https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8436 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:08:40 GMT 2026-04-19T18:08:40Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9129 Title: First-time fathers’ experiences of attending the birth of their child Abstract: The aim of this study was to gain insight into first-time fathers' experiences of attending the birth of their child. The study's objectives were to explore the fathers' feelings on witnessing the birth of their child, and supporting their partners during childbirth. A qualitative research design was adopted to conduct the study through a self-designed, semi-structured interview schedule. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were approached and accepted to participate voluntarily. Interviews were conducted face-to-face and via a purposive sample of seven first-time fathers. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and consecutively translated to the English language. Ethical considerations were strictly maintained. The findings of this study were analysed using thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke (2006). The resulting themes included fathers' perceptions, feelings and roles adopted during childbirth. The study revealed that childbirth helped fathers come to terms with reality which instilled poignant emotional feelings. Findings highlighted how fears arose when witnessing their partners' pain. Participants struggled to conceal these feelings behind a calm exterior; to be perceived as strong and assertive by their partners; and most importantly retain their masculinity. Participants exhibited a sense of pride for accomplishing their expected roles during birth, and emphasised how they strived to constantly encourage their partners. This implies that the midwife should become more sensitised to the fathers' fears during birth. Finally, most fathers explained that they felt included in the process of birth and declared that they were the midwife's "helper‟. The midwife was identified as a crucial figure that facilitated fathers' interaction with their child. Findings revealed that the midwife should better inform fathers regarding the expected pain levels during the process of birth. Hence, this study recommends the introduction of sessions within the Parentcraft Education Programme which are specifically designed for fathers. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9129 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9128 Title: Mothers’ experiences of an assisted vaginal delivery Abstract: Each year, a significant number of mothers experience a vaginal delivery assisted by ventouse and/or forceps. Such an experience has the potential to negatively influence the mother’s childbirth experience, which may in turn affect her psychological well-being and her future birth plans. A small scale study was carried out to explore mothers’ experiences of their vaginal delivery assisted by ventouse and/or forceps. The objectives explored were: mothers’ feelings upon being told that they needed assistance with their vaginal delivery; their experiences of the delivery, and of the immediate postnatal period. A qualitative approach was adopted, and semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of seven postnatal mothers with experience of an assisted vaginal delivery. Data collected was analysed by thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Analysis of the findings revealed three themes. The first theme is: Mothers know but they (midwives and doctors) know better. Mothers are knowledgeable on operative deliveries, however in the presence of fear and concern they opt to rely on health care professionals for decision making, such as the mode of birth. Fear, guilt feelings and relief emerged in the second theme. Mothers experience fear, concern for the baby and subsequent guilt feelings as a result of the trauma experienced by their neonate. However postnatally, mothers feel relieved. The third theme: The Experience, illustrates that the mother’s overall childbirth experience is a complex one shaped by the instrumental delivery, support, physical trauma and the transition to motherhood. The small scale of the study was the main limitation of this research. Thus, a recommendation is to replicate the study on a larger scale, so as to obtain a better understanding of mothers’ experiences; increasing midwives’ knowledge, and promoting improvements in care. Description: M.SC.MIDWIFERY Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9128 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9114 Title: Somali immigrant women’s lived experiences of pregnancy and childbirth in Malta Abstract: This study aimed to understand the lived experiences of Somali immigrant women during pregnancy and childbirth in the Maltese context. The objectives of the study were to explore Somali women’s experience of their pregnancy and childbirth in Malta, the needs of these women during pregnancy and childbirth and possible cultural barriers that Somali women faced during pregnancy and childbirth. The qualitative paradigm was used to conduct the study by using a semi-structured interview. The interview guide was specifically designed for the purpose of this research. Eight women were chosen to participate in this study by purposive sampling. All participants took part in two interviews. The first interview, which was audio recorded, was conducted within 3 months following childbirth. The second interview focused on the verification of data and the interpretation derived from their first interview. The focus of interpretative hermeneutic phenomenology, as described by vanManen (1990) was adapted to interpret the data. The resulting 6 major themes were ‘struggling to adapt’, ‘a sense of security’, ‘healthcare challenges’ ‘faith and tradition’ ‘changes and beliefs’ and ‘shifting identities’. The findings demonstrated that these women’s lived experiences ranged as a continuum between two extremes, namely from a sense of trust to struggling to adapt to this new phenomenon. Findings also show that while Somali women try to adapt and trust the healthcare system, few attempts have been actually made, by the healthcare system to support them. This research recognises the dire need to research this phenomenon as it is of crucial importance in our society due to the continuous influx of immigrants. It highlights the need for healthcare professionals to have the capacity to work in a cross cultural environment by introducing a good interpreting system to overcome language barriers. Healthcare professionals, especially midwives, are identified as important figures that need to recognise women as individuals with particular stories and backgrounds in order to provide a safe and non-stereotyped maternity care. Hence, this study recommends that clinicians need to overcome both cultural and language barriers in order to provide optimum care. Description: M.SC.MIDWIFERY Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9114 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8861 Title: Women’s health and partner’s violence in pregnancy survey Abstract: The prevalence rate of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy varies extensively between countries. This was clearly observed in the systematic review that led this study. Moreover, since IPV is a highly multifaceted, gender-based phenomenon, literature is still inconsistent with regards to the variables that promote or hinder abuse during pregnancy. Hence, this study aimed to explore women’s health and assess the frequency of IPV during pregnancy. In order to achieve this aim, the researcher investigated the socio-demographic variables associated with IPV during pregnancy and analysed whether IPV during the gestation period influenced pregnancy outcomes. This study implemented a survey research design. The sample comprised of 300 Maltese postnatal women, recruited by convenience, non-proportional quota sampling technique, yielding a response rate of 78.9%. Data was collected by the Charge Midwives of the wards or their representatives; potential participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and accepted to participate in the study were given a modified version of the WHO violence against women structured interview. The tool was previously validated in several countries worldwide and tested locally using test-retest reliability. This research strictly adhered to the WHO ethical considerations. The researcher also obtained ethical approval from the respective local authorities. Frequencies and cross-tabulations were used to analyse the data. Findings show that 22.3% (n = 66) of all participants were exposed to one or more acts of psychological, verbal, physical or sexual abuse by their intimate partner during their pregnancy, implying that the ratio of IPV during pregnancy in Malta is 1-2 in every 5 women. Psychological and verbal IPV were the most common forms of violence experienced by women, followed by physical and sexual abuse. Results indicated that pregnancy was neither found to protect women nor increase their chances of experiencing physical acts of IPV. Several socio-demographic and pregnancy-related variables were found to significantly increase women’s risk of experiencing IPV during pregnancy; including amongst others: young age or being older than 35 years, low education, working as a housewife, having a marital status of single or living with the partner out of wedlock, having a history of or occasional use of illicit drugs, having an unplanned pregnancy, requiring hospital admissions or experiencing physical injuries during pregnancy and having an infant weighing less than 1kg at birth. By using Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) ecological model and the gender theory (Hess & Ferree, 1987) as a guide, this study discussed how IPV during pregnancy cannot be fully comprehended unless cultural, religious and societal factors are taken into account. This study concludes by providing a number of recommendations for the clinical practice, education and research, based on the findings obtained; including amongst others, the introduction of routine screening for IPV during pregnancy and the need to offer health professionals continuous professional development courses, seminars and conferences on identification and management of abuse during pregnancy. Moreover, suggestions for awareness campaigns are also drawn up. Description: M.SC.MIDWIFERY Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8861 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z