https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/56114 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:13:32 GMT 2026-04-12T18:13:32Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63884 Title: Coping methods used by mothers whose neonate was admitted to the NPICU Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore coping methods used by mothers whose neonate was admitted to the Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. The objectives were to identify the coping methods used by mothers, and to examine how they are used. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 30 mothers chosen by convenience sampling. The tool utilised was adapted from Miles and Carter's (1985) study, after kind permission was obtained. Additionally, an open-ended question was added to this tool. The response rate was 100% and data was analysed manually by descriptive statistics and content analysis. The most used appraisal-focused coping methods included coping by believing that one's child is getting 'the best possible care', and by hoping that everything will be fine. The most used problem-focused coping methods included coping by trying to ascertain that the child is being cared for properly, and by being near the child as much as possible. The most emotion-focused coping method used was coping by praying. Overall, the type of coping used most was problem-focused, followed by appraisal- and emotion-focused coping respectively. The most mentioned self-reported coping method was getting support and help from one's husband/partner and family. Main recommendations include ensuring the highest standard of care is given to neonates in NPICU, and that staff keep updated with the latest knowledge. A journal club can be initiated to make the NPICU staff aware of how mothers cope and what their needs are. Further larger-scale research using random sampling is needed locally. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63884 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63771 Title: Childbearing women's views on preconception healthcare Abstract: The study aimed to explore childbearing women's views on preconception healthcare. The objectives for the study were to explore women's knowledge and understanding of the importance of preconception care and to explore women's views on the provision of preconception health care services. To fulfil the study's aim, a self-administered structured questionnaire was utilized. The sample included seventy-one Maltese women recruited by convenience sampling. Participants were recruited from preparatory marriage courses as these are the prospective conceiving women in the Maltese population. A pilot study was performed before the actual study. A 100 % response rate was yielded. Data was analyzed manually using descriptive statistics while the results were presented by pie charts and bar charts. Results showed that the absolute majority of the participants agreed that preconception care is useful and that they would use the service of a preconception clinic if it is set up in Malta. Most of the participants chose the obstetrician or gynaecologist as the main health care provider that should provide this service. Most of the women were knowledgeable on subjects such as smoking and alcohol cessation, illicit drug use and genetic counselling during the preconception period. The women lacked information in other areas such as folic acid intake, handling cat litter and diet. The results were discussed and compared to other similar studies while recommendations for research, education and midwifery practice were made. Recommendations included further research in this area while encouraging Maltese midwives to embark on their role in the provision of preconception care. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63771 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57096 Title: Diabetes in pregnancy : mothers' knowledge of self-care Abstract: This study aims to explore expectant diabetic mothers' knowledge of self-care. The objectives of this study were to define knowledge of self-care initiatives in pregnant diabetic women, to explore the support given by the midwife in the provision of self-care, and to explore commitment and involvement of diabetic mothers in self-care. To fulfil the study's aim, a convenience sample of 21 women who were suffering from diabetes in pregnancy, was identified and the women consented to take part in this study. Nineteen of these mothers (90.5% response rate) completed the questionnaire devised for the purpose of this study. Data was manually analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Overall, pregnant women suffering from diabetes in pregnancy were knowledgeable regarding most self-care aspects but were often unsuccessful in implementing this knowledge in their care. The aspects of care which participants were most knowledgeable in included diet and self-blood glucose monitoring; however the majority of participants did not always follow a healthy diabetic diet. Moreover, most participants were not sufficiently engaged in physical activity. Awareness of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia was high and participants were also knowledgeable of treatment strategies to alleviate hypoglycaemia. However, knowledge regarding the treatment of hyperglycaemia was not optimal. Results of this study emphasize the role of the midwife in the preconception and antenatal period, with regards to self-management of diabetes in pregnancy. These findings form the basis of the recommendations for practice, research and education proposed in this study. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57096 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/56889 Title: First-time pregnant women's views and behaviours about exercise Abstract: The general purpose of this research was to investigate the first-time pregnant women's views and behaviours about exercise. This aim has been achieved through the following objectives; to explore the women's exercise behaviours before and during pregnancy, to determine their awareness of appropriate exercise in pregnancy, to identify women's motivators for exercising and to explore any reasons for not exercising during pregnancy. In this descriptive small scale survey, data was collected by the use of self-administered questionnaires, containing both close and open-ended questions. Thirty first-time Maltese pregnant women, attending the Antenatal Clinic of the local public hospital were chosen by convenience sampling. The response rate was 86%. Data was analysed manually using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results indicated that women exercised less often during pregnancy when compared to the pre-pregnancy period. On the contrary, swimming and squatting exercises increased during pregnancy. The media and advice received from midwives served as a source of information about exercise during pregnancy. Fitness and a positive mood improvement were the main reasons that encouraged pregnant women to exercise. Husbands/partners and relatives were identified as providing support to exercise during pregnancy. The main reasons for not exercising were health-related concerns and time constraints. Overall, women were aware about the benefits of exercise and had somewhat clear beliefs about what forms of exercises were safe during pregnancy. However, women decreased their exercise behaviour mainly due to the physical changes pregnancy poses on women's health. The main recommendations include the need to provide up-to-date information about exercise to all pregnant women, in order to enhance their health. Further research can be carried out using a larger scale longitudinal and also utilizing qualitative methods. Moreover, midwives should examine women's views about exercising during pregnancy and support them in designing exercise strategies accordingly, in an attempt to increase their exercise participation overall. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/56889 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z