A Critical Comparison of Focused Ethnography and Interpretive Phenomenology in Nursing Research

Opara, Uchechi Clara; Petrucka, Pammla

doi:10.1177/23333936241238097

Global Qualitative Nursing Research

2024

DOI: 10.1177/23333936241238097

|View full text |Cite

A Critical Comparison of Focused Ethnography and Interpretive Phenomenology in Nursing Research

Uchechi Clara Opara,

Pammla Petrucka

Abstract: Choosing an appropriate qualitative methodology in nursing research is a researcher’s first step before beginning a study. Such a step is critical as the selected qualitative methodology should be congruent with the research questions, study assumptions, data gathering and analysis to promote the utility of such research in enhancing nursing knowledge. In this paper, we compare focused ethnography by Roper and Shapira and interpretive phenomenology by Benner. Though these methodologies are naturalistic and app… Show more

Help me understand this report

Search citation statements

Order By: Relevance

Paper Sections

Select...

Citation Types

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Year Published

2024

Publication Types

Select...

Article2

Relationship

Self Cite0

Independent2

Authors

Journals

Cited by 2 publications

References 60 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

Facilitating and limiting factors of cultural norms influencing use of maternal health services in primary health care facilities in Kogi State, Nigeria; a focused ethnographic research on Igala women

Opara,

Iheanacho,

et al. 2024

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Facilitating factors are potential factors that encourage the uptake of maternal health services, while limiting factors are those potential factors that limit women’s access to maternal health services. Though cultural norms or values are significant factors that influence health-seeking behaviour, there is a limited exploration of the facilitating and limiting factors of these cultural norms and values on the use of maternal health services in primary health care facilities. Aim To understand the facilitating and limiting factors of cultural values and norms that influence the use of maternal health services in primary healthcare facilities. Methods The study was conducted in two primary healthcare facilities (rural and urban) using a focused ethnographic methodology described by Roper and Shapira. The study comprised 189 hours of observation of nine women from the third trimester to deliveries. Using purposive and snowballing techniques, data was collected through 21 in-depth interviews, two focus group discussions comprising 13 women, and field notes. All data was analyzed using the steps described by Roper and Shapira (Ethnography in nursing research, 2000). Results Using the enabler and nurturer constructs of the relationships and the expectations domain of the PEN-3 cultural model, four themes were generated: 1, The attitude of healthcare workers and 2, Factors within primary healthcare facilities, which revealed both facilitating and limiting factors. The remaining themes, 3, The High cost of services, and 4, Contextual issues within communities revealed factors that limit access to facility care. Conclusion Several facilitating and limiting factors of cultural norms and values significantly influence women’s health-seeking behaviours and use of primary health facilities. Further studies are needed on approaches to harness these factors in providing holistic care tailored to communities' cultural needs. Additionally, reinvigoration and strengthening of primary health facilities in Nigeria is critical to promoting comprehensive care that could reduce maternal mortality and enhance maternal health outcomes.

show abstract

Facilitating and limiting factors of cultural norms influencing use of maternal health services in primary health care facilities in Kogi State, Nigeria; a focused ethnographic research on Igala women

Opara,

Iheanacho,

et al. 2024

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Cultural and religious structures influencing the use of maternal health services in Nigeria: a focused ethnographic research

Opara,

Iheanacho,

Petrucka

2024

Reprod Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Cultural and religious structures encompass a set pattern of values, beliefs, systems and practices that define a community's behaviour and identity. These structures influence women's health-seeking behaviour and access to maternal health services, predisposing women to preventable maternal health complications. However, most maternal health policies have focused on biomedical strategies, with limited attention to women’s cultural challenges around childbirth. The overall aim of this paper is to provide a thick description and understanding of cultural and religious structures in Nigeria, their meaning and how they influence women’s use of maternal health services. Methods Roper and Shapira’s (2000) focused ethnography comprising 189 h of observation of nine women from the third trimester to deliveries. Using purposive and snowballing techniques, 21 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions comprising 13 women, were conducted in two Nigerian primary healthcare facilities in rural and urban area of Kogi State. Data was analyzed using the steps described by Roper and Shapira. Results Using the PEN-3 cultural model, nine themes were generated. Positive factor, such as the language of communication, existential factor, such as religion, and negative factors, such as the use of prayer houses and lack of women’s autonomy, were either positive or negative enablers influencing women’s use of maternal health services. Additionally, women's perceptions, such as their dependency on God and reliance on cultural norms were significant factors that influence the use of maternal health services. We also found that the use of herbal medicine was a negative enabler of women’s access to facility care. At the same time, family support was also a positive and a negative nurturer that could influence how women use facility care. Finally, factors such as religion, Ibegwu, and male child syndrome were negative nurturers influencing women’s contraceptive use. Conclusion Cultural and religious structures are significant factors that could promote or limit women’s use of maternal health services. Further studies are needed to understand culturally focused approaches to enhance women’s use of maternal health services in Nigeria.

show abstract

scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.

Contact Info

customersupport@researchsolutions.com

10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614

Henderson, NV 89052, USA

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Blog Terms and Conditions API Terms Privacy Policy Contact Cookie Preferences Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Made with 💙 for researchers

Part of the Research Solutions Family.

A Critical Comparison of Focused Ethnography and Interpretive Phenomenology in Nursing Research

Cited by 2 publications

References 60 publications

Facilitating and limiting factors of cultural norms influencing use of maternal health services in primary health care facilities in Kogi State, Nigeria; a focused ethnographic research on Igala women

Facilitating and limiting factors of cultural norms influencing use of maternal health services in primary health care facilities in Kogi State, Nigeria; a focused ethnographic research on Igala women

Cultural and religious structures influencing the use of maternal health services in Nigeria: a focused ethnographic research

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About