Facilitating Obstetric Services for Pregnant Women

Facilitating Obstetric Services for Pregnant Women Socio-cultural INFULENCES AND Access TO Basic Obstetric Care (BOC) Abstract Although pregnancy and childbirth are not of medical origin, respectively, they signify normal physiological events. Women who are pregnant often anticipate satisfactory childbirth outcomes, with no complications during the birthing process. Maternal and Child health is achieved through comprehensive obstetric interventions. While basic obstetric care is available for pregnant women, socio-cultural beliefs are effective as well to convince them not to access appropriate care during obstetric emergencies. Therefore, this essay explains why pregnant women are often unable to receive care they need and the benefits of accessing essential obstetric care in health facilities. Socio-cultural Beliefs and Childbirth Practices Whilst there are many cultures throughout the world, every culture is distinct and varies considerably from one another. Culture is viewed as a main pillar that clearly defines ethnic identity, autonomy, and the tribal dominance of a society (Bravo Noya, 2014). Its influence is fascinating by the way certain skills, knowledge, and practices are observed and learnt over a period of time to maintain and preserve its existence (Sherry Ornstein, 2014). Similarly, different societies have profound cultural beliefs and interpretations in relation to pregnancy and childbirth practices. Though birthing is an individual occasion, it is also an important societal experience that impacts women’s perceptions and certain beliefs between respective societies (Kaphle, Hancock, Newman, 2013). For instance, during pregnancy, women strictly observe their cultural norms and â€Å"taboos† by avoiding certain foods or diets. In general, a particular food that is abundant in protein is avoided due to their mutual belief(s) that may lead to congenital deformed babies, resembling features of food eaten, or their babies may grow big thereby complicating the second stage of labour (Kuzma, et al., 2013). Cultural influences are persuasive, and thus, prevent pregnant women to access essential maternal health care. Socio-cultural Beliefs and Access to Basic Obstetric Care (BOC) In spite of the fact that there are many different societies, they are often classified into two broad kinds of societies; patrilineal or matrilineal. Patrilineal society is more common and influential. Patrilineal societies qualify men to own the land, properties, make critical decisions, and decide on family size (Koian, 2010). Land is considered as an important asset for families in ethnic societies. This is why, in patrilineal societies, men would often want to have more male children in their family to inherit the land, and also to take full responsibility during their old age (Tao, 2014). In contrast, women’s responsibilities are often associated with domestic duties, such as cooking, gardening, childbearing and childrearing. On the other hand, basic medical ailments and maternal health services (for example, Family Planning) are viewed as insignificant to certain societies, and are perceived to only interfere with their cultural beliefs (Kaphle, Hancock, Newman, 2013). Moreover, any pregnancy or childbirth-related complications are considered abnormal, and the victim (pregnant woman) is condemned for disobedience; as a result, she is cursed by ancestral evil forces (Kuzma, et al., 2013). Such cultural beliefs often have subsequent impact on pregnant women accessing and utilising vital antenatal and obstetric care (Boerleider, Wiegers, Mannien, Francke, Deville, 2013). Traditional Birth Attendance (TBA) and their Experiences To strengthen maternal health care, emphasis is placed on pregnant women accessing health facilities for supervised care and deliveries from Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs). These are qualified health professionals (such as; midwives, nurses and doctors) who are able to manage pregnancies and childbirths, and detect possible obstetric complications threatening to the mother and her unborn baby (Uzt, Siddiqui, Adegoke, Broeke, 2013). In many societies, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) are available, usually old women who are considered skilful and knowledgeable in managing childbirths. Their competency of practice has become women’s first choice of contact when in labour. Also, their respectful approach toward mothers, irrespective of their social status, age, parity, and reasonable labour fees, have continued to influence women’s perception of positive childbirth experiences under their care (Akpabio, Edet, Etifit, Bassey, 2014). Unfortunately, TBAs still require essential evidence-based knowledge; they need adequate emergency obstetric skills and kits to manage during labour and birth emergencies. Their performing (birthing) roles were observed, and acquired only through other experienced TBAs. Yet, pregnant women still forgo formal deliveries to seek assistance from TBAs. Even some who often attend antenatal clinics still prefer TBAs during labour. Such care outside the scope of professional practice results in high rates of preventable maternal deaths (Akpabio, Edet, Etifit, Bassey, 2014). Pregnancy and childbirth experiences can be life-threatening without the presence of SBAs. Hence, it is necessary for pregnant mothers to seek formal support, and care in health care settings where health care providers, and essential life-saving equipment are available. Health Care Providers’ Attitudes and Approaches Health Care Providers have primary responsibilities in providing health care effectively to their patients (women) without favouritism, injustice, harassment, and discrimination due to their socio-cultural attributes. One of the reason that affects pregnant women in relation to seeking a health centre birth is the â€Å"maltreatment† they receive from health care providers. Such unethical treatment in general includes professional negligence, abusive language, discrimination, and interventions without granting permission (Moyer, Adongo, Aborigo, Hodgson, Engmann, 2014). They feel that the environment is not conducive for them. Thus, the fear of ill treatment from health care providers (especially, midwives and other female health workers) often discourages women from accessing health care to deliver their babies (Essendi, Mills, Fotso, 2010). The attitudes and approaches of health care providers must be facilitated in such a friendly manner so as to encourage midwife/nurse-t o-mother relationships to achieve optimal maternal outcomes. Another reason that often prevents pregnant women opting for hospital births is their fear of health workers’ keeping their placentas for disposal (without giving the placentas to them). Some women often use placentas to execute traditional ceremonials, and are concerned it will be difficult for them to take their placentas home. Such deprivation becomes a hindrance for some of them to access supervised delivery where appropriate and essential (Moyer, Adongo, Aborigo, Hodgson, Engmann, 2014). For that reason, establishing rapport and providing empathetic care and a compassionate attitude is expected. Transcultural conflicts in health are precluded when care is integrated harmoniously without cultural interference. Conclusion In conclusion, the emphasis on facilitating obstetric services for pregnant women performs an essential role in strengthening maternal and child health. Improving accessibility and reinforcement at all levels of the health care system is of paramount importance for obstetric services to function effectively. Professional conduct during the care is needed while as much as possible, accommodating socio-cultural attributes to attain best possible outcomes. Also, comprehensive community-based programs by health care providers relating to maternal health, has the potential to connect any existing socio-cultural barriers, and allow women to freely utilize obstetric care when necessary. Bibliography Akpabio, I., Edet, O., Etifit, R., Bassey, G. (2014). Womens Preference for Traditional Birth Attendants and Modern Health Care Practioners in Akpabuyo Community of Cross River State, Nigeria. Health Care for Women International, 35:1, 100-109. Boerleider, A., Wiegers, T., Mannien, J., Francke, A., Deville, W. (2013). Factors affecting the Use of Prenatal Care by Non-western Women in Industrialized Western Countries: A Systemic Review. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 13:81, 1471-2393. Bravo, I., Noya, M. (2014). Culture in Prenatal Development: Parental Attitudes, Availability of Care, Expectations, Values and Nutrition. Child Youth Care Forum. 43, 521-538. Essendi, H., Mills, S., Fotso, C. (2010). Barriers to Formal Emergency Obstetric Care Services Utilization. Journal of Urban Health: Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine, Vol.88, Suppl.2, S356-S369. Faisal, A., Tofayel, A. (2014). Influence of the Socio-cultural Factors in Health-seeking Behaviour of Women during Pregnancy in Rural Bangladesh . Journal of Exclusion Studies, Vol.4, Issue:1, 1-11. Kaphle, S., Hancock, H., Newman, L. (2013). Childbirth Traditions and Cultural Perceptions of Safety in Nepal: Critical Spaces to ensure the Survival of Mothers and Newborns in Remote Mountain Villages. Midwifery 29, 1173-1181. Koian, R. (2010). Women in Patrilineal and Matrilineal Societies in Melanesia. Madang, PNG: Bismark Ramu Group. Kosum, Z., Yurdakul, M. (2012). Factors Affecting the Use of Emergency Obstetric Care among Pregnant Women with Antenatal Bleeding. Midwifery 29, 440-446. Kuzma, J., Paofa, D., Kaugle, N., Catherina, T., Samiak, S., Kumei, E. (2013). Food Taboos and Traditional Customs Among Pregnant Women in Papua New Guinea: Missed Opportunity for Education in Antenatal Clinics. Contemporary PNG Studies: DWU Research Journal, Vol.19, 1-11. Moyer, C., Adongo, P., Aborigo, R., Hodgson, A., Engmann, C. (2014). They treat you like you are not a human being: Maltreatment during Labour and Delivery in Rural Northern Ghana. Midwifery 30, 262-268. Sherry, S., Ornstein, A. (2014). The Preservation and Transmission of Cultural Values and Ideals: Challenges Facing Immigrant Families. Psychoanalytic Inquiry: A Topical Journal for Mental Health Professionals, 34:5, 452-462. Tao, L. (2014). Why do women interact with their parents more often then men? The demonstration effect vs. biological effect. The Social Science Journal, 1-11. Uzt, B., Siddiqui, G., Adegoke, A., Broeke, N. (2013). Definitions and Roles of a Skilled Birth Attendant: A Mapping Exercise from South-Asian Countries. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica (AOGS), 1-7. Yankuzo, K. (2014). Impact of Globalization on the Traditional African Cultures. International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences 4, 1-8. McKenzie Maviso1

Assumptions on Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis

Cost-volume-profit (CVP) analysis is used to expand and update the information obtained from breakeven analysis. It is necessary to underline that the critical part of the analysis is defined as the point where total costs equal total revenues or, in other words, when fixed and variable costs equal total revenues. Actually, at this point the company is claimed not to experiences losses and gains. This breakeven point is an initial examination and CVP analysis follows it.Cost-volume-profit analysis shares similar important assumptions as breakeven analysis. These assumes are: †¢ The behavior of revenues and costs is claimed to be in linear throughout the relevant activity range. It means that the concept of volume discounts on either sales or purchased materials. †¢ The only factor affecting the costs is considered changes in activities. †¢ Costs are classified as variable and fixed and such classification is precise. †¢ No ending finished goods inventories are obs erved as all produced units are sold.†¢ The sales mix is constant when the company is selling more than one production line and sales mix is defined as the ration of each production line to total sales. One more essential assumption is that in case a unit is produced in a particular year, it should be sold this year as unsold units are distorting the analysis. Unsold products are marked in books and defined as finished goods inventory. Further, such units are re-classified as assets and they are transferred to the next year.However, the risk that these goods won’t be salable the next year because of deterioration and obsolescence is very high. CVP can be also used to develop probability distributions in manufacturing firms and in restaurant industry. CVP analysis is rather simple and it is often used too explore the potential profit and pricing decisions. References Caldwell, Ch. W. , & Welch, J. K. (1989). Applications of Cost-Profit-Volume Analysis in the Governmental Environment. Government Accountants Journal, Summer, 3–8. .

Contradictions of human Essay

‘Novelists and short-story writers have a less or more sympathetic interest in the contradictions of human behaviour.’ In what ways, and by what means, are such contradictions presented in works you have read? Contradictions of human behaviour are a part of human nature. Authors perceive this phenomena and choose to develop the contradictions in their characters, by showing the differences in how a character interacts with different people. The contradictions serve to illustrate of how a character does not play a role that he or she is expected to play. In the two novels â€Å"July’s People† by Nadine Gordimer and â€Å"Madame Bovary† by Gustave Flaubert the contradictions are evident in for example July’s contrasting attitudes, Maureen’s transformation and Emma’s contradictory actions. A character’s persona is created by the way that he or she responds to another character. July is introduced in the beginning of the novel as being one of the many black servants that have waited on their white superiors. They have just arrived at July’s village which changes the circumstances and Bam and Maureen do not know how they should act. He is their servant and has been for the past fifteen years, yet he has changed roles to their host who is quite unwilling to let go of his newfound power. For example, July takes the keys of the bakkie and without asking takes it around to get supplies from stores but he also learns how to drive it. It would not mind Maureen and Bam so much if July had asked them, recognizing their possession over the bakkie. Because the bakkie is one of their only possessions at the village, they feel it is important to reinforce that it is theirs. At one point Bam feels it necessary to ask July â€Å"Is it yours July?† to make sure he understands that the real owners of the bakkie is actually him and Maureen. Moreover, prior to their refuge in July’s village, the Smales has only known the obedient side of July. However, the way that he bosses around his mother and his wife shows the authoritative side. The life in the village has been that the men are gone to the towns to earn money for them, thus while the men are gone leading a matriarchal family structure. When the men are home, however, they tend to nag about the decisions the man has made, but still accepts them. For instance, July’s mother keeps on insisting that the â€Å"white people will bring trouble† while July firmly states that this will not be the case and that they will be staying with them. It is not only July that acts differently towards the others. Towards her husband Emma Bovary appears to be a loving housewife, though outside her marriage she is adulterous. She tries desperately to be of the former, though she gets bored of Charles who is not the man that she has conjured up taking into consideration the romance novels that she has read in her childhood. Therefore she goes and tries to find someone who will fulfil her needs. However she is fully aware of the fact that the relationship with Rodolphe and Leon are not what she has dreamed of either. Though she is naà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ve enough to give up everything for Rodolphe, seeing as she wants to elope with him. Even during the affair with Rodolphe, Emma seems to Charles as the most loving wife he could have. Though it is not until the relationship with Rodolphe failed and having received a letter from her father, that she beings to repent and tries in desperation to turn to God and become a faithful wife not only on th e outside but also in her inner feelings. The two female protagonists have some masculine features. Maureen, not so much at the beginning of the novel, but as it progresses her masculinity becomes more apparent in her efforts to find a place for herself in the village. She is also deprived of the comforts that she is used to in Johannesburg, even things for basic sanitation which disgusts Bam who no longer see her as attractive as he had seen her back home, even comparing her neck to his father’s. Moreover, without the routine of their married life, they find it difficult to continue their relationship as man and wife. When Maureen follows the black women to the fields one day, she is told soon after not to work by July, saying that the work the black women do are not fit for a white woman. This differentiates Maureen from the other women in the village, making her feel uncomfortable. Though it is clear that she does not have the same status as a man, as July does not treat her with as much respect as he would have done at home, as he yells at her in his own language, like he would do to one of his own women. Therefore she is confused by how she should act towards July and when she enters his women-free hut she must convince herself that she is different because â€Å"their relationship had been a working relationship.† Emma, on the other hand, is dominant in nature. Dominance being a masculine feature. She has admitted defeat over that she is a woman and therefore will not be acceptable to follow her dreams but she bosses around Charles in a way that she may be seen to be living off his life. For instance she persuades him to operate on Hippolyte’s leg. If it wouldn’t have been for her, he would not have attempted such a thing and Hippolyte may have kept his leg. Another example of her dominance in the marriage is when they are at the ball, Emma tells Charles not to dance as he will make a fool out of himself with his clumsiness. However, Emma has less claim to be at the ball as she is only a peasant’s daughter while Charles is at least middle class. Furthermore she dreams of belonging to the upper class, even though she knows that she will never fit into the picture as she is after all married to Charles. In conclusion, the authors develop the contradictions and incorporate them when developing a character. It is evident that people will have different reactions and emotions concerning various people which may contradict some of their actions or role in society. July shows a different side to himself confusing Maureen. Through this and other factors, she develops herself into a more masculine figure who becomes more independent of her family, symbolized by her crossing of the river at the end of the novel, while Emma is shown to be stuck in her situation and the only way out is concluded to be death.

Essay about Adolf Hitler - 2000 Words

Adolf Hitler did not live a very long life, but during his time he caused such a great deal of death and destruction that his actions still have an effect on the world nearly 50 years later. People ask what couldve happen to this small sickly boy during his childhood that wouldve led him do such horrible things? For Adolf it might have been society, rejection from his father, failure as an artist or was he born to hate?Adolf was born in Braunau, Austria in 1889. His father, Alois was a minor customs official, and his mother was a peasant girl. Adolf attended elementary school for four years and entered secondary school at the age of eleven. Adolfs dreams of becoming an artist did not match the government official job his father wanted†¦show more content†¦I grew sick to the stomach, I began to hate them. I became anti-Semitic.(1) In the spring of 1913 Hitler left for Munich, Germany at the age of 24. He left Vienna to get away from the mixture of races and to escape the mili tary that he had to serve in with Jews.The First World War in 1914 was Hitlers chance to let go of his frustrating childhood. Hitler proved to be a brave soldier and was wounded twice and decorated twice for bravery with the Iron Cross. Hitler, like many other Germans didnt believe they were defeated by Great Britain and the U.S. in 1918. They thought they had been stabbed in the back by the Jewish slackers. After the war Hitler found himself unemployed once again and began looking for a place in politics because he felt he could do something for the country. Shortly after Hitler returned to the army and was assigned to spy on political parties which the generals thought were communist, socialist, or pacifists. Hitler was ordered to investigate a small political group called the German Workers party. The next day he received an invitation to join the group. He decided after two days of questioning himself that he should join. After enrolling, Hitler later made it the largest political party in Germany, and became known as the Nazi Party. In 1921, the two years after he joined the party, he became the Fuhrer which is the leader of the Nazi Party. By 1923, Hitler believed he was strongShow MoreRelatedAdolf Hitler 794 Words   |  4 Pageshorrible attempt to annihilate certain races and religions was all brought upon by one man, Adolf Hitler. Adolf Hitler took power in 1833 and immediately started his plan to exterminate the Jews. Hitler had the Nazi party behind him and eventually thousands of soldiers to help him invade the many countries for living Jews. 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When Alois HitlerRead MoreAdolf Hitler Essay827 Words   |  4 PagesAdolf Hitler was one of the most feared and cruel men in world history, but how did he come to power? Hitler was one out of a few men to be feared by thousands of people. Hilter was responsible for killing millions of innocent people, mostly of the Jewish religion. He was the chancellor of Germany for 12 years and the leader of the Nazi party. He was a very important person in history, most notably during World War II. When Hitler was young he moved to a town named Vienna, this is where he acquiredRead MoreAdolf Hitler Essays1302 Words   |  6 PagesAdolf Hitler Hitler. The name says it all. He is said to be the incarnation of absolute evil. The devil himself. There have many dictators in the twentieth century that were considered harsh dictators; Mussolini,Stalin, Saddam Hussein, but no one like Adolf Hitler. Hitler’s rule over Germany had a major impact on history and the entire world. 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The major countries under the allies were Britain, France, U.S., Soviet Union, and under the axis also had major countries like the Germany, japan, and Italy. The Germany was at its peak. And it was all because of one man, Adolf Hitler, he was one of the most dominant German le aders in history, no doubt about that. Other great leaders