Women In Portugal Research Articles

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postpartum Experiences of Racialised Brazilian Women in Portugal: An Analysis of Obstetric Violence as Gender-Based Violence

As gender-based violence, obstetric violence is a complex phenomenon that represents a matter for debate worldwide. The main objective of this exploratory study is to understand the experiences of obstetric violence during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period of racialised Brazilian women in the Portuguese National Health System. Using a qualitative case study research approach, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with ten racialised Brazilian women who gave birth in Portugal. A thematic qualitative analysis was used. The findings reveal significant cases of obstetric violence, which include the complexities and lack of support, assistance and monitoring networks, structural inequalities, neglect, and intersectional discriminatory practices based on racial and cultural prejudices, as well as reflection. These experiences not only affect the physical health of mothers but also have profound psychological and emotional consequences. This study highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive care and the implementation of policies to prevent obstetric violence, ensuring that the rights and dignity of migrant mothers are upheld. By highlighting these critical issues, this study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on maternal health care and promote social justice for these historically marginalised groups.

Exploring factors of HPV self-sampling acceptance:a qualitative study with hard-to-reach women

Abstract Background Cervical cancer disproportionately affects socially disadvantaged women, who tend to be underscreened and are generally called “hard-to-reach”. HPV DNA testing based on self-sampling test is an alternative strategy to address women’s low screening uptake and reduce inequalities. Psychosocial factors like self-efficacy, ethicality, and testing conditions should be considered when assessing the acceptability of HPV self-sampling. However, research on the acceptability of HPV self-sampling is scarce among hard-to-reach women. Our study aims to explore self-efficacy beliefs, perceptions of how well HPV self-sampling fits participants’ values and their preferred testing conditions and understand how these factors influence the acceptability of HPV self-sampling test among hard-to-reach women. Methods This qualitative study used a semi-structured guide based on three constructs of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with n = 63 hard-to-reach women in Portugal (2 FGD), Ecuador (4 FGD), and Belgium (3 FGD). Data were analysed using deductive content analysis. Results While some women viewed HPV self-sampling as acceptable, others questioned its compatibility with their ethical views and moral principles, stressing that the test cannot replace the clinical examination. Participants held conflicting views, with some expressing confidence in their sampling abilities while others feared making errors when taking the sample. Cultural disparities in preferred testing conditions emerged: Ecuadorian women preferred solo testing, while those in Europe preferred assistance. Conclusions This study indicated ambivalent attitudes towards self-sampling. Further research on HPV self-sampling acceptability is needed to explore socio-cultural nuances. Our study emphasises the importance of culturally attuned interventions to address these populations’ needs and reduce inequalities. Key messages • Hard-to-reach women harbour conflicting views about self-sampling. • Screening policies may include opportunities for self- and clinician sampling.

Contextualizing the Manifestation of Gendered Colonialist Microaggressions: A Qualitative Study on Post-Colonial Migration Experiences Among Immigrant Women

Over the last decade, the framework of microaggressions has been adopted to examine subtle manifestations of discrimination from the perspective of socially disadvantaged groups. However, the microaggressions literature is strongly U.S.-centered, and very few studies have been conducted in other societal contexts, such as European countries characterized by distinct migration patterns and post-colonial intergroup relations. Moreover, foreign-born immigrant women have been overlooked in microaggression research. The present qualitative study draws upon post-colonial feminist theory and adopts an intracategorical intersectional approach to examine the experiences of foreign-born immigrant women in Portugal. Ten focus groups were conducted with 52 participants ( Mage = 34.2, SD = 10.2). Data were analyzed via a two-step process thematic analysis (TA) approach. First, codebook TA was used to produce nine themes building on previous microaggressions taxonomies. Then, reflexive TA was applied to generate four macro-themes related to post-colonial discourses. As a result, we propose a taxonomy of Gendered Colonialist Microaggressions and a theoretical framework linking these subtle forms of discrimination to social representations of immigrant women, rooted in colonial legacies and systemic power disparities. This study highlights the understudied psychological and societal implications of microaggressions in post-colonial settings, raising new questions and providing directions for future action.

The relationship between healthcare satisfaction after miscarriage and perinatal grief symptoms: A cross-sectional study on Portugal residents

Objective15–20% of identified pregnancies result in miscarriage, which may lead to persistent symptoms of psychological morbidities in some women. Healthcare satisfaction is among the factors believed to influence such negative psychological responses. Here, we present the results of a study conducted in Portugal that analyzes the relationship between healthcare satisfaction, information and support provision and perinatal grief symptoms. MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, symptoms of perinatal grief, degree of satisfaction with healthcare received, and information and support provision data were collected through an online survey aimed at women in Portugal who suffered a miscarriage. 873 were considered eligible. Correlations were performed between perinatal grief scores and healthcare satisfaction rates. Finally, the proportions of information and support received were compared after distributing the sample in groups according to their perinatal grief levels. ResultsHealthcare satisfaction correlated significantly with perinatal grief scores, the latter increasing as satisfaction levels decreased. 61.1% of our sample received information about the physical consequences of miscarriage and showed a significantly lower rate of above-threshold perinatal grief symptoms in this group. 18.2% received information about its mental health consequences, with no significant differences in above-threshold symptom rates. 11.7% were offered or recommended mental health support, but no significant differences in above-threshold symptom rates were found. ConclusionHealthcare satisfaction and information on after-miscarriage physical changes correlated significantly with reduced perinatal grief rates after miscarriage. However, any effects of mental health information and psychological support provision need further studies. Training for healthcare providers dealing with pregnancy loss, implementing national guidelines that include follow-up on the parents' physical and psychological health, and including a specialized area in medical structures are advised.

Psychometric properties of the Decisional Conflict Scale in a sample of perinatal women with depressive symptoms: A study in Portugal and Norway

ObjectiveTo assess the psychometric properties, i.e., reliability and construct validity of the 16-item Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) and sub-scales in women with perinatal depressive symptoms in Norway and Portugal. MethodsWe included 415 women in Portugal and 163 in Norway (≥18 years) who were pregnant or had given birth in the last 12 months and presenting with active depressive symptoms. Women replied to the original DCS items. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis, estimated internal consistency reliability, and examined factorial invariance across country, perinatal status, and treatment uptake. ResultsThe DCS factor model had good fit to the data, with all items loading significantly on their respective factor (.585 to .958). There was configural invariance of the DCS across countries, treatment, and perinatal status. The internal consistency of the total DCS (Cronbach’s alpha) was .958, and for the subscales it ranged from .798 to .947. ConclusionsThe DCS is a valid and reliable measure of the decisional conflict in women with perinatal depressive symptoms in Portugal and Norway. Practice ImplicationsMeasuring the extent of decisional conflict regarding treatment and the effect of multiple interventions towards its reduction, is critical to facilitate the decision-making process of women with perinatal mental illness.

Segue-me à Capela: Inclusion and Resilience Strategies in Traditional Portuguese Music

ABSTRACT Although traditional polyphonic singing has been practiced assiduously by many groups of women in Portugal, the cultural policies implemented during the New State (1933–1974) did not give it visibility on the stages of folklore representation. Segue-me à Capela emerged in 1999, a group of seven Portuguese women dedicated to traditional polyphonic singing, embodying a way of listening to and learning about music that had been silenced or subordinated. Based on the concept of feminist artivism, which perceives art as a tool for visibility and social transformation, this article explores the inclusion and resilience strategies assumed by Segue-me à Capela.

Breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of refugee, migrant and asylum seeker women in Portugal

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after childbirth. However, breastfeeding is influenced by organizational, social, geopolitical, and cultural factors, which are understudied in the migrant population. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices of refugee, migrant, and asylum-seeking mothers living in Lisbon.MethodsA sociodemographic questionnaire and a Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs, and Practices questionnaire were used to gather information regarding baseline breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and practices towards breastfeeding.ResultsOnly 40% of the mothers received antenatal counselling regarding the benefits and management of breastfeeding. Of the 20 responses, 10 (50%) mothers were found to have fair breastfeeding knowledge, 14 (70%) had fair attitudes and beliefs, and 12 (60%) had fair breastfeeding practices. Correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes (r = 0.531, p < 0.05) and their breastfeeding knowledge. There was no statistically significant correlation between the mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes, beliefs, and practices.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that healthy breastfeeding behaviours can be stimulated by receiving proper counselling from health professionals. Countries must focus on improving breastfeeding practices, as they still fail to do all they can to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding globally. Universal interventions are necessary to improve breastfeeding, regardless of migrant or refugee status.

The Trajectories That Remain to Be Told: Civic Participation, Immigrant Organizations, and Women’s Leadership in Portugal

This study focuses on migrant women and their civic participation in civil society organizations and/or immigrant associations. Despite women’s migration having a long global history and being of academic interest, extensive knowledge of this situation has increased substantially in recent decades; research on the civic participation of immigrant women in Portugal is still incipient. The structural conditions affecting these women’s mobility processes remain overlooked, concealing their vulnerabilities. Additionally, success stories of migrant women, which could serve as inspirations for others, are often invisible. This exploratory research examines the role of female immigrant leaders and the demands they face in facilitating immigrants’ integration into Portuguese society. Eight qualitative interviews were conducted with diverse immigrant organizations in Portugal, advocating for immigrant rights and promoting integration through various strategies. The results reveal that migrant women’s experiences and participation in leadership roles are shaped not only by their migrant background and their qualifications but also by the difficulties they encountered upon arrival in Portugal. These leaders tend to focus on constraints, particularly regarding the organization’s sustainability, rather than emphasizing opportunities for civic participation. Nevertheless, this study also reveals that participation in IOs leads to increased autonomy and a heightened sense of empowerment for these women. It grants them a voice, visibility, and recognition both in the host society and their own communities. Overall, the study sheds light on the significance of recognizing immigrant women’s contributions and challenges, as well as the crucial role played by immigrant organizations in promoting integration and advocating for immigrants’ rights in Portugal. It also emphasizes the need for the government to financially support these organizations.

Identity and Emotions in the Long Eighteenth Century: Representing Oneself and Others in the Diary of the Marchioness of Fronteira

This paper analyses the recently published diary of the Marchioness of Fronteira, written between 1826 and 1842, from the point of view of the history of emotions. There are few diaries written by women in Portugal, especially in the troubled period of political instability, resulting from the Portuguese liberal revolution of 1820 and the consequent civil war, which led to the emigration of a significant number of the constitutional regime’s supporters. As it is primarily a travel diary, detailing encounters with other cultures and social realities, this provides a privileged source for understanding the emotions of its author, from her sociable interactions with people of both genders, and different social and geographic backgrounds. Analysis of these emotions and the author’s reactions enables study of her identity and self-perception, her emotional performativity, gender relations and her ties with an interconnected Europe.

Public perceptions about the invasive pampas grass, Cortaderia selloana: a case study of environmentally conscious citizens in Southern Europe

Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass), native to South America, is a widespread invasive plant in several regions of the World, including the south of the Atlantic Arc (Europe), where it has been used as an ornamental species. Citizens may help to spread it, e.g., planting it in their gardens, but on the other hand, when they are aware of its invasiveness, can contribute to control it and prevent its spread. An online survey was performed to better understand the perception and knowledge of Portuguese and Spanish citizens, regarding pampas grass. The influence of education and occupation, along with age, gender and country of residence, on the knowledge and perceptions of respondents was analysed. The questionnaire was answered by 486 and 839 citizens in Portugal (PT) and Spain (ES), respectively. Most respondents were between 41 and 64 years old, mostly women in Portugal and equally women and men in Spain, with higher education and working mostly in the services sector. The majority of respondents in both countries recognized the plant, knew it is invasive and were able to name it, alerting to a possible bias of the target audience toward citizens already aware of the invasiveness of the pampas grass. Fewer respondents were aware of the legislation that limits its use, and most were unable to identify particular characteristics of the species. The results showed that respondents' occupation in PT and education in ES influenced their knowledge and perception about pampas grass. This study confirms that education and raising awareness regarding invasive species is of utmost importance, as respondents identified academic training and projects with a strong focus on public awareness as the main sources of knowledge regarding pampas grass. Better informed citizens can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem, especially regarding invasive species with such ornamental interest as pampas grass.

What is the role of attitudinal barriers on cervical cancer screening non-attendance? Findings from a cross-sectional study with migrant women in Portugal

BackgroundCervical cancer is a common disease which can be effectively and timely detected by cervical cancer screening. However, access to cervical cancer screening is unequal, and it is known that migrant women have a lower attendance to cervical cancer screening. These inequalities are associated with several factors, including attitudes and beliefs of the women regarding screening practices, which prevents them from participating. This study aims to explore the attitudinal barriers to cervical cancer screening among migrant women in Portugal.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1100 migrant women residing in Portugal. Women were recruited through social media platforms. The survey included items on socioeconomic characteristics, cervical cancer screening history and an 11-item attitudinal questionnaire to assess attitudinal barriers. Logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe attitudinal barriers to CCS most often reported by participants were fear of the test result (25.3%), worry about seeing a male health professional (23.8%), perceiving the test as painful (23.1%), embarrassment (18.5%), difficulties scheduling the test (14.3%), and having a negative experience in screening (12.4%). Low perceived need in absence of symptoms and lack of motivation to be screened were reported by less than 5% of the women. However, the results suggest that most of the attitudinal barriers with higher agreement percentage have no association with cervical cancer screening attendance. Among all the attitudinal barriers, low perceived need of screening and lack of motivation were associated with CCS non-attendance.ConclusionsBased on the findings, out of all the factors analyzed, low perceived need of screening and lack of motivation are the most relevant factors associated with non-attendance among migrants in Portugal. Promoting health literacy and empowering women with knowledge about benefits of screening may help overcoming these barriers. Therefore, this study provides a foundation for stakeholders on which areas should be prioritized when developing strategies aiming to reduced cervical cancer screening non-attendance among migrant women.

Violência doméstica contra as mulheres e as políticas no Brasil e em Portugal nos anos de 2010 a 2020

The article inteds to discuss domestic violence against women in Portugal and Brazil, through the analysis of policies and strategies adopted to prevent and solve the problem. This theoretical discussion contributes to the elaboration of effective policies. This article presents the historical-political perspective of the issue, the construction of policies and the actions taken in the last decade. This study is supported by a qualitative documentary method, with a literature, legislation and official documents review. The results indicate that Portugal privilegies protection, prevention, support and prosecution actions. Brazil has a national policy that prioritizes actions to combat and confront domestic violence, assistance, access and guarantee of rights to the victims. In conclusion, the policies of both coutries should include victims of violence to plan strategies and actions, enabling a better dialogue, more autonomy and inclusion of the different groups of women affected by the problem.

Resilience, pregnancy, and childbirth in a migratory context: A qualitative study on Brazilian women in Portugal

Based on the theoretical model of resilience devised by Guajardo (2011), this study aims to understand the adverse contexts and resilient responses of Brazilian women during the pregnancy-puerperium period when living in Portugal. Analyzing the interviews allowed us to understand the participants’ resilient movements. These movements were related to two categories: Self-interaction and Social skills. It was possible to verify a process of negotiating with themselves, with people closest to them, and/or with strangers. Thus developing alternatives and possibilities of overcoming the several challenges presented by a process of pregnancy and puerperium in another country. The construction and maintenance of bonds in the form of a support network were referenced by the women as an aspect that enabled self-efficiency, autonomy, and, consequently, resilient responses. Therefore, it was observed that these Brazilian women living in Portugal access resources to overcome the pregnancy-puerperium moment experienced within a migratory context.

Violent intimate relationships of Brazilian women in Portugal

This study aims to understand the intimate experiences of immigrant Brazilian women living in Portugal, and also to characterize possible victimization experiences in their intimate relationships. The empirical base was constituted by 114 immigrant women, and the results show that the intimate experiences of these women are marked by violence episodes both in Portugal and in Brazil. The most frequent types of violence were psychological and verbal violence, with these practices occurring more than once in their intimate relationships. When experiencing violence episodes, these women do not seek help and do not file a formal complaint, which legitimizes and reinforces the victimization to which they are subjected. This study intends to contribute to the development of action strategies that lead to the real protection of immigrant victims and to challenge the greater risk that immigration can entail in the lives of immigrant women, especially for victims of intimate violence.

Historical gender discrimination does not explain comparative Western European development: evidence from Portugal, 1300-1900

Gender discrimination has been pointed out as a determining factor behind the long-run divergence in incomes of Southern vis-à-vis Northwestern Europe. In this paper, we show that women in Portugal were not historically more discriminated against than those in other parts of Western Europe, including England and the Netherlands. We rely on a new dataset of thousands of observations from archival sources covering six centuries, and we complement it with a qualitative discussion of comparative social norms. Compared with Northwestern Europe, women in Portugal faced similar gender wage gaps, married at similar ages, and did not face more restrictions on labor market participation. Consequently, other factors must have been responsible for the Little Divergence of Western European incomes.

Factors Associated With Physical and Psychological Health Outcomes Among Inmate Women in Portugal

This study aims to identify the variables associated with self-reported physical and psychological symptoms and the perceived health status of inmate women in Portugal. Data collection took place in two female Portuguese prisons and participated in the study 232 women. Physical symptomatology was associated with having children, physical abuse in childhood, a higher number of chronic diseases, and anxiety. Older women, the experience of sexual abuse, and chronic diseases were associated with a worse perception of physical health. Psychological symptoms were higher in women that reported substance abuse before prison, chronic diseases, anxiety, and depression. Finally, a combination of the prior variables (sexual abuse, anxiety, and depression) and three additional variables (lower education level, not having contact with mental health services before prison, and being already sentenced) was associated with worse perceptions of mental health conditions. These findings can be used as a platform for future research, as well as a tool for prison policy regarding the particular gender health needs of inmate women.

Women's Transnational Activism against Portugal's Colonial Wars

AbstractThis article recovers the history of the transnational women's movement that arose during Portugal's colonial wars (1961–1974). This movement connected women in Portugal and its colonies and operated independently of the PCP, MPLA, PAIGC, and FRELIMO. Most research on women's activism in Portugal, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Cabo Verde, and Mozambique begins with their relationships to the male-dominated organizations that operated within national frameworks. In contrast, by examining the international connections of these women's groups, this article illuminates their political activities outside national organizations led by men. It shows that women created transnational solidarity networks struggling against the Portuguese Estado Novo and the colonial wars and, in doing so, promoted their own emancipation.

Becoming a Migrant Mother: An Intersectional Approach to the Narratives of Cape Verdean Women in Portugal

Becoming a mother in the context of migration configures itself as a dynamic process of identity constitution that raises questions about citizenship, belonging, and migration policies. Furthermore, it is a process that involves a new set of maternal positions and practices that are composed through possibly conflicting cultural values. Based on the occurrence of unplanned pregnancies, this study sought to analyze the dimensions crossed by this event through an intersectional perspective of the narratives of Cape Verdean immigrant women who had children in Portugal, focusing on gender, migration, race/ethnicity. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine women, born in Cape Verde and residing in Greater Lisbon, through the Biographic-Narrative Interpretative Method (BNIM), which enabled an approach to the different dimensions that intersect in life stories of becoming an immigrant mother. Thematic analysis was chosen as an analytical tool, and the framework provided by intersectionality allows us to see the multiple identities that shape the processes of becoming a migrant mother. The results brought to light themes and issues that overlap and make motherhood more complex in the context of migration, highlighting and reinforcing the conditions of inequality.

Non-attendance in cervical cancer screening among migrant women in Portugal: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives:Cervical cancer has a high mortality rate among women worldwide. Although cervical cancer screening (CCS) is an effective strategy in reducing mortality of the disease, inequalities in accessing screening exist, particularly among migrant women. This study aims to characterize migrant women’s participation in CCS and determine factors associated with non-attendance to CCS.Methods:A cross-sectional study based on a web-based survey targeting adult migrant women living in Portugal was conducted. Prevalence of non-attendance to CCS was examined, and its associations with socioeconomic, migration-related, and health-related factors were determined using adjusted logistic regression models.Results:A total of 1100 migrant women were included in the study. Prevalence of CCS non-attendance was 24.5%. CCS non-attendance was associated with younger age, being born in Africa or Asia, being single/divorced/widowed, never having had a GP appointment in Portugal and not having regular gynecology appointments. Being born in South and Central America, shorter length of stay in Portugal, having had HPV vaccination, and not having children are associated with CCS attendance.Conclusion:These findings point out that an important percentage of migrant women do not attend CCS. Strategies to increase participation should be developed, considering the inequalities identified and designed to target the specific needs of migrant women to improve their CCS attendance and increase cervical cancer prevention.

Urinary Incontinence in Women Who Practice Recreational Exercise: A Cross-Sectional Study

Urinary incontinence affects up to one third of women in Portugal. Exercise can be a precipitating/aggravating factor but also protective, if appropriate. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence in women who practice recreational exercise, to assess its relationship with the type of exercise and other coexisting risk factors, and assess whether the topic is addressed in gyms. Cross-sectional study using self-reported questionnaires in gyms in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. Two hundred and ninety women completed the questionnaires. From these, 67.6% were under 40 years old, 25.2% reported incontinence, and 53.4% had at least one risk factor unrelated to exercise. There was a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between incontinence, obesity and constipation. High impact exercises were included in the training of 62.1% continent and 50.9% incontinent women. The topic of incontinence and strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles was addressed in only 5.5% in the initial assessment, 9.7% in collective training, and in 13.5% of the 37 women with individualized training. The higher proportion of continent women - compared to incontinent - who practiced strenuous exercise suggests that this might be a provocative factor for some, although there was no statistically significant association between incontinence and type of exercise. Urinary incontinence affects women who practice recreational exercise, regardless of age and exercise characteristics. It is rarely addressed in gyms, and it is necessary to raise the awareness of professionals to enhance the preventive/therapeutic effects of exercise on the function of the pelvic floor and in the control of modifiable risk factors.