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Political action has a long history in the health workforce. There are multiple historical examples, from civil disobedience to marches and even sabotage that can be attributed to health workers. Such actions remain a feature of the healthcare community to this day; their status with professional and regulatory bodies is far less clear, however. This has created uncertainty for those undertaking such action, particularly those who are engaged in what could be termed 'contentious' forms of action. This study explored how advocacy and activism were presented in nursing and medical codes of ethics, comparing disciplinary and temporo‐spatial differences to understand how such action may be promoted or constrained by codes. The data for this study comes from 217 codes of ethics. Because of the size of the corpus and to facilitate analysis, natural language processing was utilised, which allowed for an automated exploration of the data and for comparisons to be drawn between groups. This was complemented by a manual search and contextualisation of the data. While there were noticeable differences between medical and nursing codes, overall, advocacy, activism and even politics were rarely discussed explicitly in most codes. When such action was spoken about, this was often vague and imprecise with codes speaking of 'political action' and 'advocacy' in general terms. While some codes were far more forthright in what they meant about advocacy or broader political action (i.e., Nursing codes in Denmark, Norway, Canada) more forceful language that spoke in specific terms or in terms of oppositional or specific actions (e.g., civil disobedience or marches) was almost completely avoided. These results are discussed in relation to the broader literature on codes and the normative questions they raise, namely whether such action should be included in codes of ethics at all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to explain the process through which Australian nurses and midwives provide abortion care to people affected by gender‐based violence (GBV). Design: A constructivist grounded theory study. Methods: This study took place between 2019 and 2021. The lead author conducted semi‐structured interviews with 18 Australian nurses and midwives who provided abortion care. Participants were recruited through pro‐abortion, nursing and midwifery networks using a snowballing technique. Data collection and analysis proceeded using purposive and theoretical sampling until we reached data saturation. Findings: Participants revealed they underwent a process of working with or against the system contingent on the degree to which the system (the interconnected networks through which a pregnant person, victimized by trauma, travels) was woman centred. When participants encountered barriers to person‐centred abortion care, they bent or broke the law, local policy and cultural norms to facilitate timely holistic care. Though many participants felt professionally compromised, their resolve to continue working against the system continued. Conclusion: Conservative abortion law, policies and clinical mores did not prevent participants from providing abortion care. The professional obligation to provide person‐centred care was a higher priority than following the official or unofficial rules of the organizations. Impact: This study addresses the clinical care of people accessing abortions in the context of GBV. Nurses and midwives may act out against the law, organizational policies and norms if prevented from providing person‐centred care. This research is relevant for any location that restricts abortion through stigma, pro‐life influences or politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we explore the act of resistance by nurses and midwives at the nexus of abortion care and gender‐based violence. We commence with a brief overview of a multiphased extended grounded theory doctoral project that analysed the individual, situational and socio‐political experiences of Australian nurses and midwives who provide abortion care to people victimised by gender‐based violence. We then turn to Essex's conceptualisation of resistance in health and healthcare and draw upon these concepts to tell a unifying and cohesive story about how nurses and midwives exercise their politics. Vignettes taken from the three study phases are provided for demonstrative purposes. Finally, we discuss the potential of resistance in health and healthcare as a postmodern feminist research tool to analyse acts by nurses and midwives that could be categorised as political. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization are higher among women with a gambling problem. However, women's experiences of this violence, from a gendered perspective, have not been examined. Based on interviews with 24 women, this study explored how problem gambling contributes to IPV against women across three levels of influence. Findings reveal that problem gambling did not directly cause IPV, but interacts where gendered drivers and reinforcers are present to exacerbate this violence. Reducing violence against women with a gambling problem requires a coordinated, integrated multidisciplinary approach targeting different levels of influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine how problem gambling interacts with gendered drivers of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women to exacerbate this violence. Interviews were conducted with 48 female victims of IPV linked to a male partner's gambling; 24 female victims of IPV linked to their own gambling; and 39 service practitioners from 25 services. Given limited research into gambling-related IPV, but a stronger theoretical base relating to IPV against women, this study used an adaptive grounded theory approach. It engaged with existing theories on gendered drivers of violence against women, while also developing a grounded theory model of individual and relationship determinants based on emergent findings from the data. Gambling-related IPV against women was found to occur in the context of expressions of gender inequality, including men's attitudes and behaviors that support violence and rigid gender expectations, controlling behaviors, and relationships condoning disrespect of women. Within this context, the characteristics of problem gambling and the financial, emotional and relationship stressors gambling causes intensified the IPV. Alcohol and other drug use, and co-morbid mental health issues, also interacted with gambling to intensify the IPV. Major implications. Reducing gambling-related IPV against women requires integrated, multi-level interventions that reduce both problem gambling and gendered drivers of violence. Gambling operators can act to reduce problem gambling and train staff in responding to IPV. Financial institutions can assist people to limit their gambling expenditure and families to protect their assets. Service providers can be alert to the co-occurrence of gambling problems and IPV and screen, treat, and refer clients appropriately. Public education can raise awareness that problem gambling increases the risk of IPV. Reducing gender inequality is also critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem gambling provides a strong motivation for perpetrating economic abuse. This study explores the interaction between problem gambling and economic abuse, and how this economic abuse is reinforced by other forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) and underpinned by gendered drivers of violence against women. Interviews were conducted with 18 women with lived experience of economic abuse perpetrated by a male partner with a gambling problem and analyzed using adaptive grounded theory. The women reported that their partner subjected them to numerous forms of economic exploitation (e.g. fraudulent use of her credit card) and economic control (e.g. preventing her from accessing money) to fund his gambling. Patterns of psychological and physical abuse reinforced this economic abuse. Gendered drivers of this violence underpinned this behavior including their partner's perceived entitlement to subordinate, control, and manipulate them. The resulting financial stress undermined the women's capacity to leave the relationship, extending their victimization and deprivation. This integrated exploration highlights that problem gambling and gendered drivers of violence interact to create a context where economic abuse and other forms of violence are perpetrated to obtain money for gambling. Interventions by gambling operators, financial institutions, and support services are needed to reduce gambling-related economic abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While problem gambling does not directly cause intimate partner violence (IPV), it exacerbates that violence significantly. Women experiencing both gambling harm and IPV often find themselves in challenging situations; furthermore, stigma and shame frequently act as barriers to seeking help from health and social service agencies. Despite the links between problem gambling and IPV, little is known about women's experiences of using support services for both IPV and gambling related issues. This paper explores positive experiences of help-seeking for gambling-related IPV in Australia by adopting a strengths-based research approach.Methods: Qualitative, unstructured interviews were conducted for a larger study exploring the nature of the relationship between problem gambling and IPV. To gain new insights into the service experiences of women impacted by gambling related IPV, interviews with 48 women with lived experience of IPV relating to a male partner's gambling, and 24 women with lived experience of IPV relating to their own gambling were reanalysed using thematic analysis.Results: Three themes emerged from the data signifying or demonstrating strength-based responses: 'Commitment to Integrated and Collaborative Responses'; 'Therapeutic Support'; and 'Instrumental Support'. The themes highlight the importance of recognising the intersectionality of gambling related IPV and supporting the person 'at the centre of the service'. Tangible and instrumental supports, such as emergency accommodation and financial assistance, were also central to the recovery process.Conclusion: Effective service responses are dependent on understanding how problem gambling and IPV intersect. Importantly, service providers must recognise and address the many facets of each woman's situation and the shame associated with resolving interdependent and complex issues. Responding to the needs of women impacted by gambling related IPV requires both individual-level awareness and organisational support; recommendations to strengthen service provision are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper adopts a gendered perspective exploring how gambling by a male partner contributes to intimate partner violence (IPV) against women. Unstructured interviews with 30 women with lived experience of male partner violence linked to his gambling were analyzed using adaptive grounded theory. Gendered drivers of violence set the context for IPV experienced by these women. Their male partners held strict patriarchal views about gender roles, controlled decision-making, restricted the woman's independence, and condoned using violence against women. Gambling by the male partner interacted with these gendered drivers to increase the frequency and severity of IPV. They prioritized their gambling above the family's welfare, controlled household finances, and coerced the woman into providing money. Gambling created situations that increased IPV, including anger over losses, family stressors and conflicts, with violent backlash silencing the woman's objections. Violence intensified as the gambling escalated, with short-term cycles of violence directly linked to gambling events. Women experienced financial, psychological, physical and sexual abuse, and patterns of coercive control that maintained a climate of fear. These findings reveal the centrality of gender inequality within intimate relationships as a foundation for IPV, which is then exacerbated by the perpetrator's gambling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionOur understanding of how nursing and midwifery students in Australia are prepared to support people in unintended pregnancy prevention and care is currently limited.This study examined Australian nursing and midwifery students and recent graduates’ perspectives on their preparation and confidence in providing unintended pregnancy prevention and care.A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey of nursing and midwifery students and graduates was undertaken. An invitation email with information sheet and link to the survey was sent to heads of departments at Australian universities for distribution to nursing and midwifery students. Social media platforms of professional organisations were used to promote the study to nurses and midwives within two years of graduation. The survey instrument was based on US educational competencies for unintended pregnancy prevention and care, adapted for the Australian context.Participants (N = 109) from 14 institutions completed the survey. The majority of (92%) expressed that nursing and midwifery graduates should possess unintended pregnancy prevention and care knowledge and skills. Five competencies, out of 29, were identified as taught as core curriculum by 50% or more of participants; reproductive anatomy and physiology (72%); effective communication skills encompassing culture, sexual orientation, and gender identity (58%), understanding how contraceptives work (54%), obtaining a sexual/reproductive history (53%), and identifying preconception health risks (50%). Students felt well prepared to provide independent care related to pregnancy testing (44%), pregnancy prevention (26%), sexual history taking (23%), ethical/legal considerations around abortion (9%), options counseling/referral (5%), and pre/post-abortion care (5%).With the decriminalization of abortion care, the Australian nursing and midwifery workforce must prepare students to care for people in all aspects of pregnancy prevention, early pregnancy decision-making, and abortion services. Our data show students are interested in this preparation but the entry-to-practice curricula has not yet been standardized to enable this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advocacy and activism are dynamic terms representing a spectrum of political action, aiming to achieve social or political change. The extent to which nursing advocacy and activism are legitimate nursing roles has been debated for around 50 years. Nursing regulatory documents, such as codes of conduct and professional standards, may provide direction to nurses on how they should act in the context of advocacy and activism. Aim: To explore what regulatory documents say about advocacy and activism, either explicitly or implicitly, and how they shape advocacy and activism. Research design: We used a Reflexive Qualitative Document Analysis approach with a Critical Feminist lens to analyse contemporary nursing regulatory documents from the USA, UK and Australia. Ethical considerations: This article has no human participants, and informed consent was not required. Findings: We identified eight nursing regulatory documents from the American Nurses Association, Nursing and Midwifery Council and Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. We constructed two major themes that reveal how nursing advocacy and activism are conceived and shaped in regulatory documents. Theme 1, Ideological arena describes the gendered and neoliberal subtexts influencing advocacy and activism. Theme 2, A five-pointed star , describes the shape of advocacy and activism in the regulatory documents. Conclusions: Regulatory documents from the USA, UK and Australia support diplomatic nursing advocacy and activism for people, equity, ourselves (nurses), the profession and systems change. However, more oppositional and disruptive advocacy and activism are potentially constrained by gendered and neoliberal subtexts that depoliticise nurses' roles., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.