cared for and supported on their unique journeys towards a new sense of well-being. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE In sharing their stories what matters most to these mothers having lost an infant emerged. The study findings can be used to guide nursing practice, incorporated into healthcare providers bereavement training, increase knowledge and build effective communication skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn M Hawthorne
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Patricia Liehr
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
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Eklund MV, Prinds C, Mørk S, Damm M, Möller S, Hvidtjørn D. Parents' religious/spiritual beliefs, practices, changes and needs after pregnancy or neonatal loss-A Danish cross-sectional study. DEATH STUDIES 2020; 46:1529-1539. [PMID: 32960749 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1821260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study describes religious/spiritual beliefs, practices, changes, and needs among parents bereaved by pregnancy or neonatal loss, and assess gender differences in religiosity/spirituality, in this population. A cross-sectional study using data from the Danish cohort Life After the Loss was conducted. Data were gathered from a questionnaire survey collected between January 2016 and December 2019. Among 713 respondents, several answered in the affirmative to items related to religious/spiritual beliefs and practices. Some experienced changes in religious/spiritual beliefs and practices, and some wished to talk to someone about these questions. Women reported higher levels of religiosity/spirituality than men.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina Prinds
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Development and Research, University College South Denmark, Haderslev, Denmark
| | - Sofie Mørk
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maiken Damm
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sören Möller
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient Data Exploratory Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dorte Hvidtjørn
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Mills TA, Ayebare E, Mukhwana R, Mweteise J, Nabisere A, Nendela A, Ndungu P, Okello M, Omoni G, Wakasiaka S, Wood R, Lavender T. Parents' experiences of care and support after stillbirth in rural and urban maternity facilities: a qualitative study in Kenya and Uganda. BJOG 2020; 128:101-109. [PMID: 32659031 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore parents' lived experiences of care and support following stillbirth in urban and rural health facilities. DESIGN Qualitative, interpretative, guided by Heideggerian phenomenology. SETTING Nairobi and Western Kenya, Kampala and Central Uganda. SAMPLE A purposive sample of 75 women and 59 men who had experienced the stillbirth of their baby (≤1 year previously) and received care in the included facilities. METHODS In-depth interviews, analysed using Van Manen's reflexive approach. RESULTS Three main themes were identified; parents described devastating impacts and profound responses to their baby's death. Interactions with health workers were a key influence, but poor communication, environmental barriers and unsupportive facility policies/practices meant that needs were often unmet. After discharge, women and partners sought support in communities to help them cope with the death of their baby but frequently encountered stigma engendering feelings of blame and increasing isolation. CONCLUSIONS Parents in Kenya and Uganda were not always treated with compassion and lacked the care or support they needed after the death of their baby. Health workers in Kenya and Uganda, in common with other settings, have a key role in supporting bereaved parents. There is an urgent need for context and culturally appropriate interventions to improve communication, health system and community support for African parents. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Health-system response and community support for parents after stillbirth in Kenya and Uganda are inadequate.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Mills
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - E Ayebare
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - R Mukhwana
- Lugina Africa Midwives Research Network (LAMRN) Kenya, C/O University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - J Mweteise
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - A Nabisere
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - A Nendela
- Lugina Africa Midwives Research Network (LAMRN) Kenya, C/O University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - P Ndungu
- NIHR Global Health Group Community Involvement and Engagement (CEI) Group Kenya, C/O LAMRN Kenya, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - M Okello
- NIHR Global Health Group Community Involvement and Engagement (CEI) Group Uganda, Bweyogerere, Wakiso, Uganda
| | - G Omoni
- School of Nursing Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - S Wakasiaka
- School of Nursing Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - R Wood
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - T Lavender
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Alvarenga WDA, de Montigny F, Zeghiche S, Polita NB, Verdon C, Nascimento LC. Understanding the spirituality of parents following stillbirth: A qualitative meta-synthesis. DEATH STUDIES 2019; 45:420-436. [PMID: 31403372 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1648336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This meta-synthesis aims to synthesize qualitative evidence from primary studies to better understand the experience of the spirituality of parents and its relationship to adapting following stillbirth. Five electronic databases were systematically searched and the quality of 21 eligible studies was critically appraised. A thematic synthesis revealed two analytical themes: (1) Spiritual suffering following stillbirth; (2) Moving through spirituality to adapt to the loss, each encompassing four descriptive themes. The findings can inform a more culturally and spiritually sensitive approach to care, taking into account the parents' beliefs, folk customs, religion, values, and spiritual needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francine de Montigny
- Département des Sciences Infirmières, Universite du Quebec en Outaouais, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sabrina Zeghiche
- Département des Sciences Infirmières, Universite du Quebec en Outaouais, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
| | - Naiara Barros Polita
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Public Health Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chantal Verdon
- Département des Sciences Infirmières, Universite du Quebec en Outaouais, St-Jérôme, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lucila Castanheira Nascimento
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Public Health Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Watson J, Simmonds A, La Fontaine M, Fockler ME. Pregnancy and infant loss: a survey of families' experiences in Ontario Canada. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:129. [PMID: 30991981 PMCID: PMC6469137 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2270-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy and infant loss has a pervasive impact on families, health systems, and communities. During and after loss, compassionate, individualized, and skilled support from professionals and organizations is important, but often lacking. Historically, little has been known about how families in Ontario access existing care and supports around the time of their loss and their experiences of receiving such care. Methods An online cross-sectional survey, including both closed-ended multiple choice questions and one open-ended question, was completed by 596 people in Ontario, Canada relating to their experiences of care and support following pregnancy loss and infant death. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using frequency distributions. Responses to the one open-ended question were thematically analyzed using a qualitative inductive approach. Results The majority of families told us that around the time of their loss, they felt they were not adequately informed, supported and cared for by healthcare professionals, and that their healthcare provider lacked the skills needed to care for them. Almost half of respondents reported experiencing stigma from providers, exacerbating their experience of loss. Positive encounters with care providers were marked by timely, individualized, and compassionate care. Families indicated that improvements in care could be made by providing information and explanations, discharge and follow-up instructions, and through discussions about available supports. Conclusions Healthcare professionals can make a positive difference in how loss is experienced and in overall well-being by recognizing the impact of the loss, minimizing uncertainty and isolation, and by thoughtfully working within physical environments often not designed for the experience of loss. Ongoing supports are needed and should be tailored to parents’ changing needs. Prioritizing access to specialized education for professionals providing services and care to this population may help to reduce the stigma experienced by bereaved families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Watson
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Network, Women and Babies Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Anne Simmonds
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michelle La Fontaine
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Network, Women and Babies Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Megan E Fockler
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Network, Women and Babies Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Anencephaly; the maternal experience of continuing with the pregnancy. Incompatible with life but not with love. Midwifery 2018; 71:12-18. [PMID: 30640134 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As advances in prenatal diagnosis increasingly enable detection of life-limiting conditions, end-of-life care may start before birth. Termination of these pregnancies may have been default management, but in the Republic of Ireland, where termination is not a legal option, skilled experience in caring for mothers who continue their pregnancies has developed. This study examines the lived experience of four such mothers. METHOD A qualitative study was designed using interpretive phenomenological analysis, which examined the maternal experience of continuing pregnancy with a prenatal diagnosis of anencephaly. Four mothers participated in semi-structured interviews on their experience of pregnancy and delivery of a baby with anencephaly. RESULTS A profoundly emotional journey represented an adaptive grieving process, which culminated in rich experiences of transformative growth for all the parents. The parents' relationship with their caregivers facilitated this process and the development of a meaningful parenting relationship with their babies. This positive finding coexists alongside a parallel experience of ongoing deep sense of loss and sadness. CONCLUSION Perinatal palliative care for those with a prenatal lethal diagnosis is a positive life experience for some mothers. The role of relationship with healthcare professionals is vital to the process and consideration must be given to a comprehensive multi-disciplinary team approach.
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Ladhani NNN, Fockler ME, Stephens L, Barrett JF, Heazell AE. No 369 - Prise en charge de la grossesse aprés une mortinaissance. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2018; 40:1684-1700. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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No. 369-Management of Pregnancy Subsequent to Stillbirth. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2018; 40:1669-1683. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Nuzum D, Meaney S, O’Donoghue K. The impact of stillbirth on bereaved parents: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191635. [PMID: 29364937 PMCID: PMC5783401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the lived experiences and personal impact of stillbirth on bereaved parents. Methods Semi-structured in-depth interviews analysed by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) on a purposive sample of parents of twelve babies born following fetal death at a tertiary university maternity hospital in Ireland with a birth rate of c8,500 per annum and a stillbirth rate of 4.6/1000. Results Stillbirth had a profound and enduring impact on bereaved parents. Four superordinate themes relating to the human impact of stillbirth emerged from the data: maintaining hope, importance of the personhood of the baby, protective care and relationships (personal and professional). Bereaved parents recalled in vivid detail their experiences of care following diagnosis of stillbirth and their subsequent care. The time between diagnosis of a life-limiting anomaly or stillbirth and delivery is highlighted as important for parents as they find meaning in their loss. Conclusions The impact of stillbirth on bereaved parents is immense and how parents are cared for is recalled in precise detail as they revisit their experience. Building on existing literature, these data bring to light the depth of personal experience and impact of stillbirth for parents and provides medical professionals with valuable insights to inform their care of bereaved parents and the importance of clear and sensitive communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nuzum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarah Meaney
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - Keelin O’Donoghue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
- Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Nuzum D, Meaney S, O'Donoghue K. The public awareness of stillbirth: an Irish population study. BJOG 2017; 125:246-252. [DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Nuzum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Cork University Maternity Hospital; University College Cork; Wilton Cork Ireland
| | - S Meaney
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre; Cork University Maternity Hospital; University College Cork; Wilton Cork Ireland
| | - K O'Donoghue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Cork University Maternity Hospital; University College Cork; Wilton Cork Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT); University College Cork; Cork Ireland
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Navidian A, Saravani Z, Shakiba M. Impact of Psychological Grief Counseling on the Severity of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Mothers after Stillbirths. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2017; 38:650-654. [PMID: 28745912 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2017.1315623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Planned support and interventions are necessary in the care and support of women who have experienced stillbirth. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of psychological grief counseling on the symptom severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mothers after stillbirths. This interventional study is semi-experimental. The study was conducted on 100 women who had recently had stillbirths. Eligible samples were selected and randomly divided into the two groups of intervention and control. The data collection tool was the PPQ,1 which was completed as a pre-test and post-test in both groups. The intervention group received four sessions of psychological grief counseling over two weeks, and the control group received only routine postnatal care. PTSD severity was evaluated in both groups at the end of the fourth week after the final session. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean score of the severity of the PTSD symptoms in both groups after the intervention (P = 0.0001), which means that psychological grief counseling led to the reduction of PTSD severity in mothers. Given the positive impact of psychological grief counseling on reducing the severity of PTSD, integration of intensive psychological interventions in the maternity care system seems essential for faster transition of grief stages and for the prevention of severe cases of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Navidian
- a Department of Counseling, Community Nursing Research Center , Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
| | - Zahra Saravani
- b Department of Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery School , Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
| | - Mansour Shakiba
- c Department of Psychiatry , Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
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