Episiotomy is a surgical cut of the perineum performed in the second stage of labor in order to widen the vaginal opening and thus facilitate the birth of an infant. Despite current recommendations against the routine use of episiotomy, it is one of the most commonly performed surgical interventions during childbirth. This retrospective study explores the number of episiotomies performed in Slovenian maternity hospitals and the differences in episiotomy rates in relation to parity. Data were obtained from the Slovenian National Perinatal Information System and pooled for 2013. A causal and non-experimental method of empirical research was used. The results of the study show that episiotomy rates vary widely across Slovenian maternity hospitals, ranging from 2.5% to 51.7%. Moreover, the majority of Slovenian maternity hospitals exceed the recommended rate, with an overall incidence of episiotomy as high as 31.3%. Further research is recommended to obtain relevant information from women as well as from midwives and to draw new, evidence-based conclusions related to the maternal benefits and adverse effects of episiotomy.
IntroductionThe aim of the study was to explore two aspects of neonatal prophylaxis: the application of the vitamin K injection to the newborns and the prophylaxis against chlamydial and gonococcal eye infections, comparing Slovenian and Croatian practices.MethodsA causal non-experimental method of quantitative empirical approach was used. The data was collected by means of predesigned questionnaires. The questionnaires were sent to 14 Slovenian and 32 Croatian birth hospitals. The data was analysed with descriptive statistics and the Kullback test.ResultsVitamin K is applied to all newborns in 9 (out of 14) Slovene and 22 (out of 32) Croatian birth hospitals that returned the questionnaire. The prophylaxis against chlamydial gonococcal eye infections is applied to all newborns in 9 Slovene and 16 Croatian birth hospitals that offered answers to the questionnaire. The majority of Slovene and Croatian birth hospitals perform these procedures in the first hour after birth. The majority of Slovene birth hospitals still apply vitamin K in the gluteal muscle, whereas the majority of Croatian birth hospitals usually use the thigh as an injection site. In Slovenia, 1 % Targesin is used for the prophylaxis against chlamydial and gonococcal eye infections, whereas in Croatia the prevailing medicine is Erythromycin.ConclusionsThe possibility of oral vitamin K application should be offered to parents, and pain management in practice should be discussed. The form of written informed consent could be offered to parents. Health professionals should provide intimacy and exclude routine procedures in the first couple of hours after birth. However, more research is needed as delayed administration might be related to lower efficacy and, as a consequence of that, the safety of newborns is questionable.
Theoretical background: An awareness of the operation of factors of the hidden curriculum is a precondition for an effective and professional adult education practice. A hidden curriculum comes to bear on the work process, content, procedures and routines, it can also be understood as the "battleground" of various competing influences and ideologies that appears in a hidden manner. Method: We use the meta-synthesis research design. The main goal of a meta-synthesis was building theory by refining or extending existing theory and generating a new theory. Results: On the basis of the research findings, we develop guidelines for researching and directing the hidden curriculum and subjective theories that are based on action research, evaluation research and research following the method of the deconstruction and redefinition of the personal thinking and beliefs that guide the individual's professional activity on the basis of processes of critical awareness and reflection. Conclusion: Deconstruction and redefinition of the personal thinking and beliefs that direct the individual's professional operation and action are very important processes of individual professionalism. We should be aware that the researching and directing the factors of hidden curriculum can help and improve the quality of adult education and practice, professional work and operation in the education process and outcomes for practitioners.
INTRODUCTIONSmoking in pregnancy is unhealthy and can also have negative effects on the foetus. However, there are still some women who do not quit smoking during pregnancy. The aim of the study was to identify Slovenian women at risk who smoke during pregnancy. METHODS A quantative approach using an online survey was adopted. RESULTS More than half (66%) did not quit smoking during pregnancy. Women who continued to smoke during pregnancy were usually younger, less educated with a partner who smoked. Women who smoked more cigarettes per day before conception were less likely to refrain from smoking during pregnancy. The most common reason for not quitting smoking during pregnancy was failure in attempts to quit (37%). CONCLUSIONS Women who smoke need support to stop smoking before pregnancy or, at least, in the first trimester. Special groups for smoking cessation need to be created. Further and more extensive research is warranted in Slovenia to assess this issue. AFFILIATION
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