Women's Views Research Articles

Older Professional Women's Views on Work: A Qualitative Analysis

This qualitative study reports on the career experiences of older professional women using consensual qualitative research. Thirteen women over age 50 were interviewed regarding the influences of gender and age on work. In general, all participants reported career adaptability, and many participants also reported specific subthemes of career adaptability (i.e., concern, control, curiosity, and confidence) as resources. These subthemes denote participants' future orientation, self‐discipline as evidenced by their conscientiousness in career decisions, active information seeking, and certitude that they have the ability to solve career‐related problems. Relationships with colleagues were also considered critical, and participants acknowledged the benefits and drawbacks of being a woman and being older. These women were able to achieve flexibility and autonomy in their work and spoke about the importance of work–family balance and boundaries. Practitioners are encouraged to consider how career adaptability is manifested within the interplay between gender and age, because this can influence career counseling with older women.

Young women's views on testing for sexually transmitted infections and HIV as a risk reduction strategy in mutual and choice-restricted relationships

AimThe aim of this study was to identify relationship dynamics that influences the use of STI/HIV testing among young, urban African American women. BackgroundIncreasing STI/HIV testing is a key prevention strategy, but more research is needed to identify barriers to testing for young women such as intimate partner violence (IPV). MethodsThirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with African American women ages 18–24. Content analysis was used. ResultsWomen in choice-restricted relationships were unable to negotiate safer sex practices and testing was viewed as the best option. Women in relationships where the desire to use condoms was mutual used STI and HIV testing as a sign of trust building that preceded unprotected sex. ConclusionsSTI/HIV testing must be viewed as one strategy within a package of possible risk reduction. For those in choice-restricted relationships, clinicians should screen patients for partner abuse and provide additional support and referrals as clinically appropriate.

Somali women's view of physical activity—a focus group study

Background: Physical inactivity presents a major public health challenge and is estimated to cause six to ten percent of the major non-communicable diseases. Studies show that immigrants, especially women, have an increased risk of non-communicable diseases compared to ethnic Swedes. Somali immigrant women have increased rates of overweight and obesity, low fitness levels and low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness compared to non-immigrant women. These findings suggest that Somali women are at increased risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases. Few studies explore determinants of physical activity among Somali women. The aim of this study was to explore Somali women’s views and experiences of physical activity after migration to Sweden. Methods: A qualitative focused ethnographic approach was used in this study. Four focus groups were conducted with twenty-six Somali women ranging from 17 to 67 years of age. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The analysis resulted in four main themes and ten categories:Life in Somalia and Life in Sweden, Understanding and enhancing health and Facilitators and barriers to physical activity. Great differences were seen between living in Somalia and in Sweden but also similarities such as finding time to manage housework, the family and the health of the woman. The extended family is non-existent in Sweden, making life more difficult. Health was considered a gift from God but living a healthy life was perceived as the responsibility of the individual. Misconceptions about enhancing health occurred depending on the woman’s previous life experience and traditions. There was an awareness of the importance of physical activity among the participants but lack of knowledge of how to enhance activity on an individual basis. Enhancing factors to an active lifestyle were identified as being a safe and comfortable environment. Conclusions: Some barriers, such as climate, lack of motivation and time are universal barriers to an active lifestyle, but some factors, such as tradition and religion, are distinctive for Somali women. Since traditional Somali life never involves leisure-time physical activity, one cannot expect to compensate for the low daily activity level with leisure-time activity the Swedish way. Immigrant Somali women are a heterogeneous group with individual needs depending on age, education and background. Tailored interventions with respect to Somali traditions are necessary to achieve an actual increase in physical activity among migrant women of Somalian origin.

‘We are not Objects, we are not Things’: Ethnic Minority Women's Views of the UK Home Office Immigration Campaigns

‘We are not Objects, we are not Things’: Ethnic Minority Women's Views of the UK Home Office Immigration Campaigns

Results of the European REVIVE (REal Women's VIew of Treatment Options for Menopausal Vulvar/Vaginal ChangEs) survey

Results of the European REVIVE (REal Women's VIew of Treatment Options for Menopausal Vulvar/Vaginal ChangEs) survey

Body Failure: Medical Views of Women, 1900–1950 Wendy Mitchinson

Body Failure: Medical Views of Women, 1900–1950 Wendy Mitchinson

NIPT-based screening for Down syndrome and beyond: what do pregnant women think?

The aim of the study is to study pregnant women's views on noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for Down syndrome and the potential to test for a broader range of conditions. An online questionnaire available on the Dutch pregnancy fair website was completed by 381 pregnant women. Of the women, 51% expressed interest in having NIPT, including 33% of women who had declined first-trimester screening. The majority (73%) thought that the uptake of screening would increase with NIPT. Most women agreed that testing for life-threatening (89%), severe physical (79%), or severe mental (76%) disorders should be offered. A minority (29%) felt that prenatal screening should also be offered for late-onset disorders. Most (41%) preferred to have a free choice from a list of disorders, 31% preferred a 'closed offer', and 26% preferred choosing between packages of disorders. Although most women (76%) thought that screening for a broad range of conditions would avoid much suffering, 39% feared that it would confront couples with choices, the implications of which would be difficult to grasp. The results suggest that the uptake of screening will increase with NIPT. If NIPT will be offered for a broad range of conditions, it is crucial to find a way that facilitates rather than undermines well-informed decision-making.

The Views of Women of Press Coverage of Rape Cases in Nigeria: A Misrepresentation or an Under-representation?

The degree of prominence given to events, issues or phenomena by the press goes a long way in determining people’s knowledge, exposure, views, opinions and/or suggestions about such events, issues and phenomena. Thus, the degree of prominence given to rape cases by the press in Nigeria determines what Nigerians feel and know about rape and its attendant consequences. This is the bedrock of this study. It is aimed at ascertaining how Nigerian elite women view the coverage of rape cases by Nigerian press. It is a qualitative study in which focus Group Discussion method (involving ten women selected from five state universities in the South Eastern) was used in achieving the aim of the study. The findings show that respondents, view press coverage of rape cases as “under-representation” and not “Mis-representation”. This is based on the cited newspapers which contain few rape cases which were mostly buried in inside pages. Based on this finding, the study recommends that journalists in Nigeria be more sensitive to the plight of rape victims by giving rape cases the prominence they deserve. This no doubt, will serve as deterrant to others who are likely to engage in this inhuman and devilish act. Key word s: Misrepresentation, under-representation, Rape, Press Coverage, Women’s Views.

Are pregnant women's obstetric care preferences contemplated in a provider-dominated maternity care system?

Pregnant women are demonstrating increasing interest and personal involvement in the decision-making process associated with their health care. Birth route preferences occupy a predominant place in this regard. MacFarlane et al. conducted a large retrospective analysis of routinely collected data in 31 European countries and reported on delivery route in nulliparous and multiparous women (BJOG 2016;123:559–568). A very large variation was shown both in caesarean deliveries (14.8–52.2%) and operative vaginal deliveries (0.5–16.4%) across the continent. Our commentary should offer an observation and avoid reinterpretation of the authors’ conclusions. A recent survey of pregnant women conducted in Eastern Europe demonstrated that 88.4% of respondents prefer a vaginal delivery (Dweik et al. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2014;93:408–15). A previous obstetric experience including a caesarean delivery, along with certain maternal beliefs and cultural issues associated with medical care drives the pregnant women's preference. An aspect that needs further study within the data from the Euro-Peristat group is the relationship between the obstetric provider cognitive traits and the type of delivery. Providers with better adaptive decision-making traits during the labour process may offer a lower risk of obstetric intervention. We suggest that obstetric training, however standardised and driven by evidence-based care, may not result in standardised practices. The authors labelled their database as ‘European’; however, the lack of inverse association between the intervention rates appears to indicate that there is no international or multi-institutional consensus in spite of published policies and guidelines. The use of agreed upon clinical definitions within the Euro-Peristat system does not appear to translate in best practice agreements. The burning question will be whether equal variables and data points are used by each country within the Eurosystem. The reported differences in intervention rates between public versus private clinical units is a frequently reported event in other regions of the world where there are significant differences in the levels of provider compensation for ‘surgical’ interventions. At what level of maternity care medicalisation during labour and delivery will the obstetric community establish the line for best practice? Globalisation is the frequent term used to indicate a universal agreement for certain life events. Economic globalisation has not affected all world areas equally. Complex variables beyond clinical parameters are involved in the practice of obstetrics. The educated women's views, in association with their maternity care based on strong qualitative research and supported by well-trained obstetric providers, will have a significant impact on their care. The author has no financial disclosures to declare.

Three Early Female Protestant Reformers' Appropriation of Prophecy as Interpretation of Scripture

After setting forth a wider context of the role of prophecy for German medieval women, the dual medieval tradition of prophecy as visionary and as interpretation of scripture, and the protestant emphasis on prophecy as interpretation of scripture, this essay demonstrates that Argula von Grumbach, Katharina Schütz Zell, and Marie Dentière not only echoed the appeals to the priesthood of all believers made by contemporary male reformers, they also embraced the teachings of these same male reformers that viewed prophecy as interpretation of scripture. In this way, prophecy became a significant lens by which Argula von Grumbach, Katharina Schütz Zell, and Marie Dentière conceived of themselves and their ministries—an understanding often lacking in the secondary sources that study these women. Specifically, it will be shown that each of these women employed Old Testament prophecy in ways that parallel contemporary male reformers' use of prophecy: presenting herself as speaking God's Word and not her own, locating her ministry within a larger biblical prophetic tradition, interpreting contemporary situations in the light of biblical prophecy and to distinguish between true and false prophets. The article concludes by exploring whether the male reformers actually intended this application of their teachings for women and exploring what is distinctive in these women's views and uses of prophecy.

How does religious affiliation affect women's attitudes toward reproductive health policy? Implications for the Affordable Care Act

BackgroundSupreme Court cases challenging the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandate for employer-provided reproductive health care have focused on religiously based opposition to coverage. Little is known about women's perspectives on such reproductive health policies. Study designData were drawn from the Women's Health Care Experiences and Preferences survey, a randomly selected, nationally representative sample of 1078 US women aged 18–55 years. We examined associations between religious affiliation and attitudes toward employer-provided insurance coverage of contraception and abortion services as well as the exclusion of religious institutions from this coverage. We used chi-square and multivariable logistic regression for analysis. ResultsRespondents self-identified as Baptist (18%), Protestant (Other Mainline, 17%), Catholic (17%), Other Christian (20%), Religious, Non-Christian (7%) or No Affiliation (21%). Religious affiliation was associated with proportions of agreement for contraception (p=.03), abortion (p<.01) and religious exclusion (p<.01) policies. In multivariable models, differences in the odds of agreement varied across religious affiliations and frequency of service attendance. For example, compared to non-affiliated women, Baptists and Other Nondenominational Christians (but not Catholics) had lower odds of agreement with employer coverage of contraception (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.4–0.1 and OR 0.57, CI 0.4–0.9, respectively); women who attended services weekly or more than weekly had lower odds of agreement (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.3–0.8 and OR 0.33, CI 0.2–0.6, respectively), compared to less frequent attenders. ConclusionsRecent religiously motivated legal challenges to employer-provided reproductive health care coverage may not represent the attitudes of many religious women. ImplicationsRecent challenges to the ACA contraceptive mandate appear to equate religious belief with opposition to employer-sponsored reproductive health coverage, but women's views are more complex.

Young women′s views of receiving information about the consequences of delayed childbearing: A qualitative study

Objective The objective of this study was to explore young women's views about receiving information on the consequences of delaying childbearing. Design The study design was qualitative, focus group (FG) discussions. Setting This study was conducted at the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic in Aberdeen. Participants The study participants were young women (18–25 years of age) attending the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic. Methods Two focus groups with a total of 14 women, semi-structured interviews conducted. Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measures were young women's perceptions of receiving information about delayed childbearing. Results A range of factors impacting on childbearing decisions were identified ranging from personal circumstances such as financial and relationship stability to broader societal and cultural expectations. Social stigma associated with having children in the early twenties was found to be an important factor preventing women from having children earlier, even if they wanted to. All participants indicated a need for greater provision of information on the reproductive consequences of delayed pregnancy enabling them to make informed decisions about motherhood. There was consensus among participants that information should be provided in secondary schools as a part of the national curriculum, to both genders, in a nonthreatening and objective way. Conclusions There is a need to provide young women with fertility information. Further research is required to determine how this information could be incorporated as part of the national curriculum, without diluting the message of teenage pregnancy.

PLoS Medicine Issue Image | Vol. 11(12) December 2014

In this month's editorial, PLOS Medicine Editorial Board member Hilda Bastian describes the challenges faced by the scientific community in improving post-publication commenting culture. Post-publication evaluation and commenting are important aspects of the research cycle but cultural issues such as increased incivility, fear of repercussions against junior researchers and the under representation of women's views in science remain barriers to scientific progress. Ms. Bastian argues that addressing these cultural challenges will lead to better science as well as ensuring that thinking and talking about research reports will remain science's vibrant and compelling intellectual core. Image Credit: Hilda Bastian

How do maternal views of delivery outcomes vary by demographics and preferred mode of delivery?

To investigate how maternal views of delivery outcomes vary by demographic characteristics and preference toward mode of delivery (MOD). Survey of 719 pregnant women in outpatient clinics at an academic institution during their third trimester. Women ranked outcomes such as vaginal delivery (VD), cesarean delivery (CD), urinary incontinence, perineal lacerations, and induction of labor (IOL) on a visual analog scale (VAS) in order of worst imaginable (0) to best possible (100) outcomes. Women of all ages ranked VD as more desirable than CD. However, women ≥ 35 years of age had greater valuations of both MOD compared with women <35 years, with mean VAS scores of 88.4 versus 86.4 for VD (p < 0.001) and 61.5 versus 51.9 for CD (p < 0.001). Women with a college education or higher also rated both MOD as more desirable than women with less than a college education. Additionally, women who preferred VD rather than CD had greater valuations of perineal laceration (43.3 vs. 31.5, p = 0.001) and urinary incontinence (40.7 vs. 30.1, p = 0.002). Significant differences exist in women's views toward MOD and peripartum outcomes, by demographics and preferred MOD. Understanding delivery preferences better enables clinicians to counsel women about labor and management options.

Factors influencing women's attitudes towards midwifery: Tool validation.

The purpose of this study was to validate a tool that explores the factors influencing women's opinion of and attitudes towards midwifery. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of 526 Jordanian women. Cluster sampling was used to ensure a representative sample; then, convenience sampling was performed. The instrument asked non-identifying demographic questions and covered factors reported in literature to influence women's attitudes towards and views of the profession. The resulting instrument consisted of five factors explained by 29 items. These factors were women's general view of midwives, midwife duties, professional ethics, media influence and demotivating factors associated with working as a midwife. Although the instrument is valid and reliable, it needs further testing in other studies. Taking the factors reported on by the present study into account in public policy-making could promote better understanding of midwifery and improve its status in the community.

Breast-feeding support in Ireland: a qualitative study of health-care professionals' and women's views.

To examine women's experience of professional support for breast-feeding and health-care professionals' experience of providing support. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews among women with experience of breast-feeding and health-care professionals with infant feeding roles. Interviews with women were designed to explore their experience of support for breast-feeding antenatally, in hospital and postnatally. Interviews with health-care professionals were designed to explore their views on their role and experience in providing breast-feeding support. Interview transcripts were analysed using content analysis and aspects of Grounded Theory. Overarching themes and categories within the two sets were identified. Urban and suburban areas of North Dublin, Ireland. Twenty-two women all of whom had experience of breast-feeding and fifty-eight health-care professionals. Two overarching themes emerged and in each of these a number of categories were developed: theme 1, facilitators to breast-feeding support, within which being facilitated to breast-feed, having the right person at the right time, being discerning and breast-feeding support groups were discussed; and theme 2, barriers to breast-feeding support, within which time, conflicting information, medicalisation of breast-feeding and the role of health-care professionals in providing support for breast-feeding were discussed. Breast-feeding is being placed within a medical model of care in Ireland which is dependent on health-care professionals. There is a need for training around breast-feeding for all health-care professionals; however, they are limited in their support due to external barriers such as lack of time. Alternative support such as peer support workers should be provided.

Body Failure: Medical Views of Women, 1900–1950 by Wendy Mitchinson (review)

Body Failure: Medical Views of Women, 1900–1950 by Wendy Mitchinson (review)

Repositioning culture for development: women and development in a Nigerian rural community

Most studies on women have ignored women's view of themselves in relation to their roles in community development. This study uses interview and ethnographic data from Nigeria to investigate women's narratives of themselves concerning their position in a rural cultural space in relation to community development. It explores ways of repositioning patriarchal or gender unresponsive cultures for eliciting women's potentials in community development. It emphasises how women's cultural constrains in a patriarchal community have led to a rare survival strategy – that is, the evolution of an invisible matriarchy. As a recommendation, it presents a framework for culture repositioning and a map of actors' responsibilities for its achievement. It contributes to ongoing debates on women in rural community development. It raises conceptual questions about customary practices that affect women's values in communities in Nigeria's rural areas. Finally, it presents three main lessons that can be drawn by women (and men) in traditional communities in non-Western societies.

The Ladies of Rūm: A Hagiographic View of Women in Thirteenth- and Fourteenth-Century Anatolia

In the medieval Middle East, the Sufi experience was not only a male enterprise. Women also participated in the development of this mystical representation of Islam in different ways. Despite the existence of scholarly studies on Sufism in medieval Anatolia, the role played by women in this period has generally been overlooked. Only recently have studies started to highlight the relevance that some of these Sufi ladies had in spreading Sufism in the Middle East. Accounts of women’s deeds are especially abundant in hagiographic literature produced in the seventh/thirteenth and eighth/fourteenth centuries. However, it has been generally downgraded as historically unreliable for consisting of biased ‘inside accounts’ of the lives of Sufi shaykhs and their followers. This article has a twofold goal: first, to investigate what information hagiographies provide about the role of women in medieval Anatolia; and second, to try to vindicate the option of using hagiographic literature as a relevant source of information in researching aspects of cultural history that cannot be found in other source materials.

Women's view on sexual intercourse and physical abuse : results from a cross-sectional survey in villages surrounding Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Our objective is to understand what do verbal and physical interactions within the couple as declared by women tell us about their related autonomy regarding sexual intercourse with their regular partner. Data were gathered thanks to a baseline KABP survey in 8 villages in Burkina Faso. Overall 591 women aged 15 to 49 living in a stable union constitute our analysis sample. A low percentage (18.2%) of respondents declares that a woman can refuse to have sex with her partner. However a large part (77.3%) considers this refusal as an unacceptable reason for wife beating. Multivariate logistic regression shows that the belief in a possibility to refuse sex is higher among women in polygamous union and among those who have their own resources. In contrast disapproval of wife beating as a reaction to this refusal increases with age. It is also higher among women not denying that their partner has multiple sexual partners. Surprisingly it is lower among women who have their own economic resources. These findings suggest that programs should work on strong beliefs which are the result of internalization of gender roles as they may in patriarchal societies such as Burkina Faso facilitate acceptance of domestic violence.