The Needs of Incarcerated Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review of Literature

A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Psychological Experiences of Incarcerated Pregnant Women

OBJECTIVE

With the increasing number of incarcerated women worldwide, the rate of women who experience pregnancy in prison, has also increased in this population. Exploring the unique experience of pregnant prisoners can contribute to understanding the complex world of this vulnerable population and, as a result, tailoring programs to promote their health status. The objective of this study was to understand the psychological experience of pregnancy in prison based on the lived experiences of incarcerated women.

METHODS

This was a qualitative inquiry using van Manen's approach to phenomenology. Seven pregnant and four early postpartum women, with experience of pregnancy during incarceration, were selected purposefully in a prison in Iran from 2019 to 2020. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. To analyze data, six-step van Manen's descriptive-interpretive phenomenological approach was adopted using MAXQDA10 software.

RESULTS

The main theme of "white torture", a term used to describe the psychological and emotional distress experienced by incarcerated pregnant women, emerged from the data analysis. This theme echoes the pressure and torment of pregnancy on incarcerated women and consists of two subthemes: "captive to bitter and harsh emotions" and "suffering from psychosomatic pain and injuries."

CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE

As an emotional trauma, pregnancy puts incarcerated women under psychological torture. Policies should be developed towards the acknowledgment and meeting of the unique psychological needs of pregnant women in prison. It is also crucial for healthcare providers to provide women in prison with training on coping strategies to address the psychological and emotional challenges of pregnancy.

Motherhood Experiences of Incarcerated Pregnant Women: A Phenomenological Study

Background

Motherhood in prison is a topic of growing importance and concern in the field of criminal justice. Incarcerated mothers face unique challenges that can have profound psychological impacts. The purpose of this study was to gain a deep understanding of pregnant prisoners' lived experiences of motherhood.

Methods

This qualitative research was carried out using descriptive-interpretive phenomenology via interviews with 11 pregnant or early postpartum women in prison. The participants were purposefully selected from incarcerated pregnant women in a prison in Iran from 2019 to 2021. The MAXQDA software version 10 was used for data analysis, using Van Manen's six-step phenomenological approach.

Results

The main theme of "living in a dichotomous world "consisting of two subthemes of "moving between unity and separation" and "being subject to ambiguity and uncertainty" emerged in this study. Motherhood in prison is just like living in a shaky and chaotic world, in which mothers are confused between reaching to and separating from their children. They are ambivalent about motherhood and experience mixed emotions of attachment and abandonment to their child and cannot be confident regarding the future of themselves and their children.

Conclusion

Incarcerated mothers experience mixed emotions of attachment and abandonment towards their children, which leaves them uncertain about the future. It is recommended that security personnel of the prisons and families offer care and support to incarcerated mothers through constructive communications and empathy to enhance their well-being. It also seems crucial to adopt a community-centered approach that provides empathetic support and implements inclusive policies.

Coping Experiences of Nigerian Women during Pregnancy and Labour: A Qualitative Study

Background

Pregnancy and labour are defining moments in the lives of women. While these are joyful moments for many, some physical and psychological issues have been reported during labour and pregnancy. This study was conducted to explore the coping experiences of Nigerian women during pregnancy and labour.

Methods

This is an exploratory qualitative study using the content analysis. The study was conducted from November 2021 to January 2022 in Ekiti State and Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 women selected using the purposive sampling technique. Data collection was stopped when we reached data saturation. Data were analyzed through content analysis using the NVIVO software version 12.

Results

Two themes emerged from the study including coping strategies during pregnancy and trying to endure labour pain. The theme, coping strategies utilized during pregnancy, included obtaining the relatives' experiences, seeking information, religious practices, and engaging in exercise. The theme, trying to endure labour pain, consisted of exercising for pain relief, relying on God, Positive imagination, giving psychological support, and behaving according to the accepted cultural beliefs.

Conclusion

Findings suggested that women utilized many non-pharmacological methods for coping. Interventions to support women during pregnancy and labour should consider these strategies during planning and implementation.

PROMOTING NURSES' AND MIDWIVES' ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS VULNERABLE PEOPLE: AN ALIGNMENT OF RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

AIM

To stimulate discussion and debate about inclusion of vulnerable populations in primary research to inform practice change and improve health outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Current research practices to safeguard vulnerable people from potential harms related to power imbalances, may in fact limit the generation of evidence-based practice.

EVALUATION

The authors draw on their experience working and researching with a recognised group of vulnerable people, incarcerated pregnant women, to provide insight into the application of ethics in both research and clinical practice. In a novel approach, the ethical principles are presented in both contexts, articulating the synergies between them. Suggestions are presented for how individuals, managers and organisations may improve research opportunities for clinical practitioners and enhance the engagement of vulnerable people to contribute to meaningful practice and policy change.

KEY ISSUES

Ethical practice guidelines may limit the ability to create meaningful change for vulnerable populations, who need authentic system change to achieve good health outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Inclusive research and practice are essential to ensuring a strengths-based approach to healthcare and addressing health needs of the whole population. Health systems and models of care recognising the diverse lives and health needs of the broader population, demand practical, sustainable support from clinical managers.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Practical suggestions for clinical managers to support point of care research is provided, embedding vulnerable voices in policy, practice development, and care provision.