Helou A, Stewart K, Ryan K, George J. 'I wish my body was stronger': A qualitative study of attitudes and behaviours regarding treatment of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
SAGE Open Med 2021;
9:20503121211032480. [PMID:
34349997 PMCID:
PMC8287341 DOI:
10.1177/20503121211032480]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives:
To investigate pregnant women’s attitudes and behaviours towards hypertensive
disorders of pregnancy and their treatment.
Methods:
Face-to-face, in-depth interviews were undertaken with 27 pregnant women
diagnosed with and being treated for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy to
investigate attitudes and behaviours regarding the conditions and their
treatment. Written consent was obtained individually from each participant,
and the interviews ranged from 16 to 54 minutes. Data collection was
continued until thematic saturation was reached. Thematic analysis was
employed to interpret the data.
Results:
Four major themes emerged around beliefs and behaviours of pregnant women
regarding treatment of their hypertension: understanding of hypertensive
disorders of pregnancy and their implications, risks versus benefits of
antihypertensive medication during pregnancy, trust in medical professionals
and adherence to medication. The women’s level of understanding of
hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their implications determined
whether they were able to make informed decisions about their treatment.
Prior experiences and concern for preservation of the pregnancy played major
roles in the perception of the risk/benefit balance of using
antihypertensive medication during pregnancy. The degree of trust in the
treating medical professionals varied according to the perception of their
confidence and knowledge.
Conclusions:
Sound understanding of the condition, a positive risk/benefit balance
regarding antihypertensive medication use during pregnancy, and trust in
medical professionals contributed to adherence to medication. Good
communication with healthcare professionals is important to achieve optimal
treatment.
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