Women's Experiences Research Articles

Patient controlled epidural analgesia during labor: Protocol for a scoping review.

Childbirth remains one of the most painful experiences for women. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia provides the women in labor with self-control and thereby a shorter time interval between onset of pain and administration of analgesia, thus potentially improving the childbirth experience. This scoping review aims to investigate PCEA during labor involving maternal satisfaction, risks of adverse effects and obstetric interventions by mapping the evidence and identifying gaps in the current evidence base. The forthcoming review will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A systematic search will be carried out across major peer-reviewed databases and gray literature will be sought. All study types involving women in labor receiving PCEA will be eligible for inclusion. The extracted data will be charted regarding trial characteristics, population/participation characteristics, interventions, outcomes, and key findings. The results will be presented through relevant tables, figures, and graphs when appropriate. Alongside this, we present the data descriptively to explain how the results align with the objectives of the review. PCEA offers women greater autonomy during childbirth, making it essential to examine its effects and potential risks. By mapping current evidence regarding PCEA, this review aims to identify knowledge gaps and provide insights to enhance maternal care and improve childbirth experiences.

(Wo)Man-Made Public Space

Women experience limitations in public space regarding their safety, comfort, and accessibility, which might be mitigated by urban design. This article addresses the question: How can public space become more gender-inclusive through the implementation of design principles focused on meeting the needs of women? It draws on existing literature combined with empirical observations and interviews, to establish a framework of eight design principles (safety cues, informal surveillance, legibility, spatial appropriation, representation, diversity, slow modes and ease of use) to make public spaces more gender-inclusive. The principles are applied in an exemplary design case focused on a public street in the city centre of Heerlen, Netherlands , which currently faces many of the issues that are especially limiting to women. Active public spaces, meaning spaces that encourage user engagement and interaction, often already contain some elements outlined in the framework, leading to easier fulfilment of the design principles. The application of the principles is limited to one design case, and the focus is restricted to women’s experiences. When applying the principles in other cases or typologies, the implications of the proposed design guidelines need to be carefully considered.

What Happens after Nora Walks Out?——Take Regret for the Past and A Room of One’s Own as Examples to Analyze Female Liberation

At the commencement of the 20th century, concurrent with the transformation of the socioeconomic structure and the augmentation of individualistic consciousness, the feminist narrative in both the Eastern and Western contexts grew increasingly assertive. The character Nora in Ibsen’s plays significantly contributed to the consciousness awakening among women. Regret for the Past can serve as a sequel to What Happens after Nora Walks Out? Delineating the roads and ultimate fate of a consciousness-awakened woman. Concurrently, the eminent Western author, Virginia Woolf, initiated an exploration of feminism within the narrative of A Room of One’s Own marking a significant juncture in the Western feminist movement’s trajectory. This scholarly work involves a meticulous exegesis of the literary texts within Regret for the Past and A Room of One’s Own, examining the diverse experiences of women’s liberation across various historical periods. Research indicates that the status of women has enhanced subsequent to societal emancipation, with women’s liberation being concomitant with their endeavor for gender equality. Subsequently, the Women’s Liberation Movement has achieved additional advancements. It is incontrovertible that research has demonstrated the necessity of social emancipation as a prerequisite for the advancement of women’s liberation. Presently, given the enhancement of women’s societal standing, when running away from home, which had been given the meaning of awakening, was no longer the only option. What contemporary avenues are available for women and what novel challenges confront the cause of women’s liberation?

Mixed-method study of women’s experiences of Respectful-Disrespectful Maternity Care in Cyprus

Abstract Background Since the WHO reports on Disrespect and Abuse (D&A) in childbirth, there was an increase in studies across Europe exploring women’s experiences. Even though contentious, a 2024 EU Committee report adopts the term obstetric violence. With the highest caesarean section (C/S) in the EU, the birth environment in Cyprus raises questions about informed choices. Methods The RESPECT mixed-method study gained insights into the experiences of women in Cyprus with focus groups (N = 6, 28 women) and survey (online and in-person) tapping on Rights for Respectful Maternity Care (RMC), as measured by Person-Centred Maternity Care scale (PCMC), autonomy in decision making (MADM), dignity and respect (MoRi) and mistreatment (MIST). Results Among 516 responses (61% first childbirth, 38.5% vaginal, 15% public sector, consistent with official statistics), the 35-item PCMC (range 0-100%) represents a continuum of quality standards deviations (Med=81, IQR=61-92). Lowest scores were recorded for “Communication & Autonomy”, with 28.5% reporting ‘feeling pushed into a decision’, with associations observed with younger age, first-time birth, mode and place of birth, highlighting social inequity. Based on MADM, 23.8%, 14.1% and 14.7% women were classified as having moderate, low or very low autonomy. For mistreatment, 32.0% reported at least one of 11 indicators, most commonly privacy violations and no freedom of movement. Formula feeding against wishes (13.6%), vaginal examinations (11.6%) and episiotomy (7.8%) where most common among 33.7% reporting procedures without consent. Deductive content analysis of narratives according to RMC triangulate findings of weak shared decision-making processes. Conclusions Given that C/S reduction was identified as a national priority in Cyprus, the RESPECT findings can widen the conversation about quality improvement and form the basis to engage with local stakeholders in an open-dialogue about RMC, guided by participatory action research principles. Key messages • In the medicalized birth environment of Cyprus, women report a range of sub-optimal practices, with ethical implications, primarily affecting the right to autonomy. • Adopting the Respectful Maternity Care framework, the findings can stimulate and shape quality improvement efforts in a participatory and inclusive process with local stakeholders.

Conflicts and Restrictions: Flora Nwapa's Visionary Exposé of Women's Struggles in Nigerian Marital Contexts

This paper investigates acclaimed Nigerian Author Flora Nwapa's nuanced literary portrayals of the challenges Nigerian women face within marital roles and relationships. Through textual analysis of characters and events across Nwapa's novels, short stories and folklore centered on women's experiences, the study illuminates critical perspectives on issues of patriarchy, lack of autonomy, rigid gender roles, and socioeconomic restrictions undermining women’s agency and fulfillment. Core themes highlighted in Nwapa's subtle social commentary include anguish over infertility, hardships from prolonged spousal absence, emotional tolls of polygamy, lack of personal choice in partners, limited educational and career opportunities, economic dependence, and domestic violence. Her visionary work gives voice to Nigerian women’s aspirations while exposing oppressive structures. Findings substantiate how Nwapa’s rich depictions of women navigating complex marital terrain reveal an array of postcolonial and patriarchal impediments to female empowerment. Her literary portrayal of restrictions, conflicts and oppression compels critical examination of norms inhibiting women’s advancement. By confronting gender-based inequities and envisioning transformative possibilities, Nwapa leads African women writers in catalyzing legal and sociocultural reforms to promote women’s full flourishing.

Online Forum Conversations on Abortion in Poland: Navigating Medical, Emotional, and Legal Challenges

Abstract Background Abortion is a common medical procedure worldwide, but access is restricted in Poland, forcing many women to seek abortions without medical supervision. This can lead to health risks and reflects broader challenges regarding reproductive rights and healthcare. Methods We conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of online forums discussing abortion to understand the challenges faced by women in Poland. Data was gathered from popular abortion forums identified through Google searches, with a pilot study refining the research focus. Results A total of 13,397 responses from 370 threads across 4 forums were analyzed. The most prevalent theme was the ‘Abortion Process Progression,’ indicating a strong need for information and support. Discussions on ‘Emotional and Psychological Aspects’ and ‘Medical and Pharmacological Aspects’ highlighted the need for holistic care. This suggests that legal restrictions and fear of repercussions hinder women’s access to professional assistance, exacerbating health disparities and inequalities. Conclusions This study offers a general look at the abortion experiences of Polish women, revealing challenges that often go unnoticed by policymakers and healthcare professionals. By analyzing online forums, it uncovers nuanced issues such as the lack of access to medical supervision, information gaps, and emotional support, highlighting discrepancies between policy and needs. The findings call for decriminalizing abortion, launching educational campaigns to combat misinformation, and strengthening support systems, aligning Poland’s reproductive health services with European Union standards, ensuring women’s access to safe and supportive healthcare. Key messages • This study shows how Poland’s restrictive abortion laws push women to online forums, revealing medical, emotional, and logistical challenges, emphasizing the need for care and accurate information. • The research highlights the need for decriminalizing abortion, addressing misinformation, and support Poland’s reproductive health services with EU standards, ensuring safer care for women.

A thematic analysis of the subjective experiences of mothers with borderline personality disorder who completed Mother-Infant Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: a 3-year follow-up

BackgroundPerinatal borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common condition in perinatal mental health settings with few specialised treatment options, and little is known about the enduring effects of available treatment programs. This study explored the follow-up experiences of women with BPD after completing Mother-Infant Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (MI-DBT).MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with eight women who had completed MI-DBT 3 years prior. Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the interviews to gain a richer understanding of these mothers’ lived experience.ResultsA thematic analysis generated four main themes which indicated that participants found that MI-DBT improved their ability to hold their child in mind, be aware of their own internal state and behaviours, manage their own emotional reactions and stay calm, and manage interpersonal interactions within adult relationships. Mothers with perinatal borderline personality disorder also highlighted the need for ongoing support in the context of parenting.ConclusionsThis study is the first of its kind to explore the longer-term experiences of mothers following such an intervention, giving voice to this vulnerable group of women. The findings of this study provide a greater understanding of the complex challenges experienced as part of parenting for mothers with borderline personality disorder, and provides both insight into mothers’ experiences of life after MI-DBT and the impact of the program on their lives. The clinical and research implications of the study’s findings are discussed.Trial registrationThis research was retrospectively registered on 07/03/2024, ACTRN12624000225516.

Syndemic vulnerability in Dutch urban cities: investigating health disparities and intersectionality

Abstract Background Syndemics, the clustering of health and social issues, disproportionately affect marginalized communities. While prior research indicates sex-specific variations in syndemic vulnerability, current research often overlooks other sociodemographic characteristics and their interaction. An intersectionality-informed syndemic approach could offer more insights into the mechanisms in syndemic suffering, providing a deeper understanding and identifying groups most affected by structural inequalities. Methods Our study focused on adult residents in Leiden and The Hague, the Netherlands, registered at different general practices. Using existing routine health data linked with Central Bureau for Statistics information, we included adults who were registered with a general practitioner in 2018 and 2019, had a minimum of two registered health conditions documented by their general practitioner, lived in Leiden or The Hague, and were at least 18 years old in 2018. Results A total of 43340 adults were included for analyses. Distinct health condition clusters were observed within sex and age groups. Women experiences a broader range of health issues, often characterized by mental and psychosomatic symptoms like mood/anxiety disorders and abdominal complaints. Conversely, men exhibited a higher prevalence of specific physical conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions The findings align with previous research, suggesting the importance of further exploration into the role of intersectionality in syndemics. Currently, we are investigating the foundations of these disparities, including interaction analyses and Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA). Using MAIHDA, we will examine the relationship between intersectionality and syndemic vulnerability, quantifying intersecting factors (sex, ethnicity, SES) and exploring their impact at individual and group levels. Key messages • Understanding intersectionality in health disparities is crucial for addressing syndemic vulnerabilities. • Tailored interventions informed by intersectionality may promote equitable health outcomes.

Going Insane: Battered Muslim Women Reclaim a Positive Identity.

This study examines the process of identity negotiation of 15 Muslim women who resisted severe abuse by their husbands and extended family by becoming mentally ill and thereafter, divorcing. Content analysis of the interview narratives shows that these women were poor, married young, and endured years of battering, isolation, and silencing for the sake of family honor and children's well-being. Entrapped within a web of sociocultural norms legitimizing wife beating, and abusive extended family relationships that annihilate their voice by branding them as maj'nuna/insane, these women explained that they were terrorized helpless victims fearing the stigma of being labeled insane and the resultant harm to their children. With the deterioration of their health, threat of annihilation, and imminent danger to themselves and their children, these women broke through the normative oppressive framework by becoming maj'nuna/mentally ill. Detached from the extended family and no longer caring to endorse a label that discredited what they said or did, these women overtly resisted by escaping to the family of origin and/or mental health clinic to reveal the abuse, divorce, and seek treatment. Severing all family ties, and now residing in public housing, these women felt safe to renegotiate a favorable identity and reclaim the right to live with dignity. Implications/recommendations: (1) The criminalization of battering and prosecution of batterers is not enough to deter when cultural norms sanction battering, (2) additional diagnostic categories are needed to identify the precursors of battering within the strategies of overt and covert resistance battered women adopt in collectivistic cultures such as mental and neurophysiological dysfunctions, and (3) it is necessary to transcend the individualistic model titling battered women within the false dichotomy of victimization or agency as it fails to reflect battered women's experience in collectivistic cultures and their resistant strategies to abuse in the extended family.

Wait, What? What's Going On?- Pregnancy Experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Mothers Who Do Not Sign.

Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) women experience higher rates of reproductive healthcare barriers and adverse birth outcomes compared to their hearing peers. This study explores the pregnancy experiences of DHH women who do not sign to better understand their barriers and facilitators to optimal perinatal health care. Qualitative study using thematic analysis. Semi-structured, individual remote, or in-person interviews in the United States. Twenty-two DHH English speakers (non-signers) who gave birth in the United States within the past 5 years. Semi-structured interviews explored how DHH women experienced pregnancy and birth, including access to perinatal information and resources, relationships with healthcare providers, communication access, and their involvement with the healthcare system throughout pregnancy. A thematic analysis was conducted. The barriers and facilitators related to a positive perinatal care experience among DHH women. Five key themes emerged. For barriers, healthcare communication breakdowns and loss of patient autonomy highlighted DHH women's struggle with perinatal health care. In contrast, DHH participants outlined the importance of accessible health communication practices and accommodations, use of patient advocacy or self-advocacy, and assistive technologies for DHH parents for more positive perinatal care experiences. Perinatal healthcare providers and staff should routinely inquire about ways to ensure an inclusive and accessible healthcare experience for their DHH patients and provide communication accommodations for optimal care. Additionally, healthcare providers should be more aware of the unique parenting needs and resources of their DHH patients.

"I didn't really fit into any boxes": understanding the experiences of women affected by cancer in pregnancy and up to one-year postpartum-a mixed-method systematic review.

Little is known about women's experiences of cancer during pregnancy and up to one-year postpartum. As the incidence of gestational cancer rises parallel to increasing rates of early onset cancers there is an imperative need to understand their experiences. The aim of this research is to understand women's experiences of gestational cancer during pregnancy and up to one-year postpartum. This systematic integrative review followed the JBI methodology for mixed method systematic reviews (MMSR) which integrates empirical data from qualitative and quantitative primary studies. The search strategy included electronic databases, APA PsycINFO, CINHAL, Medline, Scopus, and the Web of Science Core Collection. The review has been reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive methodological quality assessment was undertaken using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Thirteen studies were included, reporting on the experiences of 266 women. The findings represented the women's insight on the psychological impact of their gestational cancer, the impact on women's identity as a mother and a patient, and women's experiences of complex care. Gestational cancer reflects an emerging focus of clinical practice and an opportunity for much needed new research to explore woman-centered care exploring supportive care needs and models of maternity care. Women's experiences indicate that services are under-resourced to address the holistic and integrated supportive care needs of women affected by cancer across both maternity and cancer care teams.

Much more than a biological phenomenon: A qualitative study of women's experiences of brain fog across their reproductive journey.

Whilst 'brain fog' is mostly considered a biological problem little is understood about an individual's experience. This qualitative study explored women's experiences of brain fog focusing on those at the start (aged 18-25; n = 10) and end (aged 45-60; n = 10) of their reproductive journey. Descriptive thematic analysis described three themes: (i) 'daily disruptions' describing cognitive dysfunctions and the main triggers; (ii) 'the cycle of impact' with a focus on women's emotional experiences and how these can exacerbate brain fog; (iii) 'taking control' highlighting the use of self-care, physical prompts and Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) to manage brain fog. Transcending these themes was the notion of 'crisis of identity' illustrating the negative impact of brain fog on the women's sense of self with some older women describing acceptance and finding it less challenging. Brain fog is much more than a biological phenomenon and has broader implications for a woman's sense of self.

It takes a village: A pilot cross-randomized trial to enhance pregnancy care and support in northern Ghana.

Maternal mortality remains a challenge in Ghana, where 263 women per 100 000 live births die during pregnancy or childbirth. Barriers to reaching the recommended antenatal care (ANC) include poor access to quality health care, cultural factors, and lack of support for pregnant women. We piloted two cross-randomized interventions: durbars, or local community meetings that incorporated education about ANC and supporting pregnant women, and an enhanced ANC model that added phone calls and a home visit to standard care. The study took place in 30 villages in the Upper East Region of Ghana between August 2021 and November 2022. We tracked 277 women during pregnancy, with 120 women randomly assigned to the enhanced ANC intervention and 142 women living in villages randomized to the durbar intervention. Women who were randomized to the enhanced ANC intervention were 13.2 percentage points (pp) (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.1, 24.3) more likely to have average or above average knowledge of pregnancy danger signs, 22.1 pp (95% CI = 9.1, 36.5) more likely to have a birth plan, 28.2 pp (95% CI = 13.0, 42.4) more likely to prepare the plan with their partners, and 16.4 pp (95% CI = 0.9, 29.3) more likely to pay for delivery with funds set aside in birth plan. They were also 35 pp (95% CI = 16.1, 48.1) more likely to make blood donor arrangements than control women who made birth plans. We found no impact of the durbar intervention on study outcomes. Evidence from this pilot suggests that interventions that increase interactions between health providers and pregnant women outside of the health facility may substantially improve women's experience during pregnancy and maternal health outcomes. Providing structured ways for men to get engaged in ANC increased their involvement. Although we found no evidence the community meetings improved study outcomes, larger studies with repeated meetings and community-wide surveys are needed to make causal conclusions. American Economic Association RCT Registry: 10360; ISCRNT: ISRCTN95961119.

A young woman's experience of surgery for severe hidradenitis suppurativa.

A young lady with severe hidradenitis suppurativa expresses her struggles with the disease and the impact surgery has had on her life.

The lived experiences of Women's identities and intersections in accessing social justice within the Ghanaian informal legal system: A phenomenological investigation

In sub-Saharan Africa, there is insufficient formal justice infrastructure in many countries, so informal courts play a significant role. This paper examines the intersections of women's identities and access to social justice within Ghana's informal court system. Using an exploratory qualitative research approach, the study involved 15 women who utilised the informal court system. Findings indicate that traditional gender roles, social harmony-based adjudication, and the social consequences of court decisions on family households hinder women's access to justice. While these courts are accessible and affordable, their decisions primarily focus on reconciliation, failing to provide women with equal access to social justice. The study emphasizes the need for promoting gender equity, enhancing fairness in informal justice mechanisms, and creating supportive environments for women's access to justice. It suggests socio-legal reforms to address socio-cultural barriers and promote gender equality within informal justice systems.

Strengthening uptake of breast cancer screening services in Tanzania; re-visiting the breast cancer screening messages

BackgroundBreast Cancer remains among the top five cancers responsible for morbidity and mortality globally. For many years, infectious (communicable) diseases were a primary concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to higher-income countries, where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were already a major concern. However, starting from the early 2000s, the LMICs including Tanzania has witnessed an epidemiological transition being equally affected by NCDs, and breast cancer, is among the prevalent NCDs. While the evidence is vast on the role of breast cancer screening messages in promoting screening, debunking myths, and addressing barriers to the uptake of breast cancer services, context-specific messages are limited. Amidst the changing technology, growth of social media and cultural dynamics, context-specific breast cancer screening messages are needed. We aimed to analyze the breast cancer screening messages from the experiences of women seeking care at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Tanzania.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative case study adopting in-depth interviews (IDI) and focused group discussion (FGD) was carried out among purposefully selected women aged from 18 years to 65 years seeking care from Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Eighteen women participated in the IDIs, and 16 women participated in FGD. Data analysis followed inductive qualitative content analysis.FindingsThree main categories emerged: the existence of multiple sources of breast cancer screening messages, the strengths and weaknesses of breast cancer screening messages, and clients’ mixed perceptions of breast cancer screening messages.ConclusionThe findings of this study depict that although breast cancer screening promotion messages are regarded as a source of information about cancers, they fall short of completeness and relevance to the otherwise at-risk population and trigger negative perceptions toward screening. Therefore, this study advocates revisiting the breast cancer screening messages, employing participatory approaches to tailor the screening messages and communication media to fit specific audiences. This calls for re-designing both the content of the messages and means of delivery; thus, collaborative efforts are needed.

“I thought I was Probably Going to Die due to People Looking at me with Pity”: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study on the Lived Cancer Stigma Experiences of Breast Cancer Patients

It has been stated that there is a need for more recognition of the "stigma concept," which negatively affects the lives of patients with breast cancer during the diagnosis and treatment process. There are no recent studies on the experiences of Turkish women with breast cancer about stigmatization that employ qualitative methods. This study aims to examine in depth the lived stigma experiences of women with breast cancer during the diagnosis and treatment process. In total, 18 phenomenological semistructured in-depth individual interviews were conducted with patients with breast cancer between December 2023 and March 2024. Data were analyzed using Collaizzi's 7-step descriptive analysis approach. Four main themes and 8 subthemes developed from the phenomenological analysis of the interviews: (1) Cancer Metaphors: "A dark journey," "A bomb falling on the house!" and "Cancer = death!"; (2) Social Stigma: "Cancer = an infectious disease," "Negative and Disturbing Attitudes/Approaches of People"; (3) Internalized Stigma, and (4) Coping: "Acceptance" and "Social support." It was determined that the patients experienced social stigmatization due to negative attitudes of people toward cancer, perceiving it as infectious and approaching them with pity or demonstrating disturbing expressions. In addition, their social interactions were negatively affected due to the internalized stigma, and they were in an effort to cope with all the problems they experienced. The study highlighted the psychological needs of patients with breast cancer related to "stigmatization." Cancer nurses should monitor the stigmatization experiences of women with breast cancer, reveal their perceptions of internalized stigma, and implement programs to cope with stigma. It is also recommended that interventional studies, including coping programs with "stigma" for patients with breast cancer, should be conducted in future research.

Experience of Labour and Childbirth in a Sample of Portuguese Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Childbirth is a profoundly personal experience that often does not align with expectations. The World Health Organization has established guidelines for best practises; in this sense, it is crucial to understand the childbirth experiences of Portuguese women in comparison with these guidelines. A quantitative, descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted to achieve this. In total, 615 women completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Labour and Childbirth Experience questionnaire, which comprised 39 statements based on the WHO's recommendations. Additionally, the study utilized the Life Satisfaction Scale and gathered insights into participants' overall perception of care during this phase. The results were categorized as follows: (1) practises influencing the labour experience; (2) practises influencing the experience of vaginal birth; (3) practises affecting the experience of caesarean birth; and (4) emotional experience during labour and birth. Notably, the study found that practises discouraged by the WHO are still prevalent, potentially enabling obstetric violence. However, a robust and statistically significant correlation was observed between the childbirth experience and the overall perception of care.

Elucidating Heterogeneity of Intimate Partner Violence Among Women: Latent Class Analysis of Daily IPV, PTSD, and Substance Use Collected via Experience Sampling Methodologies.

The co-occurrence of physical, psychological, and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with heightened risk for deleterious mental and physical health outcomes, including PTSD symptoms and substance use. However, few studies have investigated the heterogeneity of experiences with respect to this co-occurrence among women who experience IPV as it unfolds naturally in women's daily lives. In this study, we developed a novel approach to classify and visualize daily patterns of IPV experiences, PTSD-related distress, and substance use among women who experience IPV. Women (N = 244, Mage = 37.1 years) who reported experiencing IPV and using substances were recruited from the community. Micro-longitudinal data were collected four times per day for 14 days using automated telephone-based data collection. Analyses included latent class analysis (LCA) and multilevel analysis (interval-, day-, and person-level), complimented by novel data visualization tool (EventFlow). We identified three classes that significantly differed in the prevalence of and patterns among IPV types, PTSD, and substance use. Based on examination of LCA results and visualization of the latent classes in EventFlow. Different patterns of associations among IPV types, PTSD symptoms, and substance use were identified within classes at the interval-, day-, and person-level. Results from this study provide greater insight into the heterogeneity of women's lived experiences than do studies solely relying on cross-sectional survey data. Findings with this type of data collection can inform the development of interventions to increase the precision in clinical practice, identify new avenues for future research, and have important policy implications.

Lived experiences of women with uterine rupture who were managed at Nekemte specialized hospital: a qualitative study

BackgroundUterine rupture is a rare but severe obstetric complication that poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health. Understanding the lived experiences of individuals who have undergone uterine rupture is crucial for improving care and support for those affected by this condition. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore the experiences of individuals who have experienced uterine rupture.MethodThe study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach, conducting 12 in-depth interviews and four key informant interviews with individuals who had experienced uterine rupture. Data analysis was conducted thematically using Atlas ti software to identify patterns and themes within the participants’ narratives.ResultsThe analysis of the interviews highlighted six key themes: experience during diagnosis and initial symptoms, perceived predisposing factors of uterine rupture, challenges faced by individuals with uterine rupture, impacts on their lives, and coping and resilience strategies. The findings revealed that women often failed to recognise the initial symptoms of uterine rupture due to a lack of preparation, a preference for home deliveries, husband refusal, and a general lack of awareness. This delay in seeking care resulted in severe consequences, including the loss of their babies, infertility, fistula, psychological trauma, and disruptions to daily life and relationships. To cope, many women resorted to accepting their situation, isolating themselves, and using traditional healing techniques.ConclusionsThis study’s findings provide valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of uterine rupture, shedding light on the experiences of those affected by this condition. To address the challenges, it is essential to enhance awareness and education through community education programs and comprehensive antenatal classes. Additionally, improving access to healthcare by strengthening health infrastructure and deploying mobile health clinics can ensure better prenatal care. Furthermore, encouraging hospital deliveries through incentives and the support of community health workers can reduce risks. Providing psychological counselling and establishing support groups can help affected women cope with the consequences. Moreover, engaging men in maternal health through educational programs and involving them in antenatal care can foster better support. Finally, promoting safe traditional practices by integrating traditional healers and respecting cultural sensitivities can increase acceptance and adherence.