The experience of pregnant women being offered influenza vaccination by their midwife, a qualitative descriptive approach

Hardacre, Suzanne 2021. The experience of pregnant women being offered influenza vaccination by their midwife, a qualitative descriptive approach. Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Summary Aim To explore, interpret and develop an understanding of pregnant women’s experience of being offered the seasonal influenza vaccination by their midwife and whether this affects the woman’s decision to either accept or decline the vaccine. Research Question ‘Does the relationship between the woman and the midwife impact on the woman’s decision to accept or decline the seasonal influenza vaccination in pregnancy?’ Objectives 1 To investigate factors which when drawn from women’s experience of being offered the seasonal influenza vaccination, influence their decision to accept or decline the vaccine. 2 To explore whether women’s experience of the antenatal environment in which the midwife / woman discussion takes place has any influence on the decision to accept or decline the vaccine. 3 To identify whether women’s experience differs according to their geographical location. Methods The study was carried out within five geographical Boroughs within a large University Health Board in South East Wales. Semi-structured interviews were held with twelve pregnant women. A qualitative descriptive approach was used and data were analysed thematically. The theoretical framework of ‘reproductive citizenship’ developed by Wiley et al (2015) was used for interpretation of the study findings Findings Women’s beliefs conflicted with their actions. Participants believed they were not at risk of influenza yet had the vaccination regardless. Characteristics of wanting to be a good mother and doing the right thing were evident, despite many competing priorities of pregnancy. The environment in which the women had their vaccination was not of concern and they displayed a quiescent approach to the influenza vaccination within the context of their antenatal care. Women placed trust in the midwife, relying on their advice without question. Discussion Fatalism, passive acceptance and influence of the healthcare professional was apparent and participants spoke warmly of the ‘good midwife’. Magical beliefs and superstition explained the women’s perception of risk, derived from family experience. Fate, luck and perceived lack of control over life events framed women’s views. Women placed trust in the midwife taking comfort in that the knowledgeable professional was making the iii right decision ‘for them’ displaying traits of quiescent reproductive citizenship as characterised by Wiley et al (2015). Conclusion Influenza vaccination and the consequence of disease were perceived to be low down amongst many competing priorities of pregnancy. Participants did not believe that they were at risk of influenza disease and sometimes shifted responsibility for decision-making to the midwife, placing trust in the mother / midwife relationship.

Item Type:	Thesis (Other)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	21 September 2022
Last Modified:	05 Jan 2024 08:25
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/152761

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