Childbearing through the Lens of Women with Minor Thalassemia: A Qualitative Study

Authors

  • Khadijeh Sarayloo Nursing and Midwifery Schools, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
  • Khadijeh Mirzaii Najmabadi Nursing and Midwifery Schools, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
  • Zahra Behboodi Moghaddam Reproductive Health Department, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Mohsen Saffari 1. Health Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences Tehran, Iran 2. Health Education Department, School of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Sharon Elizabeth Millen New Baby Programme, Centre for Evidence & Social Innovation (CESI), School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.v8i.1429

Keywords:

Thalassemia, Pregnancy, Qualitative Research, Iran

Abstract

Background: It is essential to provide key information and support to every woman regarding pregnancy and childbirth to enable all women to make a fully informed decision regarding their choice to reproduce.  Of particular importance; however, is that women who suffer from a specific condition that increases risks associated with reproduction, to receive specific information regarding such risks and health complications regarding pregnancy and childbirth. This study aims to explore the feelings, experiences, and needs of women with minor thalassemia in relation to childbearing. Materials and Methods: This sample comprised of 12 Iranian women with minor thalassemia who attended to local health centers in Minudasht, Golestan province, from October 2017 to January 2018. The purposeful sampling technique was employed. The data were collected through deep semi-structured interviews, analyzed using conventional content analysis and processed by using the Graneheim and Lundman method. Results: The findings were based on the participants’ experiences of pregnancy and fertility. Three major themes emerged; ‘Emotional and Physical Experience,’ ‘Satisfaction’ and ‘Social and Cultural Issues.’ The most common problem identified was the impact of emotional problems and difficulties regarding the negative implications of thalassemia on reproduction as well as the views and perceptions of family members and those within the community. Conclusion: From the findings, it is evident that thalassemia imposes a heavy psychosocial burden on those women who suffer from the condition. Local health centers in areas most affected by thalassemia would be considered the most suitable venues to introduce key health educational interventions. [GMJ.2019;8:e1429] 

Author Biographies

Khadijeh Sarayloo, Nursing and Midwifery Schools, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Nursing and Midwifery schools, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Khadijeh Mirzaii Najmabadi, Nursing and Midwifery Schools, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Nursing and Midwifery School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Zahra Behboodi Moghaddam, Reproductive Health Department, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Nursing and Midwifery School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Mohsen Saffari, 1. Health Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences Tehran, Iran 2. Health Education Department, School of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Health Education Department, School of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Sharon Elizabeth Millen, New Baby Programme, Centre for Evidence & Social Innovation (CESI), School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom

New Baby Programme,Centre for Evidence & Social Innovation (CESI),School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work. Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom

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Published

2019-08-17

Issue

Section

Original Article