“Navigating in a maze without a map“. Partners’ experiences of hyperemesis gravidarum- a qualitative studyShow others and affiliations
2024 (English)In: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare, ISSN 1877-5756, E-ISSN 1877-5764, Vol. 40, article id 100976Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Objective: A supportive environment for women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum is crucial but not always provided. There is a lack of research regarding Hyperemesis Gravidarum, its impact on the family, and the partner's perception of supporting their spouse. Thus, this study aims to explore partners’ experiences of Hyperemesis Gravidarum during their spousés pregnancy.
Methods: Data were gathered through 13 individual, semi-structured, in-depth, digital interviews with partners of women who had experienced Hyperemesis Gravidarum and analysed with Qualitative Content Analysis. The partners were recruited through advertisement on a social media platform and were exclusively males, representing 8 of 21 Swedish regions. The mean age was 34, and they had, on average, 1 previous child. The mean time from the experience to the interview was 12 months.
Findings: The main theme, “Navigating in a maze without a map”, explains partners’ situation as stressful and demanding when their spouse suffers from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, with insufficient support and guidance from healthcare providers. The analysis resulted in three themes: “Standing alone with a demanding responsibility”, “Being in a lottery when facing healthcare”, and “Climbing the mountain together.” The themes display challenges within everyday life and healthcare, as well as strained relations within the family.
Conclusion: Partners experience a need to support their spouse in every aspect of daily life and advocate for adequate healthcare. Healthcare professionals must support and acknowledge the partners' struggles during the demanding situation with Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2024. Vol. 40, article id 100976
Keywords [en]
Family support, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Pregnancy complication, Qualitative research, Social support, Spouses
National Category
Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-224934DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100976ISI: 001236795000001PubMedID: 38696948Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85191863598OAI: oai:DiVA.org:umu-224934DiVA, id: diva2:1862955
Funder
Region Västerbotten2024-05-302024-05-302025-04-24Bibliographically approved