A MIXED-METHODS STUDY TO EXPLORE EVIDENCE-BASED INTRAPARTUM CARE IN MATERNITY SETTINGS IN BAHRAIN

Abstract

Abstract : First of all, all praises to Allah who gives me the opportunity to experience a successful journey of being a PhD student and providing me with patience and strengths in completing this thesis. This journey could not be completed without the support and guidance of many people. I am deeply indebted to my supervisors at The University of Manchester for their support and encouragement which enlightened my journey. To my principal supervisor, Professor Dame Tina Lavender, I would like to say, thank you for your constant support, constructive feedback, and inspirational meetings that we had over the past four years. I am grateful for the valuable experience that I have gained from you as a pioneer in Midwifery education and research. Heartful gratitude also go to my secondary supervisor, Doctor Carol Bedwell, who provided me always with valuable advice on my work and encouraged me to think critically about each stage of my work. This made my experience both fruitful and challenging. Similarly, sincere thanks should go to my supervisor Doctor Malcolm Campbell who had given me consistently motivational words, encouragement and nurturing heart that helped me to overcome the painful moments of my journey. His expertise, wisdom, and enthusiastic supervision enriched my PhD experience. I would also like to thank and appreciate all participants in this study whom without their participation this study could not be completed. Special thanks go for women in Bahrain who took part in this study and allowed their voices to be heard by sharing their experiences and thoughts. I would like to thank the Nursing and maternity administration in both hospitals in facilitating my access to the hospitals and helping me whenever needed. I would like to extend my thanks also to the University of Bahrain for offering me a funded scholarship and support throughout the four years of my study in the UK. Word of thanks to the College of Health Sciences which I belonged to as a lecturer for their faith in my capability to pursue the PhD degree. I also express my gratitude to my friends in Bahrain and the cohort PhD group whom I shared with them the office days and nights. Thanks for being supportive, friendly and helpful. Finally, this dream would not have been turned true without the support of the most important people in my life: my family who endured my absence from home in the previous years. Heartful thanks to my husband Yunis who was always saying "yes, you can do it". I am hugely thankful to my three beloved daughters Noor, Safa and Marwa for being my supportive and lovely friends while they were also engaged in their own studies.