A Systematic Review on the Moral and Faith-Based Values Surrounding Reproductive Health Stigma in the United States Open Access
Akingbade, Busola (Spring 2020)
Abstract
Introduction: Religious and moral values can produce social expectations and attitudes towards reproductive health. As a result, individuals who seek reproductive health methods are perceived as defying social norms and are stigmatized due to their health choices. Outcomes of reproductive health stigma are increased morbidity and mortality, as well as discrimination and social isolation. Therefore, there is a need to examine and synthesize the aspects of morality and religion influencing reproductive health stigma.
Methodology: Electronic searches to identify moral and religious determinants of reproductive health stigma were conducted using the three online databases: PubMed, Scopus, and ATLA. All databases were searched from their inception date until December 31, 2019. The initial articles from the search underwent a title and abstract screening. A full-text review was then conducted on the remaining articles, and 18 articles were selected for the review based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extracted from the selected reviews include study aims, data collection methods, sample population, and study limitations.
Results: Religious doctrines (n=11) as a well as cultural norms and moral values (n=8) were identified as religious and moral determinants of reproductive health stigma. Abortion stigma was the most prevalent type of reproductive health stigma discussed in the reviewed studies (n=10). Religiosity was a contributing factor in stigma, as individuals who follow their religious doctrines were more likely to have stigmatizing attitudes towards reproductive health. When it comes to morality, many studies found that women perceived motherhood as a moral obligation and this expectation leads to stigmatized attitudes towards family-planning methods, such as contraceptives and abortion, within one’s community. Additionally, one article discussed how women use the flexibility of their religious doctrines to combat abortion-related stigma.
Conclusion: The results suggest that religious beliefs influence perceptions of morality and can contribute to reproductive health stigma. Although many studies found that religious values contribute to reproductive stigma, individuals can use their religious values to also manage stigma related to reproductive health. The findings from this review can aid in stigma reduction interventions, thus increasing access to more stigmatized family-planning methods.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1
Introduction and Rationale 1
Theoretical Framework 2
Figure 1 3
Problem Statement 4
Purpose Statement 4
Research Question 4
Significance Statement 5
Definition of Terms 2
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE 7
Introduction 7
Reproductive Health 7
Morality & Religion 9
Moral and Religious Attitudes and Their Influence on Reproductive Health Rights, Policies, and Experiences 10
Gaps in the Literature & Future Health Implications 12
CHAPTER THREE: METHODS 14
Search Strategy 14
Table 1 14
Inclusion Criteria & Study Selection 14
Data Extraction 15
Figure 2 16
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS 17
Study Characteristics 17
Analysis of Findings & Main Themes 17
Table 2 24
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION 30
Limitations 32
Conclusion 32
REFERENCES 34
About this Master's Thesis
| School | |
|---|---|
| Department | |
| Degree | |
| Submission | |
| Language |
|
| Research Field | |
| Keyword | |
| Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor | |
| Committee Members |
Primary PDF
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
A Systematic Review on the Moral and Faith-Based Values Surrounding Reproductive Health Stigma in the United States () | 2020-04-23 19:40:49 -0400 |
|
Supplemental Files
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|