Knowledge of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy of Moroccan women in Morocco and in the Netherlands: a qualitative interview study

BackgroundHypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) are the most common medical disorders in pregnancy and the greatest single cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Ethnicity appears to be a significant risk factor for pregnancy related mortality and for severe maternal morbidity. Most of the complications caused by HDP may be reduced by early detection and proper management. Health education during antenatal care attendance may play an important role in preventing the disease to aggravate. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of knowledge that Moroccan pregnant women, both in Morocco and in the Netherlands, have of HDP in terms of symptoms, complications, treatment and management.MethodsA qualitative research design was used to explore and describe the knowledge of HDP of pregnant Moroccan women. Interviews were held on the basis of a topic list. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded and analysed.ResultsNineteen Moroccan women were interviewed, nine in the Netherlands and ten in Morocco. Half of them never heard about hypertension in pregnancy and had no knowledge of symptoms or alarm signals related to HDP. All women acknowledged the importance of knowledge of HDP because of the possibly dangerous complications. The interviewees stated that information on symptoms, alarm signs and complications is the most important information. Nearly all women stated that communicating information via movies was the most appropriate tool to inform Moroccan pregnant women about HDP.ConclusionsThe knowledge of Moroccan women, living in Morocco or in the Netherlands, of symptoms and alarm signs related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was very limited, if not absent. Since early detection provides the opportunity for follow-up management and/or treatment, this may reduce complications of HDP. Therefore, it is important to inform pregnant women about the signs and symptoms of HDP

Determinants of Patient Delay in Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment among Moroccan Women with Cervical Cancer

Introduction. This study sought to investigate potential determinants of patient delay among Moroccan women with cervical cancer. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2014 to June 2015 at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat. Data were collected using questionnaire among patients with cervical cancer locally advanced or metastatic (stages IIA–IVB). Medical records were abstracted to complete clinical information. An interval longer than 90 days between discovery of initial symptoms and presentation to a provider was defined as a patient delay. Results. Four hundred and one patients with cervical cancer enrolled in this study. The mean age was 52.4 years (SD = 11.5). 53.6% were illiterate. Abnormal vaginal bleeding was identified for 65.8% of patients. 60.1% were diagnosed at stages IIA-IIB. 55.4% were found having patient delay. The regression analyses showed the association between literacy (p<0.001), distance of the place of the first consultation (p=0.031), abnormal vaginal bleeding as an earlier symptom (p<0.001), stage at diagnosis (p<0.03), knowledge of symptoms (p<0.001), knowledge of causes (p=0.008), and practice of gynecological exam during the last three years (p=0.018) and the patient delay. Conclusion. Educational messages should aim at increasing awareness of cervical cancer, assisting women in symptom recognition, and encouraging earlier presentation

Predictors of infertility stress among couples diagnosed in a public center for assisted reproductive technology

Background: All around the world, infertility, in many ways, is recognized as a stressful and a critical experience that can have impact on social and marital life of a couple. Infertility stress may affect the treatment and its outcome for such couples. The objective of the present study is to assess the predictors of high stress of infertility among married couples. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 couples (240 patients) who were diagnosed with primary and secondary infertility from June 2017 to June 2018. A psychological self-assessment questionnaire (Perceived Stress Scale-10) was used as a tool to evaluate the presence of high infertility stress among couples after obtaining their consent. Furthermore, other socioepidemiological data of patients were collected. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20). Univariate statistical analysis was used followed by multiple logistic regressions between high infertility stress and the predictor variables. Results and Discussion: The prevalence of high infertility stress was 53.3% among women and 40.8% among men. For women, multivariate analysis showed leading associations of high infertility stress with level of education, infertility type, infertility duration, and etiologies of infertility. However, for men, multivariate analysis showed leading associations between high infertility stress and alcohol status and inadequate sleep and infertility type

Self-reported Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Moroccan Women with Breast Cancer

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, types, sociodemographic and clinical-related factors of complementary and alternative medicine use among Moroccan women with breast cancer. A cross-sectional study was carried out at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat. 400 patients with breast cancer were recruited for face-to-face interviews. Data were collected using a questionnaire addressing personal/medical characteristics and the use of CAM therapies. 88.5% of women used at least one CAM therapy, 73.2% of them reported began to use CAM at the onset of breast cancer symptoms. Type of CAM commonly used were prayers, listening and/or reading the Koran and use of naturel products like honey or fenugreek. High education level was independent factors related to CAM use. Interventions should be focused on open communication and further researches are needed to explore the safety and the outcome of CAM use

Additional file 1: of Quality of life in Arab women with breast cancer: a review of the literature

Excluded studies and reasons for exclusion. (DOC 55 kb