Partners Of Women Research Articles

Birthing parents had a lower risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the peripartum period in Norway, 15th of February 2020 to 15th of May 2021

SummaryHospital infection control measures against COVID-19 may come into conflict with patients' need for support. In Norway, some hospitals have restricted access for partners of women giving birth. We investigated the incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 among birthing parents compared to similarly aged women and men in the general population; and the additional risk posed by allowing partners in. Birthing parents often shared infection status and had a slightly lower incidence rate than the general population in the peripartum period. They should not be considered a high-risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Human Papillomavirus Prevalence in Urine Samples of Asymptomatic Male Sexual Partners of Women with Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in males is associated with various cancers, including cervical cancer in women and penile and bladder cancers in men. However, there is limited research on the prevalence and prevention of male HPV infection. Moreover, a rapid test that can prevent the increase in HPV infection is needed. In this study, the prevalence of sexually transmitted pathogen (STP) and HPV infection was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction assay in random urine samples collected from asymptomatic male sexual partners of women with sexually transmitted diseases. Among 130 men, 65 (50.0%) had STP and 12 (9.23%) had HPV infection. There was no association between STP and HPV infection. Among 12 cases of HPV infection, three were HPV-16 single infections, six were multiple infections, including HPV-16, and three of other high-risk HPV infections. Our results suggest the need for STP testing, including HPV testing, in sexual partners of high-risk women with sexually transmitted diseases, even in men without clinical symptoms (asymptomatic). Further research should be conducted by diversifying urine samples. We report the most convenient method for HPV detection, and it is expected to be widely applied to prevent sexually transmitted diseases in men and women.

Feelings of Masculinity and Accomplishment in Response to Penetrative versus Non-Penetrative Orgasms.

Research indicates that men view their women partner's orgasms as reflections of their masculinity and sexual esteem. The purpose of this study was to examine this phenomenon in more detail by exploring whether men's feelings of masculinity and sexual esteem, as well as their feelings of accomplishment, were influenced by the method by which their woman partner experienced orgasm. Specifically, 193 young adult men (primarily between the ages of 18 and 24) read one of three vignettes (a partner orgasming from intercourse, from manual/oral stimulation, or from vibrator use) and then rated their imagined feelings of masculinity, accomplishment, and sexual esteem. Findings indicated that men who imagined their partner orgasmed from intercourse or manual/oral stimulation had higher feelings of masculinity and accomplishment than those who imagined their partner orgasmed from a vibrator. We found a significant interaction between clitoral knowledge and vignette condition in predicting masculinity, with clitoral knowledge only predicting masculinity for men in the manual/oral stimulation condition. The results of this study have important implications for sex education and the prevention of sexual problems, as well as for the future study of positive sexual functioning in women and men.

Trends and correlates of intimate partner violence experienced by ever-married women of India: results from National Family Health Survey round III and IV

BackgroundThe study aims to estimate the prevalence of Intimate partner violence (IPV) in India, and changes observed over a decade as per the nationally representative datasets from National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) Round 3 and 4. We also highlight various socio-demographic characteristics associated with different types of IPV in India. The NFHS round 3 and 4 interviewed 124,385, and 699,686 women respondents aged 15–49 years using a multi-stage sampling method across 29 states and 2 union territories in India. For IPV, we only included ever-married women (64,607, and 62,716) from the two rounds. Primary outcomes of the study was prevalence of the ever-experience of different types of IPV: physical, emotional, and sexual violence by ever-married women aged 15 to 49 years. The secondary outcome included predictors of different forms of IPV, and changes in the prevalence of different types of IPV compared to the previous round of the NFHS survey.ResultsAs per NFHS-4, weighted prevalence of physical, sexual, emotional, or any kind of IPV ever-experienced by women were 29.2%, 6.7%, 13.2%, and 32.8%. These subtypes of IPV depicted a relative change of − 14.9%, − 30.2%, − 11.0%, − 15.7% compared to round 3. Significant state-wise variations were observed in the prevalence. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis highlighted women's and partner’s education, socio-economic status, women empowerment, urban-rural residence, partner’s controlling behaviours as major significant predictors of IPV.ConclusionsOur study findings suggest high prevalence of IPV with state-wise variations in the prevalence. Similar factors were responsible for different forms of IPV. Therefore, based on existing evidences, it is recommended to offer adequate screening and counselling services for the couples, especially in health-care settings so that they speak up against IPV, and are offered timely help to prevent long-term physical and mental health consequences.

Addition of HIV self-test kits to partner notification services to increase HIV testing of male partners of pregnant women in Zambia: two parallel randomised trials

SummaryBackgroundTesting men for HIV during their partner’s pregnancy can guide couples-based HIV prevention and treatment, but testing rates remain low. We investigated a combination approach, using evidence-based strategies, to increase HIV testing in male partners of HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women.MethodsWe did two parallel, unmasked randomised trials, enrolling pregnant women who had an HIV-positive test result documented in their antenatal record (trial 1) and women who had an HIV-negative test result documented in their antenatal record (trial 2) from an antenatal setting in Lusaka, Zambia. Women in both trials were randomly assigned (1:1) to the intervention or control groups using permuted block randomisation. The control groups received partner notification services only, including an adapted version for women who were HIV-negative; the intervention groups additionally received targeted education on the use of oral HIV self-test kits for their partners, along with up to five oral HIV self-test kits. At the 30 day follow-up we collected information from pregnant women about their primary male partner’s HIV testing in the previous 30 days at health-care facilities, at home, or at any other facility. Our primary outcome was reported male partner testing at a health facility within 30 days following randomisation using a complete-case approach. Women also reported male partner HIV testing of any kind (including self-testing at home) that occurred within 30 days. Randomisation groups were compared via probability difference with a corresponding Wald-based 95% CI. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04124536) and all enrolment and follow-up has been completed.FindingsFrom Oct 28, 2019, to May 26, 2020, 116 women who were HIV-positive (trial 1) and 210 women who were HIV-negative (trial 2) were enrolled and randomly assigned to study groups. Retention at 30 days was 100 (86%) in trial 1 and 200 (95%) in trial 2. Women in the intervention group were less likely to report facility-based male partner HIV testing in trial 1 (3 [6%] of 47 vs 15 [28%] of 53, estimated probability difference −21·9% [95% CI −35·9 to −7·9%]) and trial 2 (3 [3%] of 102 vs 33 [34%] of 98, estimated probability difference −30·7% [95% CI −40·6 to −20·8]). However, reported male partner HIV testing of any kind was higher in the intervention group than in the control group in trial 1 (36 [77%] of 47 vs 19 [36%] of 53, estimated probability difference 40·7% [95% CI 23·0 to 58·4%]) and trial 2 (80 [78%] of 102 vs 54 [55%] of 98, estimated probability difference 23·3% [95% CI 10·7 to 36·0%]) due to increased use of HIV self-testing. Overall, 14 male partners tested HIV-positive. Across the two trials, three cases of intimate partner violence were reported (two in the control groups and one in the intervention groups).InterpretationOur combination approach increased overall HIV testing in male partners of pregnant women but reduced the proportion of men who sought follow-up facility-based testing. This combination approach might reduce linkages to health care, including for HIV prevention, and should be considered in the design of comprehensive HIV programmes.FundingNational Institutes of Health.

Considering psychological support for male partners during the management of early pregnancy loss

Introduction: Pregnancy loss is a phenomenon mostly researched from the perspectives of expectant mothers. Nevertheless, the loss is equally a painful experience for the male partners as well. Therefore, excluding them during early pregnancy loss management has created a research gap that needs to be addressed.Methodology: This review analysed international guidelines on early pregnancy loss management to understand the consideration of male partner management during the early pregnancy loss process. The research team reviewed twelve (12) international guidelines written in English from official websites until August 2020. Through this review, the research team answered the study’s research question and aim.Results: There are limited guidelines and no clear protocols in involving, care, counselling, or support of male partners during or after the process or even psychological care for males victimised by early pregnancy loss. In general, specific guidelines considering male partners with specifications on each time loss are necessary to provide sufficient emotional and psychological support. Molar and ectopic pregnancies’ impact on men must be investigated further. Insufficient recognition and support provided to the grieving couples post an early pregnancy loss for men. Society and healthcare providers and practitioners must pay attention to the lack of support given post-loss, especially male partners.Conclusion and Recommendations: Thorough steps need to be taken to acknowledge the gravity of including male partners in early pregnancy loss management and validating that they are also emotionally affected like their women partners. Specific guidelines, which include male partners, are recommended for the management of early pregnancy loss.

Secondary HIV self-test distribution increases male partner testing

There is established evidence that men are less likely than women to engage with HIV services; the latest global estimates show that, compared with women, 1 million more men living with HIV do not know their status, 1·8 million know their status but are not on treatment, and 1·6 million are not virally suppressed.1 Elimination of HIV requires concerted efforts to ensure that men are not left behind. Male partners of pregnant women are particularly important to engage to optimise HIV outcomes for themselves, their pregnant or lactating partners, and their babies, because incident maternal infection during breastfeeding is the largest contributor to postpartum mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Evaluating the impact of DREAMS on HIV incidence among adolescent girls and young women: A population-based cohort study in Kenya and South Africa.

Through a multisectoral approach, the DREAMS Partnership aimed to reduce HIV incidence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) by 40% over 2 years in high-burden districts across sub-Saharan Africa. DREAMS promotes a combination package of evidence-based interventions to reduce individual, family, partner, and community-based drivers of young women's heightened HIV risk. We evaluated the impact of DREAMS on HIV incidence among AGYW and young men in 2 settings. We directly estimated HIV incidence rates among open population-based cohorts participating in demographic and HIV serological surveys from 2006 to 2018 annually in uMkhanyakude (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) and over 6 rounds from 2010 to 2019 in Gem (Siaya, Kenya). We compared HIV incidence among AGYW aged 15 to 24 years before DREAMS and up to 3 years after DREAMS implementation began in 2016. We investigated the timing of any change in HIV incidence and whether the rate of any change accelerated during DREAMS implementation. Comparable analyses were also conducted for young men (20 to 29/34 years). In uMkhanyakude, between 5,000 and 6,000 AGYW were eligible for the serological survey each year, an average of 85% were contacted, and consent rates varied from 37% to 67%. During 26,395 person-years (py), HIV incidence was lower during DREAMS implementation (2016 to 2018) than in the previous 5-year period among 15- to 19-year-old females (4.5 new infections per 100 py as compared with 2.8; age-adjusted rate ratio (aRR) = 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48 to 0.82), and lower among 20- to 24-year-olds (7.1/100 py as compared with 5.8; aRR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.04). Declines preceded DREAMS introduction, beginning from 2012 to 2013 among the younger and 2014 for the older women, with no evidence of more rapid decline during DREAMS implementation. In Gem, between 8,515 and 11,428 AGYW were eligible each survey round, an average of 34% were contacted and offered an HIV test, and consent rates ranged from 84% to 99%. During 10,382 py, declines in HIV incidence among 15- to 19-year-olds began before DREAMS and did not change after DREAMS introduction. Among 20- to 24-year-olds in Gem, HIV incidence estimates were lower during DREAMS implementation (0.64/100 py) compared with the pre-DREAMS period (0.94/100 py), with no statistical evidence of a decline (aRR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.53 to 2.18). Among young men, declines in HIV incidence were greater than those observed among AGYW and also began prior to DREAMS investments. Study limitations include low study power in Kenya and the introduction of other interventions such as universal treatment for HIV during the study period. Substantial declines in HIV incidence among AGYW were observed, but most began before DREAMS introduction and did not accelerate in the first 3 years of DREAMS implementation. Like the declines observed among young men, they are likely driven by earlier and ongoing investments in HIV testing and treatment. Longer-term implementation and evaluation are needed to assess the impact of such a complex HIV prevention intervention and to help accelerate reductions in HIV incidence among young women.

Perceptions, behaviours and attitudes towards smoking held by the male partners of Chinese pregnant women: a qualitative study

BackgroundDirect associations of tobacco exposure during pregnancy with pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes have been proven. Previous studies suggest that expecting a child provides a valuable opportunity to promote behavioural changes, such as smoking cessation, among the male partners of pregnant women. Thorough understandings of Chinese expectant fathers’ smoking behaviour during the transition to fatherhood is a prerequisite to the development of appropriate interventions to facilitate smoking cessation. This study aimed to explore the perceptions, behaviours and attitudes related to smoking among male partners of pregnant women in China.MethodsA descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted. A purposive sample of expectant fathers aged 18 years or older who had a tobacco use history within the past year were recruited at obstetrics and gynaecology clinics and invited to participate in one-to-one, 20–30-min semi-structured interviews. The data analysis followed Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method.ResultsTwenty-five expectant fathers were interviewed. Four themes were generated: 1) the benefits of smoking and respondents’ misperceptions of the impact of smoking and SHS and neglectful attitude of the impact of smoking, which were given as the major reasons for continuing to smoke; 2) factors contributing to smoking cessation, including concern for the potential health impact of continued smoking on the pregnant partner and baby, the role of being father, and the encouragement to quit from family members; and 3) perceived barriers to smoking cessation, including withdrawal symptoms or cigarette cravings, absence of smoking cessation support, and increasing stress.ConclusionThis study provides a comprehensive understanding of the perception, behaviours, and attitudes related to smoking among Chinese expectant fathers. The findings of this study can guide healthcare professionals and policymakers in combining the distribution of educational information about the hazards of SHS for maternal and neonatal health with smoking cessation assistance for expectant fathers through policy initiatives and other types of incentives and programmes targeted to enhance smoking cessation among this population.Trial registrationProspectively registered at clinicaltrial.org (NCT03401021) on 8 Jan 2018.

228: Fertility preservation: Thematic analysis of interviews with partners of women with cystic fibrosis

228: Fertility preservation: Thematic analysis of interviews with partners of women with cystic fibrosis

230: State of fertility preservation counseling: Knowledge, experiences, and preferences of partners of women with cystic fibrosis

230: State of fertility preservation counseling: Knowledge, experiences, and preferences of partners of women with cystic fibrosis

Self-Identity, Beliefs, and Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex with Transgender Women: Implications for HIV Research and Interventions.

While transgender women have been identified as a global priority population for HIV prevention and treatment, little is known about the cisgender male partners of transgender women, including their sexual behavior and HIV prevalence. Previous research has suggested that these male partners have varied identities and sexual behavior, which make identifying and engaging them in research difficult. This paper describes interviews conducted with fifteen cisgender men who reported recent sexual activity with transgender women in Lima, Peru. The purpose of this research was to explore how these men reported their identities and sexual behavior, to better understand how they would interact with HIV outreach, research, and care. The major themes were sexual orientation and identity; view of transgender partners; social ties to transgender women and other men with transgender women partners; disclosure of relationships; HIV knowledge and risk perception; and attitudes toward interventions. We found that language used to assess sexual orientation was problematic in this population, due to lack of consistency between orientation and reported behavior, and unfamiliarity with terms used to describe sexual orientation. In addition, stigma, lack of knowledge of HIV prevention methods, and fear of disclosure of sexual behavior were identified as barriers that could impact engagement in HIV research, prevention, and care. However, participants reported social relationships with both transgender women and other men who have transgender partners, presenting possible avenues for recruitment into HIV research and healthcare services.

Effect of Women's and Partners' Education on Maternal Health-care Services Utilization in Five Empowered Action Group States of India: An analysis of 13,443 Women of Reproductive Age.

Background:Suboptimal utilization of maternal health-care services is a perennial problem in Empowered Action Group (EAG) states. This study examines role of women's and partners' education on usage of antenatal, postnatal care (PNC), and skilled birth attendance in these states.Methodology:National Family Health Survey-4 (2015–2016) data for 13,443 women in reproductive age group of 15–49 years in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh (MP), Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh (UP) were analyzed using logistic regression.Results:Increasing level of education had a significant impact on utilization of antenatal services in all states, highest and lowest odds being observed with higher and primary level of partner's education, respectively. Skilled birth attendance universally showed rising trend with increasing women education, while it remained substantially low even at higher level of partner's education. For PNC, utilization increased with increasing level of maternal education. While significantly lower odds of PNC were seen with primary level of partner education in Rajasthan and UP, partner's secondary education showed positive and significant association in Bihar, Rajasthan, and UP. At higher level of partner education, positive and significant effects on PNC were observed only in Bihar, MP, and UP.Conclusions:Universal education is vital to attain sustainable development goals at the grassroot level, which is happening relatively slowly in the EAG states.

Role of male partners in the long-term well-being of women who have experienced severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in rural Tanzania: a qualitative study

Men can be essential sources of support in maternal health, even more so in case of severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM), affecting 1–2% of childbearing women in low-resource settings. In a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews, we explored the perspectives of nine male partners of women who suffered from (pre-)eclampsia six to seven years earlier in rural Tanzania. Male partners considered their role to be pivotal regarding finances, decision-making in healthcare-seeking and family planning and provided physical and emotional support. After SAMM, households may be affected in the long run. Some men took over their female partner’s household duties until up to two years after birth. Providing men with more information on complication readiness and birth preparedness would enable them to extend their role in maternal morbidity prevention. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? The essential role of male partners in maternal health in low- and middle-income countries is well-studied in relation to its impact on care-seeking behaviour. After childbirth, the long-term role of male partners has not yet been studied. What do the results of this study add? We demonstrated the important role of men during, but also after SAMM. Households may be affected years after women suffered from SAMM. For women with the most urgent support needs, this study suggest that at least some men feel responsible for their partner and have different pivotal roles. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Because of their motivation to support their female partner, strategies to reduce recurring complications in subsequent pregnancies should include targeting male partners, for example, by increasing birth preparedness and complication readiness. Further studies should confirm the results from our innovative but small-scale study, as well as investigate the long-term role of male partners after uncomplicated births. Other studies could investigate the separation of couples after SAMM, family planning decisions after SAMM and strategies for involving men and increasing complication readiness and birth preparedness.

Identifying Gender-Based Violence in Women from Aahh Laura Caller in the District of Los Olivos, Lima – 2021

The research entitled "Identifying gender violence in women of the AAHH Laura Caller in the district of Los Olivos, Lima - 2021". It aims to identify gender violence in women of the AAHH Laura Caller in the district of Los Olivos, Lima - 2021. The methodology had a quantitative approach, since the data collected will be measured through statistical analysis. Likewise, the research design is non-experimental, descriptive. The sample consisted of 50 women to whom a questionnaire was applied. The results showed the existence of physical violence, since it has been possible to identify slapping, pushing or throwing an object for having done something wrong as violence. As for psychological violence, it was possible to identify that the partners of most of the women had threatened to harm them and their children. In relation to sexual violence, it has been identified that the women's partners forced them to have sexual relations in exchange for money or goods. The conclusion is that there is a lack of knowledge of what physical, psychological and sexual violence is, and that they may be in danger of suffering mistreatment in their future relationships.

662Factors associated with smoking continuation and indoor smoking among pregnant women’s partners

Abstract Background Secondhand smoke by partners is a major source of exposure for non-smoking women. However, factors associated with smoking continuation and indoor smoking among pregnant women’s partners remain unknown. Methods We used data from 6348 partners of non-smoking pregnant women who participated in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study in Japan from 2013 to 2017. Partners’ age, educational attainment, equivalent household income, and pregnant women’s smoking history (never, quitting before pregnancy awareness, quitting after pregnancy awareness) were used as explanatory variables. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between these variables and smoking continuation/indoor smoking of partners. Results Among 6348 partners, 2506 partners had been smokers at pregnancy awareness. Among them, the prevalence of smoking continuation after pregnancy awareness was 92.0%. Partners whose wives had quitted smoking after pregnancy awareness were less likely to continue smoking than partners whose wives had never smoked; the odds ratio was 0.57 (95% confidence interval, 0.41–0.80). Among partners who continued smoking, the prevalence of indoor smoking was 30.7%. Partners with ≤high school education were more likely to smoke indoors than partners with ≥university education; the odds ratio was 1.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.23–2.07). Conclusions Women’s smoking cessation after pregnancy awareness was associated with decreased risk of partners’ smoking continuation, and lower level of partners’ education was associated with increased risk of partners’ indoor smoking. Key messages Interventions for both women and their partners may be effective in reducing secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy.

The Development and Pilot of a Technology-Based Intervention in the United States for Father's Mental Health in the Perinatal Period.

Paternal mental health is increasingly recognized as an important public health issue, with about 10% of men experiencing depression perinatally. Paternal depression is associated with less responsive parenting, greater parenting stress, and suboptimal child development. In response to a lack of existing interventions that directly focus on fathers’ mental health in the United States, we developed and pilot tested the Fathers and Babies (FAB) intervention for use with partners of women enrolled in home visiting (HV) programs.After a review of the extant literature, FAB was developed with input from HV stakeholders and infant mental health consultants. FAB was subsequently pilot tested with 30 father-mother dyads, with mixed-method data collected from a subset of intervention participants to assess intervention feasibility and acceptability and guide intervention refinement.Five themes related to FAB content and delivery considerations emerged from the initial focus groups that were used to guide FAB development. Mixed-method data collected during the pilot study established that fathers receiving FAB reported its content appropriate and thought it was feasible to receive the intervention. Several recommendations for FAB revisions were also provided.FAB is an innovative intervention developed for fathers from contemporary family structures that was well-received during its pilot testing. Feasibility and acceptability data suggest that fathers have favorable opinions about intervention content and delivery, while also highlighting areas for future revisions of FAB.

Factors Associated With the Use of the Contraceptive Implant Among Women Attending a Primary Health Clinic in Cape Town, South Africa.

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), which include the subdermal contraceptive implant and intrauterine contraception, offer women safe, highly effective, long-term pregnancy prevention, and have expanded contraceptive options. The implant greatly expands LARC options for South African women as it is available free of charge at public health facilities, but little is known about factors associated with its uptake. This study describes factors associated with the intention to use the implant, including knowledge and beliefs about the implant and perceived outcome expectancies of implant use among women in Cape Town, South Africa.Methods: Between 2015 and 2016, the authors conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional survey among adult women attending a public, primary health clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. Using a structured questionnaire, they measured knowledge, awareness, and attitudes, perceived outcome expectancy, and the intention to use the contraceptive implant in future among the women.Results: The authors surveyed 481 women (mean age 29.1 years). Most of the participants (n = 364, 75.6%) had heard about the implant, 45 (9.4%) were currently using it, and 97 (20.2%) intended to use it in the future. Knowledge about the safety of the implant, beliefs about its effectiveness, and the ease of insertion and removal, and support from intimate partners were positively associated with the current use and intentions to use the implant in the future.Conclusions: Limited knowledge of the implant, having completed secondary schooling, support from partner for women to use implant and the perceived outcome expectancies of using the implant were factors significantly associated with the intention to use the implant. Ensuring that the contraception information is available in all South African languages, regardless of education levels in women, and that comprehensive contraception education and counseling is provided during all family planning might help improve the uptake of contraceptives, including the use of the implant in the country.

Experience of women with multiple sclerosis about their sexuality

Purpose To understand how women with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience their sexuality. Material and methods This was a qualitative study in which eight women belonging to MS associations in Elche or Alicante (Spain) completed semi-structured interviews. We subsequently carried out a thematic analysis of this data. Results Four main themes and multiple sub-themes were identified. The first theme was the ‘influence of stereotypes on sexual expression’, which included social and gender perspectives; the second theme was ‘physical and emotional causes of sexual dysfunction’, which were classified as primary, secondary, and tertiary; the third theme was ‘experiencing sexuality in a personalised way’, which included relationships with a partner, the concept of sexuality, and resources for improving sexual function; and the final theme was ‘external support’, which included sexual assistance, professional care, and peer support. Conclusions Sexual needs change in women with MS after diagnosis of the disease. However, this is not addressed routinely by health professionals. In their search for resources, women with MS highlighted that support from partners and from associations, could constitute a support network for the expression of their sexuality. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Women with MS refer changes in their sexual function, and these changes are not addressed routinely by healthcare providers. Inclusion of the sexual partners of women with MS in consultations regarding the treatment of sexual dysfunctions should be considered with previous consent. The positive experience of a woman with MS who used sexual assistant services may justify further research. MS associations can also play an important role in the sexual field as a meeting place for peers with shared experiences.

Lived experiences of the partners of COVID-19 positive childbearing women: A qualitative study

ProblemSeveral maternity units worldwide have rapidly put in place changes to maternity care pathways and restrictive preventive measures in the attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19, resulting in birth companions often not being allowed to be present at birth and throughout hospital admission. BackgroundThe WHO strongly recommends that the emotional, practical, advocacy and health benefits of having a chosen birth companion are respected and accommodated, including women with suspected, likely or confirmed COVID-19. AimTo explore the lived experiences of the partners of COVID-19 positive childbearing women who gave birth during the first pandemic wave (March and April 2020) in a Northern Italy maternity hospital. MethodsA qualitative study using an interpretive phenomenological approach was undertaken. Audio-recorded semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 partners. Thematic data analysis was conducted using NVivo software. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant Ethics Committee prior to commencing the study. FindingsThe findings include five main themes: (1) emotional impact of the pandemic; (2) partner and parent: a dual role; (3) not being present at birth: a ‘denied’ experience; (4) returning to ‘normality’; (5) feedback to ‘pandemic’ maternity services and policies. Discussion and conclusionKey elements of good practice to promote positive childbirth experiences in the context of a pandemic were identified: presence of a birth companion; COVID-19 screening tests for support persons; timely, proactive and comprehensive communication of information to support persons; staggered hospital visiting times; follow-up of socio-psychological wellbeing; antenatal and postnatal home visiting; family-centred policies and services.