Women’s Perceptions of Caesarean Birth

Abstract

The purpose of this Roy adaptation model-based multi-site international mixed method study was to examine the relations of type of caesarean birth (unplanned/planned), number of caesarean births (primary/repeat), and preparation for caesarean birth to women's perceptions of and responses to caesarean birth. The sample included 488 women from the United States (n = 253), Finland (n = 213), and Australia (n = 22). Path analysis revealed direct effects for type of and preparation for caesarean birth on responses to caesarean birth, and an indirect effect for preparation on responses to caesarean birth through perception of birth the experience.

Life as a Nurse Researcher

“…In addition, nurse practitioners at one healthcare agency collected data for one of the studies. The products of this research are several journal articles, with the culmination of this component of the Roy adaptation model-based program of research the publication of a report of a multisite international study of women’s perceptions of and responses to cesarean birth (Fawcett et al, 2011). The findings of all of these studies indicate that some women continue to regard cesarean delivery birth less favorably than vaginal delivery, although negative perceptions and responses have decreased over the years as the cesarean birth rate has increased.…”

Women’s hospital birth experiences in Harar, eastern Ethiopia: a qualitative study using Roy’s Adaptation Model

“…This was represented by the perception of the birth experience, which includes feelings or emotions about labour or perioperative procedures, delivery process and intervention during delivery, and initial contact with the infant. 24 A negative birth experience is interpreted as ‘inadequate adaptation’ in the context of RAM.…”

Thoughts About Conceptual Models and Measurement Validity

“…Researchers spend a great deal of time searching for instruments, including interview guides and questionnaires, that are appropriate measures of the middle-range theory concepts that they plan to study. For example, Fawcett and colleagues have used a combination of existing and new research instruments as practice tools in their integrated research and teaching projects focused on testing and applying theories of women's experiences of childbirth (Aber, Weiss, & Fawcett, in press;Fawcett, Aber, & Weiss, 2003;Fawcett et al, 2011;Weiss, Fawcett, & Aber, 2009). Nursing practitioners, that is, nurses who are actively engaged in practice (Orem, 2001), spend a great deal of time searching for practice tools, including assessment formats and intervention protocols, that are appropriate measures of the middle-range theories that they plan to apply when caring for people who seek nursing services.…”

“…Sometimes, research instruments can be used as practice tools. For example, Fawcett and colleagues have used a combination of existing and new research instruments as practice tools in their integrated research and teaching projects focused on testing and applying theories of women’s experiences of childbirth (Aber, Weiss, & Fawcett, in press; Fawcett, Aber, & Weiss, 2003; Fawcett et al, 2011; Weiss, Fawcett, & Aber, 2009).…”