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A narrative inquiry into women’s perception and experience of labour pain: A study in the western region of ghana

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dc.contributor.author Ampofo, Evelyn Asamoah
dc.contributor.author Caine, Vera
dc.date.accessioned 2023-11-07T10:44:24Z
dc.date.available 2023-11-07T10:44:24Z
dc.date.issued 2015
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/10157
dc.description.abstract There is a general notion among Ghanaian women that the labour is a painful process that must be endured. Regardless of this notion, labour pain experience overwhelms most women. The aim of this study was to inquire into women’s perceptions and experience of labour pain and how women cope with pain. Using the narrative inquiry methodology, five low risk pregnant Ghanaian women; two nulliparous and three multiparas were purposefully selected. Tape-recorded conversations, writing of field notes and journals were used as the main source of data collection before delivery and within one week after delivery. The women’s perception of pain before and after delivery was used to construct narrative accounts from which the findings of the study were generated. To ensure credibility of each narrative account, the interim narrative accounts constructed by the researcher were sent to the women to read and respond to. The findings revealed that before the labour experience, women perceived labour as a painful experience expected to be endured. Antenatal education on labour pain management was inadequate. Additionally use of pain relief methods was lacking although women expressed need for pain relief. Furthermore the findings revealed inadequate physical and emotional support for women in labour to help cope with labour pain. In conclusion the researcher recommends that midwives in consultation with clients adopt a more active method of assessing labour pain. Also antenatal education on pain relief options must be provided. A more conscious effort to provide support for women in labour should be promoted. en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences en_US
dc.subject Narrative inquiry labour en_US
dc.subject Pain en_US
dc.subject Perception en_US
dc.subject Experience en_US
dc.title A narrative inquiry into women’s perception and experience of labour pain: A study in the western region of ghana en_US
dc.type Article en_US


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