- Email: [email protected]
Annual review of nursing research
cise, and selected intercurrent medical problems are covered in the second section and located easily from the index The fourth section, which reviews contraception, focuses primarily on oral and long-acting steroid contraception methods and intrauterine devices. A valuable discussion of noncontraceptive benefits associated with oral contraceptives is provided. Unfortunately, discussion of natural family planning and barrier methods is disappointingly brief. In addition, the effectiveness and beneficial role of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted diseases is stated in only two sentences. Considering the current epidemic of STDs, associated increases in infertility, and the escalation of HIV infection, expanded content on the role of contraceptive methods in preventing disease spread and individual suffering is not only warranted but also crucial. In summary, this moderately-priced textbook is printed attractively and written clearly. Crystal-clear figures, tables, and algorithms expand the text. Although directed at physicians, the book provides fundamental information appropriate for all postgraduate care providers, and would be a valuable reference for a nurse-midwifery program. Adolescent Fatherhood. Edited by Arthur B. Elster and Michael E. Lamb. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1986. 195 pages. $29.95, hardcover. Reviewed by: Janice Emerling, CNM, MN, staff Nurse-Midwife, Cities in Schools, Washington, D.C. Adolescent Fatherhood is by participants at a Z-day conference that examined issues related to adolescent fatherhood. The conference was funded by the Foundation for Child Development, at an unspecified location and time, sometime after 1984. The book is designated for use by clinicians, researchers, and policymakers who deal with these young men. It can be used as a resource, a review of current understanding of the topic, and as an aid with which to define areas for further research. The chapters are written by authorities in related fields who have all worked directly with adolescents or adolescent development, either as researchers or clinicians. The authors, from across the United States, have dealt with diverse
Journal of Nurse-Midwifery
??Vol.
populations; thus, the book’s broad perspective. The subject matter is presented clearly and divided logically. Coverage of issues is consistently good, although some contributors have a more interesting style of presentation than others. There are no major omissions or deviations from prevailing points of view. References and bibliography are as current as possible, considering publication schedules. The few tables are clear and explained adequately. Most contributors identify the relative lack of empirical results concerning adolescent fathers as a problem. One author, Sonenstein, states that in 1981 the father’s age was omitted on 32% of the birth certificates issued to babies of adolescent mothers. This exclusion epitomizes the reason for the book’s existence: little is known and documented about adolescent fathers. It is, therefore, somewhat frustrating to find that several contributors do not include detailed descriptions of the research from which their conclusions are drawn. A reader unfamiliar with the literature must refer to the sources cited in order to judge the validity of the authors’ conclusions. Adolescent Fatherhood is divided into four sections: 1) adolescent development, 2) effect of adolescent fatherhood on individual males, 3) fulfillment of spousal and parental roles and effects of stress and economic constraints, and 4) intervention strategies likely to benefit adolescent fathers. The section on adolescent development includes a brief review of key issues in adolescent theory. Discussions of sex role learning and “risking paternity” by adolescent males are found here as well. The effect of adolescent fatherhood on individual males is examined from two perspectives. One presentation reviews research concerning what factors adolescent fathers perceive as stressful, and to whom they turn for assistance. The second presentation, a study taken from a national panel survey, examines highschool completion and educational attainment. The section on fulfillment of parental and spousal roles and the effects of stress and economic constraints begins with parenting. Characteristics of effective parenting, characteristics of adolescent parental behavior, and factors influencing parental behavior are consid-
32, No. 4, July/August 1987
ered. A chapter on transition to parenthood follows, in which the authors speculate on the likely origins of differences in parental commitment. The last part of this section deals with research on child abuse. The results may well be surprising to some readers, as the rate of child abuse is quite low in the research discussed. Finally, intervention strategies likely to help these teens cope are recommended. Two chapters offer concrete approaches for outreach and assistance. These suggestions are followed by a review of shifts in historical perceptions of and reponses to adolescent fathers, particularly in relation to federal policies, programs, and monies. In summary, the editors have achieved their goal: to synthesize current knowledge of adolescent fatherhood, with the hope of stimulating further research and understanding. Annual Review of Nursing Research, Volume 4. Edited by Harriet H. Werley, Joyce J. Fitzpatrick, and Roma Lee Taunton. New York: Springer Publishing Company, 1986. 288 pages. $31.00, hardcover. Reviewed by: Joyce Roberts, CNM, PhD, FAAN, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing, Denver, CO. Thii is the fourth volume in a series of landmark publications designed to provide a research resource for nurses on topics that are of central interest in nursing. It includes 12 chapters by individuals recognized as authorities in their areas who have not only completed significant research themselves but also have analyzed the state of the current knowledge of their specialty. In keeping with previous editions, this book is organized around themes. The organizing themes are “Research on Nursing Practice, ” “Nursing Care Delivery, ” “Nursing Education,” and “The Profession of Nursing.” The topics on nursing practice include maternal anxiety in pregnancy and in relationship to fetal and newborn health status, preschool children, menopause, aging, and be“Nursing Care Delivery” reavement. evaluates primary nursing and nursemidwifery care from 1925 to 1984. “Nursing Education” reviews means of
265
assessing faculty productivity, analysis of nontraditional patterns of nursing education, and computer-aided nursing instruction. An extensive review of historical research in nursing and nursing education research in Canada is addressed as well. To the reader’s advantage, each of the 12 chapters is similarly organized including an overview of nursing research, a survey of conceptual and methodological issues followed by conclusions, and the author’s perception of directions for future research in the area. Variation in presentation exists primarily in how the authors organize their analysis of research in their specialities. The research addressed by the authors reveals some very new as well as some very old areas of inquiry in nursing. The chapter on aging and gerontology reviews studies published by nurses from 1980 to 1983. Prior to that period, the author claims, research did not focus on the specific nursing needs of the aging other than the pioneering work done by Norton in 1962. In contrast, the chapter on historical research in nursing by Irene Sabelberg Palmer covers a period of 80 years. It is noted that nurses’ attention to their historical antecedents was more apparent in the earlier part of the 19th century than at present. In addition to identifying several critical areas where historical research needs to be conducted or continued, this chapter enumerates a wealth of resources for historical research and identifies how one might address some professional issues through a review of their origins. One chapter that is particularly relevant to nurse-midwives is the review by Regina Lederman. She addresses overall research in the area of maternal anxiety in pregancy and its relationship to fetal and newborn health status. This review is comprehensive, but despite its scope it is more abbreviated than the other chapters. However, it is an interesting analysis of the approaches used to examine maternal anxiety and its impact on perinatal outcomes. She surveys animal as well as human studies and includes her own work in this area. By summarizing the limitations as well as the accomplishments of this research, she points out the difficulty in interpreting many of the studies because of multiple measures used to assess anxiety as well as to examine perinatal outcomes. She emphasizes the need to control the vari266
ables that can affect many of the results and reveals how animal studies offer important results because of the opportunity to control some of these competing variables. Dr. Ledermans’ review will interest nurse-midwives who have attempted to modify some of the stressful components of child bearing; much of the analysis reviewed here supports these strategies. It is clear, however, that many unexamined methods used by nurses and nurse-midwives need to be explored in conjunction with sound research designs. This reviewer was disappointed not to see the early classical research of Niles Newton cited among the animal studies. Her work with rats demonstrates the profound effect of stress on parturition. Despite this omission, this review is informative both in summarizing many studies and in identifying methodological problems that need to be considered in conducting or interpreting research in this area. Another chapter of special interest to nurse-midwives is Dr. Joyce Thompson’s review of nurse-midwifery care over the past 60 years. Although an important contribution to the literature, this chapter is limited because it includes only research conducted by nurse-midwives. It is heartening to note the increased scope of research by nurses; but it is also apparent that deficiencies in nursing research still exist. Common deficiencies identified by several of the authors regard the nearly exclusive use of descriptive research and a general limitation in the scope and adequacy of the theoretical frameworks used for this research. Some authors also comment that adequate attention often is not given to the validity and reliability of instruments. There are constant needs for improved measurements and more powerful research designs. It is of little reassurance that these problems confront all researchers in general. In addition, the nearly exclusive focus on nurses’ research also is somewhat limiting: it is not always clear how their work relates to research by scientists from other disciplines. The investigator reviewing literature in a particular area should not limit the review of relevant research to that linked primarily with nursing researchers. Most of the reviews in this volume are limited to research carried out only by nurses and do not relate this research to other related work. Despite the failure to present a more Journal of Nurse-Midwifery
comprehensive review of relecant research from outside the profession, a flaw which is consistent throughout the book, the Annual Review of Nursing Research, Volume 4, is an important contribution to the literature. It is recommended as a useful addition to an institution’s or individual researcher’s libray. Pregnancy Over 35. Produced and distributed by Milner-Fenwick, Inc., 1985. Color, sound, 12 minutes and 40 seconds. English and Spanish. Available in %-in Beta, VHS and %-inch Umatic videocassettes; Fairchild 16-mm film, and Super 8-mm technicolor cartridges. Available from Milner-Fenwick, Inc., 2125 Greenspring Drive, Timonium, MD 21093. (301)252-1700. Purchase price: $295.00 for 16-mm film; $250.00 for all video cassette formats. $50.00 per week for lease;$15.00 for preview. Reviewed by: Eileen Ehudin-Pagano, CNM, Co-Director, Baltimore Birth
Center, Baltimore, MD, Assistant Editor, Region I, Journal of Nurse-Midwifery. Pregnancy
Ouer 35 attempts to discuss the distinctive aspects of pregnancy over age 35 and to give some practical suggestions for staying healthy. Unfortunately, this film does not succeed. Although designed to address women over 35, its tone is more appropriate to unsophisticated teenagers. In addition, the personal appearances of women in the film suggest that it takes place in the early 1960s. The film opens with a discussion of increased risks to women over 35, such as diabetes and hypertension. Pregnancy uses the term Ouer 35 consistently “doctor” and never refers to “health care provider” or “midwife.” Suggestions for staying healthy, such as proper diet, adequate exercise, and avoidance of cigarettes are discussed briefly. The film includes a rather good discussion of amniocentesis. It does not, however, mention that the statistics for Down’s Syndrome for the woman over 35 vary, depending on a variety of factors, including the source of the statistics. A vey superficial discussion of the adjustment to parenthood does not include the role of the father. It is unfortunate that this reviewer cannot recommend this film as there is certainly a need for more audio/visual material on this topic. ??Vol.
32, No. 4, July/August
1987
Journal of Nurse-Midwifery
??Vol.
populations; thus, the book’s broad perspective. The subject matter is presented clearly and divided logically. Coverage of issues is consistently good, although some contributors have a more interesting style of presentation than others. There are no major omissions or deviations from prevailing points of view. References and bibliography are as current as possible, considering publication schedules. The few tables are clear and explained adequately. Most contributors identify the relative lack of empirical results concerning adolescent fathers as a problem. One author, Sonenstein, states that in 1981 the father’s age was omitted on 32% of the birth certificates issued to babies of adolescent mothers. This exclusion epitomizes the reason for the book’s existence: little is known and documented about adolescent fathers. It is, therefore, somewhat frustrating to find that several contributors do not include detailed descriptions of the research from which their conclusions are drawn. A reader unfamiliar with the literature must refer to the sources cited in order to judge the validity of the authors’ conclusions. Adolescent Fatherhood is divided into four sections: 1) adolescent development, 2) effect of adolescent fatherhood on individual males, 3) fulfillment of spousal and parental roles and effects of stress and economic constraints, and 4) intervention strategies likely to benefit adolescent fathers. The section on adolescent development includes a brief review of key issues in adolescent theory. Discussions of sex role learning and “risking paternity” by adolescent males are found here as well. The effect of adolescent fatherhood on individual males is examined from two perspectives. One presentation reviews research concerning what factors adolescent fathers perceive as stressful, and to whom they turn for assistance. The second presentation, a study taken from a national panel survey, examines highschool completion and educational attainment. The section on fulfillment of parental and spousal roles and the effects of stress and economic constraints begins with parenting. Characteristics of effective parenting, characteristics of adolescent parental behavior, and factors influencing parental behavior are consid-
32, No. 4, July/August 1987
ered. A chapter on transition to parenthood follows, in which the authors speculate on the likely origins of differences in parental commitment. The last part of this section deals with research on child abuse. The results may well be surprising to some readers, as the rate of child abuse is quite low in the research discussed. Finally, intervention strategies likely to help these teens cope are recommended. Two chapters offer concrete approaches for outreach and assistance. These suggestions are followed by a review of shifts in historical perceptions of and reponses to adolescent fathers, particularly in relation to federal policies, programs, and monies. In summary, the editors have achieved their goal: to synthesize current knowledge of adolescent fatherhood, with the hope of stimulating further research and understanding. Annual Review of Nursing Research, Volume 4. Edited by Harriet H. Werley, Joyce J. Fitzpatrick, and Roma Lee Taunton. New York: Springer Publishing Company, 1986. 288 pages. $31.00, hardcover. Reviewed by: Joyce Roberts, CNM, PhD, FAAN, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing, Denver, CO. Thii is the fourth volume in a series of landmark publications designed to provide a research resource for nurses on topics that are of central interest in nursing. It includes 12 chapters by individuals recognized as authorities in their areas who have not only completed significant research themselves but also have analyzed the state of the current knowledge of their specialty. In keeping with previous editions, this book is organized around themes. The organizing themes are “Research on Nursing Practice, ” “Nursing Care Delivery, ” “Nursing Education,” and “The Profession of Nursing.” The topics on nursing practice include maternal anxiety in pregnancy and in relationship to fetal and newborn health status, preschool children, menopause, aging, and be“Nursing Care Delivery” reavement. evaluates primary nursing and nursemidwifery care from 1925 to 1984. “Nursing Education” reviews means of
265
assessing faculty productivity, analysis of nontraditional patterns of nursing education, and computer-aided nursing instruction. An extensive review of historical research in nursing and nursing education research in Canada is addressed as well. To the reader’s advantage, each of the 12 chapters is similarly organized including an overview of nursing research, a survey of conceptual and methodological issues followed by conclusions, and the author’s perception of directions for future research in the area. Variation in presentation exists primarily in how the authors organize their analysis of research in their specialities. The research addressed by the authors reveals some very new as well as some very old areas of inquiry in nursing. The chapter on aging and gerontology reviews studies published by nurses from 1980 to 1983. Prior to that period, the author claims, research did not focus on the specific nursing needs of the aging other than the pioneering work done by Norton in 1962. In contrast, the chapter on historical research in nursing by Irene Sabelberg Palmer covers a period of 80 years. It is noted that nurses’ attention to their historical antecedents was more apparent in the earlier part of the 19th century than at present. In addition to identifying several critical areas where historical research needs to be conducted or continued, this chapter enumerates a wealth of resources for historical research and identifies how one might address some professional issues through a review of their origins. One chapter that is particularly relevant to nurse-midwives is the review by Regina Lederman. She addresses overall research in the area of maternal anxiety in pregancy and its relationship to fetal and newborn health status. This review is comprehensive, but despite its scope it is more abbreviated than the other chapters. However, it is an interesting analysis of the approaches used to examine maternal anxiety and its impact on perinatal outcomes. She surveys animal as well as human studies and includes her own work in this area. By summarizing the limitations as well as the accomplishments of this research, she points out the difficulty in interpreting many of the studies because of multiple measures used to assess anxiety as well as to examine perinatal outcomes. She emphasizes the need to control the vari266
ables that can affect many of the results and reveals how animal studies offer important results because of the opportunity to control some of these competing variables. Dr. Ledermans’ review will interest nurse-midwives who have attempted to modify some of the stressful components of child bearing; much of the analysis reviewed here supports these strategies. It is clear, however, that many unexamined methods used by nurses and nurse-midwives need to be explored in conjunction with sound research designs. This reviewer was disappointed not to see the early classical research of Niles Newton cited among the animal studies. Her work with rats demonstrates the profound effect of stress on parturition. Despite this omission, this review is informative both in summarizing many studies and in identifying methodological problems that need to be considered in conducting or interpreting research in this area. Another chapter of special interest to nurse-midwives is Dr. Joyce Thompson’s review of nurse-midwifery care over the past 60 years. Although an important contribution to the literature, this chapter is limited because it includes only research conducted by nurse-midwives. It is heartening to note the increased scope of research by nurses; but it is also apparent that deficiencies in nursing research still exist. Common deficiencies identified by several of the authors regard the nearly exclusive use of descriptive research and a general limitation in the scope and adequacy of the theoretical frameworks used for this research. Some authors also comment that adequate attention often is not given to the validity and reliability of instruments. There are constant needs for improved measurements and more powerful research designs. It is of little reassurance that these problems confront all researchers in general. In addition, the nearly exclusive focus on nurses’ research also is somewhat limiting: it is not always clear how their work relates to research by scientists from other disciplines. The investigator reviewing literature in a particular area should not limit the review of relevant research to that linked primarily with nursing researchers. Most of the reviews in this volume are limited to research carried out only by nurses and do not relate this research to other related work. Despite the failure to present a more Journal of Nurse-Midwifery
comprehensive review of relecant research from outside the profession, a flaw which is consistent throughout the book, the Annual Review of Nursing Research, Volume 4, is an important contribution to the literature. It is recommended as a useful addition to an institution’s or individual researcher’s libray. Pregnancy Over 35. Produced and distributed by Milner-Fenwick, Inc., 1985. Color, sound, 12 minutes and 40 seconds. English and Spanish. Available in %-in Beta, VHS and %-inch Umatic videocassettes; Fairchild 16-mm film, and Super 8-mm technicolor cartridges. Available from Milner-Fenwick, Inc., 2125 Greenspring Drive, Timonium, MD 21093. (301)252-1700. Purchase price: $295.00 for 16-mm film; $250.00 for all video cassette formats. $50.00 per week for lease;$15.00 for preview. Reviewed by: Eileen Ehudin-Pagano, CNM, Co-Director, Baltimore Birth
Center, Baltimore, MD, Assistant Editor, Region I, Journal of Nurse-Midwifery. Pregnancy
Ouer 35 attempts to discuss the distinctive aspects of pregnancy over age 35 and to give some practical suggestions for staying healthy. Unfortunately, this film does not succeed. Although designed to address women over 35, its tone is more appropriate to unsophisticated teenagers. In addition, the personal appearances of women in the film suggest that it takes place in the early 1960s. The film opens with a discussion of increased risks to women over 35, such as diabetes and hypertension. Pregnancy uses the term Ouer 35 consistently “doctor” and never refers to “health care provider” or “midwife.” Suggestions for staying healthy, such as proper diet, adequate exercise, and avoidance of cigarettes are discussed briefly. The film includes a rather good discussion of amniocentesis. It does not, however, mention that the statistics for Down’s Syndrome for the woman over 35 vary, depending on a variety of factors, including the source of the statistics. A vey superficial discussion of the adjustment to parenthood does not include the role of the father. It is unfortunate that this reviewer cannot recommend this film as there is certainly a need for more audio/visual material on this topic. ??Vol.
32, No. 4, July/August
1987