http://hdl.handle.net/10174/1645 2026-04-05T01:09:29Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41586 Title: Motivations regarding continuing or terminating pregnancy in women with high-risk pregnancies: a scoping review Authors: Antunes, Mónica; Galhanas, Ana; Vitorino, Ana; Palma, Sara; Frias, Ana Abstract: Background: The decisions of women with high-risk pregnancies to continue or terminate a pregnancy are complex and influenced by various factors. This scoping review synthesises the qualitative literature on the underlying motivations influencing these decisions.Aim: This analysis explores the underlying motivations that influence women's decisions regarding the continuation or termination of pregnancy, considering the challenges and dilemmas this population faces.Methods: This review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology. No date restrictions were applied to the search. Titles and abstracts were screened to select original studies, and cross-checking was performed to avoid case overlap. We included studies that focused on the factors influencing women's decisions to either continue or terminate pregnancies when complications arose.Results: Eighteen studies involving women from different countries and cultural contexts were included. The review identifies four main themes driving these decisions: health considerations, religious convictions, social and political factors and ethical and moral dilemmas. Each theme interlinks to form a complex web of influences that significantly shape women's choices, illustrating how deeply personal, societal, and ethical contexts converge in these critical decisions. Significant emotional and cognitive factors, particularly hope, also play a crucial role. The findings highlight the complexity of the decision-making process and provide a deeper understanding of the personal, social, and spiritual dimensions involved.Conclusions: Multiple factors shape the complex decisions of women with high-risk pregnancies. Understanding these motivations is crucial to providing appropriate support and counselling. This review underscores the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of the diversity of factors involved and to adopt an individualized and context-sensitive approach in their practice, guiding their future actions. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41584 Title: The Impact of an Exercise Program on Health‑related Quality of Life (SarQoL) in Patients with Preoperative Sarcopenic Obesity After Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial Authors: Mendes, Cláudia; Carvalho, Manuel; Bravo, Jorge; Martins, Sanda; Zangão, Maria Otília Brites; Raimundo, Armando Editors: Shikora, Scott Abstract: Background Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by a decrease in muscle mass and strength, is very common in patients with obesity and can be aggravated by bariatric surgery. This can potentially compromise the clinical results of surgery. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a structured exercise program on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of individuals with sarcopenia after bariatric surgery, as evaluated by the Sarcopenia Quality of Life (SarQoL) questionnaire. By determining the effectiveness of exercise interventions, this research aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving the quality of life in this population. Methods Patients who were candidates for surgery were recruited for the EXPOBAR program and were randomized into experimental and control groups. All participants underwent gastric bypass surgery (RYGB). After surgery, the patients in the intervention group were included in a structured physical exercise program that lasted 16 weeks. This included combined aerobic and resistance exercise. Outcomes, including body composition and physical fitness parameters, were measured before and after the intervention. Results The baseline characteristics of the participants were not significantly different between the two groups. All patients met the criteria for moderate/severe obesity and the ESPEN/EASO criteria for sarcopenia, namely, reduced muscle strength assessed by grip strength and reduced muscle mass assessed by the ASMM score/weight. After completing the study proto- col, patients in both groups had increased HRQoL, but the increase was significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group. Conclusion Our findings suggest that exercise is crucial in improving both physical and psychological well-being in post- bariatric patients, highlighting the need to integrate structured exercise programs in post-surgery care. This study is part of a prospective randomized study registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05289219). 2025-11-26T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41581 Title: Women’s Perspectives on Vocalization in the First and Second Stages of Labor: A Qualitative Study Authors: Pereira, Isabel Rute; Sim-Sim, Margarida; Zangão, Maria Otília Brites Editors: Leo, Livio Abstract: Despite growing interest in humanized childbirth practices, there is still little qualitative research exploring women’s perspectives on vocalization during labor. The present study aims to analyze women’s experiences with the use of vocalization in the fi rst and second stages of labor. A descriptive and exploratory qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 16 women in the postpartum period between February and April 2024. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling, and data saturation was achieved when no new themes emerged from the interviews. Thematic analysis was performed using IRaMuTeQ (version 0.8 alpha 7) software. The textual corpus generated allowed classifi cation into fi ve thematic categories: Vocalization as an instinctive expression in natural childbirth; Functionality of vocalization during labor; Medicalized childbirth and natural childbirth; Fears during childbirth and their contributing factors; Typology of vocalization in labor. We conclude that many women reported that vocalization during labor is instinctive and functional, providing pain relief, but also serving as a means of communication, empowering women. Its expression can be strongly infl uenced by sociocultural, emotional, and contextual factors in each woman’s particular sphere. These fi ndings, although limited to a specifi c population, suggest that healthcare professionals should consider vocalization as an individualized support tool, taking cultural differences into account. 2025-10-12T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41565 Title: Prevalence and contributing factors of postpartum depression risk during the pandemic among women living in Baixo Alentejo at Portugal Authors: Silva, Solange; Maria, Barros; Zangão, Maria Otília Brites; Carvalho, Ùrsula; Sim-Sim, Margarida Editors: Marszalek, Rafal Abstract: The WHO estimates that postpartum depression occurs in 13–20% of women. It is underdiagnosed and undervalued. The aim is to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with the risk of postpartum depression in times of Pandemic in puerperal women in Baixo-Alentejo, Portugal. Cross-sectional study with 301 participants. The online questionnaire collected sociodemographic data, characteristics of pregnancy, childbirth, puerperium, and also the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The statistical analysis used IBM-SPSS. After bivariate analysis, variables with a p-value < .25 were selected. Logistic regression was performed on the potential predictors. Ethical principles were respected. The average age of the participants was 31.35 years (SD = 5.80). At an EPDS total score cut-off of 10, the prevalence of the risk of postpartum depression was 27.57%. Three protective factors associated with the risk of postpartum depression were: a) feeling safe during childbirth (OR .958, 95% CI .942–.974, B = − .043), b) being accompanied in labor by a family member (OR .342, 95% CI .163–.715, B = − 1.074) and c) planning the pregnancy (OR .209, 95% CI .109–.397, B = − 1.568). The model explained 34.3% of the variance in the risk of postpartum depression. The study suggests the need for local health policies. Potentiation of short- and long-term morbidities must be avoided. 2025-10-09T23:00:00Z