Women's Experiences Research Articles

A Pharmacotherapeutic Approaches for Managing Labour Pain using Synthetic Drugs and Natural Therapies.

The birth of a child is a critical and potentially traumatic experience for women, entailing multiple physiological and psychosocial changes. The psychological effects of childbirth pain can have both immediate and long-term effects on the mother's health and her bond with her child. Many studies investigated the different ranges of synthetic drugs available for pain control in labour, inclusive of neuraxial analgesics, inhaled analgesics, and various opioids. The inadequate efficacy and unfavourable side effects of these synthetic drugs prevent appropriate pharmacotherapy, resulting in a quest for natural therapies for reducing labour pain. Herbal therapies (aromatherapy) using several essential oils obtained from various natural plants are another alternative that calms and manages the mind and body through aromatic compounds that have neurological and physiological effects. The review discussed the safety profile of various synthetic drugs with their dosage information and also deliberated on the mechanism and safety profile of various natural plants that are used in aromatherapy. The review also briefly highlighted the other non-pharmacological miscellaneous techniques such as TENS, hypnosis, immersion in water, acupuncture, massage, and different other tactics that aim to assist women in coping with pain in labour.

Extracting big data from the internet to support the development of a new patient-reported outcome measure for breast implant illness: a proof of concept study.

Individuals with health conditions often use online patient forums to share their experiences. These patient data are freely available and have rarely been used in patient-reported outcomes (PRO) research. Web scraping, the automated identification and coding of webpage data, can be employed to collect patient experiences for PRO research. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of using web scraping to support the development of a new PRO measure for breast implant illness (BII). Nine publicly available BII-specific web forums were chosen post-consultation with two prominent BII advocacy leaders. The Python Selenium and Pandas packages were used to automate extraction of de-identified text from the individual posts/comments into a spreadsheet. Data were coded using a line-by-line approach and constant comparison was used to create top-level domains and sub-domains. 6362 unique codes were identified and organized into four top-level domains of information needs, symptom experiences, life impact of BII, and care experiences. Information needs of women included seeking/sharing information pre-breast implant surgery, post-breast implant surgery, while contemplating explant surgery, and post-explant surgery. Symptoms commonlydescribed by women included fatigue, brain fog, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Many comments described BII's impact on daily activities and psychosocial wellbeing. Lastly, some comments described negative care experiences and experiences related toadvocating for themselves to providers. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated the feasibility of employing web scraping as a cost-effective, efficient method to understand the experiences of women with BII. These data will be used to inform the development of a BII-specific PROM.

Growing up with juvenile vulvar lichen sclerosus, the experiences and care needs of adult women with lichen sclerosus since childhood: a qualitative exploration.

Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic remitting condition affecting the genital skin of females of all ages. Although qualitative studies have been conducted focusing on women with VLS in mid-life or older, less is known about the experiences of individuals with VLS from childhood or adolescence onward. To gain understanding of the experiences of women with a history of juvenile VLS (JVLS) regarding the impact of the disease on their personal lives, and their experiences and needs regarding care and guidance. A qualitative study was conducted consisting of 27 in-depth face-to-face interviews with adult women with a histologically confirmed history of JVLS, striving for maximum variation and saturation. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. A thorough thematic content analysis was performed. Three main themes were identified. I. Varying impact of living with JVLS: Women experienced diverse emotional and physical impact, from shame and denial to complete acceptance, from restrictions in daily functioning to no limitations. They felt hindered by their own lack of knowledge about JVLS, and generally expressed a positive influence of sharing their experiences with people close to them. II. Finding one's way in care and guidance: While navigating care and guidance, women often felt hindered by knowledge gaps among health care professionals (HCPs), lack of continuity in care and guidance, lack of life-stage adjusted and future-oriented information provision, inadequate guidance around life events, and insufficient monitoring of determinants of therapy adherence. III. Need for patient-tailored care: Patients stressed the need for age-appropriate and life-phase adjusted information, guidance around life-events and compassionate contact with knowledgeable HCPs, aware of the determinants of therapy adherence and influencing factors. Age-appropriate life-phase adjusted individually tailored care for women diagnosed with VLS in childhood or adolescence is needed. Care and guidance from childhood onward should encompass a standard of care adapted to the individual as needs change over time. This involves taking interpersonal differences into account, including differences in support network and coping strategies. These findings demonstrate the need for improving awareness and knowledge about (J)VLS among HCPs, especially primary care providers, and among the general public.

Prevalence of episiotomy and associated factors among women who gave birth at public health facilities in Jigjiga town, eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Maternal morbidity and mortality has remained a major public health concern worldwide. Basic emergency obstetric care is the primary intervention to prevent obstetric complications and maternal death. Episiotomy is one of the basic obstetrical procedures used to facilitate vaginal delivery, shorten the second stage of labor and prevent complications. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the prevalence and factors associated with episiotomy among women who gave birth in eastern Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of episiotomy and its associated factors among women who gave birth at public health facilities in Jigjiga town, eastern Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women who gave birth vaginally from May 1 to June 30, 2022. A total of 422 study participants were recruited using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires through a face-to-face interview supported with standard observational checklist and reviewing medical records. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine the association between explanatory variables and episiotomy. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI) at a P-value <0.05 was used to declare significant association. The prevalence of episiotomy among women was 52.6% (95% CI: 47.8%, 57.0%). Obstetric complications during current pregnancy (AOR:3.92, 95% CI: 1.59, 9.68), birth weight ≥4000 gm (AOR: 4.30, 95% CI: 1.53, 12.04), induction of labor (AOR: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.62, 5.93), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (AOR:2.10, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.88), duration of the second stage of labor ≥90 minutes (AOR:3.09, 95% CI: 1.53, 6.23), instrumental delivery (AOR: 2.69, 95%, CI: 1.39, 5.19), and female genital mutilation (AOR: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.83, 4.64) were factors significantly associated with episiotomy. Slightly more than half of the women who gave birth at public health facilities in the study area underwent episiotomies. In addition to the common obstetric factors, having a female genital mutilation scar increased the risk of women's experiencing episiotomies. Therefore, intervention should be tailored to address the identified obstetric risk factors and avoid female genital mutilation in the community to reduce women's experiences of episiotomies in the future.

Where Intersectionality and Multiculturalism Meet: Australian Muslim Women's Experiences of Domestic and Family Violence.

Gendered violence in minority communities has long been a flashpoint for debates on multiculturalism. Whereas multiculturalism has been critiqued for not supporting gender equality, intersectionality has been heralded as a solution to ensuring women receive holistic responses. This article draws findings from a broader study on domestic and family violence (DFV) in Australian Muslim communities, highlighting how intersectionality, as applied in the Australian context, often fails to attend to the depth of Australian Muslim women's experiences. Participants' reflections showcase a number of limitations as well as how multicultural frameworks can provide the infrastructure to meaningfully engage with their particular cultural and religious needs. The insights contribute to scholarship that critiques tokenistic applications of intersectionality.

Gender-Based Violence against Zimbabwean Migrant Women in Botswana

This study prioritises the experiences of Zimbabwean migrant women and their human security in the context of gender-based violence in Botswana. The study utilised the social constructivism theory and the social-ecological model to provide a comprehensive understanding of how gender-based violence occurs in society and how social realities construct migrant women’s experiences. Using a qualitative research approach, secondary data was collected to investigate the gender-based violence experiences of Zimbabwean migrant women. The study found that migrant women experienced various forms of abuse, including intimate partner violence with both foreign and local partners, sexual violence and harassment in their host communities, trafficking and smuggling, and sexual abuse in detention centres, all rooted in xenophobic sentiments. Power imbalances and irregularities in structural relationships between men and women were identified as significant factors contributing to violence. The findings indicate that cultural beliefs and gender roles from the country of origin and host country contribute to migrant women’s reluctance to report or disclose their experiences of gender-based violence. Patriarchal ideologies further affect judgment towards survivors and contribute to the acceptance and normalization of gender-based violence. This study contributes to the literature on human insecurities faced by migrant women and their responses to these insecurities. It highlights the need for policies that address the underlying causes of gender-based violence and promote the empowerment of migrant women.

Political Volunteers in India: Experiences of Women

Political Volunteers in India: Experiences of Women

Factors and Social Effects of Women's Employment in the Private Sector a Field Study in Babylon Governorate

The field study aims to identify and understand the issues and challenges faced by women in the labor market in the Babylon governorate and analyze the social factors that affect women's participation in work and their professional progress. These factors may include cultural and social constraints, challenges women face in balancing professional and personal life, discrimination in career opportunities and promotions, and other related matters. The sample size is relatively small relative to the total community size. This small size may affect the study's ability to represent the opinions and orientations of all women working in the Babil governorate. However, the study can provide some preliminary signals and analysis on the issue of women's labor in the province and the opinions of working women in this regard. The field study, with its rigorous data collection and statistical analysis, has concluded that there are statistically significant differences at the level of significance α ≤ 0.05 in the problem of women's work and its social dimensions. These differences, based on variables such as age, place of residence, marital status, point of work, and type of work, are of significant importance. They highlight the diverse challenges and experiences of women in the labor market, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and policies.

Unveiling Voices and Empowering Narratives: A Comprehensive Exploration of Islamic Feminism in Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis

This literature paper delves into the intricate layers of Islamic feminism within Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel Persepolis. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of post-revolutionary Iran, providing a nuanced examination of the lives of Iranian women amid political and social transformations. Through a thorough analysis of female characters, with a focus on Marjane's experiences and those of her counterparts, the paper explores instances of resistance and agency as women navigate societal expectations. The concept of Islamic Feminism is introduced and contextualized, tracing its evolution, key principles, and objectives, while highlighting its role in challenging traditional gender norms within Islamic values. The historical and cultural background of Iran during the depicted period, encompassing the Iranian Revolution and its aftermath, sets the stage for feminist discourse.Examining specific scenes and dialogues, the paper identifies and analyses elements in the narrative that reflect Islamic Feminist ideas, illustrating how Satrapi skilfully navigates the intersection of feminism and Islamic culture. Challenges and criticisms surrounding the application of the Islamic Feminism label to Persepolis are addressed, considering perspectives from both proponents and sceptics. The study concludes by discussing the potential impact of Persepolis on readers' understanding of Islamic Feminism and its broader contribution to conversations about feminism within Islamic contexts. Through a comprehensive examination, it highlights the significance of embracing diverse perspectives and employing dynamic approaches to comprehend the complexities of women's experiences within the Islamic context. By integrating ijtihad and pluralist, liberal-rationalist, and contextual approaches, it aims to unveil voices and empower narratives, ultimately fostering gender equality and justice for all. This abstract encapsulates the essence of the findings, offering insights into the multifaceted nature of Islamic feminism as pictured in Persepolis.

Phenomenology of Caste Violence in Education and Limitation of Empathy: A Vimukta Perspective

This article is written from the author’s position as a Vimukta woman and an advocate of feminism. The article attempts to include the unique situatedness of Vimukta in the discourse on caste violence in education. In doing so, it critically revisits the decade-old ongoing debate over the question, can Savarna feminists write on the experience of Dalit, Adivasi, and Vimukta women? The article highlights the limitations of the claim that empathy makes the experiences of Dalit, Adivasi, and Vimukta women accessible to Savarna feminists. It engages with the writings on the website “Savari” in which women belonging to Dalit, Adivasi, Vimukta, and backward communities share their articulation about their situation in caste society and call out the violence in Savarna feminists’ academic endeavors.

The Influence of Different Gender Roles on the Formation of Attachment Types--An Analysis from an Evolutionary Psychology Perspective

The formation of attachment style is closely related to the development of children and the formation of intimate relationship, which is an important subject in the field of psychology. Some previous studies have found significant gender differences in insecure attachment and romantic attachment styles in adulthood. Women crave secure attachment more than men do. When it comes to romantic attachment, men are more avoidant, while women show more anxiety. This paper searches and collates relevant theories and studies, integrating the physiological and psychosocial factors that lead to this difference. In the course of biological evolution, survival, reproduction, and sexual division of labor provide reliable explanations for the differences in the physical, psychological, and social experiences of men and women. Despite the limitations of the current study and the controversy surrounding the findings, a study of cognition in gay and straight groups provides an important clue that an individual's overall cognitive pattern shows a higher correlation with cognitive gender than with biological sex. In future studies, the determination of "gender" from the previous biological sex to cognitive sex selection may help to obtain more accurate experimental results.

Reclaiming Voices: Autobiographical Journeys of Bama, Urmila Pawar, and Shantabai Kamble

This research article aims to explore the autobiographical narratives of Bama, Urmila Pawar, and Shantabai Kamble, three renowned women writers whose works have challenged societal norms and given voice to marginalized communities. The focus of the study is to analyze their autobiographical works like, Karukku, The Weave of My Life: A Dalit Woman’s Memoir, and The Kaleidoscope Story of My Life as a powerful tools for resistance, redefinition, and recounting of silenced experiences of Dalit women. The article examines the ways in which Bama, Urmila Pawar, and Shantabai Kamble resist social and cultural constraints through their autobiographical writings and it explores how these women redefine their traditional narratives and challenges of dominant discourses through their life stories. This article investigates the role of recounting silenced experiences in fostering empowerment, social change, and cultural understanding of their life. The research analyzes the thematic similarities and differences in the autobiographies of the selected writers and their contributions to feminist and Dalit literature. The research article highlights the significance of reclaiming voices and the transformative potential of autobiographical narratives in addressing social injustices and promoting inclusivity. Despite the recognition of autobiographical writings as powerful tools for marginalized voices, there is a lack of comprehensive study. This article aims to fill this gap by closely examining their works, analyzing how their narratives challenge oppressive structures, and emphasizing the transformative potential of their stories. By doing so, the research aims to contribute to the broader understanding of feminist and Dalit literature and underscores the significance of centering marginalized voices in academic discourse.

BPM application in clinical process improvement: a women 'hospital case study

PurposeThe childbirth process is a complex and vital event that requires careful analysis and improvement. This experience can shape a woman's perspective on motherhood and even affect her mental health. Healthcare providers must prioritize improving the birth experience for women. In this interdisciplinary research, a combination of business process modeling (BPM) and medicine have been used with the aim of realizing an improved delivery experience and increased maternal satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe data collection of this study was done by observing 518 childbirth processes and interviewing the chief of labor, chief residents, and midwives in the obstetrics and gynecology department of a hospital in Tehran from October 2022 to February 2023.FindingsThe research has been done in four main stages. The first phase is to model the primary process and sub-processes of normal vaginal delivery (NVD). The second phase is validation using expert confirmation and process mining (PM). The third phase is the analysis of the causes of maternal dissatisfaction in labor. The fourth phase of the heuristics redesigning and improving the process, in which for the first time three new categories have been presented including hospital-based, patient-based, and medical technique-based results show BPM intervention effect can be far-reaching in improving patient care and optimizing operational efficiency.Originality/valueThis study is one of only a few to adopt a process-oriented perspective to show how BPM can be used in clinical processes and has specifically examined an essential clinical process, i.e. childbirth.Highlights Developing business process management (BMP) applications in a medical special process related to childbirth as interdisciplinary research.A combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques contains engineering software and management approaches for a Case study, Implementation of BPM lifecycle in the women's hospital in Iran, Tehran, for a clinical process, which is called, normal vaginal delivery (NVD) process for fetal expulsion normally.Modeling NVD clinical process and sub-process for the first time by BPMN2.0 notations in visual paradigm (VP) software and Validation of the made model with process mining (PM), by Disco process mining software. This was done through event log collection from HIS at the hospital.Improving the childbirth process by redesigning heuristics and Introducing two new categories special for clinical process improvement for the first time.Clinical process improvement heuristics obtained in this research are not consistent with the previous seven categories presented in previous studies such as Marlon Dumas' book. Therefore, we have introduced two new heuristics to redesign clinical processes compatible with medical centers, including hospital-based, patient-based, and medical technique-based.Providing a framework for clinical process modeling and improvement containing steps and tools.

Motherhood, Human Trafficking, and Asylum Seeking: The Experiences and Needs of Survivor Mothers in Birthing and Postnatal Care

This article aims to illuminate the little-studied phenomenon of asylum-seeking child-bearing women in the UK, survivors of violence and human trafficking. This is a significant issue in terms of the proportion of women affected and the paucity of care and support currently available to them as mother survivors. This study looked to examine the frontline support services of one project to survivor mothers through two collaborating organisations, Happy Baby Community and Hestia, and how their services support mothers’ experiences of perinatal mental health, infant feeding, and the general experiences of migrant women and trafficking survivors in maternity care in the UK. Using evidence collected from semi-structured service-users’ interviews and focus groups, and an anonymous online staff survey, this article shows the types of care and support that are required to address not only the challenges faced by any new mother, but also the additional challenges experienced with trafficking and seeking asylum such as mental health, housing, and legal and access to other support. This article illustrates the many complex and inter-related challenges these women face, and the way the project meets practical, informational, emotional, appraisal, and social needs. It concludes by identifying several implications of the support provided and/or needed, which could be considered by other services or policymakers looking to meet the fundamental needs and rights of this cohort.

Pregnancy and ‘the Other’: Nausea and Accommodation in Manila

ABSTRACT Pregnancy is a processual dialectic that involves continual acts of tactical, responsive, and creative accommodation by pregnant women. This article is a phenomenological investigation of pregnancy experience of working-class women in Manila. In it, I provide an outline of “accommodation:” acts which vary according to the political ecology of procreation in which they are enmeshed, and which are particularly evident in unexpected or unplanned pregnancies. Accommodation constitutes the core act in which the mother-to-be is engaged as the protagonist of procreation, transforming the character of unexpected pregnancy from uncertain and troubled to stable and even joyous as acts of accommodation restore bodily integrity.

Exploring the consent process among pregnant and breastfeeding women taking part in a maternal vaccine clinical trial in Kampala, Uganda: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe involvement of pregnant women in vaccine clinical trials presents unique challenges for the informed consent process. We explored the expectations and experiences of the pregnant women, spouses/partners, health workers and stakeholders of the consent process during a Group B Streptococcus maternal vaccine trial.MethodsWe interviewed 56 participants including pregnant women taking part in the trial, women not in the trial, health workers handling the trial procedures, spouses, and community stakeholders. We conducted 13 in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 23 women in the trial, in-depth interviews with 5 spouses, and 5 women not in the trial, key informant interviews with 5 health workers and 5 other stakeholders were undertaken.ResultsDecision-making by a pregnant woman to join a trial was done in consultation with spouse, parents, siblings, or trusted health workers. Written study information was appreciated by all but they suggested the use of audio and visual presentation to enhance understanding. Women stressed the need to ensure that their male partners received study information before their pregnant partners joined a clinical trial. Confidentiality in research was emphasised differently by individual participants; while some emphasised it for self, others were keen to protect their family members from being exposed, for allowing them to be involved in research. However, others wanted their community participation to be acknowledged.ConclusionWe found that pregnant women make decisions to join a clinical trial after consulting with close family. Our findings suggest the need for an information strategy which informs not only the pregnant woman, but also her family about the research she is invited to engage in.

I married a Traveller: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the lived experiences of women marrying into the Travelling community and its impact to their identity

Policy developments associated with increased lifestyle-related regulations have compelled Travellers to re-assess their social worlds and adapt accordingly. Adopting a social constructionist epistemological stance, this qualitative study drew upon the Identity Process Theory, alongside Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as a broad framework to (1) explore the way in which non-Traveller women experience a sense of community integration upon marrying into the Traveller community, (2) to explicate the extent to which their experiences of integration impact upon their own identity, and (3) to develop an understanding of how these lived experiences inform the changes within Traveller culture through the process of integration. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six women aged between 28–42 years living within the UK. Guided by the principles of IPA, three superordinate themes, each consisting of two subordinate themes emerged from the analysis: ‘Joining the culture’, ‘Cultural Clashes’, and ‘Changes to the self’. The findings highlighted that participant’s experienced interpersonal conflict and continuous negotiations between continuity and discontinuity, that had either positive or negative impacts to their individual identity. This paper has important implications for professionals who aim to provide support and enhance the overall wellbeing of individuals living between these two contrasting cultures.

Centering Women of Color: Chronic Vulvovaginal Pain (CVVP) Communication

Background: Black and white women describe their chronic vulvar pain (CVVP) symptoms differently, indicating a patient–provider communication deficit. This may contribute to the diagnostic delay commonly reported by patients with CVVP and/or pelvic pain. Methods: A pilot study demonstrated CVVP terminology differences between women of color and white women. The present study (N = 488) includes a sample of predominantly cisgender women who identified their race/ethnicity as Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American/American Indian, and/or Asian. Participants reported how they describe their CVVP, their healthcare experiences, and characteristics of their diagnostic journey. Results: Descriptions of CVVP were not uniform. Instead, there was great variability in how women described their pain across racial/ethnic identities and pain contexts (e.g., sexual activity, menstrual product use, and pelvic exam). Some pain experiences and descriptors were associated with healthcare outcomes related to diagnostic delay. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the pain communication experiences of women of color with CVVP, an understudied population within the broader CVVP literature. By resisting white and non-white comparative methodologies, this study demonstrates the applicability of intersectionality principles to the study of CVVP and contributes to the existing literature regarding pain communication, race, and ethnicity.

'Listen to women as if they were your most cherished person': Australian women's perspectives on living with the pain of endometriosis: A mixed-methods study.

This mixed-methods study used an online cross-sectional survey to explore perspectives of 533 adult Australian women living with endometriosis pain, and their relationship with biopsychosocial factors. Four themes were constructed: The primary theme, 'Stigma and change' reflected women's experience of dismissal, and the wish to reverse the narrative of pain as normal. Some women emphasised self-education and self-advocacy to affect change, reflecting the theme 'self-empowerment'. Participants described the 'debilitating impact' of endometriosis and the enduring difficulty of 'inadequate healthcare', reflecting themes three and four. Analysis indicated type of social support may impact perceived outcomes for endometriosis. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated too few significant relationships between biopsychosocial factors and themes to indicate meaningful patterns without risk of common method variance. Future research should explore the influence of social support and interventions which develop participant autonomy and practitioner competence and knowledge, using disease-specific measures over time.

"We are mothers, sisters, and lovers too": Examining young Black women's experiences navigating sex and sexual health.

In Canada, there is a lack of research that addresses the sexual health and well-being of African, Caribbean, and Blackyoung women. This paper aims to gather perspectives of young Black women to address the social contexts of how young Black women navigate issues related to sex and sexual health. Young Black women experience unique dynamics in navigating their sexualities and sexual healthcare. The nuanced experiences stem from social contexts with historical underpinnings, such as the perception of Black women's bodies, Black identity, gender roles, and sexual double standards. This Community-Based Participatory Researchstudy (N = 24) utilized focus groups to examine young Black women's experiences navigating sexual health. Employing a thematic analysis, participants identified four themes representing their narratives of navigating sexual health. The themes included the perceptions and hypersexuality of Black women's bodies, navigating sexual double standards and gender roles as Black women, diverse Blackness, and migration experiences concerning sexual health and surveillance of Black women's bodies. This paper is intended to add to scholarly discourse and will include practical strategies for use by researchers and community practitioners in sexual health within the Black community.