Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Reducing Mortality Among African American Mothers Related To Postpartum Hemorrhage By Implementing Early Education And Risk Assessments, Don'ya Truesdale

Theses and Dissertations

African American women are at the highest risk for hemorrhaging during childbirth (Okunlola, 2022). A hemorrhage can occur among postpartum mothers for many reasons, with the main causes being uterine atony, tissue trauma, and clotting issues. However, risks for Black mothers differ. The comorbid and social factors within the Black community greatly influence the likelihood of Black mothers experiencing postpartum hemorrhage. Additionally, the lack of assessment and attention catered towards those risk factors lead to an increased mortality among African American (AA) mothers compared to Caucasian mothers and all other ethnicities. Nonetheless, as maternal risk assessments and education increase, mortality …

Mothers’ Perspectives On The Use Of Social Media For Receiving Professional Support In Enhancing Their Lactation Self-Efficacy: A Qualitative Descriptive Exploratory Study, Mehtab Lalwani

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Inadequate breastfeeding support and low exclusive breastfeeding rates in Pakistan underpin the need for effective strategies to enhance lactation self-efficacy among mothers. Social media has emerged as a promising professional support and information dissemination avenue. However, concerns about the accuracy of online advice highlight the importance of investigating mothers' perspectives regarding utilizing social media for professional breastfeeding support.
Purpose: This study aims to investigate how mothers perceive social media for receiving professional breastfeeding support, to enhance their lactation self-efficacy.
Methodology: This exploratory-descriptive qualitative study utilized in-depth semi-structured interviews with 12 breastfeeding mothers, purposively recruited from a tertiary care hospital …

Qualitative Research Exploring Perceptions About Umbilical Cord Care Practices Among Mothers/Caregivers Of Neonates Admitted At A Children Hospital Managed Through A Public-Private Partnership, Ruqia Yasmeen

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Newborns in LMICs face high mortality rates. Multiple factors contribute to these moralities. Among these are unhygienic conditions, and infection of the umbilical cord stump. Unhealthy cultural practices, lack of awareness, myths, and socioeconomic status are key barriers to newborn care. In Pakistan, nearly 300,000 newborns die annually, highlighting the need for improved newborn care.
Objectives: This study is aimed to explore the perceptions and knowledge of mothers/caregivers about umbilical cord care.
Methodology: The qualitative descriptive exploratory design was employed to explore mothers' and caregivers' understanding of cord care through in-depth interviews. Fifteen interviews were conducted at a children's …

Stress And Its Associated Factors In Mothers With Preterm Infants In A Private Tertiary Care Hospital Of Karachi, Pakistan, Salima Akbar

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Preterm births are the leading cause of death worldwide. Preterm births not only have devastating effects on the new born, but they also have psychological effects on the mothers. Identifying stress related to preterm births, and the factors associated with the stress among mothers with preterm infants is of great importance, for providing sound care to the newborns and their mothers. This study aimed to assess the level of stress and the factors associated with increased level of stress among mothers with preterm infants, in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Purpose: The study aimed to answer the …

The Process Of Art Creation Among Mothers From Ontario Who Have Experienced Gender-Based Violence, Madison L. Broadbent

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Mothers who have experienced gender-based violence (GBV) face physical, mental, and social health implications. Participating in artmaking has the potential to reduce these consequences. An arts-based study including in-depth interviews was conducted with 13 mothers with histories of GBV. The creative processes involved in artmaking amongst mothers with histories of GBV were explored. Mothers demonstrated using symbols, thoughtful colour selection, and choice of artistic medium when creating their artforms. Moreover, mothers’ experiences of storytelling experiences of GBV through art were examined. Mothers described using art as a means of communication, emotional processing and healing through art, and the process of …

Workplace Lactation Support And Breastfeeding Practices In Employed Mothers, Robin Ray

Theses and Dissertations--Nursing

Low rates of breastfeeding are a global public health issue. Despite national and international health agency recommendations for breastfeeding until infants are six months of age when solid foods are introduced and continued breastfeeding until 12 months of age or older, many mothers in the United States discontinue breastfeeding at an early age. Return to work after childbirth is one of the leading contributing factors to early cessation of breastfeeding in employed mothers. Understanding the association between individual and organizational factors and breastfeeding practices in employed mothers is essential for the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and policies to …

Resilience And Coping In Mothers Of Children With Sickle Cell Disease, Holly Carter

Dissertations

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prominent chronic illness in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016) estimated that one child out of every 365 African-American births will have SCD, affecting approximately 100,000 Americans. Supporting and promoting the integrity of the family and its’ members when a child has SCD is important for each family member’s well-being. Specific family characteristics, such as resilience and coping are important to understand because they can mitigate stress and create positive family outcomes (Brown et al., 1993; Cousino & Hazen, 2013; Hildenbrand, Barakat, Alderfer, & Marsac, 2015; O’Hanlon, Camic, & …

Maternal Monitoring Of Adolescent Type 1 Diabetes Management And Its Influence On Adolescent Quality Of Life And Adolescent Depressive Symptoms, Anna Gorzny

DNP Scholarly Projects

While current literature identifies variables such as demographics, parental monitoring, and family functioning and their association with glycemic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus, there has yet to be sufficient evidence identifying and supporting the relationships between the level of maternal monitoring and adolescent psychological wellbeing. The purpose of this scholarly project was to assess whether higher levels of maternal monitoring of diabetes management practices was associated with fewer adolescent depressive symptoms and higher adolescent quality of life. The study sample consisted of 117 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 16 with type 1 diabetes and their …

Mothers Experiencing Homelessness: Social Exclusion, Resistance, And Health, Sarah Benbow

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Background and Purpose: Mothers experiencing homelessness in Canada are faced with unique challenges in achieving health. The purpose of this two-phase study was to critically examine the socio-political context, health needs, exclusionary and inclusionary forces, and strategies of resistance demonstrated by mothers experiencing homelessness.

Methodology: This study falls under the critical paradigm informed by the theoretical perspective of intersectionality. Methodologies employed included critical narrative and critical discourse analysis. Data were collected at various homeless shelters and programs that provide services for women and mothers who are homeless in Southern Ontario. A purposive sample of women experiencing homelessness, and service …

Mothers' Lived Experience Of Parenting An Infant/Young Child With Special Needs In A Rural Context, Lauren M. Elford

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Parenting an infant with special needs requires performing extra care giving duties and mothers living in rural communities face additional challenges obtaining health and social support services. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to explore the lived experience of parenting young children with special needs from rural mothers’ perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 7 mothers. Findings revealed an overarching theme entitled Getting Through It and 6 subthemes: Experiencing the Unexpected; Overcoming the Challenges to Mothering; Unconditional Commitment to Child; The Lived Human Relation as Powerful; Being a Care Co-ordinator; and Being Transformed. Mothers of infants …

Variables Influencing Breastfeeding Among First Time Mothers, Myra Westbrooks

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

This research examined the variables that influence breastfeeding in first time mothers. The study utilized Fishbein and Ajzen’s Theory of Reasoned Action as the theoretical framework. The sample included 147 first time mothers and utilized a descriptive design with a retrospective chart review. The descriptive study allowed for the identification of variables and patterns or characteristics of first time mothers who chose to breastfeed. Associations between several demographic variables and breastfeeding were identified in this study. By identifying variables that have a significant influence on breastfeeding, focused action plans can be developed to improve both maternal and infant health outcomes.

Hispanic Mothers' Normative Beliefs And Intentions About The Discussion Of Sex-Related Topics With Their Adolescent Daughters, Dana M. Rodriguez

Dissertations (1934 -)

Hispanic adolescent females continue to have rates of pregnancy and STIs, which exceed those of white non-Hispanic peers. When mothers engage in the discussion of sex-related topics (DSRTs) with their adolescent daughters, it has been shown to delay or decrease sexual intercourse. However, it has been found that Hispanic parents talk less with their daughters about sex-related topics (SRTs) when compared to other ethnic groups. Understanding why Hispanic mothers may or may not intend to engage in DSRTs is important in order to design culturally appropriate programs aimed at increasing their DSRTs. A sequential mixed-methods predictive correlational design framed by …

Food For Health: An Investigation Of Infant Feeding Practices, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, And Perceived Barriers And Facilitators, Jessica W. Smith

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Exclusive breastfeeding is associated with numerous health benefits for both mother and child, and is recommended for the first 6 months of an infant’s life. The purpose of this prospective study was to examine, using a survey-based design, the breastfeeding practices, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers and facilitators of primiparous mothers in London, Ontario. A total of 71 women (M_age = 30.0, SD = 4.3) participated in the study. Women (breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding) were asked to complete online surveys at three time points: < 4 weeks postpartum, 3 months postpartum, and 6 months postpartum. Results indicated that rates of exclusive breastfeeding decreased over time, whereas partial and non-breastfeeding rates increased. Women in the exclusive breastfeeding category reported the greatest levels of breastfeeding self-efficacy at all time points. Lastly, participants identified a number of breastfeeding-related facilitators (e.g., partner support, community services) and barriers (e.g., insufficient milk supply, latching difficulties).

Raising Children With Type 1 Diabetes And Celiac Disease: Parental Experiences, Kerri Louise Erickson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to examine parental experiences and challenges raising children with both T1DM and CD. Twenty-six families, including 30 parents (25 mothers, 4 fathers, and one custodial grandmother), participated in a 30-60 minute audio-recorded interview designed to explore parental experiences raising children with both T1DM and CD. Participants were asked IRB approved open-ended questions about their experiences raising a child with both diseases. Direct quotations best representing categories/sub-categories were identified through selective coding. Analysis revealed seven main themes: Six themes parents are concerned about, including (a) their child's health complications, b) the challenges of …

Caregiver Burden And Sibling Relationships In Families Raising Children With Disabilities, Diane W. Allred

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine sibling relationships and caregiver burden in families raising children with disabilities (CWD). In order to determine (a) are there differences in caregiver burden according to parent gender and types of disability (b) are there differences in sibling relationships according to parent gender and type of disability and (c) is there a relationship between caregiver burden and sibling relationships after controlling for CWD and sibling gender and age, and type of disability? After IRB approval, 166 families living in the west and raising typically developing children (TDC) or a CWD participated. Disabilities included …

The Relationship Among Maternal Parenting Stress, Coping, And Depressive Symptoms Across Time, Karen Foren Lake

Theses and Dissertations

This study was a secondary analysis in which the relationship among maternal parenting stress, coping, and depressive symptoms over time in 161 low-income mothers who participated in an Early Head Start Pathways Project were examined. Measurements were assessed longitudinally over a 12 year period of time. Direct and indirect relationships were proposed between maternal mastery, pre-existing depressive symptoms, relationship with significant other, child behavior, child temperament, maternal parenting stress, coping, and later depressive symptoms. Results from path analyses showed that when assessed earlier in the childbearing years, mastery, depressive symptoms, relationship with significant other, child temperament, child behavior, and maternal …

The Lived Experience Of Mothers Bereaved By The Suicide Death Of A Child., Cynthia Walker Lynn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Suicide has existed throughout recorded history. It is a phenomenon that has been both culturally and morally defined across time and civilizations. It is estimated that over 34,000 Americans deliberately take their own lives annually. Moreover, according to some experts, between 6 and 28 individuals are directly affected by each completed suicide. These individuals are referred to as suicide survivors. The consequences for suicide survivors are multidimensional in part because relationships to the deceased play a vital role in bereavement. Previous research studies in the areas of suicidology and bereavement have failed to explore the experience of mothers bereaved …

A Lived Experience Of Being A Mother Of A Child With Depression: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Inquiry, Maralou R. Brose

Theses and Graduate Projects

There have been few studies that have attempted to understand the world of parents raising a child with depression. This study introduces the magnitude of the problem of childhood depression and explores what it means to be the mother of an adolescent with depression. For this study, three mothers of adolescents wit.h depression were questioned interviews were in unstructured interviews. The taped transcribed, and the resulting texts were Four core themes were analyzed using a six-stage process. extracted-maternal role, support, and grief-and reveal_ed what it was family disequilibrium, like for mothers raising a child with depression. Hermeneutic phenomenology provided the …

Postpartum Health Education Needs: Perceptions Of First-Time Mothers And Health Care Providers, Lisa Elam Rowland

MSN Research Projects

A descriptive study was designed to answer the following research questions: 1) What are the postpartum health education needs perceived by first-time mothers in the hospital setting and in the primary care setting, and 2) What are the postpartum health education needs of new mothers perceived by health care providers in the hospital setting and in the primary care setting. Mercer's Theory of Maternal Role Attainment was used to guide the research. Forty-nine subjects participated in the study. The samples consisted of first-time mothers in the hospital (n=22), first-time mothers in the primary care setting (n=15), hospital health care providers …