Abstract This paper takes a look at the adolescent sexual and reproductive behavior in Africa and the increasing incidents of HIV/AIDS and other STDs. It also discusses the suffering caused by childhood marriage and immediate post pubertal childbearing in females as young as 10 years of age.
Contents
Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Behavior in Africa
Early Childbearing in Africa
Health Risks for Adolescents with Sexual Activity and Childbearing Social and Economic Risks of Early Childbearing What Can be Done?
From the Paper "Contributing to both problems is the manner in which adolescent sexual activity in the region is changing. Aside from the fertility issue, Dijamba noted that most young women in Kinshasa, subject of a study by Dijamba, now engage in sporadic, nonsteady types of relationships, despite the fact that premarital chastity was still widely accepted as the norm, at least in Congo (Pillai & Barton, 1998). Dijamba noted that "exposure to mass media, formal education, delay in marriage, and other changes in social and economic environment may have reduced the role that traditional norms and values play on female socialization and union formation" (2003, p. 237+).
Dijamba affirmed the high rate of premarital sexual activity in developing counties is of concern because of the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS and other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). UNICEF (2002) provides the information that 5.2 million people acquire HIV each year, with more than half being young people between ages 15 and 25. In addition, a UNAIDS (2002) report noted that the situation is "more alarming in Africa, a continent that is home to 70% of the adults and 80% of the children living with HIV in the world today" (quoted by Kiragu and Zabin, 1998, p. 210+)."
Abstract This essay asserts that in the broader issue of reproductive rights, pro-life strategists apply a double standard when it comes to minorities and their reproductive rights. The paper maintains that when the focus is changed from abortion to broader reproductive freedom, the pro-life advocates apply race and class criteria that distinguish between the rights of white, middle-class women and low-income women of color. The paper further asserts that pro-life activists advocate policies that discourage childbearing by depriving low-income women of the means to support a child and that the pro-life movement has sought to discourage women on welfare from becoming pregnant by punishing them when they bear children.
From the Paper "These policies designed to control the child-bearing of poor women are but the latest in a series of practices that date back to the eugenics movement of the 19th century, which promoted, racial theories of "fitness" and "unfitness." During this time of a significantly declining birth rate within the white population, politicians and eugenicists raised the specter of white "race suicide." The eugenics movement, which was adopted briefly by the birth control movement in the early 20th century, advocated a higher birthrate for white, middle class, "fit" women and a lower birthrate (aided by birth control) for poor women, especially poor "unfit" women of color and immigrant women."
Abstract Delayed childbirth is a changing trend in parenting consisting of the decision to put off pregnancy until one is 35 years of age or older. This paper examines the phenomena of delayed childbirth. The topics discussed in the paper include: factors influencing delayed childbirth; the advantages of delayed childbearing; the disadvantages of delayed childbearing; various pregnancy outcomes associated with delayed childbirth and nursing interventions designed to assist mature women in increasing their chances of having healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
From the Paper "In their discussion of disadvantages associated with delayed childbirth, the March of Dimes (1995) reports that women over 35 becoming pregnant for the first time are at increased risk for infertility and miscarriage, gestational diabetes, bleeding complications, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, cesarean section, and for chromosomal abnormalities and growth retardation in babies. Rates of premature delivery and stillbirth are also said to increase, as does the chance of having multiple births (e.g., twins, triplets or higher order births). It is further noted that since about half of all pregnancies for all women in the United States are not intended, including in women over 35, it is very important that all women of reproductive capacity follow guidelines to promote reproductive health and pregnancy."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed life story of the author's grandmother and her experience bearing children. The writer of this paper presents a look at the facilities and the methods that were used with the grandmother and compares and contrasts them to the methods described in the "Midwife's Tale."
From the Paper "The woman who was chosen for this interview is named Mildred Potase. She is the biological grandmother to the author of the paper, and she agreed to be interviewed for this project. Medical science has advanced so quickly in the last century, that the way women used to give birth, compared to the way they do so in more recent years is vastly different. However, the prenatal care was not always different, as many women preferred the care of a midwife over the care of a licensed medical doctor. This is a fad that seem to come in and out of popularity, and when the grandmother of the writer was expecting her child it was all the rage to use shiny hospitals in many areas of the nation. "
An examination of the differences between two ethnically distinct cultures whereby two women who have experienced the ritual of childbirth are interviewed ? one Asian and one Western.
Abstract Childbirth is a culturally-mediated event, and this essay reflects this view. The paper includes a discussion of how ritual is significant to every society and how it varies. It shows a number of inherent differences in the ritual of childbirth between the two cultures, as well as some striking comparisons. Both women and their experiences serve as case studies in each culture. The paper discusses how these women relate to issues such as pain relief, support structures during and after birth - particularly the role of the husband/partner, surgical interventions such as Caesarean section, the importance of postnatal care and differences in emotional expression during birth.
From the Paper "The experience of childbirth in any culture is a time of great anticipation and encompasses many different emotions, but is never simply a biological act. Childbirth in every culture around the world has been socially marked and shaped and there are quite marked differences in the ritual of childbirth from country to country. "The concept of "natural fertility" and "natural childbirth" are cultural constructs. Our lives are lived in socially independent groups guided by cultural rules." (MacCormack, 1982, p.2) Amongst other things, the ritual of childbirth may differ in where the birth occurred ? in the hospital or at home, the support structures provided or pain relief, and be influenced by cultural, traditional or religious beliefs. Scheper-Hughes (1987, in Davis-Floyd, 1997) and others put forward the argument that without culture, we would not have emotions, or at the very least be unable to interpret them. As such, culture is a very important factor in the analysis of the ritual of childbirth and emotion. Brigitte Jordan (1979), who many believe to be the mother of the study of childbirth, described birth as a "culturally grounded, biosocially mediated, and interactionally achieved event." "
From the Paper "Introduction
The patterns of childbearing in the United States have been changing in recent years along with the general demographic picture of the country, and the seasonality of childbearing throughout the life cycle has been shifting because of a number of forces. One of these is the aging of the population, coupled with major shifts in the emphasis women place on careers. The entire pattern of family structure in the U.S. has been in a state of flux as divorce rates increase, out-of-wedlock births increase, and patterns of work change as both husband and wife tend more and more to work outside the home, altering the timing of births and birth decisions for families. In the past, the seasonality of childbearing was more stable and clearly delineated, with women of a certain age marrying and starting..."
Abstract This paper discusses the basic issues of infertility. The statistics of infertility in the United States are presented and its causes are outlined. The paper illustrates and explains the different diagnostic procedures used to determine the causes of infertility. The paper claims that the majority of cases of infertility are treated with drugs or surgery. The emotional and psychological aspects of infertility are discussed. The issues discussed in this paper reveal that the condition is in fact a couple's problem that should be a public health matter.
Introduction
Occurrences of Infertility in the U.S. Population
Causes of Infertility
Treating Infertility
Medical and Health Issues Associated with Infertility
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "The desire to have children is almost universal. Thus, whether driven by biology, emotional needs, or social pressure, most adults will seek to have a child at some point in their lives, usually taking for granted that they will be able to do so by the usual biological route (Fidler & Bernstein, 494). However, the inability to conceive a child is a condition that affects millions of Americans each year and has a profound impact on a person's self-esteem, personal relationships, sense of value, and sense of purpose, her health and her pocketbook (Fidler & Bernstein, 494)."
Abstract This paper discusses the topic of allopathic medicine or modern medicine. It examines how the allopathic approach to medicine has shown itself to be more kill than cure and how a change is desperately needed. It shows how modern allopathic medicine oppresses women and treats childbearing and childhood as a pathology and in general it takes a terrible toll with unnecessary and even dangerous techniques. It argues how modern medicine is in collusion with the pharmaceutical and insurance industries to create a system of profit rather than health and how the only effective alternative is to turn back to natural cures, to proper nutrition and diet and a holistic approach to healing.
From the Paper "While women are far more likely to have unnecessary surgeries (other than circumcision) performed on them, allopathic medicine's rush to operate is nearly criminal in all cases. In a review of New York hospitals, 43% of hysterectomies reviewed were shown to be unnecessary. Mendelsohn records that the most conservative estimates suggest that about 2.4 million unnecessary surgeries are performed every year. The number is likely far higher than that when one takes into account that even "officially" necessary surgeries may not always be the best choice. Men as well as women suffer in this regard. Doctors overprescribe pharmaceutical medicines designed to treat rather than to cure. They also perform hosts of unnecessary surgeries. Even surgeries that may seem necessary are no guarantees. For example, according to Smith's research, there is no difference in long term survival between those with cardiac problems who agree to undergo surgery (and survive it) and those who do not undergo surgery."
Abstract Quinceanera, Confirmation, Bat Mitzvah and Female Castration ceremonies are all part of the modern world and all mark the change in a young girl's life to that of a woman. A Quinceanera is the celebration of a girls fifteenth birthday. Once the spiritual ceremony is over the girl moves on to the social part of the Quinceanera. At the age of fifteen the girl is no longer a child. At the age of 12 girls become obligated to observe the commandments. The ceremony marks the time in a girl's life when she is ready for womanhood and marriage. For girls, these rites have traditionally prepared them for marriage and sexual activity (childbearing) within the marriage context.
Abstract Teenage pregnancy and childbearing are key factors leading teenage mothers into disadvantaged lives. This paper discusses the negative effects of pregnancy on a teenager's life. It looks at how this effects a teenager's family life, education, social life, and the future prospect for the baby.
From the Paper "Women who give birth as teenagers share many similarities prior to becoming pregnant in terms of family background, racial/ethnic profile and education (Bissel, 2000). These factors will attempt to present fundamental issues related to teen pregnancy and childbearing (Bissel, 2000). The consequences of teenage pregnancy and childbearing in the lives of young women in five different countries will be examined as well (Bissel, 2000)."
Tags: babies, early, teenagers, years, birth, child, abuse
Abstract This research study investigates single, urban women's readiness to use condoms and the perceived pros and cons for condom use. The paper also stresses the importance of nursing interventions for HIV prevention and suggests that interventions should focus on women who are in denial or uninterested in condom use to help them accurately assess their risk and consider behavioral changes. The paper also describes interventions that can easily be integrated into routine patient visits. Furthermore, this study attempts to evaluate the effect of childbearing motivation and contraceptive attitudes on consistency of condom use among at-risk women enrolled in an HIV prevention intervention program.
From the Paper "Single, heterosexual young adult women represent a group increasingly at risk for HIV infection. Condom use remains an important risk reduction behavior. Focusing HIV prevention interventions to only those women ready to use condoms (preparation or action stage) limits the number of women able to be reached. Morrison-Beely and Lewis (2001) suggested that for sexually active single women to use condoms, they need to be moved from precontemplation to contemplation before they will be ready to respond to HIV prevention messages and interventions about condom use. Further, they state that "Strategies and interventions for condom use in HIV risk reduction should consider not only a woman's readiness to change, but also the interpersonal and relationship issues linked to a couple's sexual partnership" (p. 155)."
Abstract This paper outlines and compares the explanations Nancy Chodorow, a preeminent social scientist, and Simone De Beauvoir, feminist author and historian, offer for the subservient role of women in society.
From the Paper "In, ?A Room Of Her Own,? the feminist novelist and author, Virginia Woolf demonstrated that one of the reasons why women writers were in overwhelmingly low numbers than their male counterparts was because of the lack of economic opportunity. (Woolf, 1991) Victorian perceptions also saddled women with the responsibilities of motherhood and domesticity. This took away the opportunity for women (except for a few) to truly come into their own. Nancy Chodorow, a preeminent social scientist addresses the issue. (Chodorow, 1999) She does not get caught up in the traditional feminist or socialization mindset. Even psychologists, Chodorow avers, have not pursued the matter at a higher granularity. All can agree that, explicitly or implicitly, women have been subjugated. Chodorow addresses the problem using psychoanalysis."
This paper discusses that, in the U.S., issues of birth and death are regulated by the government, the medical-industrial complex, religions, the privileged, and the social norm in terms of race, class, gender, and age.
2,385 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
Abstract This paper explains that childbirth is not only bringing a new life to the world, but also means a woman's choice for motherhood; however, her choice to become a mother does not necessarily mean she has control over all the stages of birthing from childbearing to laboring. The author points out that one of the most striking features of ART (assisted reproduction technology) is that it is used almost exclusively by white people; white women seeking treatment for fertility problems are twice as likely to use high-tech treatments as black women. The paper states that medical science has done too much to extend lives because technological imperatives now tell physicians to sustain life at the expense of the suffering and dying person. When we do not understand death, we do not understand life.
From the Paper "Assisted reproduction technology (ART) is fertility treatments used for helping infertile couples to have children. It is a range of techniques for manipulating eggs and sperm in order to overcome infertility. It encompasses drug treatments to stimulate ovulation; surgical methods for removing eggs and for re-implanting embryos; in vitro and in vivo fertilization; ex utero and in utero fetal surgery; as well as laboratory regimes for freezing and screening sperm and embryos, and micro-manipulating and cloning embryos. Infertile couples are encouraged to use such technology, while it is also increasingly being employed for purposes beyond infertility, such as to reduce the risk of, or avoid passing on, hereditary disease and to select for infant sex."
Abstract This paper explains emphatically that problem of communicating in English is the first and most obvious factor to be considered in nursing interventions with Japanese-Americans. The author points out that, when working with Japanese family members, physicians should remember that the traditional hierarchy is the father of the house, then the oldest adult son, then the mother and only then the daughter. When health decisions must be made by the family, the physician should withdraw to allow the family to have an open discussion in private. The paper relates that Buddhist and Shinto religious beliefs influence this population's feelings about illness and death.
Table of Contents
Presentation of Client and Scenario
Socioeconomic Factors
Lifestyle
Family Values
Religious Preferences
Heath beliefs and Practices
Childbearing/Parenting
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is important for a nursing practitioner to keep this in mind as, in the 2000 census, 796,700 residents of the U.S. identified their "race" as Japanese. Thus, it is useful for all nursing practitioners, particularly those residing on the West Coast to keep abreast of Japanese cultural traditions. Also, even when residing in Japan, Japanese first-generation immigrants have traditionally seemed less eager than other immigrant groups to assimilate into the hegemonic culture. One measure of this is that compared to other Americans of Asian background, a lower percentage of Japanese elders speak English. "In 1990, only 36% said they did not speak English very well." ''
Abstract This paper evaluates the Japanese culture through interviewing a young woman who attends graduate school at the University of Notre Dame. Through the course of the interview, a number of personal and culturally sensitive factors, including socio-economic factors, lifestyle, family values, religious preferences, health beliefs and practices and childbearing and parenting practices are assessed in order to provide for a cultural assessment. In doing so, culturally competent nursing interventions are introduced to provide for a positive health experience.
From the Paper " In the 2000 census, 796,700 residents of the U.S. identified their "race" as Japanese (Reeves and Bennett, 2004). When the question of identifying her race was introduced, Ms. J identified herself as Japanese. She expressed a strong cultural bond to the Japanese culture even though she and her family have been living in the United States for some time now. Although Ms. J is from a relatively affluent Japanese home, and is 23 years old, she is still living with her parents, and intends to do so until she married. This is quite common in Japanese culture and not seen as evidence of immaturity, but respect, regardless of her own personal state of affluence (Friedman, Bowden, & Jones, 2003). She stated that her parents became angry at any attempts upon Ms. J to share an apartment with a friend, even though Ms. J's friends were 'nice girls,' according to the admittance of her parents."
Tags: japanese, english, united, states, parents, grandparents, elders, honor, old, age, care
