https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/56028 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:59:04 GMT 2026-04-06T15:59:04Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63849 Title: Adolescents' awareness of sexually transmitted infections Abstract: This study aims to explore adolescents' awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STis), with regards to the knowledge of STis in relation to the prevention, transmission and management of these infections. This study also explores whether education is a resource for the prevention of STis. Ethical approval and other necessary permissions were obtained from all respective authorities prior commencing this project. In order to fulfill the aim and objectives of this study, a self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 70 new recruits to the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), University of Malta (UOM) by convenience non-probability sampling. 64 participants completed the questionnaires, obtaining a 94.1% (n= 64) response rate. The data obtained was analysed manually through simple percentages and open ended questions were analysed using content analysis. Findings of this study showed that the most commonly identified STis among adolescents were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) and more than three quarters of all students knew that STis could be asymptomatic and prevented by means of using the male condom. Additionally, the majority were aware that the preferred place to refer to if suspecting an STI is the genitourinary (GU) clinic. The most commonly identified transmission method of STis was blood and the majority of all respondents were aware that untreated STis may lead to infertility. Although they had received information on STis prior to their admission to University, the majority of participants wanted to know more about these infections. The findings obtained were discussed and compared to other similar studies discussed in the literature review. Overall findings of this study were found to be comparable to other studies conducted abroad; however awareness regarding the symptoms of STis was found to be deficient among local and foreign adolescents. In light of these results, the researcher suggested some recommendations for education, practice and research. These include amongst others: the provision of educational programmes to parents and teenagers; the establishment of a GU clinic for adolescents; using media to inform the public regarding STis and replicating the study on a larger scale using random sampling or through a qualitative approach. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63849 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63836 Title: Mothers' experiences of physiological jaundice in the preterm Abstract: The aim of this study was to gain insight into mothers' experiences of having a preterm infant with physiological jaundice requiring phototherapy at the Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (NPICU) of the local, general hospital. The study's objectives were to identify mothers' understanding of neonatal jaundice, to explore mothers' views and experiences of interacting with their premature, jaundiced infants during phototherapy and to identify maternal concerns about the baby during phototherapy. To accomplish these objectives, a qualitative approach was adopted and self-designed, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of eight Maltese mothers. These mothers had their infants delivered before 37 completed weeks of gestation and exposed to phototherapy due to physiological jaundice at the local NPICU. All the mothers who met the inclusion criteria for participation and who were approached, voluntarily accepted to participate. The interviews were audiotaped and then transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis as suggested by Braun and Clarke (2006). The findings demonstrate that despite having experienced jaundice in their preterm infants, overall, mothers had minimal knowledge of neonatal jaundice. Mothers perceived neonatal jaundice as a common condition which is not life threatening. Participants obtained their information on neonatal jaundice from various sources. Furthermore, the findings also revealed that although mother-infant interactions during phototherapy were limited, most mothers made some form of interaction with their infants, primarily through touch and talk. Mothers also identified several barriers to mother-infant interactions during phototherapy. Finally, most mothers did not perceive phototherapy as an emotionally disturbing experience but they reported a number of concerns, mainly for their infants' eyes and vision. In view of these findings, recommendations for practice, education and research were proposed, including the provision of recent and evidence-based information to mothers on neonatal jaundice and phototherapy, the promotion of mother-infant interactions during phototherapy, conducting the study on a larger scale and exploring the experiences of having a jaundiced, preterm infant requiring phototherapy from the fathers' perspective. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63836 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63643 Title: First-time mothers' experience of breastfeeding after discharge from hospital Abstract: Breastfeeding rates in Malta have never been recorded at adequate levels in spite of the World health organisation's recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months. Studies have been carried out exploring reasons for this occurrence, and interventions taken to ameliorate conditions, yet improvement is slow. The current study aimed to investigate the 'First time breastfeeding mothers' lived experience of breastfeeding', delving into mothers' emotions, and factors that helped or hindered this experience especially that of the support available and maternal satisfaction or dissatisfaction of this support. The study was a qualitative one using a convenience sample. Twelve invitations were sent to first time breastfeeding mothers, six of which were accepted. Data were collected by means of semi-structured face to face interviews which were audio recorded. The interviews were transcribed and analysed according to Pope and Mays's (2002) Qualitative Research Analysis Approach. Data analysis revealed that the first time breastfeeding mothers encountered unexpected challenges which were overcome by internal and external efforts. Maternal satisfaction levels towards the support received was very high; however dissatisfaction was also reported. Breastfeeding was perceived both positively and negatively. Furthermore the Socio cultural influence locally proved to be more in opposition than in favour of breastfeeding. The recommendations devised included; the nurturing of a breastfeeding supportive society and providing correct and adequate ante-natal education of potential breastfeeding couples, together with ongoing education for professionals. Furthermore the possibility of providing a 24 hour phone in service for breastfeeding problems and counselling services for mothers who encounter significant difficulties with parturition. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63643 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57055 Title: Postnatal mothers' awareness of sudden infant death syndrome Abstract: This study aimed at assessing postnatal mothers' awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and their knowledge on the reduction of its associated risks. The objectives of this study were to assess mothers' awareness of the existence of SIDS, to identify their educational sources, and to gain insight into mothers' knowledge on safe infant practices leading to the reduction of SIDS. To accomplish these objectives, a self-designed self-administered questionnaire was used. Fifty-three postnatal mothers attending the Well-Baby clinics were recruited by purposeful convenience sampling. All participants consented to participate, thus obtaining a 100% response rate. The data was systematically analysed using simple-descriptive statistics and content analysis. The findings revealed that the majority of mothers were aware of the term SIDS, with midwives and parent-craft classes as the most identified source of information. Results further identified that almost all mothers failed to explain the cause of SIDS. Mothers also lacked knowledge on safe sleeping practices in particular when avoiding prone sleeping, sleeping the infant on soft surfaces, tucking in the bedding and practising the feet-to-foot position. It may be concluded that even though postnatal mothers showed a high level of SIDS awareness, mothers are lacking knowledge on safe sleeping as recommended by international guidelines. This may suggest that some infants are being exposed to SIDS risk factors, which may be reduced with further parental education. The main recommendations included further SIDS education through antenatal visits and clinics, parent-craft classes, and public media; to replicate this study using a larger sample with a qualitative method of data collection, and to investigate SIDS awareness and knowledge among fathers, care givers, midwives and other healthcare professionals. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57055 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z