Chinese women's experiences of stress incontinence: a descriptive qualitative study

This study explored the perceptions of 35 Chinese women on the impact of stress urinary incontinence on their life and their adherence to pelvic floor muscle exercise program. Audiotaped interviews were conducted at a time and place convenient to them. Content analysis was used to extract significant categories that described their experience. The five major categories that emerged were: (i) perceptions of stress urinary incontinence; (ii) living with urinary incontinence; (iii) emotions and feelings; (iv) factors facilitating pelvic floor muscle exercise and (v) factors inhibiting pelvic floor muscle exercise program. The women who adhered and those who did not adhere to pelvic floor muscle exercised were similar in the two categories of living with urinary incontinence, and emotions and feelings. However, there were great differences between the perceptions of the two groups in three categories on perceptions of urinary incontinence, factors facilitating and inhibiting the performance of pelvic floor muscle exercise.     

Lesbian women's experiences with health care: A qualitative study

Background

Although the social situation for gay, lesbian, and bisexual people has improved over the last decades, lesbian women still face unique challenges when seeking healthcare services.

Objectives

To explore lesbian women''s healthcare experiences specifically related to sexual orientation to achieve knowledge which can contribute to increased quality of healthcare for lesbian women.

Methods

Qualitative study based on written stories, with recruitment, information, and data sampling over the internet. Data consisted of 128 anonymously written answers to a web-based, open-ended questionnaire from a convenience sample of self-identified lesbian women. Data were analysed with systematic text condensation. Interpretation of findings was supported by theories of heteronormativity.

Main outcome measures

Patients’ histories of experiences where a lesbian orientation was significant, when seeing a doctor or another healthcare professional.

Results

Analysis presented three different aspects of healthcare professionals’ abilities, regarded as essential by our lesbian participants. First, the perspective of awareness was addressed – is the healthcare professional able to think of and facilitate the disclosure of a lesbian orientation? Second, histories pointed to the attitudes towards homosexuality – does the healthcare professional acknowledge and respect the lesbian orientation? Third, the impact of specific and adequate medical knowledge was emphasized – does the healthcare professional know enough about the specific health concerns of lesbian women?

Conclusion

To obtain quality care for lesbian women, the healthcare professional needs a persistent awareness that not all patients are heterosexual, an open attitude towards a lesbian orientation, and specific knowledge of lesbian health issues. The dimensions of awareness, attitude, and knowledge are interconnected, and a positive direction on all three dimensions appears to be a necessary prerequisite.     

Ethnocultural women's experiences of breast cancer: a qualitative meta-study

A growing number of studies have been conducted that explore the breast cancer experiences of women from diverse ethnocultural groups. To advance knowledge and provide a foundation for future research, a synthesis was conducted of 15 qualitative research studies focusing on women from ethnocultural groups diagnosed with breast cancer. A qualitative meta-study approach was used that included analysis of the theoretical orientations and methodological approaches underlying the research, and an interpretive synthesis of research findings. Ethnocultural groups represented in the studies included Asian American, Aboriginal, Hispanic, and African American women. The synthesis revealed diverse experiences within and among these ethnocultural groups represented in 5 major themes: (a) the "othered" experience of a breast cancer diagnosis, (b) the treatment experience as "other," (c) losses associated with breast cancer, (d) the family context of breast cancer experiences, and (e) coping with cancer through spirituality and community involvement. The integration of findings from the 15 studies also revealed how methodological and theoretical approaches to conducting this research influenced understandings of the experiences of breast cancer. Further experiential breast cancer research with ethnocultural groups is needed, as well as the use of research methods that illuminate the ways that ethnicity, class, age, and gender relations are played out in healthcare settings.     

Factors that influence mammography screening behaviour: A qualitative study of Greek women's experiences

AimTo identify the factors that influence mammography screening behaviour in a sample of Greek women.Methods/SampleData were collected in Athens-Greece, from individuals who were members of six women's associations. A subset of 33 women were interviewed about their screening behaviour and experiences out of the 186 women who completed an initial questionnaire. This paper focuses on the findings revealed from the interviews. Women's associations were approached for the recruitment of the interviewees.ResultsInfluences arising from women's immediate networks, such as family and close friends, appeared to be of essential importance in relation to their screening behaviour, while influences from their broader networks were of moderate impact. Fear acted as a motivator but also as a barrier in relation to mammography screening participation. Experiences that arose from engagement with the mammography screening processes were mostly characterized by having to overcome a variety of obstacles, such as long bureaucratic procedures and distrust in doctors.ConclusionsThe interpersonal relationships between women and their social networks appeared to have an important and influential role in relation to breast screening behaviour. The quality of these relationships appeared to determine women's participation in mammography screening. It would appear that future practice needs to focus on these relationships in order to utilize them in a positive way. Future research is needed to explore this further.     

Advanced maternal age: delayed childbearing is rarely a conscious choice a qualitative study of women's views and experiences

BackgroundThere is a global trend, in high resource countries, for delayed childbearing beyond the age of 35. Women of advanced maternal age are considered to be at higher risk of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. Women's views and experiences of delayed childbearing are relatively unexplored.ObjectivesTo gain an understanding of factors influencing women's decisions to delay childbearing and explore their experiences and perceptions of associated risks.DesignA qualitative phenomenological study.SettingGreater Manchester, United Kingdom.ParticipantsPurposive sample of 18 women aged 35 and over in three groups; six women with no children who were not pregnant, six women pregnant with their first child and six women with no children attending a fertility clinic.MethodsData were collected by in depth semi-structured interviews, managed manually and subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsThree main themes were identified; the chapters of life, the need to know, and childbearing being within or beyond women's control. Women focussed on the need for a stable relationship, being “ready” to have a baby, and acquisition of life experience. Their experiences reflected a lack of awareness of many of the risks associated with pregnancy over age 35 and disbelief that age alone necessarily increased the likelihood of poor outcomes. Women perceived a lack of choice in the timing of when to start a family. Women suggested that although they may have reached a juncture in their lives, at which they felt ready to have a baby, the circumstances in which they found themselves may not support this; factors such as relationship, financial stability, health and fertility, were often outside of their control.ConclusionsWomen do not perceive that they have ultimate control when it comes to the timing of childbearing. Health professionals and the media should be aware of the complex interplay of factors surrounding women's reasons for delaying childbearing. Sensitive information and support should be provided allowing for varying perceptions of risk status. Women may benefit from pre-conception education.     

Women's experiences of obtaining emergency contraception: a phenomenological study

Emergency contraception (EC) has been available since 1984 but has been labelled the 'best kept secret' (Winfield, 1995). Because EC was originally termed 'the morning after pill', many people interpreted this literally and missed an opportunity to use the method. More recent publicity has dropped this term and emphasized that the method is effective up to 72 h after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure (Burton & Salvage, 1990). Uptake of EC has steadily increased since 1985 but there is still evidence that younger women in particular are least aware of its existence.     

Emergency contraception: a pilot study by school nurses

Tackling unintended teenage pregnancy and reducing sexually transmitted infection is a priority for school nurses in Selby and York NHS Trust. Research from the NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination in 1997 suggested that school-based sex education could be effective in reducing teenage pregnancy when it was linked to contraceptive services. With this in mind a pilot study was devised whereby an emergency contraception service was introduced to two secondary schools: one rural and one inner city. Results of the pilot, conducted for a complete school year from September 2001 to July 2002, revealed a significant difference in the numbers of teenagers accessing advice and requesting condoms in the two schools. Reasons for the findings are discussed, as well as the vital role of the school nurse in addressing the sexual health needs of young people.     

Unbearable weight: young adult women's experiences of being overweight

Being overweight is a hazard to health. Overweight people have a very negative image due to the marketing strategies for weight reduction and beauty products. Young women establishing self-image, seeking affirmation of social peers, and looking for potential mates are usually concerned about their weight and figure. To investigate the experience of young women who think they are overweight, how they come to think in this way, and the impact of this thinking, this qualitative pilot study conducted semi-structured interviews with five participants. On the basis of the qualitative method, data was subjected to constant comparison and content analysis. The phenomenon can thus be described in three major categories: (1) Social labeling of the overweight - a slim image is overwhelmingly preferred; (2) Pursuing attractiveness or health - a self-struggling process; (3) Weight reduction and self control - an endless struggle. The result of the study suggests there is a need for a competitive image to counter current obsessions with painfully slender figures in society. To protect the public's mental and physical health, nurses should play an active role in weight education based on a deeper and more dynamic understanding of being overweight.     

2型糖尿病中青年患者饮食管理体验的研究

目的了解2型糖尿病中青年患者饮食管理的真实体验,为患者进行饮食指导提供参考。方法对12例患者进行半结构式深入访谈,采用Colaizzi 7步分析法分析资料及提炼主题。结果提炼出饮食管理体验的4个主题:多种负性情绪并存、饮食决策困难、感受到长期坚持的艰难、想要重建信心并积极应对。结论 2型糖尿病中青年患者饮食管理存在诸多困难,饮食管理的负性情绪不容忽视。医院、家庭、社会需构建支持网络,提供有效的支持方式,帮助患者克服困难,增加饮食管理的积极体验。     

Cellulitis and treatment: a qualitative study of experiences

Although cellulitis is usually a relatively mild condition, it is potentially life threatening, often necessitating emergency treatment in either the acute or community care settings. The treatment of cellulitis with antibiotics is well established, with effectiveness generally measured against purely biochemical and clinical outcomes (Cox, 2002). Although important, these outcomes are centred purely on the disease process from the medical perspective and little is known about patients' experiences of cellulitis. This qualitative study explores patients' view on the management of community-acquired cellulitis in the secondary healthcare setting. Data were collected through semi-structured groups and individual telephone interviews. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and the Framework Analysis Technique was used to analyse the data. Three superordinate themes emerged: initial presentation/motivation for seeking help; confidence and satisfaction; anxiety and dissatisfaction. Severe pain was almost universally a cause of distress and flu-like symptoms delayed recognition. Health information and communication was generally poor. Participants largely welcomed a move from inpatient to day-patient or outpatient care provided there was adequate information and support. To meet the diverse needs of cellulitis patients, services must be more flexible and tailored to the needs of the individual. Patients are often not told what they can do to prevent recurrence.     

Adolescents' experiences of being food-hypersensitive: a qualitative study

Background  

Experiencing or being at risk of adverse reactions to certain food items is a common health issue, especially among children and adolescents. Research has shown that living with the risk of food reactions and always having to take measures to avoid certain food in one's diet has a negative impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to illuminate adolescents' experiences of being food hypersensitive.     

Coping experiences of adolescents with cancer: a qualitative study

Title.  Coping experiences of adolescents with cancer: a qualitative study.
Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the coping experiences of Taiwanese adolescents with cancer.
Background.  Cancer treatments have adverse effects and negatively affect adolescents' lives. Psychological coping strategies are antecedents to adjustment. Little is known about the essential structure of the coping experience in adolescents with cancer.
Method.  Ten adolescents aged 12–18 years who were receiving chemotherapy were interviewed in 2007. Open-ended interviews were conducted in a quiet in-hospital setting. Interview data were analysed using Giorgi's four-step procedures.
Findings.  The essential structures of the coping experience were losing confidence and rebuilding hope . Losing confidence included sub-themes of physical and psychological suffering ; rebuilding hope included sub-themes of thought restructuring , revaluing what I have , and envisioning hopeful images of the future . Interviewees vacillated between moving on and giving up, depending on the strength of their hope. A focus on rebuilding hope helped the adolescents to move on in the midst of many distressful events.
Conclusion.  Understanding adolescents' coping processes relative to cancer can facilitate the establishment of a more supportive milieu. The findings can provide guidance for instrument development on coping for adolescents with cancer and be useful in guiding intervention development to promote positive psychological adjustment.     

Alternatives to hormone replacement therapy: a multi-method study of women's experiences

OBJECTIVE: To explore women's decision-making regarding use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) during menopause. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 women who were currently or had previously used hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including questions about their experiences with alternatives to HRT. This was followed by a non-random questionnaire survey of 285 demographically representative Canadian women aged 45-65 who were current or former HRT users. RESULTS: Fifty-seven percent (57%, n = 162) of women reported either having used or considered a CAM approach for menopause. Women who had tried or considered CAM were significantly younger (mean age = 54.9 years versus 56.8 years; t(280) = 3.4, p < .05) and reported experiencing worse menopause-specific symptoms than those who had not, and these women also reported a worse experience of menopause overall. CONCLUSION: : A majority of menopausal women in the current study considered or tried CAM alternatives to HRT.