Women's Motivations Research Articles

Factors influencing women's decisions about pregnancy spacing: Findings from a focus group discussion study

ObjectivesVery short interpregnancy intervals are associated with negative health outcomes for mothers and children, and pregnancies with very short interpregnancy intervals are more likely to be unintended than pregnancies that are more widely spaced. The objective of this study was to improve understanding of women's motivations regarding pregnancy spacing. MethodsIn 2017, we conducted 8 focus group discussions with 49 English- and Spanish-speaking postpartum women in central North Carolina. The groups explored participants' preferences for birth spacing and factors that influenced their decisions. We recorded, transcribed, and coded the discussions and analyzed these data for core themes. ResultsParticipants' ideas about when and whether to have more children were fluid—some had specific ideas during pregnancy or after delivery that changed over time; others had no definite plans. The primary reason for close birth spacing was to promote their children's having a closer relationship. Reasons for wider spacing included recovery from the previous pregnancy, challenges related to having 2 babies concurrently, and desire to wait for more favorable life circumstances. Participants did not mention health risks to children of short interpregnancy intervals and said that no health care providers discussed these risks with them. They had mixed perspectives about whether this information would influence their own child-spacing preferences but agreed that it should be shared with women to promote informed decision-making. ConclusionThis study adds to limited research regarding the factors that women consider when determining pregnancy spacing. Better understanding of women's motivations can help inform counseling to help women achieve their desired pregnancy spacing.

Motivational Factors for Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors in Iranian Women: A Qualitative Study.

Background:Early diagnosis of breast cancer increases the chance of recovery and life expectancy. Screening is the primary tool for early diagnosis and timely treatment of breast cancer in early stages. This qualitative study aimed to explain the motivational factors for breast cancer screening in Iranian women. Methods:This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis. The 45 women were selected through purposive sampling. Focus group were used for data collection and the data were analyzed using the Lundman and Graneheim thematic content analysis approach.Results:Data analysis identified 9 themes: knowledge acquisition, presence of happy-hopeful spirit, positive attitude and self-worth, maternal role, intellectual and financial independence, religious beliefs, motivational fears, and supportive family. Conclusion:According to the results of this study, it seems that health systems need to change the attitudes and beliefs of people to enhance health culture by identifying women’s motivations for breast cancer screening in different groups and increase social knowledge about screening methods by supporting and training.

Vaginal Birth after Two Previous Cesarean Sections versus Elective Repeated Cesarean: A Retrospective Study.

Trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) is a common practice worldwide but the evidence is still scant regarding this practice in women who underwent 2 previous cesareans. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively review our experience with vaginal birth after two previous cesarean sections (VBA2C), with specific attention to the indications for previous cesarean and to the women's motivation for attempting trial of labor. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a primary care hospital between January 2011 and December 2019. Inclusion criteria were: singleton pregnancies, absence of morphological abnormalities at ultrasonographic screening of the second trimester (or at any other stage of pregnancy), and two previous cesarean sections. The final analysis included 114 cases for maternal and neonatal outcomes. In total, 40.4% of women chose trial of labor after two cesarean delivery (TOLA2C group). TOLA2C was associated with a success rate of 76.1%, a higher gestational age at birth, and a shorter hospital stay, compared with elective repeated cesarean delivery group. There were no significant differences in the rate of Apgar scores at 5 minutes <7 between both groups. The percentage of successful TOLA2C in women with prior vaginal delivery was 92.8%. Factors related to failed TOLA2C included failure to progress (3/11, 27.3%), nonreassuring fetal heart rate (3/11, 27.3%), and no onset of spontaneous labor after premature rupture of membranes (5/11, 45.4%). In the group of TOLA2C, more than 70% accepted to travel more than 45 minutes to reach our hospital, with the aim to attempt VBA2C. TOLA2C is a possible option for both mothers and neonates in selected cases. Adequate counseling about pros and cons of TOLA2C is mandatory. The woman's motivation represents a key element to determine the success of VBA2C. · Selection of candidates and motivation of the patients represent key elements for successful TOLA2C.. · A careful record of obstetrical history and previous deliveries can provide clinicians useful information.. · Mode of delivery in women with two previous cesareans is strongly associated with doctor's counseling..

Experiences of maternal weight management services among women with a raised body mass index

Abstract Background Obesity is associated with increased maternal morbidity and mortality. Maternal weight management services (MWMS) are a good opportunity to influence lifestyle behaviours of mothers. To understand what constitutes the most suitable service, women's views on MWMS are paramount. Methods A purposive sample of 13 women with a BMI≥40kg/m² were interviewed at 36 weeks gestation. A semi-structured interview schedule explored their experiences of MWMS provision and advice, awareness of services and the barriers and facilitators to antenatal weight management. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. Results Four themes emerged. 'Understanding where I am at' showed women's readiness and motivation varied, from being avoidant or unaware of weight as an issue to already making changes. 'Getting information' revealed while a few women felt that they received good information during pregnancy most reported a lack of information or minimal information provided in a 'tick-box' fashion. Women particularly wanted practical advice. 'Difficulties I face' identified physical, emotional and financial barriers and the strategies some women used to overcome these. 'Encountering professionals - a mixed experience' demonstrated women wanted to be treated with respect and sensitivity and that how weight management information was addressed was more important than who provided it. The fine line professionals need to tread was evidenced by women thinking they had received inadequate information and yet that there was too much focus on their weight and its related risks during pregnancy. Conclusions MWMS should not be seen as a 'tick box' exercise but should be woman-centred to assist women to move forward in their weight management journey, no matter what their starting point. Women desired practical advice provided in a sensitive, respectful manner not just the continual repetition of the risks of being obese during pregnancy. Key messages Maternal weight management services require a woman-centred approach to enable women to move forward on their weight management journey. Women want practical, sensitive advice not just the continual repetition of the risks of being obese during pregnancy.

Alcohol Misuse and Women's Use of Aggression in Intimate Relationships: The Mediating Role of Motivations for Using Aggression.

The relationship between alcohol misuse and women's use of intimate partner violence (IPV) aggression has been well studied; however, there has been no research to date on women's self-reported motivations for use of IPV aggression (e.g., self-defense, control) as an underlying mechanism explaining this link. Accordingly, this study aims to examine whether the effects of alcohol misuse on IPV aggression vary as a function of women's motivations for using aggression. Participants were 412 ethnically diverse community women, between the ages of 18 and 65, in intimate relationships characterized by bidirectional IPV. The Motives and Reasons for IPV Scale was used to assess women's reasons for using IPV aggression. Results revealed that the tough guise motive (i.e., wanting to appear tough, intimidating, and willing to harm one's partner) explained the relationship between alcohol misuse and physical and sexual IPV aggression. Findings suggest the utility of incorporating the assessment of women's motivations for IPV aggression in an effort to provide better informed intervention addressing the underlying reasons women use IPV aggression.

The Motivation of Women in Performing the Role of Mamak in Works of Local Minangkabau Literary Art

The goal of this research is to study the social phenomena related to the motivation of women in performing the role of mamak (uncle, mother’s brother), and the effect of this on the matrilineal system which is actualized in local Minangkabau literature. The research uses a qualitative method and a content analysis with an approach of structuralism and literary sociology. The research data source is six titles of local Minangkabau literature chosen based on purposive sampling. The data analysis uses intrinsic and extrinsic methods. The research results show seven causative factors related to the decline in the role of mamak and two causative factors related to the motivation of women in performing the role of mamak . The values contained in the motivation of women performing the role of mamak include courage to defend justice, an unyielding spirit, and responsibility to family. This influences the system of values in the matrilineal system of Minangkabau, by weakening the role of mamak , strengthening the role of the nuclear family, and causing a shift in the kinship structure within the family. Keywords: Minangkabau women, role of mamak , local literature, motivation. DOI: 10.7176/ADS/83-03 Publication date: July 31 st 2020

'I am the master key that opens and locks': Presentation and application of a conceptual framework for women's and girls' empowerment in reproductive health.

Rationale: A renewed focus on women's and girls' empowerment in the era of Sustainable Development Goals reflects the belief that empowerment is central to health and development. Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes, including pregnancy and contraceptive use, may contribute to and result from empowerment. However, enhanced understanding of how women become empowered for SRH requires clear conceptualization of empowerment. Objective: We aimed to assess the applicability of a proposed framework for women's and girls' SRH empowerment (WGE-SRH) in sub-Saharan Africa. We sought to understand what shapes and motivates preferences for childbearing and contraception, exploring how women and girls navigate external pressures or rewards to exercise and achieve their reproductive goals. Methods: Grounded in the WGE-SRH framework, we conducted a qualitative study in four distinct contexts (Ethiopia, Kano and Anambra States in Nigeria, and Uganda). We implemented and analyzed 120 in-depth interviews and 38 focus group discussions with 440 women and men and translated results to refine the WGE-SRH framework. Results: Findings demonstrate the salience of women's internal motivations, including the social value and joys of motherhood, in shaping existence of reproductive choices. However, existence of choice was limited by couples' economic situations, pressures from providers, partners, and family members, and women's fears of contraceptive side effects or relationship dissolution. Despite these constraints, many found ways to exercise their reproductive choices through negotiation with partners, third party involvement in reproductive discussions, non-verbal communication, and covert use of contraception. Conclusions: The WGE-SRH framework is useful for exploring SRH empowerment, embracing the multilevel, dynamic nature of empowerment, as a process transitioning from existence of choice (autonomy) to exercise of choice (self-efficacy, decision-making, negotiation), and, ultimately, to achievement of choice. Future research and programs related to SRH empowerment should distinguish between existence and exercise of choices to promote the health and well-being of women and girls.

Makeup Consumption and Islamic Religiosity

The current study aims to analyze the makeup consumption of Muslim women, which is a controversial issue in the Islamic world. Motivational factors that lead to face makeup wearing intention are explored, and how these motivations alter the relationship between Islamic religiosity and makeup intention is shown through a quantitative study. The data used in the study is collected via a questionnaire, and 300 Turkish women living in Turkey participated. The questionnaire includes Makeup Motivation Scale (MMS), which is first created in this study, together with makeup intention and the intrinsic-extrinsic religiosity scale. The results provide the evidence that even though intrinsically religious women have hesitations about wearing makeup, extrinsic makeup motivation, which is empirically explored in the current study for the first time, lessen this hesitation. In other words, extrinsic makeup motivation alters the relationship between religiosity and makeup wearing intention and surpasses the religiosity effect on makeup. This effect is not observed for other two makeup motivations; intrinsic and social positioning. Overall, the findings of the study indicate that different interpretations of Islamic teaching diminish women's makeup consumption motivation but extrinsic makeup motivation ecourages women to adopt face makeup. Findings are discussed together with directions for future research for both psychology and consumer researchers.

Lifestage differences in young UK women's reasons for research participation.

Lifecourse epidemiology suggests that preconception is a valuable opportunity for health promotion with young women. Yet young women are less likely than older women to be research participants, limiting evidence about their needs and risks. Marketing data indicate that young adults are not engaged with one advertising strategy because they transition through three life stages: (i) limited independence and focus on own interests, (ii) increased independence and time with peers and (iii) establishing a home and family. The aim of this study was to explore whether these marketing lifestage categories could inform the tailoring of strategies to recruit young women. Three focus groups per lifestage category were conducted (49 women aged 16-34 years). Lifestage category (i) was represented by further education students, category (ii) by women in workplaces and (iii) by mothers. Questions explored participants' lifestyles, identity, reasons for participation in the current study and beliefs about researchers. Three major themes were identified through framework analysis: profiling how young women spend their time; facilitators of participating in research and barriers to participating. Students and women in work valued monetary remuneration whereas mothers preferred social opportunities. Participants' perceived identity influenced whether they felt useful to research. All groups expressed anxiety about participation. Altruism was limited to helping people known to participants. Therefore, the marketing categories did not map exactly to differences in young women's motivations to participate but have highlighted how one recruitment strategy may not engage all. Mass media communication could, instead, increase familiarity and reduce anxiety about participation.

Trans women in tourism: Motivations, constraints and experiences

As gender dissident individuals, trans people are often subject to stigma, discrimination and violence. Despite the potential benefits travel and tourism can offer to these individuals, their experiences have been widely ignored by researchers and mistakenly included under the same umbrella as lesbian, gay and bisexual tourism. This study sought to explore trans women's tourism motivations and experiences in a Mexican context. The research was grounded in social stigma theory and recently developed transgender travel and tourism theory. Based on qualitative interviews, the results reveal that trans women's motives are similar to those of cisgender tourists and that a fear of discrimination or even murder is a significant tourism constraint. Mistreatment of trans tourists can range from being misgendered to sexual harassment and verbal and physical violence. A significant issue arising in this context is the need to distinguish between pre- and post-transition travel to understand trans tourism experiences more fully. This study's findings expand the current theory on – and offer practical implications for those involved in – transgender travel.

Women's experiences buying sex in Australia – Egalitarian powermoves

Evidence in this article addresses two popular political and scholarly concepts, female sexuality and sex-worker rights, which limit gender equality. Through description of interviews with 21 diverse women buying sexual services in Australia, and examination using interpretative phenomenological analysis, we introduce new ideas about women's therapeutic and pleasure-based motivations to buy sex and their concerns about their safety, money, laws, and stigma. Interviewees of the study described feeling transformative powers in pleasure as they gained skills and confidence to initiate, negotiate and control sexual activity. The experiences of the women who bought sex in this study directly challenge concepts of female sexual passivity and objectification generally and specifically in commercial sex settings. This article also promotes aspects of the sex industry as beneficial to society and demonstrates that destigmatisation and decriminalisation of the sex industry has potential to reduce harms experienced by sex workers and their clients.

'She convinced me'- partner involvement in choosing a high risk birth setting against medical advice in the Netherlands: A qualitative analysis.

Home births in high risk pregnancies and unassisted childbirth seem to be increasing in the Netherlands. There is a lack of qualitative data on women's partners' involvement in these choices in the Dutch maternity care system, where integrated midwifery care and home birth are regular options in low risk pregnancies. The majority of available literature focuses on the women's motivations, while the partner's influence on these decisions is much less well understood. We aimed to examine partners' involvement in the decision to birth outside the system, in order to provide medical professionals with insight and recommendations regarding their interactions with these partners in the outpatient clinic. An exploratory qualitative research design with a constructivist approach and a grounded theory method were used. In-depth interviews were performed with twenty-one partners on their involvement in the decision to go against medical advice in choosing a high risk childbirth setting. Open, axial and selective coding of the interview data was done in order to generate themes. Four main themes were found: 1) Talking it through, 2) A shared vision, 3) Defending our views, and 4) Doing it together. One overarching theme emerged that covered all other themes: 'She convinced me'. These data show that the idea to choose a high risk birth setting almost invariably originated with the women, who did most of the research online, filtered the information and convinced the partners of the merit of their plans. Once the partners were convinced, they took a very active and supportive role in defending the plan to the outside world, as well as in preparing for the birth. Maternity care providers can use these findings in cases where there is a discrepancy between the wishes of the woman and the advice of the professional, so they can attempt to involve partners actively during consultations in pregnancy. That will ensure that partners also receive information on all options, risks and benefits of possible birth choices, and that they are truly in support of a final plan.

Women's delay in presenting breast cancer symptoms in Kurdistan-Iraq.

Women in developing countries usually delay in presenting their symptoms as a part of the early diagnosis program. This study was conducted for analyzing the reason of patient's delay and its relation with socioeconomic and health conditions, knowledge, and women's belief about breast cancer (BC). This study used a cross-sectional design in the early detection center in Kurdistan (North Iraq). Women were interviewed about socioeconomic and health background, knowledge, and belief about BC. The median of patient delay in the BC symptomatic women in this study was higher (30 days) as compared with developed countries. Patient delay was longer in women who were widows, had a barely self-perceived economic status, and had chronic diseases. There was a significant relationship of patient delay with women's health motivation and perceived barrier to seeking medical care. Health promotion program should emphasize on the women's motivation about early diagnosis and seeking to early detection.

Women's entrepreneurial narrative: making sense of the partner's role

The present research explores the role the partner plays in women's motivation for entrepreneurship and how spousal support influences the female entrepreneurship process. A qualitative study, using life-story methodology, was conducted with 29 French women entrepreneurs. It was found that women perceived the partner's support as explicit, implicit, or absent. Women who perceive significant and visible support from their partners are clearly grateful to their partners, without whom their entrepreneurial journey might not have commenced. A majority of respondents perceived the tacit approval of the partner and sometimes his income as implicit support. Finally, a certain proportion of female entrepreneurs experienced no support, which they considered mostly as a hindrance or a challenge.

Women's entrepreneurial narrative: making sense of the partner's role

The present research explores the role the partner plays in women's motivation for entrepreneurship and how spousal support influences the female entrepreneurship process. A qualitative study, using life-story methodology, was conducted with 29 French women entrepreneurs. It was found that women perceived the partner's support as explicit, implicit, or absent. Women who perceive significant and visible support from their partners are clearly grateful to their partners, without whom their entrepreneurial journey might not have commenced. A majority of respondents perceived the tacit approval of the partner and sometimes his income as implicit support. Finally, a certain proportion of female entrepreneurs experienced no support, which they considered mostly as a hindrance or a challenge.

Knowledge, Barriers, and Motivation Related to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Bojonegoro, East Java: A Qualitative Study

Background: Breast and cervical cancer remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality for wo­men in Indonesia. Although this cancer can be de­tected early, women are still less active in self-detecting breast and cervical cancer, so both cancers are found at an advanced stage. This study aimed to explore how women's knowledge, barriers, and motivations are related to early detection of breast and cervical cancer. Subjects and Method: This was a qualitative study, with focus group discussions (FGDs) and interviews with key informants. Discussions and in­terviews were conducted in the community within Ledok Kulon village, Bojonegoro Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Participants: FGD partici­pants involved 20 women, 10 women underwent FDG about cervical cancer and 10 other women conducted FGD about breast cancer. Three key informants interviewed with health worker and administrator that allow triangulation of res­pon­ses thereby increasing the validity of the findings. Participants were aged 20 to ≥60 years, with no history of symptoms or previous diagnosis of breast or cervical cancer. The women were inter­viewed in October-November 2019. The trans­cri­bed data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Participants' knowledge about under­stan­ding, risk factors, signs and symptoms of breast and cervical cancer was still lacking. Par­ticipants attributed the cause of cervical cancer to the vaginal wound resulting in cervical cancer and signs of symptoms such as heartburn. Whe­reas for breast cancer participants were not know the signs and symptoms, they only said there was a lump in the breast. Barriers to screening were ashamed to be examined by health workers, afraid of testing procedures, feeling healthy and there were no signs of cancer. Screening motiva­tion were experiencing signs and symptoms of can­cer, family history of the disease and aware­ness of the disease/screening service. Conclusion: The study participants' knowledge of breast and cervical cancer was still lacking. To improve breast and cervical cancer screening, efforts must focus on reducing identified barriers and increasing motivation. Keyword s : knowledge, barriers, motivation, breast and cervical cancer screening Correspondence: Afriza Umami. Diploma III of Medical Records, School of Health Sciences Muhammadiyah Bojone­go­ro, Jl. A.Yani No.14, Bojonegoro, Indonesia. Email: afrizaumami20@gmail.com. Mobile: +62­8­225­4348041. Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior (2020), 5(1): 1-10 https://doi.org/10.26911/thejhpb.2020.05.01.01

Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy (CPM) and the clinical consultation: A snapshot of UK healthcare professionals’ views and experiences

Increasing numbers of women are undergoing Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy (CPM) in the UK. However, professional guidelines suggest CPM does not offer oncological benefit to the majority of women with breast cancer. Whilst research has explored women's motivations for seeking CPM, this study aimed to address a gap in the literature by investigating healthcare professionals' (HCPs) experiences and attitudes of caring for women considering CPM. HCPs involved in the care of women considering CPM were invited to complete an online survey concerning: the process and management of decision-making, their attitudes towards CPM provision and challenges they faced in CPM provision. Fifty-eight HCPs completed the survey. Respondents felt that perceived future breast cancer risk was women's most common motivation for CPM. Fifty-four percent of respondents agreed patients should be offered the choice of CPM for risk reduction if they are at increased clinical risk. Fifty-one percent agreed patients should be offered the choice of CPM as a means of achieving symmetry, and 19% agreed that women should be offered CPM for reasons related to risk-reduction, if they were not thought to be at an increased clinical risk. Patients' understanding of risks versus benefits was seen as the greatest challenge facing HCPs. Many respondents were hesitant to explore CPM with all patients in their care, reflecting current service restrictions and their own beliefs around CPM. These findings highlight the need for exploration of patient's perspectives on this process and a review of care provision and information available related to CPM.

Assessing Paraphilic Interests Among Women Who Sexually Offend.

We examine the state of scientific research on the assessment of paraphilic interests among women who have committed sexual offences. Research on the assessment of sexual interests in women using genital measures shows little evidence, overall, that women's genital responses are indicative of sexual interests. Some non-genital measures of sexual interest may be a valid indicator of age interests. Very few studies have focused on women who sexually offend. At this time, there is no validated measure that can be used to assess paraphilic interests among women who sexually offend. Much research is needed to determine if some measures (other than self-report) could validly assess a variety of sexual interests in women in general, and women who sexually offend in particular (e.g. interest in children, interest in sexual violence). This research isneeded to determine if paraphilic interests are involved in women's motivation for sexual offending, and to determine if such interests are predictive of sexual recidivism.

How personality relates to probability of conception

Do personality traits relate to how likely women are to conceive? In two studies (N = 250), we explored the relationship between the probability of conception and the Big Five (Study 1) and the Dark Triad (Study 2) traits. Study 1 suggested that women who were freely cycling and likely to conceive were less agreeable and lower on openness, which may assist in assertiveness and higher discernibility for new partners. Study 2 suggested that coupled, as opposed to single women, who were more likely to conceive, were more narcissistic, which may be related to an increased sense of desirability and enable them to compete with their current partners over sexual access. While this was an exploratory study, it provided implications for the possibility that self-reported personality traits are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations that may be geared towards changes in women's sexual motivation..

Reasons for accepting or declining participation in the ASPRE trial: A qualitative study with women at high risk of preterm pre-eclampsia.

To identify factors that affected the decision of pregnant women at high risk for pre-eclampsia (PE) in accepting or declining participation in a medicated clinical trial (ASPRE) for the prevention of preterm PE. This was a qualitative, cross-sectional study. A purposive sample of 14 participants and 13 decliners of the ASPRE trial were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using template analysis. For participants, their high-risk status seems to have motivated them to take part in the trial. This was enabled by their perception that the trial drug aspirin was commonly used, the safety of the procedure, and the belief that they will be in receipt of extra monitoring in pregnancy. Decliners expressed discomfort about taking medications in pregnancy, and about the presence of the placebo arm; they seemed to be motivated by desire to reduce harm. Satisfaction with the information provided by the medical professionals was also influential in women's decision making, and so were the views of their partners and other trusted individuals. Pregnant women's motivation to take part or to decline participation in a medicated trail can be understood as an attempt to cope with the threat posed by their high-risk status.