DefinePK

Research Objective

To explore pregnant women's perceptions regarding their husbands and in-laws' support during pregnancy.

Methodology

A qualitative exploratory design was used. Ten pregnant women in their third trimester, living in a joint family system in a village of district Nowshera, Pakistan, were recruited through purposive sampling. Face-to-face individual in-depth interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through thematic analysis.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
A[Ethical Approval] --> B[Participant Recruitment];
B --> C[Informed Consent];
C --> D[In-depth Interviews];
D --> E[Audio Recording];
E --> F[Transcription];
F --> G[Thematic Analysis];
G --> H[Theme Identification];
H --> I[Results & Discussion];
I --> J[Conclusion];                    

Discussion

Good support from husbands and family members positively affected maternal and child health, while poor support negatively affected it. Husbands' support provided emotional security, mental peace, and improved physical health. Participants experienced physical and mental strain due to fatigue, mood swings, frustration, mothering responsibilities, and violence/abuse. Barriers to accessing antenatal services included poor financial condition and inappropriate behavior of husbands and in-laws.

Key Findings

Three major themes emerged: lack of comprehensive support mechanism, physical and mental strain, and barriers to antenatal services. Participants discussed perceived support of husbands and in-laws, and needs and barriers to maternal and child health.

Conclusion

Support from husbands and in-laws can affect maternal and child health both positively and negatively. Nurses can use these findings to explore pregnant women's feelings and provide culturally sensitive care. Incorporating support from husbands, in-laws, and health professionals can provide optimum health to expected mothers and their children.

Fact Check

1. Sample size: Ten pregnant women were interviewed. Confirmed by the methodology section.
2. Study setting: The study was conducted in a village of district Nowshera, Pakistan. Confirmed by the methodology section.
3. Data analysis: Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Confirmed by the methodology section.

Mind Map