PERCEPTION, EXPERIENCES, AND COPING OF DIAGNOSED WOMEN WITH INTRAHEPATIC CHOLESTASIS OF PREGNANCY DISORDER

Abstract

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a particular pregnancy related liver disorder. It developed in the late 2 nd and early 3 rd trimester of pregnancy by increased level of liver bile acid. The aim of the present study is to explore the perception, experience, and coping of diagnosed women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Qualitative approach was used for data collection. Four public hospitals (two from Multan, two from DG Khan), and four private hospitals of Multan, were approached. Through purposive and convenient sampling technique participants (N=11) were recruited from hospitals with the age range of 15-40 years. Utilizing a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted through interview guide. Data was analyzed byutilizing thematic analysis to identify themes in the data. Four main themes arises: (1) disease perception, (2) impact of the disease, (3) coping with disease, and (4) cultural beliefs. The findings of the study highlights that ICP disorder is still not perceived as a disease in most areas of Pakistan especially in rural areas. However, this disorder highly affect the psychological health of patients. Research study revealed that ICP diagnosed women suffered from many psychological health issues and efforts to cope with these problems through religious, social and family support network. The findings also highlighted the superstitious beliefs about the ICP disorder in our society. The findings of the study are helpful for medical institutions, health professionals and medical students to integrated treatment plan and how to implement on these kinds of patients. The research findings may be supportive for those women who are passing through pregnancy phase.