Midlife Women's Responses to a Hospital Sleep Challenge: Aging and Menopause Effects on Sleep Architecture

Objective: To distinguish aging from menopause effects on sleep architecture, we studied an episode of disturbed hospital sleep in asymptomatic midlife women during the follicular phase of an ovulatory cycle and three control groups differing by age or menopause status. Methods: Fifty-one studies were conducted in four groups of volunteers: young cycling (YC, 20-30 years, n = 14), older cycling (OC, 40-50 years, n = 15), ovariectomized receiving estrogen therapy (OVX, 40-50 years, n = 12), and spontaneously postmenopausal (PM, 40-50 years, n = 10). Subjects were admitted to the University Hospital General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) for a first-night sleep study conducted during a 24-hour, frequent blood sampling protocol. Results: Despite similar estrogen concentrations in the YC (28 ± 4 pg/ml) and OC (34 ± 6 pg/ml) groups, OC women had reduced sleep efficiency (79% ± 2%) vs. YC (87% ± 3%; p = 0.009). In the OVX and PM groups where estrogen concentrations were markedly different, sleep efficiency was also reduced vs. the YC group (OVX vs. YC, 79% ± 3% vs. 87% ± 3%, p = 0.05; PM vs. YC, 75% ± 3% vs. 87% ± 3%, p = 0.007). Wake time was longer in the three older groups (103 ± 10 minutes, 101 ± 12 minutes, 123 ± 12 minutes for OC, OVX, PM, respectively) vs. YC (63 ± 13 minutes, p < 0.05). The number of stage shifts was positively associated with advancing age (rho = 0.3, p < 0.03) but not with estrogen concentration. Conclusions: Aging-related sleep deficits in response to an experimental stressor occur in midlife women prior to menopause.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/63173/1/154099904323016491.pd

Insights into fear: A phenomenological study of Black mothers

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the lived experience of stress as described by Black childbearing women. Design: A phenomenological approach was used. Methods: Seven mothers who met inclusion criteria participated in both individual and group interviews between August 2018 and August 2019. Each session was audio recorded and professionally transcribed. Consistent with van Manen\u27s phenomenological approach, three rounds of reflective transcript analysis were conducted over several months. Results: Several stress themes were identified from the data. However, the most pervasive theme was the fear of having a son and keeping him safe. In this paper, the themes of Living in Fear and Living with Fear are detailed. Conclusion: Previous research has found that Black populations in America fear for their safety. This study identified a pervasive and profound fear for their children, specifically sons who are at a higher risk of being killed in normal daily activities. Mothers also expressed fears about their responsibility to keep them safe by providing the right tools. Impact: Although scientists have long studied poor pregnancy outcomes for Black American women, the disparity persists. This study sought to identify stressors acknowledged by Black mothers themselves. For the first time, Black mothers stated that their primary stress is fear for their children\u27s lives. The role this fear has in adverse pregnancy outcomes, if any, is yet to be determined

Insights into fear: A phenomenological study of Black mothers

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the lived experience of stress as described by Black childbearing women. Design: A phenomenological approach was used. Methods: Seven mothers who met inclusion criteria participated in both individual and group interviews between August 2018 and August 2019. Each session was audio recorded and professionally transcribed. Consistent with van Manen\u27s phenomenological approach, three rounds of reflective transcript analysis were conducted over several months. Results: Several stress themes were identified from the data. However, the most pervasive theme was the fear of having a son and keeping him safe. In this paper, the themes of Living in Fear and Living with Fear are detailed. Conclusion: Previous research has found that Black populations in America fear for their safety. This study identified a pervasive and profound fear for their children, specifically sons who are at a higher risk of being killed in normal daily activities. Mothers also expressed fears about their responsibility to keep them safe by providing the right tools. Impact: Although scientists have long studied poor pregnancy outcomes for Black American women, the disparity persists. This study sought to identify stressors acknowledged by Black mothers themselves. For the first time, Black mothers stated that their primary stress is fear for their children\u27s lives. The role this fear has in adverse pregnancy outcomes, if any, is yet to be determined

The Lived Experience of Pregnancy as a Black Woman in America: A Descriptive Phenomenological Case Study

For more than fifty years, black women have faced more than double the U.S. average risk for both maternal mortality [1] and severe morbidity [2]. In addition, black women face two to three times the risk for preterm and low birth weight infant outcomes [3 - 7]. Poverty, barriers to healthcare access, and lifestyle choices are commonly identified factors influencing this disparity [5, 7, 8]. These stress-related factors are credible; however, half a century of studies, based on the same, have not led to improved outcomes. Large population studies indicate that such factors alone are inadequate to explain the problem [9], and the disparity persists. While individual stressors have a role in race related health disparities, particularly in pregnancy outcomes, a comprehensive explanation of the problem incorporating complex social, environmental, interpersonal factors with individual components are needed. Yet, there is a paucity of such comprehensive evidence. Specifically, there is insufficient description of the lived experience of adversity for pregnant black women

The Lived Experience of Pregnancy as a Black Woman in America: A Descriptive Phenomenological Case Study

For more than fifty years, black women have faced more than double the U.S. average risk for both maternal mortality [1] and severe morbidity [2]. In addition, black women face two to three times the risk for preterm and low birth weight infant outcomes [3 - 7]. Poverty, barriers to healthcare access, and lifestyle choices are commonly identified factors influencing this disparity [5, 7, 8]. These stress-related factors are credible; however, half a century of studies, based on the same, have not led to improved outcomes. Large population studies indicate that such factors alone are inadequate to explain the problem [9], and the disparity persists. While individual stressors have a role in race related health disparities, particularly in pregnancy outcomes, a comprehensive explanation of the problem incorporating complex social, environmental, interpersonal factors with individual components are needed. Yet, there is a paucity of such comprehensive evidence. Specifically, there is insufficient description of the lived experience of adversity for pregnant black women

Message Heard: Insights for Doctoral Program Design From Community Partners

Developing a nursing doctoral program requires, among other considerations, thoughtful reflection on opportunities for graduates, and needs of the health-care community. To educate nurse clinicians, scientists, and leaders prepared to address complex health-care issues, colleges of nursing must engage with community stakeholders during program development. One college embraced this opportunity to dialogue through a series of semistructured focus groups and surveys to inform community partners of the developing doctoral program plan and to hear their related ideas and opinions. Themes arising from qualitative data analysis included driving forces, the value of education, and differing doctoral roles. The findings were far more enlightening than anticipated and ultimately guided the direction of program development. This study affirmed the power of meaningful dialogue with community partners to ensure a well-educated nursing workforce with the skills needed to advance nursing practice in the changing health-care environment