RESUMO
The south of Mexico has traditionally faced disproportionate social, health and economic disadvantage relative to the rest of the country, due in part to lower levels of economic and human development, and barriers faced by Indigenous populations. The state of Oaxaca, in particular, has one of the highest proportions of Indigenous people and consistently displays high rates of maternal mortality, sexually transmitted infections and teenage pregnancy. This study examines how social values and norms surrounding sexuality have changed between two generations of women living in Indigenous communities in Oaxaca. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 19 women from two generational cohorts in 12 communities. Comparison views of these two cohorts suggest that cultural gender norms continue to govern how women express and experience their sexuality. In particular, feelings of shame and fear permeate the expression of sexuality, virginity continues be a determinant of a woman's worth and motherhood remains the key attribute to womanhood. Evidence points to a transformation of norms, and access to information and services related to sexual health is increasing. Nonetheless, there is still a need for culturally appropriate sex education programmes focused on female empowerment, increased access to sexual health services, and a reduction in the stigma surrounding women's expressions of sexuality.
Assuntos
Disparidades em Assistência à Saúde/etnologia , Indígenas Norte-Americanos , Relação entre Gerações/etnologia , Sexualidade/etnologia , Cultura , Feminino , Humanos , México/etnologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Poder Psicológico , Gravidez , Comportamento Sexual/etnologia , Valores Sociais/etnologia , Saúde da Mulher , Adulto JovemAssuntos
Eclampsia/tratamento farmacológico , Pré-Eclâmpsia/tratamento farmacológico , Aborto Terapêutico , Anticonvulsivantes/uso terapêutico , Anti-Hipertensivos/uso terapêutico , Atestado de Óbito , Eclampsia/mortalidade , Feminino , Humanos , Sulfato de Magnésio/provisão & distribuição , Sulfato de Magnésio/uso terapêutico , Mortalidade Materna , México/epidemiologia , Obstetrícia , Médicos/psicologia , Guias de Prática Clínica como Assunto , Pré-Eclâmpsia/mortalidade , Gravidez , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
Increased access to antiretroviral therapy has enabled Mexican HIV-infected women to resume healthy sexual and reproductive lives and reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection. However, little information is available on the experiences of HIV-infected women desiring children. In this qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews with 31 HIV-infected women in four Mexican cities. The findings indicated that most of the women were given limited information on their pregnancy options. With some exceptions, the women felt they were denied the option to have (or to have more) children and advised to undergo tubal ligations or abortions. The findings of this study indicate that ongoing efforts are needed to promote the reproductive rights of HIV-infected women in Mexico and to ensure that they receive options aligned with their fertility desires.
Assuntos
Fertilidade , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas/prevenção & controle , Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Tomada de Decisões , Atenção à Saúde , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Necessidades e Demandas de Serviços de Saúde , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , México , Motivação , Gravidez , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Direitos Sexuais e Reprodutivos , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Evidence suggests that restricting abortion does not reduce its occurrence but increases health risk. A qualitative analysis was performed, reviewing the medical charts of 12 women who died from unsafe induced abortions in Mexico City; most deaths occurred before abortion was decriminalized. Women resorted to using unsafe techniques, without medical guidance or under incorrect recommendations by providers, ultimately resulting in the loss of their lives. Postabortion care in private and public health facilities was often inadequate. The cases illustrate the importance of liberalizing abortion laws and improving postabortion care to protect the life and health of women seeking to terminate pregnancy.
Assuntos
Aborto Induzido/efeitos adversos , Abortivos não Esteroides/administração & dosagem , Adolescente , Adulto , Evolução Fatal , Feminino , Humanos , México , Misoprostol/administração & dosagem , Segurança do Paciente , Gravidez , Qualidade da Assistência à Saúde , Choque Hemorrágico/etiologia , Choque Séptico/etiologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
This study examines the experiences and opinions of health-care professionals after the legalization of abortion in Mexico City in 2007. Sixty-four semistructured interviews were conducted between 1 December 2007 and 16 July 2008 with staff affiliated with abortion programs in 12 hospitals and 1 health center, including obstetricians/gynecologists, nurses, social workers, key decisionmakers at the Ministry of Health, and others. Findings suggest that program implementation was difficult because of the lack of personnel, space, and resources; a great number of conscientious objectors; and the enormous influx of women seeking services, which resulted in a work overload for participating professionals. The professionals interviewed indicate that the program improved significantly over time. They generally agree that legal abortion should be offered, despite serious concerns about repeat abortions. They recommend improving family planning campaigns and post-procedure contraceptive use, and they encourage the opening of primary health-care facilities dedicated to providing abortion services.