https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129096 2026-04-22T14:46:59Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141326 Title: The maternity experiences of Filipino migrant women in Malta Abstract: Purpose: Over the past 50 years, Europe has seen a dramatic increase in migrant diversity. To ensure equitable access to care, maternity systems must be well-equipped to meet the specific needs of pregnant migrants. While the migration of the Filipino population has become more feminised, research on their maternity experiences, both locally and internationally, remains limited. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to elicit and understand the maternity experiences of Filipino migrant women in Malta. It had four main objectives: first, to explore Filipino migrant women’s perspectives on the maternity care they received; second, to understand how these women constructed meanings around their maternity experiences. Third, to capture the challenges they encountered during their maternity journey; and fourth, to gain insight into what enhanced their overall experience. Methodology: A qualitative paradigm utilising semi-structured interviews was adopted, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The interview guide was specifically created to address the study’s aim and objectives. Intermediaries purposively sampled nine women through the predetermined inclusion criteria from Obstetric Wards. The data was transcribed verbatim and analysed by using the interpretative phenomenological method put forward by Smith et al. (2022), incorporating the double hermeneutic circle, where the researcher sought to make sense of the participants making sense of their own experiences. Additionally, the researcher utilised Crenshaw's (1991) Theory of Intersectionality to shed light on the interpretations of the generated findings. Results: Three main group experiential themes and corresponding subthemes emerged from the data. The first theme, Malta - A Beacon of Hope, highlighted Filipina migrants’ sense of security and gratitude, emphasising the value of affordable and good-quality maternity care in Malta. The second theme, Struggling with Adversity, addressed the intensified challenges of pregnancy and early motherhood for migrants due to the complexities of living abroad. The third theme, Silver Linings, revealed how Filipina mothers in Malta found stability and strength amidst migration’s hardships through adapting to their new environment and fostering deep spiritual connections. Conclusions: Crenshaw’s (1991) Intersectionality Theory helped to examine the roles of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, relationships, and societal systems in influencing access to maternity resources and personal experiences. Policymakers should improve access to quality maternity care for Filipina migrants by offering free and face-to-face antenatal and postnatal classes for migrants. This fosters community support networks, reduces isolation, and enhances cultural integration. Healthcare providers need culturally competent training to address the psychological and cultural needs of migrant women effectively. Future research should explore the experiences of diverse ethnic groups, multiparous Filipino women and use mixed methods to provide comprehensive insights into migrant maternity experiences. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141325 Title: Midwives’ knowledge and views of acupressure during the perinatal period Abstract: Purpose: Acupressure involves the application of firm pressure on specific acupoints of the body using thumb or finger pressure. Acupressure is associated with numerous benefits when used during the perinatal period, such as preventing nausea and vomiting, reducing pain, inducing labour, aiding in breastmilk production, and decreasing anxiety throughout pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period. This study sought to address a global gap in the literature regarding midwives' knowledge and views on acupressure during the perinatal period. While previous literature has investigated acupressure’s effectiveness, there is limited understanding of midwives’ knowledge, specifically on acupressure and how they view and use this intervention in their midwifery practice. Aim and Objectives: The study’s aim is to explore midwives' views and knowledge of acupressure during the perinatal period. The study also addresses three specific objectives: to identify midwives' views on acupressure during the perinatal period, to determine midwives' knowledge of acupressure during the perinatal period and to elicit what influences midwives' decision to practice acupressure during the perinatal period. Methodology: A quantitative, non-experimental, and cross-sectional approach was adopted using a self-designed, one-time, self-administered online questionnaire distributed via email. This was a total population study utilising non-probability sampling technique where the entire population of 240 midwives members of the Malta Midwives Association (MMA) were included. However, not all of these midwives fulfilled the eligibility criteria to participate in the study, and the number of eligible midwives was unknown. As data collection progressed, questionnaires in paper format were distributed to eligible participants, midwives members of the MMA, through an intermediary to improve the response rate. A total of 94 answered questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 39.2%. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data, while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The study revealed knowledge gaps among midwives regarding acupressure, particularly concerning safety considerations and contraindicated acupoints during pregnancy. While midwives demonstrated a strong interest in acupressure, their hesitation to practice stemmed primarily from insufficient training, education and a lack of evidence-based guidelines. Less than half of the respondents reported practising acupressure, with most expressing uncertainty about the location of various acupoints and acupoints contraindicated before 37 weeks gestation. Findings highlighted that increased maternal interest in natural approaches creates a corresponding need for enhanced midwifery expertise in acupressure. Through a constructivist theoretical lens, the results emphasised the importance of developing experience from formal education and training to ensure the safe integration of acupressure into midwifery practice. Conclusion: The findings highlighted the midwives’ lack of adequate knowledge, education, and training in using acupressure during the perinatal period. The main recommendations include improving acupressure practice in midwifery through accessible training, preceptorship, and standardised guidelines. This study provides a foundation for further research especially focusing on acupressure during pregnancy and postpartum which are areas less studied than the practice of acupressure during labour. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141324 Title: Women’s experiences of living with gestational diabetes Abstract: Purpose: Gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] is one of the fastest-growing forms of diabetes globally, with an increasing prevalence in countries such as Malta. While research has often focused on the diagnostic experience, comparatively less attention has been paid to how women make sense of living with GDM throughout pregnancy. Gaining insight into these experiences is vital for developing holistic, woman-centred maternity care. Aim and Objectives: This research aimed to explore women’s experiences of living with GDM during pregnancy. The study had the following objectives: to gain insight into women's experiences of being diagnosed with GDM, to explore their perspectives on the care received from healthcare professionals, to understand their experiences of self-managing the condition, to examine how GDM influenced their overall pregnancy experience and to explore how women construct meaning around their diagnosis. Methodology: This study adopted a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis [IPA] was used to explore participants' lived experiences in depth. Eight women who met the inclusion criteria were purposively selected through intermediaries working within the antenatal clinic and an obstetric ward of a local public hospital. The interview guide was carefully designed to align with the study’s research focus. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Smith et al.'s (2022) IPA framework. The Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation (Leventhal et al., 2016) provided the theoretical framework for interpreting participants' cognitive and emotional processes. Results: Four Group Experiential Themes emerged. Weight of Discovery captured the emotional disruption and identity shift that accompanied the diagnosis. Pregnancy Under Pressure reflected the intensity of lifestyle changes and the loss of spontaneity in daily life. Beyond Blood Sugar explored the varying quality of interactions and support received from healthcare professionals. Owning the Journey revealed how women adapted over time, gradually building confidence and agency in managing their condition. The meaning that women ascribed to these experiences was deeply embedded within each theme, reflecting not only what they endured but how they interpreted and responded to their circumstances. Conclusion: GDM was experienced as both a medical and emotional challenge, affecting identity, relationships, and perceptions of pregnancy. This study offers novel insights into the emotional weight of diagnosis, even when participants had prior awareness of the condition, the psychological burden of treatment escalation, and the adaptive role of meaning-making. For some participants, GDM became a catalyst for lasting change. Main recommendations include strengthening midwifery education to address emotional and cultural aspects of GDM and fostering supportive care through culturally sensitive practice and peer support. Further research ought to explore the long-term impact of GDM and how postnatal care may support ongoing adjustment. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141323 Title: Respectful maternity care during labour : women’s lived experiences Abstract: Purpose: Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is an approach that emphasizes dignity, compassion, and personalized support for women during childbirth, recognizing these as essential to positive birthing experiences. Prioritizing RMC can enhance maternal well-being, satisfaction, and trust in healthcare systems, yet challenges remain in fully implementing these principles in clinical settings. Aim and Objectives: To elicit and understand the meaning of the lived experiences of Maltese women receiving respectful maternity care during labour. The objectives included: capturing women’s lived experiences of receiving respectful maternity care during labour; to understand the meanings women place on receiving respectful maternity care during labour; and to bring to light any recommendations women identify as helpful in facilitating the delivery of respectful maternity care during labour. Methodology: This study utilised a qualitative approach, employing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Eight participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and each took part in a one-time, face-to-face, audio-recorded interview using a self-designed, semi-structured interview schedule. The data was transcribed word-for-word and analysed following the seven-step IPA process outlined by Smith, Flowers, and Larkin (2022). The Quality Maternal and Newborn Care (QMNC) Framework by Renfrew et al. (2014) served as the theoretical framework guiding the study. Ethical considerations were respected. Results: The study’s findings were presented into five group experiential themes. Held by Words, Grounded by Touch captured the importance of compassionate, clear communication and physical presence from caregivers during labour, while in Surrendering to the Professionals, mothers reflected on their trust in the expertise and authority of midwives and medical staff, which often led them to take a passive role, surrendering to the staff’s guidance and decisions without question, particularly during the intense moments of labour. The Power of Familiar Faces emphasised the role of emotional support from loved ones and the value of familiar caregivers during labour. This helped women feel emotionally secure, reduced feelings of isolation and enhanced the sense of teamwork and shared experience throughout labour. Blending Care with Compassion described the need for a balance between medical efficiency and compassionate, individualised care. Lastly, A Care Environment Rooted in Respect highlighted the broader environment of respect, privacy and dignity provided by the entire care team, including non-medical staff. Together, these group experiential themes offered holistic insights into respectful maternity care. Conclusion: This study’s findings align with international literature, revealing common experiences shared by women globally while also uncovering unique insights specific to the local context. Findings highlighted how labouring women highly value compassion, effective communication, privacy, and emotional support from healthcare providers, which collectively foster a positive and respectful birthing environment. Based on these findings, recommendations have been outlined for clinical practice, policy, education, and future research. These recommendations aim to strengthen RMC principles within local clinical practice, enhance empathy-driven education for healthcare providers, and encourage further research in this area. By implementing these insights, maternity care settings can foster a more holistic, empowering environment for all women. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z