Fathers' Experiences during Delivery of Their Newborns: A Content Analysis.

Background: Paternal involvement during pregnancy has been shown to have a positive impact on the mother-baby dyad during and after birth. The presence of the father during birth also positively influences father-child attachment, reduces, apprehension, and stress, increases maternal satisfaction, and increases love and respect for the partners. This study explored the experiences of fathers who were present in the delivery room during the delivery process. Methods: This qualitative content analysis study was conducted at a maternity hospital in Kingston, Jamaica from June to July 2022. A total of ten (10) fathers of babies delivered within six weeks were purposefully selected to be interviewed via telephone over four weeks. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. Results: Four sub-themes and one theme were extracted from data analysis. Fathers perceived satisfaction and empowerment in the shadow of positive and negative feelings as the theme. Sub-themes emerged from the data including "clinician's acceptance and support", "close bonding and attachment with mother and baby", "preparedness of fathers to give support", and "inspiring and amazing feeling by fatherhood experiences". Conclusion: Fathers experienced the feeling of empowerment and wished to take up their role during the delivery of their newborns. Their experiences were influenced by the midwives and the resources available to support their accommodation. More policies are needed to strengthen the fathers' involvement during antenatal clinic visits, delivery, and postnatal care.

Midwives' knowledge and attitudes when encountering Gender-Based Violence in their practice at a maternity-hospital in Kingston, Jamaica.

INTRODUCTION: Gender-based violence (GBV) can have devastating consequences for pregnancy because both mother and child are at risk. Midwives are in a strategic position to identify and empower pregnant women experiencing GBV; however, currently midwives in Jamaica are not required to screen for GBV, neither are they prepared to do so. AIM: This study forms the baseline of a larger study designed to improve the capacity of midwives to identify and treat pregnant women experiencing GBV in Jamaica. This specific component assessed midwives' knowledge and attitudes when encountering GBV in their practice in Kingston, Jamaica. METHODS: A qualitative study design was used. Six practicing midwives were purposely selected to participate in a focus group discussion at the antenatal clinic of a hospital in Kingston, Jamaica. RESULTS: All six respondents said it was very important to screen for GBV among pregnant women in their care. The findings from their report revolved around six themes, namely midwives have suboptimal knowledge, are exposed to women experiencing GBV in pregnancy, lack professional preparedness, report gaps in the institutional framework to guide their practice, are concerned for their safety and security, and are willing to intervene. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that midwives are aware of the problem and are willing to intervene but are faced with lack of formal procedures to detect and treat pregnant women who are experiencing GBV. Findings could be used to inform a protocol which is being developed to guide midwives' practice. Findings could also be incorporated in the national strategy to eliminate GBV.

The lived experiences of adolescents with sickle cell disease in Kingston, Jamaica.

AIM: To explore the lived experiences of adolescents with sickle cell disease, in Kingston, Jamaica. METHOD: A descriptive qualitative design was used for this research. In-depth interviews were conducted with six adolescents with sickle cell disease at a Sickle Cell Unit operated by the University of the West Indies. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of the adolescents demonstrated a positive self-concept. They reported strong family, school, and peer support which made them feel accepted. All were actively engaged in social activities such as parties, but had challenges participating in sporting activities. Various coping strategies were utilized to address challenges of the disease including praying, watching television, and surfing the Internet. CONCLUSION: Sickle cell disease can be very challenging for the adolescent, but with positive self-concept and increased social support, especially from family and peers, these adolescents were able to effectively cope with their condition and live productive lives.