Virginia H. Kemp

Perception of threat and subjective well-being in low-risk and high-risk pregnant women.

Abstract: The article reports a study examining the relationship between perceived threat and subjective wellbeing (positive and negative affect) in pregnant women. Subjects were multiparas classified as having low-risk or high-risk pregnancies and receiving prenatal care from private obstetricians. High-risk women were using home uterine activity monitoring and receiving nursing contact by telephone and home visit. By means of repeated measure analysis of variance, significant risk group differences were found in negative affect and degree of perceived threat. The event of the high-risk pregnancy appeared to be stressful to the high-risk group, with high-risk pregnant women indicating more negative emotions. Based on the findings of this study, interventions to assist women in managing stress should be focused on the second trimester. A balance between personal support and technologic intervention is necessary.

The Psychosocial Impact of a High‐risk Pregnancy on the Family

A conceptual model for guiding the nurse in assessing the psychosocial impact of a high-risk pregnancy on and planning care for the family is described. The model depicts four major concepts that the nurse must consider in determining how the family is integrating, interpreting, and adapting to the high-risk pregnancy: health status of the pregnancy, the familys perception of the high-risk pregnancy, support available to the family, and the familys adaptation to a high-risk pregnancy are discussed.

School-based asthma: a study in an African American elementary school.

Issues and purpose: Chronic illnesses, such as asthma experienced by children, are difficult for families and school professionals to manage. This study explored beliefs about asthma and asthma management among schoolchildren, parents, and teachers in an African American school. Design and methods: Focus groups were conducted with schoolchildren, parents, and teachers. Data were analyzed by content analysis; segments of information were categorized into groups that were later abstracted into themes illustrating beliefs and behaviors about asthma. Results: The children reported fear of not being able to breathe and the limitations of living with asthma. The teachers were concerned that they did not have a sufficient understanding of asthma to manage children’s asthma during the school day. Parents described complex lifestyles and the challenges of asthma management.

principles and practiceThe Psychosocial Impact of a High-risk Pregnancy on the Family

A conceptual model for guiding the nurse in assessing the psychosocial impact of a high-risk pregnancy on and planning care for the family is described. The model depicts four major concepts that the nurse must consider in determining how the family is integrating, interpreting, and adapting to the high-risk pregnancy: health status of the pregnancy, the familys perception of the high-risk pregnancy, support available to the family, and the familys adaptation to a high-risk pregnancy are discussed.