Women's experiences of pregnancy and birth in the Gambia: A qualitative study

Objective In sub-Saharan African countries, there are unique cultural factors and adverse physical conditions that contribute to women's experiences of pregnancy and birth. The objective of this study was to qualitatively explore women's experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, the postnatal period, and maternal psychological distress in The Gambia. Design and methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 55 women who had given birth within the previous year. Results Thematic analysis identified five themes: (1) transition to adulthood, (2) physical difficulties, (3) value of children in relation to others, (4) children as a strain, and (5) going through it alone. The results suggest that having a child is a defining point in women's lives associated with happiness and joy. However, women also described situations which could lead to unhappiness and distress in the perinatal period. A child conceived out of wedlock or a baby girl can be sources of distress because of negative cultural perceptions. The strain of having a child, particularly the additional financial burden, and minimal support from men were also a concern for women. Finally, women recognized the danger associated with delivery and expressed recurrent worries of complications during childbirth which could result in the death of them or the baby. Conclusions Further research is needed to identify women vulnerable to psychological distress so that health services and target interventions can be developed accordingly

Women's experiences of pregnancy and birth in the Gambia: A qualitative study

Objective In sub-Saharan African countries, there are unique cultural factors and adverse physical conditions that contribute to women's experiences of pregnancy and birth. The objective of this study was to qualitatively explore women's experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, the postnatal period, and maternal psychological distress in The Gambia. Design and methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 55 women who had given birth within the previous year. Results Thematic analysis identified five themes: (1) transition to adulthood, (2) physical difficulties, (3) value of children in relation to others, (4) children as a strain, and (5) going through it alone. The results suggest that having a child is a defining point in women's lives associated with happiness and joy. However, women also described situations which could lead to unhappiness and distress in the perinatal period. A child conceived out of wedlock or a baby girl can be sources of distress because of negative cultural perceptions. The strain of having a child, particularly the additional financial burden, and minimal support from men were also a concern for women. Finally, women recognized the danger associated with delivery and expressed recurrent worries of complications during childbirth which could result in the death of them or the baby. Conclusions Further research is needed to identify women vulnerable to psychological distress so that health services and target interventions can be developed accordingly

Personal growth after childbirth in Europe and Africa

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Researchers join forces to conserve red colobus (Piliocolobus badius temminckii) in West Africa

Abstract: The recent development of the Red Colobus Conservation Action Plan has spurred momentum to promote site‐based conservation of red colobus while forging partnerships among researchers and building local capacity. Communities for Red Colobus (C4RC) is a community‐centered conservation organization in The Gambia, West Africa, that aims to protect Temminck's red colobus (Piliocolobus badius temminckii) while advancing opportunities for local people. We highlight the inception and initial development of C4RC with its educational and ranger teams and describe how local and international collaborations have positively impacted the organization through training and mentoring programs. This conservation program has the potential to become sustainable with plans for continued ecological monitoring, reforestation efforts, use of alternative methods of cooking, and the expansion of ecotourism. We hope that the dissemination of project information through Gambian broadcast and social media channels and wider community outreach activities will improve perceptions and conservation of primates and inspire the development of other red colobus initiatives at suitable forest sites based on the C4RC model of community‐based conservation. Highlights: * Communities for Red Colobus is a community‐centered conservation organization developed in response to the Red Colobus Conservation Action Plan that aims to protect the remaining populations of Temminck's red colobus (Piliocolobus badius temminckii) in the Gambia, West Africa. * Local and international collaboration has benefited the Gambian‐led educational and ranger teams through virtual and in‐person training, development of educational materials, and expansion of efforts to promote fuel‐efficient methods of cooking. * Sustainable conservation initiatives rely upon the ability to curb major threats to the primate populations (e.g., reduce rates of deforestation; active reforestation) while building local capacity and generating revenue (e.g., ecotourism)