What About Me! (June 2003)
Group or Institution
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)
Author(s)
Andrew Vanner, Linda Whibley, Jan Chambers, Jeannie Christie, Jane Meolver, Ainsley Swain and Sonia Wells (Tutor: Lindsey Mitchum)
Abstract
This project was undertaken by a group of seven enrolled nursing students completing their Nursing Degree at the Waikato Institute of Technology in partnership with the Family Centre.
The projects purpose was to evaluate men’s perspective of living with a partner with postnatal distress.
A previous project undertaken by a group of second year nursing students from Wintec, entitled “Lean on me” in 2002, identified the need for exploration into the needs of men in relation to this disorder. The aim of this qualitative study was to establish if there was a need for support to be available for men.
The study included, extensive review of literature and from this information a questionnaire was designed and posted to two general practitioners, a family worker and a facilitator for a mens’ group. Interviews were then held with these professionals. Two men whose wives had suffered from postnatal distress shared narratives with the study group.
Project findings identified that support for partners is beneficial and is being provided at the Waikato Family Centre. The study found that most men did not fully understand what was happening to them or their partners or about the illness itself. Further study about the experience of men in this area is recommended.
Group/s Associated with the Research:
Waikato Family Center Hamilton.
A full copy of the report is available from:
Research Connections
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e.mail: research@wintec.ac.nz