"No One Asked Me If I'm Alright": A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Information/Support Needs and Challenges Engaging Men Diagnosed With Male-Factor Infertility.

There is limited research exploring men's experiences of infertility, and fewer previous studies have examined what information and support men desire after being diagnosed specifically with male-factor infertility. We conducted a mixed-methods study utilizing a combined sequential, concurrent design (online survey/semi-structured interviews). Survey outcomes (N =12) were analyzed using quantitative data analysis, while qualitative survey data (N = 5) was analyzed by reflexive thematic analysis. Heterosexual men (>18 years), fluent in English, diagnosed solely with male-factor infertility/sub-fertility, who required assisted reproductive treatment within Australia in the past 5 years were recruited online and through fertility clinics Australia-wide. Most men reported that their information and support needs were only somewhat, slightly or not at all met. Preferred information sources on male infertility were a dedicated online resource, app, or fertility doctor/specialist, while support was preferred from fertility specialists and partners. Three themes were identified from the qualitative analysis about men's experiences and support needs when diagnosed with male infertility (a) Ultimate threat to masculinity; (b) Holistic care, and (c) the power of words. The information-rich data collected provided valuable insights into men's experiences of male-factor infertility and important considerations to improve recruitment for future research. A diagnosis of male-factor infertility has the potential to be deeply impactful and difficult to navigate for men. Adequate and holistic information, recognition of emotional impacts, proactive offers of support and sensitive language are needed to improve men's experiences when undergoing assisted reproductive technology.

The tools used to assess psychological symptoms in women and their partners after termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly: A scoping review.

Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (TOPFA) represents a uniquely distressing and challenging situation for women and their partners. Having appropriate screening tools that best highlight the psychological symptoms experienced by women and their partners is important to be able to guide care. Many validated screening tools for pregnancy and psychological distress exist, with variation in the ease of application and the domains addressed in each. We undertook a scoping review of tools used to assess psychological symptoms in women and/or partners after TOPFA. Of 909 studies, 93 studies including 6248 women and 885 partners were included. Most of the included studies assessed symptoms within six months of TOPFA and highlighted high rates of distress, grief and trauma symptoms. There was broad variation in the tools used between studies and the timing of their implementation. Focusing the care of women and families who undergo TOPFA to validated, broadly available and easily applied screening tools that assess a range of psychological symptoms is key in being able to identify the potential interventions that may be of benefit.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Men's Grief Experiences Following Perinatal Death in Australia.

To explore the grief experiences of men from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds following perinatal death in Australia. Qualitative analysis of interview data using thematic analysis. Participants were health service providers (n = 6), and CALD community members (n = 10) who were either community leaders with experience working with CALD men following perinatal death in Australia (n = 6), or were CALD men who had lived experience of perinatal death (n = 4). Thematic analysis identified four themes related to CALD men's grief. These included the role of religion and rituals, grief as stoic, the partner- and family-centred nature of men's grief, and finally grief as ensuring and changeable over time. This research points to the strong need for CALD men's specific needs to be included in the development of policy and practice surrounding perinatal death.

Culturally and linguistically diverse men's experiences of support following perinatal death: A qualitative study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore culturally and linguistically diverse men's experiences of support after perinatal death, including barriers and facilitators to support and how healthcare providers, systems and policies can best support families. BACKGROUND: Many groups of culturally and linguistically diverse families in Australia are at higher risk of experiencing perinatal death. Culturally sensitive bereavement services are essential; however, there has been no previous research specifically examining culturally and linguistically diverse men's experiences of support following perinatal death. DESIGN: Individual semi-structured interviews were completed with healthcare providers, community leaders and culturally and linguistically diverse men who had experienced a perinatal death in Australia (n = 16). Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis and COREQ guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Men's need for support following perinatal death was associated with stigma, and shaped by culturally-relevant religion and ritual, and connection to community and family. Significant barriers to men seeking and gaining support included challenges with self-advocacy and navigating the woman-centred nature of perinatal care in Australia. CONCLUSIONS: Culturally and linguistically diverse men's specific needs should be included in the development of policy and practice surrounding perinatal death. While perinatal bereavement care guidelines acknowledge the importance of culturally informed care following perinatal death, there remains a lack of culturally specific supports available, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse men. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Specific recommendations from this research include increasing community liaison officers or cultural consultants in hospitals and support organisations; providing culturally and linguistically diverse support groups; adopting family-centred and father-inclusive language in all perinatal death support services and ensuring clear communication and targeted assistance for culturally and linguistically diverse men to self-advocate for their baby and access to support. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study came out of consultation with community members and member checking of results was conducted to ensure adequate representation of participants' views.

Overwhelming and unjust: A qualitative study of fathers' experiences of grief following neonatal death.

Limited research has examined the grief experiences of fathers following neonatal death. Using a qualitative research design, ten fathers were interviewed, and thematic analysis resulted in three overarching themes: 'A complicated grief experience: Neonatal death is highly emotional', 'Grief is multidimensional' and 'Sense of injustice'. Overall, results showed that grief was a multidimensional experience for fathers, with expressions of grief including strong feelings of anger and guilt and the manifestation of grief in physical symptoms. In addition, the findings also indicated a sense of injustice that contributed to the disenfranchisement of grief for fathers. The results of this study contribute to developing a better understanding of the grief that fathers experience following neonatal death, and can inform improvements in healthcare practices after the death of a baby in the neonatal period, including father-specific programs and adequate provision of information.

Australian fathers' experiences of support following neonatal death: a need for better access to diverse support options.

OBJECTIVE: To explore fathers' experiences of support following neonatal death, including the availability and perceived adequacy of support, barriers and facilitators to support and desired support. STUDY DESIGN: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Australian fathers who had experienced the death of a baby in the neonatal period at least 6 months previously. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Two overarching themes were identified: From hospital to home: Continuity of care and Self and community barriers to support. Fathers who could access the support they required found this to be beneficial. Overall, however, supports were perceived as inadequate in variety and availability, with more follow-up support from the hospital desired. Fathers highlighted limited opportunities to form emotional connections with others and a strong desire to talk about their baby. CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals and support organisations can more effectively assist fathers by increasing the variety of supports available and facilitating follow-up or referrals after hospital discharge.

Men's experiences and need for targeted support after termination of pregnancy for foetal anomaly: A qualitative study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore men's experiences of termination of pregnancy for life-limiting foetal anomaly, including how healthcare providers, systems and policies can best support men and their families. BACKGROUND: While there is a sizable body of research and recommendations relating to women's experiences of grief and support needs following a termination of pregnancy for foetal anomaly, very few studies specifically examine men's experiences. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were completed with ten Australian men who had experienced termination of pregnancy for life-limiting foetal anomalies with a female partner between six months and 11 years ago. Interviews were completed over the telephone, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. COREQ guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of three over-arching themes, each with two sub-themes. First, participants described the decision to terminate their pregnancy as The most difficult choice, with two sub-themes detailing 'Challenges of decision-making' and 'Stigma surrounding TOPFA'. Second, participants described that they were Neither patient, nor visitor in the hospital setting, with sub-themes 'Where do men fit?' and 'Dual need to support and be supported'. Finally, Meet me where I am described men's need for specific supports, including the sub-themes 'Contact men directly' and 'Tailor support and services'. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated that termination of pregnancy for life-limiting foetal anomaly (TOPFA) is an extremely difficult experience for men, characterised by challenges in decision-making and perceived stigma. Men felt overlooked by current services and indicated that they need specific support to assist with their grief. Expansion of existing infrastructure and future research should acknowledge the central role of fathers and support them in addressing their grief following TOPFA. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nursing/midwifery professionals are well situated to provide men with tailored information and to promote genuine inclusion, acknowledgement of their grief, and facilitate referrals to community supports.

Factors contributing to men's grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal death: further development of an emerging model in an Australian sample.

BACKGROUND: Historically, men's experiences of grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal death have been under-explored in comparison to women. However, investigating men's perspectives is important, given potential gendered differences concerning grief styles, help-seeking and service access. Few studies have comprehensively examined the various individual, interpersonal, community and system/policy-level factors which may contribute to the intensity of grief in bereaved parents, particularly for men. METHODS: Men (N = 228) aged at least 18 years whose partner had experienced an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, termination of pregnancy for foetal anomaly, or neonatal death within the last 20 years responded to an online survey exploring their experiences of grief. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the factors associated with men's grief intensity and style. RESULTS: Men experienced significant grief across all loss types, with the average score sitting above the minimum cut-off considered to be a high degree of grief. Men's total grief scores were associated with loss history, marital satisfaction, availability of social support, acknowledgement of their grief from family/friends, time spent bonding with the baby during pregnancy, and feeling as though their role of 'supporter' conflicted with their ability to process grief. Factors contributing to grief also differed depending on grief style. Intuitive (emotion-focused) grief was associated with support received from healthcare professionals. Instrumental (activity-focused) grief was associated with time and quality of attachment to the baby during pregnancy, availability of social support, acknowledgement of men's grief from their female partner, supporter role interfering with their grief, and tendencies toward self-reliance. CONCLUSIONS: Following pregnancy loss and neonatal death, men can experience high levels of grief, requiring acknowledgement and validation from all healthcare professionals, family/friends, community networks and workplaces. Addressing male-specific needs, such as balancing a desire to both support and be supported, requires tailored information and support. Strategies to support men should consider grief styles and draw upon father-inclusive practice recommendations. Further research is required to explore the underlying causal mechanisms of associations found.

Men's grief and support following pregnancy loss: A qualitative investigation of service providers' perspectives.

This study explores service providers' experiences of supporting men following a miscarriage or stillbirth in Australia. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were completed with seven service providers including midwives, grief counselors and social workers. Participants highlighted that, despite the individual nature of men's grief, there is a need to recognize and address the additional expectations and responsibilities that may compound their experience. Within an environment focused on woman-centered care, participants described creative strategies and inclusive language to promote engagement of men. Further research exploring men's grief is needed to inform training and guidelines for healthcare professionals who work with bereaved families.

Men's grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss: a systematic review and emerging theoretical model.

BACKGROUND: Emotional distress following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss is common, with enduring grief occurring for many parents. However, little is known about men's grief, since the majority of existing literature and subsequent bereavement care guidelines have focused on women. To develop a comprehensive understanding of men's grief, this systematic review sought to summarise and appraise the literature focusing on men's grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss. METHODS: A systematic review was undertaken with searches completed across four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL). These were guided by two research questions: 1) what are men's experiences of grief following pregnancy/neonatal loss; and 2) what are the predictors of men's grief following pregnancy/neonatal loss? Eligible articles were qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods empirical studies including primary data on men's grief, published between 1998 and October 2018. Eligibility for loss type included miscarriage or stillbirth (by any definition), termination of pregnancy for nonviable foetal anomaly, and neonatal death up to 28 days after a live birth. RESULTS: A final sample of 46 articles were identified, including 26 qualitative, 19 quantitative, and one mixed methods paper. Findings indicate that men's grief experiences are highly varied, and current grief measures may not capture all of the complexities of grief for men. Qualitative studies identified that in comparison to women, men may face different challenges including expectations to support female partners, and a lack of social recognition for their grief and subsequent needs. Men may face double-disenfranchised grief in relation to the pregnancy/neonatal loss experience. CONCLUSION: There is a need to increase the accessibility of support services for men following pregnancy/neonatal loss, and to provide recognition and validation of their experiences of grief. Cohort studies are required among varied groups of bereaved men to confirm grief-predictor relationships, and to refine an emerging socio-ecological model of men's grief. TRIALS REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018103981.

Physical health assistance in early recovery of psychosis: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

AIM: Young people with psychotic disorders have poorer physical health compared to their healthy peers, a state compounded by the metabolic side-effects of antipsychotic medications. To address this, Orygen Youth Health has introduced physical health services including exercise physiologists and dieticians. These services are typically coordinated by the case manager and doctor. It is not yet known whether a treating team member dedicated to physical health will improve engagement, adherence and outcomes with these services. Hence, the protocol is presented here for a trial to evaluate the effect of including a physical health nurse in the care of young people with first-episode psychosis. METHODS: This will be a single-blind randomized controlled trial that includes 15- to 24-year-olds with first-episode psychosis who have just commenced (within 30 days) antipsychotic medication. The primary outcome will be the event of clinically significant weight gain (≥7% body weight). Participants will be assigned either a physical health nurse in their treating team (in addition to the case manager and doctor) for a 12-week period, or treatment as usual (case manager and doctor). Research assessments will be conducted at baseline, 12 and 26 weeks. Activity trackers worn by participants for the study's duration will measure sleep and physical activity. CONCLUSION: The present study will determine whether a physical health nurse will facilitate participants in attending and engaging in physical health interventions and whether this will be associated with physical health improvements or the prevention of worsening physical health.

Australian men's experiences of support following pregnancy loss: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Despite growing recognition of the potential psychological and emotional impacts of pregnancy loss on expecting parents, the majority of the literature and subsequent care guidelines focus largely on women's experiences. Currently, there is limited research pertaining solely to men's health and psychological outcomes, especially in the Australian context. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore Australian men's experiences of both formal and informal supports received following a female partner's pregnancy loss. METHODS: Using a qualitative research design, eight South Australian men were interviewed about their experiences of support following pregnancy loss. FINDINGS: Thematic analysis returned six themes, categorised into three sections based on the aims of the study. Overall, findings indicated that fathers require emotional support following a loss, however these supports need to be flexible. Although some men may find support groups and individual counselling helpful, others may benefit from informal support options, such as having another trusted man to confide in, or the opportunity to 'give back' and help others. Additionally, while participants who accessed support services were largely satisfied, others were unaware of services, perceiving a lack of appropriate support options. CONCLUSION: There is a need for more active recognition of men throughout the pregnancy journey and early in their grief following a loss, especially in the hospital setting. In addition to experiencing grief, our findings suggest that male-specific challenges also exist, and future research is required to further explore and extend existing theories of men's grief.

Australian heterosexual women's experiences of healthcare provision following a pregnancy loss.

BACKGROUND: Despite increased awareness of the psychological impact of pregnancy loss, a lack of recognition continues with regards to women's experiences. Healthcare professionals have an important role to play in supporting women following a pregnancy loss, yet to date only a relatively small body of research has examined women's experiences with healthcare providers. AIM: This paper seeks to contribute to the literature on women's engagement with healthcare professionals by exploring the experiences of an Australian sample. METHOD: Fifteen heterosexual women living in South Australia were interviewed about their experiences of pregnancy loss. A thematic analysis was undertaken, focused on responses to one interview question that explored experiences with healthcare professionals. FINDINGS: Three themes were identified. The first theme involved negative experiences with healthcare providers, and included four subthemes: (1) 'confusing and inappropriate language and communication', (2) 'the hospital environment', (3) 'lack of emotional care', and (4) 'lack of follow-up care'. Under the second theme of positive experiences, the sub-themes of (1) 'emotionally-engaged and present individual staff', and (2) 'the healthcare system as a whole' were identified. Finally, a third theme was identified, which focused holistically on the importance of healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION: The paper concludes by discussing the importance of training for healthcare professionals in supporting women who experience a pregnancy loss, and the need for further research to explore the experiences of other groups of people affected by pregnancy loss.