Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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 …

Discovering Self: Childbearing Adolescents' Maternal Identity, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Lynn Clark Callister

Faculty Publications

Purpose: Adolescent pregnancy and motherhood have long been a topic of interest for many healthcare professionals. However, there are limited data on how childbearing adolescents incorporate motherhood identity into their sense of self. The purpose of this study was to explore how childbearing adolescents perceive motherhood as becoming part of their personal identity.

Study Design: This qualitative study using ethnographic data collection involved 7 months of observation, interaction, and interviews.

Methods: Data were collected from nine expectant adolescents during in-depth interviews. All participants were patients at a teen mother and child clinic staffed by certified nurse midwives and a pediatrician. …

The Health-Related Quality Of Life In Mothers Of Surviving Deaf Blind Adult Children With Congenital Rubella Syndrome In The United States, Normadeane Armstrong Ph.D, A.N.P.

Faculty Works: NUR (2010-2023)

The purpose of this study was to determine the health related quality of life (HRQOL) of mothers of surviving deaf-blind adult children with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) and the relationship of factors that influence it. This study uses a cross sectional design with all of the study participants having surviving CRS children born from the 1963-1965 epidemic. Analysis revealed: 1). Maternal CSI scores were significantly associated with the HRQOL F (13, 273) = 67.175 p< .001. Mothers who experienced high levels of caregiver stress had a poorer overall quality of life than those with lower levels of stress. 2).The deaf-blind adult child’s with CRS functional ability was significantly associated with the maternal HRQOL F (22, 263) = 17.03 p< .001. Mothers of adult deaf blind children needing care had poorer overall quality of life than those more independent. 3). Communication methods were significantly associated with the HRQOL. Communication with Sign Language (M= 80.39, SD= 20.8) demonstrated better overall maternal HRQOL scores than those with gestures (M= 31.49, SD= 32.57), F (8, 277) = 17.471, p < .001. 4). 4). Behaviors were significantly associated with the HRQOL with the largest difference between adult- children demonstrating no apparent behavior (M= 89.77, SD= 11.7) to those presenting aggressive behavior (M= 30.95, SD= 30.37), F (7, 279) =21.130 p < .001. As the prevalence of children with disabilities continues to increase, so does the demand for professionals who understand the unique needs of caregivers. Professionals must understand the impact special needs have on the mother and by extension, the family, and be able to provide the care and resources needed to support the continued care.

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.