Women In Decision-making Process Research Articles

Understanding Urban Women's Interaction with Domestic Technologies in Malawi: Advancing Feminist Theories in HCI

In sub-Saharan Africa, women are caretakers of their homes. Despite the gendered nature of technology use, human-computer interaction research has rarely focused on women's interaction with domestic technologies in this context. We explore how urban women in Malawi use domestic technologies to support activities in their homes. We conducted semi-structured interviews, observations, and focus group discussions with 33 married women living with their husbands and other family members. Our findings suggest that women are the primary users of utilitarian domestic technologies; however, their spouses have control over how they use these technologies. Further, we found that purpose and time influence women's decision-making process for selecting domestic technologies to use, especially cooking appliances. The structure of some Malawian homes—which consist of a combination of modern and traditional structures—also influences women's decision-making process. Our findings contribute to feminist theories in human-computer interaction through the application of ecology, pluralism, and self-disclosure aspects.

Women's experiences with opting out of cervical cancer screening and the role of the nurse in the women's decision-making process.

To explore Danish women's experiences with opting out of cervical cancer screening and the role of the nurse in the women's decision-making process. A qualitative study using semi-structured, individual interviews with a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. Interviews were conducted with 13 women with experience in opting out of cervical cancer screening. Women were recruited through a public flyer and interviewed virtually or by phone. The interviews were analysed using the theory of interpretation from Paul Ricoeur and consisted of three levels: naïve reading, structural analysis, and critical discussion and analysis. The present study adheres to the COREQ guidelines. The women experience various personal causes for opting out of cervical cancer screening, such as low accessibility of screening appointments, discomfort during the smear test, fear of being sick, and insufficient information about the relevance of screening to the individual woman. The perceived disadvantages of screening outweighed their perceived advantages. The women's experiences did not include the role of the nurse in the procedures and knowledge sharing related to cervical cancer screening. However, nurses were described as having good communicative and relational qualifications relevant to being involved in cervical cancer screening. It was challenging for the women to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of cervical cancer screening and thus to make an informed decision about participation. They expressed a need for more information on which to base their decision. This places nurses in a much needed, yet unexplored, role of identifying and lowering potential personal barriers that may outweigh the women's perceived benefits of participating in screening. Nurses should play a more active role in cervical cancer screening such as improving general knowledge and facilitating two-way communication about its relevance. The present study adheres to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. No patient or public contribution.

Women's Empowerment and Participation in Islamic Financial Planning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Evidence from Maqasid al-Shari`ah

The study places a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment, given the quick changes in society that are occurring right now. Many women are pursuing various sorts of employment, including self-employment, in this era of economic liberalization and women's empowerment. However, this study aims to investigate the connection between Islam and women's empowerment by examining Maqasid al-Shari'ah perspectives on this matter. To have a thorough understanding of Islam and women's empowerment, it is imperative to consider the role played by women in the financial sector and their contribution to economic progress. Using an experiment, this study examined the relationship between confidence, gender, and race in dealing with a financial planner among various groups and races with colour and creed. The study's implications are significant for comprehending the obstacles and chances that under-represented groups encounter in pursuing financial planning success. The alignment of industry measures to raise the proportion of women and persons from varied backgrounds in the financial services sector led to the focus of this study on women and diversity. This essay examines the primary factors influencing diversity and the place of women in various financial management, CSR, and external corporate governance roles. This research also focuses on women's leadership and social diversity, focusing on female managers committed to fostering and maintaining equity and diversity inside their organizations. This study demonstrates how women plan financially for retirement based on psychological concepts and sociodemographic variables, highlighting the importance of financial management and planning for women. It showed a strong correlation between the investor's choice of investments and the strong relationship between the women's decision-making processes on the mental and financial levels. To assess the core idea of Maqasid al-Shari’ah from primary and secondary Islamic knowledge sources, which serves as a model for women's empowerment, and to pinpoint the obstacles to women's empowerment and participation in Islamic financial planning in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion, this study employs the qualitative method.

The Obstetrician's Role in Pregnant Women's Decision-Making Process Regarding Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination.

Pregnant women are considered to be a population vulnerable to influenza and COVID-19 infections, and the latest guidelines consistently recommend that they receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among pregnant women in Poland to determine which factors have the greatest impact on their decision to vaccinate against influenza and COVID-19. A total of 515 pregnant women participated in the study. Among them, 38.4% (n = 198) demonstrated a positive attitude toward influenza vaccination, and 64.3% (n = 331) demonstrated a positive attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the strongest influence on positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination is having it recommended by an obstetrician-gynecologist (OR = 2.439, p = 0.025). The obstetrician-gynecologist's recommendation to vaccinate against influenza also significantly influences the decision to vaccinate (OR = 5.323). The study results also show a strong correlation between the obstetrician-gynecologist as a source of information on influenza and vaccination and participants' positive attitudes toward vaccination (OR = 4.163). Obstetricians have a significant influence on pregnant women's decisions regarding vaccinations. Further recommendations to vaccinate and awareness-raising among obstetricians may be needed to increase the vaccination rate of pregnant women in Poland.

Unpaid work and women empowerment

ABSTRACT The paper attempts to contextualize the significance of the work of unpaid female family helpers’ (UPFFH) for women empowerment. Additionally, it brings into light the subjective feelings and perceptions of unpaid family helpers. The current research is based on primary data collected through a self-structured questionnaire from 200 females aged 15+ years who were helping in the household income generation without getting paid. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among UPFFHs residing in district Lahore, Pakistan. The participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The analysis of UPFFHs empowerment was performed by employing a percentage distribution approach based on four levels of participation in decision making. The research puts emphasis on the impact of excessive, unequal, and unpaid work on women and further argues for social rational of recognizing the work through empowering women in decision-making process at their personal, household, and community level. The findings of the study indicates that the young UPFFHs are less empowered as they face the greatest familial and community pressure when it comes to making their life decisions. However, the paper further documents their aspiration to attain economic independence which would then bring change in gender perceptions and their overall social standing. The paper concludes by highlighting the problems associated with “unpaid work” and why it must be addressed, especially if the country has to fully realize the valued goal of women empowerment and gender equality.

Barriers and facilitators to genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer amongst Black African women in Luton (UK).

Evidence suggests that although Black African women have the lowest incidence of breast and ovarian cancer, they have the highest mortality rate and low rates of uptake for cancer screening services for these conditions in the United Kingdom (UK). This study aimed to explore the perceived barriers and facilitators to genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer amongst Black African women in Luton (UK). We conducted a qualitative study that included one face-to-face and five telephone focus group discussions. Consistent with the health belief model, a focus group discussion guide was developed. A total of 24 participants, aged 23-57 who self-identified as Black African women and who were English speakers residing in Luton, took part in the focus group discussions. Purposive and snowballing sampling were used to recruit the participants for this study. The focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed per verbatim, coded and analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach, and the findings were classified. Nine themes emerged from the narratives obtained including six barriers and three facilitators. Barriers to genetic testing included (1) Cost and affordability, (2) Lack of knowledge, awareness, and family health history knowledge, (3) Language barrier, immigration, and distrust in western healthcare services, (4) Fear, (5) Cultural, religious, and intergenerational views and perceptions, and (6) Eligibility for genetic testing for the BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants and a lack of referral to specialist genetic clinics. Facilitators to genetic testing included (7) Availability of tests cost-free under the National Health Service (NHS) (8) Family members' health and (9) Awareness and education on genetic testing. The barriers and facilitators identified could enable policy makers and healthcare services alike to gain a better understanding of the factors influencing Black African women's decision-making process toward genetic testing. Ultimately, this work can inform interventions aiming to increase the uptake of genetic testing among this group.

Quality of life in women under 65 years of age with diabetes and affecting factors: A cross-sectional study

Objective: The study was conducted in the cross-sectional manner to determine the factors affecting the quality of life in women 65 years under with diabetes, to ensure the guide women in the management of the disease. Methods: This study was conducted in the cross-sectional manner with 134 female patients with diabetes. The data were collected using the "Personal Information Form" and the “The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Short Form”. Descriptive statistical analyzes were used to evaluate the data, and correlation and regression analyzes were used to evaluate the effects of independent variables. Results: In the correlation analysis made for the relationship of some variables with the quality of life, it was determined that there was a positive significant relationship between age and duration of marriage variables, physical area, mental area, environmental area, general health, and total quality of life. It has been determined that the variables of residence, income status, duration of marriage, presence of gynecological disease, number of births, number of living children, family planning use status, fasting and postprandial blood sugar variables affect the quality of life. It was determined that the variables included in the model explained 61% of the quality of life. Conclusion: Age, duration of marriage, geographical conditions of the place of residence and income status, quality of life also varies according to gender, as gynecological diseases experienced, pregnancy, and family planning use status, fasting and postprandial blood sugar variables affect the quality of life.

Factors affecting women's decision between uterine-preserving versus hysterectomy-based surgery for pelvic organ prolapse.

Given the prevalence of women seeking surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), there is a need to understand women's decision-making regarding uterine-preserving versus hysterectomy-based surgeries. Historically, hysterectomy-based surgeries have been the preferred treatment for pelvic organ prolapse; however, contemporary evidence supports uterine-preserving surgeries as equivalent. At present, the lack of information available to the general public and limited options presented at surgical consultation for pelvic organ prolapse may hinder women's autonomy as they navigate surgical treatment. To examine the factors affecting women's decision-making processes regarding uterine-preserving or hysterectomy-based surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. This is a qualitative study. We conducted semi-structured, qualitative interviews with women seeking surgery for pelvic organ prolapse to explore the factors affecting women's decision-making between hysterectomy-based and uterine-preserving surgeries. Women (n = 26) used clinical and personal factors to determine which surgery was best. Women noted that the lack of evidence (clinical and/or anecdotal) available to them hindered their decision-making, causing them to rely more on their own interpretations of the evidence, what they perceived to be "normal," and what their surgeon recommended. Even with standardized discussion regarding the existing clinical equipoise between surgeries at the clinical consultation, some women still had misperceptions that hysterectomy-based surgery would convey the lowest risk of prolapse recurrence and be best for severe prolapse. There is a need for more transparency in discussions about prolapse and the factors affecting women's decision-making for surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse. Clinicians should be prepared to offer the option of hysterectomy-based or uterine-preserving surgeries and to clearly explain the clinical equipoise between these procedures.

The Perspectives of Nurses and HIV-Positive Women on a Selected Model of Pregnancy Decision-Making Processes in Northeast Thailand

Many women living with HIV intend to become pregnant. This is especially true for women who have received ARV treatment for a certain period. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of nurses and Thai pregnant women living with HIV on pregnancy decision-making processes. This is a descriptive and qualitative study. Small group discussions were conducted with five nurses working with HIV-positive women and in-depth interviews were conducted with five Thai HIV-positive pregnant women. A model of the pregnancy decision-making process was provided to participants for the discussion. The nurses’ and women's perspectives on the model can be divided into two themes: 1) The perspective of the selected model and its five sub-themes, namely: 1.1) How the substantive model reflects the pregnancy decision-making process; 1.2) Complexity; 1.3) Usability; 1.4) Strength; 1.5) Weaknesses, in addition to the perspectives of women and nurses on the application of the model. The model reflects the real-life experiences and decision-making processes of Thai women with HIV, where each category shows the trail of the women's decision-making process. However, the model is complex and requires substantial explanation. From the participant's point of view, the model reflects the barriers to the practices and services provided.

“Mothering practices in times of legal precarity: activism, care, and resistance in displacement”

ABSTRACT This introduction studies the experiences of racialized migrant women by focusing on three analytical dimensions: mothering, including care work and reproduction; legal precarity caused by the encounter with migration and border regimes; and gendered racialization. It argues that by applying the lens of motherhood to the study of migration and forced displacement, different perspectives and insights emerge on women's decision-making processes and strategies. These perspectives emphasize how the overlap of migration experiences, legal precarity, and gendered racialization within global asylum and border regimes reconfigure women’s relations with their children, kin ties, sense of personhood, intimacies, and belonging. Ultimately, this introduction suggests that the study of the triangular interconnection of motherhood, legal precarity and gendered racialization sheds light on various scales and spheres: from perspectives on emotional and psychological challenges to everyday realities, from the intimate to the public sphere, including both larger structural processes and individualized experiences.

Why Iranian women undergo aesthetic genital surgeries? A qualitative study

Purpose: In recent years the prevalence of cosmetic genital surgery in women has increased. This qualitative study has attempted to explore the rationale behind the decision of undergoing aesthetic genital surgeries in a sample of seven married women who had undergone such surgeries in Iran (Tehran).Methods: Seven in-depth semi-structured narrative interviews were conducted, and the results were analyzed via thematic analysis techniques.Results: Three main themes emerged, namely, 'individual problems', 'Couple relationships', and 'Physician-Patient Relationships'. Six sub-themes that were commonly repeated were mental health issues, inadequate sexuality education, imbalanced couple dynamics, communication difficulties, simultaneous surgical intervention in the peri-genital region, and imbalanced power relations.Conclusions: It seems that an interplay of different personal and interpersonal issues, facilitates women's decision-making process and propels women in choosing genital aesthetic surgeries. Thus, women are advised to consult with a psychosexual therapist, a clinical psychologist, or a psychiatrist before making any decision about undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Seeking safety from male partner violence in Turkey: Toward a context-informed perspective on women's decisions and actions

Women's stay/leave decision-making in violent relationships has become a subject of investigation in psychology over the last few decades. Despite making significant contributions to the understanding of how women's psychological processes shape their responses to violence, much of this research has lacked a contextualized approach. The present study aimed to provide a feminist context-informed examination of women's decision-making and safety-seeking processes. Twelve women who had experiences of violence in their marital relationships were interviewed individually. The study was carried out in Istanbul, Turkey, and all participants were socioeconomically disadvantaged women. A constructivist grounded theory approach was used for the data analysis. The results indicated that women's helplessness, beyond being a psychological construct, was a reality shaped by the conditions of marginalization in their lives. More than being related to the experience of psychological trauma, the women's narratives revealed the disempowering barriers associated with the lack of socioeconomic and institutional resources. Under these circumstances, regardless of their decisions to stay or leave, the women underlined their ongoing strategic efforts to ensure their safety, as mainly strengthened by the relational support available to them.

Explaining geospatial variation in mobile phone ownership among rural women of Bangladesh: A multi-level and multidimensional approach

Despite significant progress in Information and communication technologies (ICTs), rural dwellers of Bangladesh are still less fortunate when it comes to availing the improved ICT facilities compared to their urban counterparts, and this digital divide is more evident in the case of women. Mobile phone ownership (MPO) can play a key role in bridging this digital divide and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of “End poverty in all its forms everywhere”, “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”, and “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”. Administrative district-level infrastructural and societal readiness to women's MPO in rural settings of Bangladesh may also influence the geospatial variation in their MPO status, which is still unexplained. In the context of rural Bangladesh, household heads substantially exert influence over women's decision-making process. However, the role of household heads' age and education on women's MPO is mostly unexplored. As in developing countries, women's MPO does not ensure its usage, investigating the possibilities of women's MPO on its usage has immense importance. Therefore, this study aims to revisit the correlates of rural women's MPO in Bangladesh and explain the administrative district-level geospatial variation in their MPO by controlling the effect of individual and household-level sociodemographic correlates of MPO. Further, this study attempts to investigate the possibilities of MPO on the extent of its usage. This study used the latest nationally representative cross-sectional data from Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019. This study reveals that the district-level readiness was a potential source of geospatial variation in the prevalence of rural women's MPO in Bangladesh. The lowest level of readiness was noticed in north-western Bangladesh. Comparatively elderly women with better education and media exposure had a considerably higher chance of MPO. Elderly household heads, especially male and less educated heads, hindered the MPO of women. This study identified MPO as a key determinant of its extent of usage. Moreover, to increase the MPO by a faster pace, strategies should target less empowered women, particularly those who lived in districts of lower readiness.

Patient experiences of conservative treatment for early stage endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia with atypia using levonorgestrel intrauterine device: A qualitative study

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to obtain an in-depth understanding of the experience of women who received non-surgical treatment for endometrial adenocarcinoma (EAC) or endometrial hyperplasia with atypia (EHA). Enhanced understanding of women’s experiences of non-surgical treatment is essential to inform counselling of the growing number of patients in this field. MethodsIndividual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 women who received conservative (non-surgical hormonal) treatment for early stage EAC or EHA using the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) as part of the feMMe trial (NCT01686126). All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim prior to content analysis. ResultsOf the 21 women interviewed, ten received conservative treatment for early stage EAC and 11 received conservative treatment for EHA. Five overarching themes were identified: i) extensive information and support needs (e.g. understanding of how the LNG-IUD treatment worked); ii) gratitude for treatment choice and non-surgical options (e.g. avoidance of potential risks associated with surgery); iii) onco-fertility (e.g. desire to maintain reproductive potential); iv) patient experience of overweight and obesity related to EAC development (e.g. history of trauma and disordered eating, multiple unsuccessful weight loss attempts); and v) patient experience of treatment options and actual non-surgical treatment (e.g. desire for early referral to counselling services). ConclusionsThis qualitative investigation enabled novel insights into the treatment preferences and decision-making process of women with newly diagnosed EHA and EAC when offered non-surgical treatment options. These insights facilitate the development of pragmatic guidance and decision support tools that could be tested in future clinical trials.

Decision Making Power of Homemakers in a Rural Muslim Community of West Bengal: An Empirical Study

Decision-making power is a vital key for assessing the empowerment of a person. Empowerment increases self-efficacy by which one can control one’s mode of life for survival in a better way. It is an established fact that women are the most disempowered section in our society and the rural Muslim women are relatively more oppressed than others as there is the predominance of social-cultural and economic inequality among this minority community. As a result, these women have very limited opportunities to participate in the decision-making process related to their family matters and societal affairs linked with their own lives. Considering this scenario, the present study attempts to examine and analyse the decision-making power of homemakers in rural Muslim communities at micro level, taking Santoshpur village of Murshidabad district, West Bengal, as a case study. The methodology designed for the present study integrates both quantitative and qualitative methods based on field surveys. For this, fifty respondents have been selected using stratified purposive random sampling technique, and data have been acquired through face-to-face interviews through a semi-structured questionnaire. Then, the Cumulative Empowerment Index (CEI) is constructed based on selected eight key indicators to measure respondents' decision-making ability and liberty. Multiple Correlations are also computed, indicating that education and economic dependencies are the most critical determinants influencing women's empowerment and decision-making processes. The study also reveals that the existing rigid cultural system is mainly responsible for the suppression of women’s identity as well as their thoughts. But there remains hope for the next-generation girl children as different schemes are being taken up by the Government of West Bengal to promote and popularise women’s education at different levels.

Factors affecting the decisions of women considering oocyte cryopreservation: A blog study

The aim was to explain the factors that affect the decision-making processes of women considering oocyte cryopreservation. In this study, a web page was scanned between March and April 2020 that was appropriate to the “Evaluation of the Quality and Content of Websites Form.” As a result, 4 main themes (unknown process, financial burden, social stigma, and future concerns) were created from the experiences of 23 women. The majority of women feel anxiety associated with the oocyte cryopreservation process. It is recommended that reliable information should be presented to society by health care professionals.

Role of social network in decision making for increasing uptake and continuing use of long acting reversible (LARC) methods in Pakistan

IntroductionDespite evidence from recent Demographic Health Surveys that show 98% of the adult Pakistani population have an awareness of at least one modern contraceptive method, only 25% of married couples in Pakistan used a modern method of contraception. Of the modern contraceptive methods, LARC usage has increased only from 2.1 to 3%. This low uptake is puzzling in the context of high awareness of LARC methods and its availability through public sector facilities at subsidized costs. This study aimed to understand the social influences in initiating and continuing use of an LARC methods for contraception in a rural setting in Pakistan.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 27 women who were using a LARC method for contraception. Data was managed using NVivo 12 and themes were identified using a content analysis approach to analyze the transcripts.ResultsFour key themes, supported by sub-themes relating to a temporal model, were identified to explain women’s experiences with initiating and continuing use of a LARC. The themes were (i) Use of trusted networks for information on LARCs; (ii) Personal motivation and family support in decision to use LARC; (iii) Choice of LARC methods and access to providers; and (iv) Social and professional support instrumental in long term use of LARC. Results highlight the significant role of immediate social network of female family members in supporting the women in initiating LARCs and maintaining the method’s use.ConclusionThis study contributes to an in depth understanding of the decision-making process of women who adopted LARC and maintained its use. Women who proceeded to use an LARC and who persisted with its use despite the experience of side effects and social pressures, were able to do so with support from other female family members and spouse.

Abstract PS9-13: Decision making process and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy

Abstract BACKGROUND The relatively high rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) among women with early stage unilateral breast cancer has raised concerns particularly with the lack of evidence for a survival benefit related to the CPM and with the low risk of developing contralateral breast cancer among women with early stage breast cancer. Women might be choosing this procedure to ease their fear of recurrence, and by believing that CPM may improve their quality of life; others might be influenced by their partner, physician or media. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of the partner, physician, or media on the decision making process of women with unilateral breast cancer who decided to undergo CPM. METHODS This is a retrospective study, conducted under MD Anderson Institutional Review Board. Women were identified from an existing cohort of breast cancer patients, age 20-60 years old, who were diagnosed with unilateral breast cancer stage 0 to III, who had no clinical or radiographic evidence of contralateral breast cancer, and who underwent CPM between January of 2010 and December of 2017 at MD Anderson Cancer Center; participants received a link to the quantitative cross-sectional survey using the Red Cap platform, 1341 patients were eligible to participate in the study, of which 397 completed the survey. The survey consisted of 16 questions that were adopted and modified from the Prophylactic Mastectomy Outcomes Study Survey. The survey design provided a numeric description of the factors that are affecting the women decision to undergo CPM; as well as the influence of the partner, physician, or media on the woman’s decision-making process. Exclusion included women who had bilateral breast cancer before undergoing CPM, women who had received any treatment for breast cancer before their initial visit to MD Anderson, women who had bilateral breast cancer before undergoing CPM and patients with incomplete documentation of diagnosis of breast cancer, hormone receptor status or metastatic disease. Incidence of doctor, partner, and media influence were each modeled by logistic regression with adjustment for family history of breast cancer and pathology stage. RESULTS 203/343 (59%) patients reported some doctor influence on the CPM decision. The logistic regression model of the incidence of doctor-influence demonstrated significantly higher overall influence on the CPM decision due to doctors compared to self-determination alone (p=.0006), suggesting that 59% of patients’ decisions were influenced by doctors. 53/189 (28%) patients with partners reported some partner influence on the CPM decision. The logistic regression model of the incidence of partner-influence demonstrated significantly lower overall influence on the CPM decision due to partners compared with self-determination alone (p<.0001,), suggesting that 28% of patients’ decisions were influenced by partners. 36/213 (16%) patients reported some level of media influence on the CPM decision. The logistic regression model of the incidence of media-influence demonstrated significantly lower overall influence on the CPM decision due to media compared with self-determination alone (p<.0001), suggesting that 16% of patients’ decisions were influenced by media. CONCLUSION Partners, physicians, and media all had significant influence (p < 0.05) on the decision-making process of women with unilateral breast cancer to undergo CPM. It is important for women with unilateral breast cancer to fully understand the benefits versus the adverse effect of CPM and make an informed decision regarding the irreversible surgical procedure. The findings of this study may inform policy by highlighting the need for educational aids, programs, or tools that help women with unilateral breast cancer make informed decisions that are evidence-based regarding the efficacy of CPM. Citation Format: Hala Farouk Alameddine, Akshara Singareeka, Clark Andersen, Jesse Selber, Abena Brewster, Carlos H. Barcenas, Abigail Caudle, Baru Arun, Nuhad Ibrahim. Decision making process and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS9-13.

Health Information-Seeking Behavior of Iranian first-time Mothers and First-Time Pregnant Women in Northwest Health Centers of Tehran

Introduction: Pregnancy, especially the first pregnancy and childbirth, affects the women’s quality of life. Improving information-seeking behavior facilitates the decision-making process of women during pregnancy and postpartum. The aim of this study was to investigate the health information-seeking behavior of Iranian first-time mothers and first-time pregnant women.
 Methods: This research was a cross-sectional-descriptive survey .A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among 358 first-time mothers and first-time pregnant women who attended 9 health centers in the northwest of Tehran, Iran, in 2017. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and by conducting descriptive statistics and Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests at .05 significance level.
 Result: The most important information need of the first- time mothers and first-time pregnant women was "Fetal/newborn health"; the most important source of information used was "gynecologist"; the most important way to access the resources was "visiting a doctor in person," and the most critical barrier to access information was "high costs of visiting a doctor, midwife, or nurse." Testing the hypotheses showed significant differences between information seeking components and demographic characteristics of the respondents. It was also found that there was no significant difference between the components of information-seeking behavior among two groups of first-time mothers and first-time pregnant women (p>0.05).
 Conclusion: Making pregnancy-related health information more available and accessible and providing high-quality educational programs at affordable cost in health centers for first-time mothers and first-time pregnant women can help them increase their health literacy and prevent many common complications associated with pregnancy and child health.

Women's Decision-Making Process of Childbirth Methods

Background: At normal situation, vaginal delivery is recommended to pregnant females who are at low risk of complications. Recently, there is a widespread discussion about the right of the women in choosing their childbirth methods, specifically cesarean section. Aim: We designated to critically discuss the ethical argument on female’s choice of childbirth method as well as the influential factors involved in their decision-making process. Methods: A comprehensive discussion relying on systematic literature reviews was conducted to address the ethics, policies, safety, and suggestions for the choice of childbirth approach. Findings: Most women would like to have the freedom in selecting the delivery method, whereas the decision-making process is complicated and multifactorial and needs to coordinate with safety issues, opinions from family members, and recommendations from doctors. Discussion: No evidences could define the safest fetal delivery method. However, in consideration of both the equality and ethical principle, obstetricians should respect the women’s autonomy while obligate to refuse their requests to lower the risk of both the mother and infant. The establishment of trust, exchange of information, fully consideration of all factors, and legal protection can ensure doctors helping the mothers to make the best decision for childbirth approach. Conclusion: The decision-making process for determining the childbirth method depends on the balance among females’ autonomy, family’s suggestions, obstetrician’s obligation, and legal protection of the doctor.