RESUMO

ABSTRACT Objective: to compare the quality of life of women after natural childbirth and cesarean section from a mental health perspective. Method: this is a causal-comparative study that included 104 women, 52 of whom underwent natural childbirth: and 52 cesarean sections. It was conducted in the gynecology ward of Liaqat Memorial Hospital in Kohat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan using the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire. Pakistani Nurses made direct translation of it in to Urdu language, interview by interview (read in English and told in Urdu). The results related to Emotional Health Problems, Energy, Emotions and Social Activities were analyzed. Results: women after cesarean section reported more problems regarding emotional health variables than women after natural childbirth. The mean quality of life score among the natural childbirth group was 89.94 and 66.02 among the cesarean section group (p<0.001). Conclusion: women who undergo natural childbirth have better quality of life than women who undergo cesarean section (average versus poor quality of life). Mental health is also affected, especially for those who undergo cesarean section. Thus, natural childbirth demonstrates benefits in the puerperium in terms of emotional indicators.

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar a qualidade de vida de mulheres após parto normal e cesariana na perspectiva da saúde mental. Método: estudo causal-comparativo que incluiu 104 mulheres, das quais 52 tiveram parto normal e 52 cesarianas. O estudo foi realizado na enfermaria de ginecologia do Liaqat Memorial Hospital em Kohat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão, usando o Questionário de Qualidade de Vida. As enfermeiras paquistanesas fizeram a tradução direta para o idioma Urdu, entrevista por entrevista (lida em inglês e falada em urdu). Foram analisados os resultados relacionados aos Problemas de Saúde Emocional, Energia, Emoções e Atividades Sociais. Resultados: as mulheres após cesariana relataram mais problemas em relação às variáveis de saúde emocional do que as mulheres após o parto normal. O escore médio de qualidade de vida no grupo de mulheres após parto normal foi de 89,94 e 66,02 no grupo de mulheres após cesariana (p<0,001). Conclusão: as mulheres que realizaram parto normal apresentaram melhor qualidade de vida do que as mulheres após cesariana (média versus má qualidade de vida). A saúde mental também é afetada, principalmente para aquelas que são submetidas a cesariana. Assim, o parto normal demonstra benefícios no puerpério em termos de indicadores emocionais.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar la calidad de vida de las mujeres después del parto natural y cesárea desde la perspectiva de la salud mental. Método: estudio causal-comparativo que incluyó 104 mujeres, de las cuales 52 tuvieron parto natural y 52 cesáreas. El estudio se realizó en la enfermería de ginecología del Liaqat Memorial Hospital en Kohat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistán, utilizando el Cuestionario de Calidad de Vida. Las enfermeras paquistaníes hicieron la traducción directa al idioma Urdu, entrevista por entrevista (leída en inglés y hablada en urdu). Los resultados relacionados con los Problemas de Salud Emocional, Energía, Emociones y Actividades Sociales fueron analizados. Resultados: Las mujeres después de la cesárea reportaron más problemas en relación a las variables de salud emocional que las mujeres después del parto natural. El puntaje medio de calidad de vida en el grupo de parto natural fue de 89,94 y 66,02 en el grupo de cesárea (p<0,001). Conclusión: las mujeres que tuvo parto natural tienen mejor calidad de vida que las mujeres después de la cesárea (media versus mala calidad de vida). La salud mental también se ve afectada, especialmente para aquellos que se someten a cesárea. Por lo tanto, el parto natural muestra beneficios en el período posparto en términos de indicadores emocionales.

RESUMO

In this study, we examine and analyze the experiences of women and their perceptions on handling and managing their breast cancer. Seven women from Peshawar, Pakistan who had breast cancer and have been cured, were interviewed. Qualitative content analysis of their life stories was performed using a computerized software Atlas.ti. In the coding process, 128 codes were initially developed. These codes were then grouped into 12 categories, which were then further refined into 8 theoretically grounded categories: awareness and education about breast cancer, cultural barriers, early detection, quality of care and treatment, support, side effects, courage and learned to face challenges. The early views of participant's feelings about breast cancer are mostly similar to the general population in Pakistan. Before starting treatment, all participant were unaware of the treatment process and had fear in their mind. They were hesitant in starting their treatment and were worried. However, when they were cured, their attitudes toward breast cancer and even to their whole lives were changed. Comprehensive awareness programs in a culturally acceptable language and facilities for routine breast examinations should be easily accessible to all women in Pakistan in order to promote early detection. In order to eradicate cultural barriers, female staff who are trained to perform routine breast examinations, should be available in all facilities and treatment centers.