Support Systems For Women Research Articles

Anxiety, stress, and depression in Australian pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross sectional study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid responses by health services to suppress transmission of the virus. AimThis study aimed to investigate predictors of anxiety, stress and depression in Australian pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic including continuity of carer and the role of social support. MethodsWomen aged 18 years and over in their third trimester of pregnancy were invited to complete an online survey between July 2020 and January 2021. The survey included validated tools for anxiety, stress, and depression. Regression modelling was used to identify associations between a range of factors including continuity of carer, and mental health measures. Findings1668 women completed the survey. One quarter screened positive for depression, 19% for moderate or higher range anxiety, and 15.5% for stress. The most significant contribution to higher anxiety, stress, and depression scores was a pre-existing mental health condition, followed by financial strain and a current complex pregnancy. Protective factors included age, social support, and parity. DiscussionMaternity care strategies to reduce COVID-19 transmission restricted women's access to their customary pregnancy supports and increased their psychological morbidity. ConclusionFactors associated with anxiety, stress and depression scores during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified. Maternity care during the pandemic compromised pregnant women's support systems.

THE ROLE OF HEALTH WORKERS AND SUPPORT SYSTEM COUNSELORS FOR WOMEN WITH PRIMARY INFERTILITY

Background: Primary infertility is a problem, one of which is psychological in infertile women. Based on the Indonesian In Vitro Fertilization Association (Perfitri), the total cycle of IVF programs in Indonesia in 2021 reached 10,000, the most significant number in handling fertility problems. Problems appear because there are no psychological services. Aims: To explore the role of health workers and counselors in the support system at the central hospital in Semarang for women with primary infertility Methods: This is descriptive research with qualitative exploratory design at the Central Hospital in Semarang City with five health workers and two counselors. The researcher used semi-structured, one-on-one interviews for one week. The data was then analyzed using inductive thematic analysis Results: The results found that the support system for women with primary infertility, from the opinion of health workers, will focus on clinical care and counseling according to the diagnosis from the counselors that women with primary infertility need psychological support to assist the success of clinical care Conclusion: Health workers and counselors need an integrated support system service for women with primary infertility.

A Sisterhood: The Collective Resilience Born in the Periphery of Prison

The collateral consequences of incarceration and prison visitation, transcend the boundaries of prison and transform women's lives. Through an intersectional approach, this research uncovers in what capacity degradation and secondary prisonization shape women's lives, and what coping mechanisms women form in response to the difficulties of visitation. Existing research has yet to identify visitors' relationships to one another and how these relationships aid in fostering coping strategies and resilience within the carceral realm. To fill the gaps, I employed qualitative research to explore the process of visitation, processing procedures, challenges of visitation, staff relations, and women's support systems. Findings indicated visitors are subject to an environment of gendered, racist, and classist oppression that varies in degree depending on social heirarchy and status. However, as a manifestation of resilience, women construct coping mechanisms in the form of information and support networks that aid in the dismantling the prevailing culture of scarcity of information and the degradation of free women by prison staff. These marginalized women habitually resist carceral domination through informal interpersonal support systems.

Hold my Hand

Hold my Hand

A natural disaster and intimate partner violence: Evidence over time

Natural disasters affect about 200 million people annually. Heightened intimate partner violence (IPV) is a gendered impact of these disruptive events. This study examines prevalence and correlates of IPV in four Indian states—TamilNadu, Kerala, AndhraPradesh, and Karnataka-before and after the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. Drawing on three waves of National Family Health Surveys of India-six years before, immediately after, and a decade after disaster, this paper evaluates if TamilNadu and Kerala (severely affected) exhibited higher prevalence of IPV than AndhraPradesh (moderately affected) and Karnataka (not directly affected). Logistic regression analyses determine association between IPV, state of residence (proxy for experience of disaster), and other covariates. To test hypotheses guided by vulnerability theory, IPV was regressed on socio-economic and demographic predictors for states across waves. IPV increased by 48% between 2005 and 2015. Increase in physical (61%) and sexual (232%) violence was highest in TamilNadu; emotional violence increased by 122% in Karnataka. State of residence was associated with IPV in the aftermath of disaster. In 2005, compared to Karnataka, odds of IPV were 98% higher in TamilNadu and 41% higher in Kerala. A decade after, odds were two times higher in TamilNadu than in Karnataka. Belonging to disadvantaged groups predicted higher odds of IPV in the year after disaster. Higher socio-economic status predicted lower odds of IPV, except in Kerala. Data point to ways in which socio-economic and demographic vulnerabilities factor into risk of IPV after disaster. Demographic factors of religion and caste appear to lose significance over time, but socio-economic factors continue to matter. Disaster response strategies seldom work without tackling long-standing inequities. Appropriate support systems for women and minorities in non-disaster situations are critical to ensure their conditions are not exacerbated.

Exploring factors associated with ART adherence and retention in care under Option B+ strategy in Malawi: A qualitative study

Although several studies have documented challenges related to inadequate adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and high loss to follow-up (LTFU) among Option B+ women, there is limited understanding of why these challenges occur and how to address them. This qualitative study examines women’s experiences with ART adherence and retention in care. Between July and October 2015, in-depth interviews were conducted with 39 pregnant and lactating women who initiated ART at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. Study participants included 14 in care and 25 out of care women, according to facility records. Data were analyzed using an inductive, open-coding approach to thematic analysis. Ten of the respondents (7 out of care, 3 in-care) had stopped and re-started treatment before the interview date. One of the most important factors influencing adherence and retention was the strength of women’s support systems. In contrast to women in-care, most out-of-care women lacked emotional and financial support from male partners, received minimal counseling from providers at initiation, lacked designated guardians to assist with medication refills or clinic appointments, and were highly mobile. Mobility led to difficulties in accessing treatment in new settings. The most common reasons women re-started treatment following interruptions were due to providers’ counseling and encouragement and the mother’s desire to be healthy. Improved counseling at initiation, active follow-up counseling, women’s economic empowerment interventions, promotion of peer counseling schemes and meaningful engagement of male partners can help in addressing the identified barriers and promoting sustained retention of Option B+ women.

Support systems of women with epilepsy in pregnancy: A retrospective needs assessment

PurposeTo explore support systems for women with epilepsy (WWE) during pregnancy. MethodsAudio-recorded, transcribed, semi-structured telephone interviews with WWE in pregnancy and following childbirth were coded using descriptive thematic analysis. ResultsTwelve women with epilepsy aged 21–37 years who received care during pregnancy in our epilepsy clinic from 2010 to 2013 were interviewed. Women identified three areas of support: immediate family, their specialist and group support. Some women felt unable to fully share health concerns with family members, but appreciated their support. Neurologists were perceived as reliable sources of support and information, but could be inaccessible. Support groups were seen as beneficial, but may heighten women's fear of epilepsy-related adverse events during pregnancy. ConclusionThis study highlights the use of support systems by WWE during pregnancy. The richness of the transcribed interviews provides valuable insight into the pregnancy-experience of WWE and helps to direct future clinical and research goals and hypotheses.

Factors facilitating the emergence of domestic violence in Turkey

BACKGROUND: Domestic violence is seen in all communities. OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk factors that facilitate emergence of domestic violence. METHODS: A qualitative study where in-depth interviews were used. A total of 30 women who stated they had been experiencing violence from their partner for at least a year made up the study sample. The common opinions in the interviews were grouped and coded according to the themes created for descriptive analysis. Excerpts from the statements that best emphasized/defined the women's opinions and experiences were used in the study report. RESULTS: The factors stated by the women as facilitating the emergence of domestic violence in our study were: the man being older, the woman being in a marriage that she did not want, was forced into, or that her family did not want, a lack of support by the woman's family, the man's family not wanting the woman, the man seeing violence as a societal right, and a lack of mutual love, respect, or trust in the marriage/relationship. CONCLUSIONS: To decrease the emergence of domestic violence in the Turkish family system where traditional female-male roles are present: the woman and man within the marriage/relationship should have similarsociodemographic attributes (age, education, employment), the decision for marriage/relationship should be with the woman's own free will, educational and awareness increasing programs to ensure societal changeshould be arranged, and the quality and quantity of social institutions should be brought to a level where the support systems for women can be strengthened. KEYWORDS: Domestic violence, qualitative research, Turkey

Original article. Factors facilitating the emergence of domestic violence in Turkey

Abstract Background: Domestic violence is seen in all communities. Objectives: To determine the risk factors that facilitate emergence of domestic violence. Methods: A qualitative study where in-depth interviews were used. A total of 30 women who stated they had been experiencing violence from their partner for at least a year made up the study sample. The common opinions in the interviews were grouped and coded according to the themes created for “descriptive analysis”. Excerpts from the statements that best emphasized/defined the women’s opinions and experiences were used in the study report. Results: The factors stated by the women as facilitating the emergence of domestic violence in our study were: the man being older, the woman being in a marriage that she did not want, was forced into, or that her family did not want, a lack of support by the woman’s family, the man’s family not wanting the woman, the man seeing violence as a societal right, and a lack of mutual love, respect, or trust in the marriage/relationship. Conclusions: To decrease the emergence of domestic violence in the Turkish family system where traditional female-male roles are present: the woman and man within the marriage/relationship should have similar sociodemographic attributes (age, education, employment), the decision for marriage/relationship should be with the woman’s own free will, educational and awareness increasing programs to ensure societal change should be arranged, and the quality and quantity of social institutions should be brought to a level where the support systems for women can be strengthened.

Allusion and Broken VAW: The Hermeneutics in Cebuano-Visayan Feminist Poetry

Violence against women (VAW) is a global stigma. At least two conditionsstirred the global community: Malala Yousafzai who took a bullet in 2012 andwho advocate girl’s education to date, and the 2014 reported kidnap of 300Nigerian girls by Boko Haram. There are oppressive stereotypes of women.Violence can come in different forms. These can come as verbal abuse, intimatepartners violence, non-intimate partner violence, trafficking, forced prostitution,exploitation of labor, debt bondage, physical and sexual violence, sex selectiveabortion, female infanticide and femicide, deliberate neglect and girl’s education,rape in war, dowry murder, (child) pornography, dating violence, female genitalmutilation/circumcision, and acid attack. With the aid of Hermeneutics, therich allusions and strong Feminist voices that exhume the elements of VAW areinherent characteristics of the Cebuano-Visayan Feminist poetry. The poemsconvince women to reclaim femininity, regain self-worth, challenge patriarchy,defy social prescriptions and conventions for women’s behavior. The four selectedCebuano-Visayan poetry with sound Feminist voices are support systems forwomen. Further studies on VAW in Cebuano-Visayan poetry are recommended. Keywords: Hermeneutics, poetry, Violence Against Women (VAW), descriptive research,Cebuano-Visayan language, Philippines

Social capital and women's support systems: Networking, learning, and surviving, by C. R. Nanton, & M. V. Alfred (Eds.)

Social capital and women's support systems: Networking, learning, and surviving, by C. R. Nanton, & M. V. Alfred (Eds.)

Influence of demographic factors, knowledge, and beliefs on Jordanian women's intention to undergo mammography screening.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of demographic characteristics, breast cancer knowledge, fatalistic beliefs, health beliefs, and subjective norms on Jordanian women's intention to participate in mammography screening. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data at 14 comprehensive healthcare centers in Amman and Zarqa, Jordan. A convenience sample of 142 Jordanian women 40 years of age or older with no history of breast cancer and able to read and write in Arabic participated. Self-report surveys included a combination of researcher-designed and existing instruments to measure the study variables. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, t tests, and multiple logistic regression. Jordanian women surveyed lacked knowledge about breast cancer. Social norms and self-efficacy highly influenced these women's intention to engage in mammography screening. Younger women were more willing to indicate intention to engage in mammographic screening. Self-efficacy and the social connectedness of Jordanian society, but not religious beliefs or perceived barriers to screening, influence Jordanian women's intention to undergo mammography. Future research should examine cultural influences, rather than religious beliefs, and investigate Jordanian women's potentially unique perspectives on barriers to actual mammography screening behavior. The prevalence of mammography screening may be enhanced by focusing interventions on Jordanian women's support systems and empowering women by providing knowledge and skills needed to engage in the procedure.

A pilot study assessing art therapy as a mental health intervention for subfertile women

BACKGROUND Subfertility is a common but hidden source of anxiety, depressive symptoms and hopelessness. Counselling reduces this emotional burden and may even enhance the likelihood of pregnancy. Art therapy may be a useful intervention, because it facilitates the expression of feelings, both visually and verbally, and may ease emotional distress. METHODS Weekly 2-h art therapy group courses were held for a total of 21 subfertile women. The impact of subfertile women's support systems and barriers to coping were all explored. The effectiveness of art therapy was assessed using Beck Hopelessness, Depression and Anxiety Inventories, administered before and after participation, as well as a qualitative exit questionnaire. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 35.7 (SD 2.1) years and duration of infertility was 64 (12.0) months. Mean Beck Hopelessness Scale fell from 6.1 (3.8) to 3.5 (3.1, P = 0.01) after therapy. Beck Depression Inventory-II Score fell from 19.8 (11.0) to 12.5 (10.2, P = 0.01) and Beck Anxiety Inventory Score changed from 12.4 (8.4) to 8.4 (5.2, P = 0.3). Based on the exit questionnaire, women felt the course was insightful, powerful and enjoyable. CONCLUSIONS Art therapy is an inexpensive, non-pharmacological intervention, which was associated with decreased levels of hopelessness and depressed mood in subfertile women. It also provides insight into the meaning and emotional implications of subfertility for patients and caregivers. This pilot study highlights the need for further research in this field.

Developing Peer Leaders and Reducing Recidivism Through Long-Term Participation in a Faith-Based Program: The Story of Welcome Home Ministries

Welcome Home Ministries is a faith-based community reentry organization serving women being released from jail and/or prison. Welcome Home's mission is to create a faith-based support system for women from incarceration to productive citizenship. Welcome Home's goal is to reduce recidivism of women ex-offenders who suffer from substance abuse and mental health issues by creating a healthy life focus. Founded by Warner-Robbins in 1996, Welcome Home (WHM) has provided service to more than 300 women per year who have been released from jail or prison into San Diego County communities. The women served usually have few resources and need support to address the lifestyle values and changes that must be confronted to make a successful transition back into the community. The combination of recovery programs, peer services, and early intervention have proven to be effective in assisting the women through the change process. To date, more than 80% of the women we have served have been able to sustain their recovery and avoid additional offenses requiring a return to jail or prison. Welcome Home has helped women go to college, embark on careers in drug and alcohol counseling or nursing, and reunite with their families. Welcome Home provides a healthy supportive environment, within which women who had never made healthy choices for themselves, now assist other women getting out of jail or prison in making healthier decisions for their lives.

Predictors and Effects of Training on an Online Health Education and Support System for Women with Breast Cancer

Many breast cancer patients currently turn to Internet-based education and support to help them cope with their illness. This study explores the role of training in influencing how patients use a particular Interactive Cancer Communication System (ICCS) over time and also examines what pre-test characteristics predict which people are most likely to opt in or out of training in the first place. With use of pre-test survey and unobtrusive individual records of ICCS system use data (N = 216), nonparametric tests revealed that only having a later stage of cancer predicted whether or not patients participated in training. Results indicated that participating in training was a significant predictor of higher levels of using the CHESS system. In particular, the repeated measures analysis of covariance found the significant interaction as well as main effect of group (i.e., training vs. no training) and time (i.e., individual's CHESS usages at different times) in interactive and information CHESS services, suggesting that 1) the training group has a higher level of usage than the no training group, 2) both of the groups' usage decreased over time, and 3) these joint patterns hold over time. Practical guidelines for future ICCS campaign implementation are discussed.

Constrained Choices and Persistent Gender Inequity

This paper reports on exploratory research in New Hampshire, a state which has socio-economic characteristics—including strong long-term economic performance, high levels of educational achievement among women and low poverty—that would seem to foster gender earnings equity. Yet, New Hampshire has the fourth lowest gender earnings equity in the nation. The detailed exploration of this state's experience highlights that to reach a higher plateau of gender earnings equity will require significant changes in gender relations in marriages and families, the enhancement of support systems for women and their families, and changes in industry and occupational practices in the United States. The focused inquiry highlights how difficult it will be to improve gender earnings equity in the nation. The paper was written as part of a special issue for the American Behavioral Scientist on the economic status of women in the United States and is intended to inform both future inquiry and policy discussions.

Editors' notes

New Directions for Adult and Continuing EducationVolume 2009, Issue 122 p. 1-2 Editor's Notes Editors' notes Carmela R. Nanton, Carmela R. Nanton Associate professor of education, MacArthur School of Leadership, and chair of the professional education program at Palm Beach Atlantic UniversitySearch for more papers by this authorMary V. Alfred, Mary V. Alfred Associate professor of adult education and associate head, Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development, Texas A&M UniversitySearch for more papers by this author Carmela R. Nanton, Carmela R. Nanton Associate professor of education, MacArthur School of Leadership, and chair of the professional education program at Palm Beach Atlantic UniversitySearch for more papers by this authorMary V. Alfred, Mary V. Alfred Associate professor of adult education and associate head, Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development, Texas A&M UniversitySearch for more papers by this author First published: 16 June 2009 https://doi.org/10.1002/ace.328AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume2009, Issue122Special Issue: Social Capital and Women's Support Systems: Networking, Learning, and SurvivingSummer 2009Pages 1-2 RelatedInformation

Treatment Decision-Making Among Older Women with Breast Cancer

ABSTRACT This study examined breast cancer treatment decision-making among older adults, including professional and lay involvement. Thirty respondents were interviewed for this study; cancer survivors (70%) and newly diagnosed (30%) women with breast cancer. Respondents reported making treatment decisions in consultation with their oncologists. However, women differed on the extent to which they perceived their participation in the treatment process. Respondents' oncologists appear to be the primary factor associated with older women's breast cancer surveillance decision-making and adherence. The influence of women's support systems on their treatment decisions and surveillance activities appears to be minimal. Informal support systems, however, likely enhance women's ability to be active participants in their care. The growing need for interventions which target older women has been indicated. Interventions, however, cannot be adequately developed without first identifying the physical and psychosocial phenomena which affect decision-making.

Health Care Participation of Perinatal Women with HIV: What Helps and What Gets in the Way?

Dealing with the reality of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a life-changing challenge to perinatal women as they try to care for themselves and their children in environments that often include stigma, uncertainty, and limited access to information and health care. Our purpose for this interpretive hermeneutic study was to identify factors that women with HIV saw as helping or impeding their participation in their health care. We analyzed the qualitative data from open-ended interviews conducted with 18 women. We identified the facilitating themes of ''Staying Healthy for Kids,'' ''God Has His Reasons,'' and ''My Family's There for Me.'' Barriers were ''It Hurts to Know,'' ''Health Care System Struggles,'' and ''Kids and Buses and Taxies.'' We found that the women identified ''Health Care Providers' Behaviors'' as both an enhancing and an impeding factor to their health care participation. These findings can guide providers to offer more ''user-friendly'' support systems for women with HIV and their children.

Support Systems for Women in Part‐time Study

abstract Enrolled nurses entering higher education (HE) are increasing the complexity of their lives and this results in a need to lean more heavily on a variety of support systems. Most of these part‐time students are women who have to juggle home, work and study in a social mileau that still expects them to be privotal to family life. Family life is, however, both supportive and restrictive in its effect on these women attempting to ‘better’ themselves in a changing world of work. Friends and colleagues also provide both a stabilising yet challenging force to their progress throughout their course. The peer group (usually a sub‐group of a larger set) seems to be the most crucial factor in that it maintains momentum. This group gives emotional and practical help throughout the ups and downs of studying in a formal educational setting. Interestingly, the choice of teachers for these women appears to be critical. These students demand teachers to be an integral part of their learning experience. If there is a mismatch this can result in a toxic relationship where a student's independence fails to develop.