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Boakye DS, Amoah VMK, Amoah C, Boateng AA, Aduomi-Botchwey CO, Bamfo F, Boampong J. Eclampsia or epilepsy? The intriguing experiences of pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia and eclampsia: A descriptive exploratory study. SAGE Open Med 2024; 12:20503121241271768. [PMID: 39139267 PMCID: PMC11320684 DOI: 10.1177/20503121241271768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of pregnant women who suffer the stressful effects of preeclampsia and eclampsia through pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Methods A descriptive exploratory approach was adopted to gather in-depth data from women diagnosed with preeclampsia and eclampsia during pregnancy from February to March 2022. Purposive sampling was used to enlist 12 participants from a Municipal Hospital in the Ahafo region of Ghana. Data were analyzed thematically following Braun and Clark approach. Results The study found that women had strong negative emotional reactions after being diagnosed with preeclampsia or eclampsia. They frequently felt guilty, angry, scared, in denial, or disbelief about their condition. Many women held mistaken beliefs about the diseases (they misconstrued eclampsia to be epilepsy) and isolated themselves, mainly because of false perceptions and stigma around their illness in the community. Participants expressed unfulfilled needs for informational and emotional support. The information they received about their condition was insufficient, contradictory, and confusing. Some women also felt pressured into having cesarean deliveries without enough discussion or say in the decision-making process. Conclusion These findings reveal important psychosocial impacts of preeclampsia/eclampsia and gaps in condition-specific education and empathetic, patient-centered communication. Improving provider knowledge and counseling skills along with community awareness may help address these unmet needs among Ghanaian women facing this threat to maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Serwaa Boakye
- Department of Health Administration and Education, University of Education, Winneba, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Vida Maame Kissiwaa Amoah
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Christian Amoah
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Agartha Afful Boateng
- Department of Health Administration and Education, University of Education, Winneba, Winneba, Ghana
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Sakurai S, Mwilike B, Horiuchi S. Women's experiences with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy from a national referral hospital in Tanzania: A qualitative study. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2023; 20:e12513. [PMID: 36116438 DOI: 10.1111/jjns.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to explore the experiences among postpartum women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, from pregnancy to admission at a referral hospital in Tanzania. METHODS This was a descriptive cross-sectional design with purposive sampling. Data were collected from semi-structured in-depth interviews with postpartum women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders and who were admitted to the maternity ward of Muhimbili National Hospital. Data were analyzed using NVivo software for qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Fourteen women participated in interviews. Half were primipara and two-thirds had over four antenatal visits. Data analysis yielded four categories and 27 sub-categories. The four categories were: "I'm shocked; I thought I was normal," "The treatment journey," "What health care providers did and did not teach me," "I have a risky future; I hope health care providers can help me." CONCLUSION Women regarded themselves going from being normal to having a risk through the process of experiencing their treatments. They did not expect to be admitted or referred to a major hospital and while they demanded more information and education, they also expressed appreciation for their health care providers. Education during pregnancy addressing their needs and level of understanding is recommended for improvement of early detection and access to the health service.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beatrice Mwilike
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Sakurai S, Shishido E, Horiuchi S. Experiences of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a scoping review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:146. [PMID: 35193516 PMCID: PMC8864783 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04463-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) constitute one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide, and are associated with an increased risk of recurrence and future cardiovascular disease. HDP affect women’s health condition, mode of birth and timing, length of hospital stay, and relationship with their newborn and family, with future life repercussions. Aims To explore the experiences of women with HDP from pregnancy to postpartum, and to identify (a) their perceptions and understanding of HDP, (b) their understanding of future health risks, and (c) the possible interventions by healthcare providers. Methods A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute method and in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The following databases were searched from 1990 to 2020 (October): MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar database. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used as a guide for the qualitative analysis. Content analysis and synthesis of findings were conducted using Nvivo12. Results Of the 1971 articles identified through database searching, 16 articles met the inclusion criteria. After data extraction, content analysis yielded six categories: ‘Life-threatening disorder’, ‘Coping with HDP’, ‘Concerns for baby and challenges of motherhood’, ‘Fear of recurrence and health problems’, ‘Necessity of social and spiritual support’, and ‘Positive and negative experiences in the healthcare context’. Women faced complex difficulties from the long treatment process while transitioning to motherhood. Conclusion Our findings revealed the perceptions and understanding of women regarding HDP as a life-threatening disorder to both mothers and their babies which mothers need to cope with. Recovery of physical condition and the long-term psychological effects of HDP on women should be given attention by mothers and HCP to reduce future health risks. Importantly, a lifelong follow-up system is recommended for women with HDP. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04463-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Sakurai
- Department of Midwifery, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St Luke's International University, 10-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 1040044, Japan.
| | - Eri Shishido
- Department of Midwifery, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St Luke's International University, 10-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 1040044, Japan
| | - Shigeko Horiuchi
- Department of Midwifery, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St Luke's International University, 10-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 1040044, Japan
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Power NM, North N, Leonard AL, Bonaconsa C, Coetzee M. A scoping review of mother-child separation in clinical paediatric settings. J Child Health Care 2021; 25:534-548. [PMID: 33035074 DOI: 10.1177/1367493520966415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence to suggest that autonomic regulation of hospitalised infants is affected by separation from their mother. This review explored the extent of the evidence relating to the impact of separation on infants and children and aimed to identify suitable measures of the impact of mother-child separation. We conducted a scoping review of seven databases using the main search terms 'physiological', 'psychological', 'infant/child', 'maternal separation' and 'hospital'. Thirty-four articles containing data relevant to the effects of mother-child separation on either member of the pair were included. Findings highlight the central importance of the mother's presence in mediating the stressful effects of hospitalisation on her child. The majority of articles reported on psychological effects of separation on mothers of infants or on younger children. We identified no articles reporting on physiological effects on the older child or mothers of older children or psychological effects on mothers of older children. Only nine articles used validated tools to measure the effects of separation. There is a need for more evidence, based on validated measurement, about the psychological effects of separation on the child, particularly the older child, and on the physiological effects of separation on the mother-child pair during hospitalisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina M Power
- The Harry Crossley Children's Nursing Development Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, 37716University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Natasha North
- The Harry Crossley Children's Nursing Development Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, 37716University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Angela L Leonard
- The Harry Crossley Children's Nursing Development Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, 37716University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Candice Bonaconsa
- The Harry Crossley Children's Nursing Development Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, 37716University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Minette Coetzee
- The Harry Crossley Children's Nursing Development Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, 37716University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Kwezi HA, Mselle LT, Leshabari S, Hanson C, Pembe AB. How communication can help women who experience a maternal near-miss: a qualitative study from Tanzania. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045514. [PMID: 34725070 PMCID: PMC8562531 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore experiences of communication as an element of quality of care, among women surviving a maternal near-miss event, thus women who nearly died but survived haemorrhage, or pre-eclampsia complication during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. DESIGN A descriptive, phenomenological, qualitative study using semistructured interviews with women who survived a maternal near-miss in Southern Tanzania. SETTING The participants were recruited from two selected hospitals in Mtwara Region, where women sought child birth care and developed near-miss condition. PARTICIPANTS Participants for this study were women who experienced and survived a maternal near-miss event and who had lived in the study area for at least 1 year. Women were recruited using an adapted version of the WHO criteria for maternal near-miss. DATA COLLECTION We identified 16 women and were able to conduct 10 in-depth interviews with women at their homes, 4 weeks after they were discharged. The interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed and translated word for word from Kiswahili. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes. RESULTS Three major themes evolved: (1) Being informed about the care and interaction, (2) Being engaged and encouraged and (3) Being afraid to ask questions. The study highlighted that good communication with women during the provision of care helped women feel grateful, supported and cared for. Women who were unconscious during care were often not informed later of what happened. This created some negative feelings and anxiety. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of communication, and of being informed of what happened and why. Empathetic communication with sufficient explanation on what happened and why created trust among women-a positive finding which should encourage the development of consistent approaches to strengthen healthcare provider communication skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Alinda Kwezi
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lilian T Mselle
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sebalda Leshabari
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Claudia Hanson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrea Barnabas Pembe
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Mooij R, Kapanga RR, Mwampagatwa IH, Mgalega GC, van Dillen J, Stekelenburg J, de Kok BC. Beyond severe acute maternal morbidity: a mixed-methods study on the long-term consequences of (severe pre-)eclampsia in rural Tanzania. Trop Med Int Health 2020; 26:33-44. [PMID: 33151624 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the long-term (perceived) consequences of (severe pre-)eclampsia in rural Tanzania. METHODS Women were traced for this mixed-methods study 6-7 years after the diagnosis of (severe pre-)eclampsia. Demographic and obstetric characteristics were noted, and blood pressure was recorded. Questionnaires were used to assess physical and mental health. The qualitative part consisted of semi-structured interviews (SSI). A reference group consisted of women without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. RESULTS Of 74 patients, 25 (34%) were available for follow-up, and 24 were included. Five (20%) had suffered from (pre-)eclampsia twice. Hypertension was more common after (pre-)eclampsia than in the reference group (29% vs. 13%). Thirteen women (56%) had feelings of anxiety and depression, compared to 30% in the reference group. In SSIs, experiences during the index pregnancy were explored, as well as body functions, reproductive life course and limitations in daily functioning, which were shown to be long-lasting. CONCLUSIONS Women who suffered from (severe pre-)eclampsia may experience long-term sequelae, including hypertension, depression and anxiety. Women lack information about their condition, and some are worried to conceive again. To address their specific needs, a strategy along the continuum of care is needed for women following a complicated pregnancy, starting with a late postnatal care visit 6 weeks after giving birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mooij
- Ndala Hospital, Ndala, Nzega region, Tanzania.,Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Beatrix Hospital, Gorinchem, The Netherlands.,University Medical Centre Groningen/University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - R R Kapanga
- Athena Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I H Mwampagatwa
- College of Health Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - G C Mgalega
- Ndala Hospital, Ndala, Nzega region, Tanzania.,Nzega District Hospital, Nzega, Tanzania
| | - J van Dillen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J Stekelenburg
- University Medical Centre Groningen/University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leeuwarden Medical Centre, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - B C de Kok
- Anthropology Department, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Lange IL, Gherissi A, Chou D, Say L, Filippi V. What maternal morbidities are and what they mean for women: A thematic analysis of twenty years of qualitative research in low and lower-middle income countries. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214199. [PMID: 30973883 PMCID: PMC6459473 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With an estimated 27 million annual incidents of maternal morbidity globally, how they are manifested or experienced is diverse and shaped by societal, cultural and personal influences. Using qualitative research to examine a woman's perception of her pregnancy, its complications, and potential long-term impact on her life can inform public health approaches and complement and inform biomedical classifications of maternal morbidities, historically considered a neglected dimension of safe motherhood. As part of the WHO’s Maternal Morbidity Working Group’s efforts to define and measure maternal morbidity, we carried out a thematic analysis of the qualitative literature published between 1998 and 2017 on how women experience maternal morbidity in low and lower-middle income countries. Results and conclusions Analysis of the 71 papers included in this study shows that women’s status, their marital relationships, cultural attitudes towards fertility and social responses to infertility and pregnancy trauma are fundamental to determining how they will experience morbidity in the pregnancy and postpartum periods. We explore the physical, economic, psychological and social repercussions pregnancy can produce for women, and how resource disadvantage (systemic, financial and contextual) can exacerbate these problems. In addition to an analysis of ten themes that emerged across the different contexts, this paper presents which morbidities have received attention in different regions and the trends in researching morbidities over time. We observed an increase in qualitative research on this topic, generally undertaken through interviews and focus groups. Our analysis calls for the pursuit of high quality qualitative research that includes repeat interviews, participant observation and triangulation of sources to inform and fuel critical advocacy and programmatic work on maternal morbidities that addresses their prevention and management, as well as the underlying systemic problems for women’s status in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle L. Lange
- Maternal Adolescent Reproductive and Child Health Centre (MARCH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Doris Chou
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lale Say
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Veronique Filippi
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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