/library/oar/handle/123456789/97820 2025-11-06T10:41:38Z 2025-11-06T10:41:38Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/135068 2025-05-06T13:20:05Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The navigation of endometriosis-a struggle for coherence a Maltese perspective Abstract: Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological condition affecting millions of women worldwide. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus, often resulting in severe pelvic pain, infertility, psychological stress and other symptoms. Furthermore, the probability of persistent, recurrent symptoms and the absence of a definite explanation are likely to exacerbate endometriosis. These detrimental effects, causing a reduction in the quality of life are well represented in international literature. Illustrations, regarding the interactions with the medical profession are also represented. However, no study to date, was carried out regarding women’s lived experience of endometriosis within the Maltese context. To this end, a qualitative study was carried out, with the aim of providing a deep understanding of the impact of endometriosis on the lives of eight Maltese women by utilising in-depth interviews. The data illustrated the deep impact that endometriosis had on the lives of these participants, the delay in diagnosis and the dismissive attitude and lack of knowledge of the medical profession when interacting with the participants. This was mostly attributed to the normalisation of symptoms by family, friends, medical professionals and even the participants themselves. Finally, the findings highlight an urgent necessity of increasing awareness among the public as well as the medical profession, regarding this insidious disease. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/129637 2024-12-05T15:42:14Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Understanding poverty and social exclusion amongst older persons in two localities in Malta : a sociological study Abstract: This study explores the experiences of older persons living in situations of poverty and social exclusion. Using a qualitative research, this study builds an understanding on the everyday realities of some older persons over the age of 65 living in poverty in two localities in Malta: Ħamrun, and Cospicua. Discussions with participants revealed that the situation of poverty is not only apparent in their living conditions. They often experience severe forms of relative deprivation, and social exclusion, which often cause loneliness and hardship. Limited financial means had their toll on the degree of social exclusion. However, other factors, including lack of accessibility, both physical and digital, poor health conditions, and limited knowledge of accessing social welfare resources, contributed to factors of isolation and deprivation. Nevertheless, a noteworthy finding of this study is the existence of a strong social network within the respective towns, especially by neighbours and church representatives. This provides an immediate safety net for these older persons. The design and research process of this research was framed to guarantee ethically sound research, considering both the sensitivity of the topic and the vulnerability of participants in disclosing their subjective experiences of the harsh realities of living below the poverty line. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/129636 2024-12-05T15:38:16Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Exploring the impact of socioeconomic status on the food and eating practices of Maltese families Abstract: The purpose of this research is to understand better food and eating practices of Maltese families in relation to socioeconomic status. The objectives of this study were to a) understand sociologically the meaning Maltese families assign to unhealthy/healthy food and eating practices, b) the role that socioeconomic status play in this, and c) the barriers and facilitators of unhealthy/healthy food and eating practices. A number of thirty participants participated in my study. Two qualitative methods were used for this research. Twenty-three participants were required to fill in a food diary and participated in a follow-up interview, while seven participants were interviewed only. The interview was semi-structured. A self-administered questionnaire was given to the participants in order to understand better their demographic characteristics such as the level of education, family structure, annual household income and occupation. These demographic characteristics helped me to understand better the socioeconomic status of the participants. Most of the participants were females, formed part of a nuclear family, resided in Ħaż-Żebbuġ and in Żabbar, worked in the social welfare services sector and earned €21,000 to €30,000 per year. Several participants especially mothers who work in social welfare services and have young children used nutritional discourse to construct healthy/unhealthy food and eating practices. Most of the participants attached a positive meaning to food and prioritised commensality (the act of eating together). This study concludes that the inflation has taken a toll on the participants especially low-income participants. Some low to median income participants changed shopping practices and food brands to save money. Most of the participants buy food from the supermarkets to benefit from point schemes. Moreover, several participants buy fruit and vegetables, and meat from the fruit vendor and butcher respectively due to high level of trust. Most of the mothers prepare food from scratch because they feel responsible for their families’ well-being. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/129635 2024-12-05T15:36:13Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Is this safe to eat? : managing a dietary requirement in Malta Abstract: This thesis seeks to explore and analyse the experiences of Maltese resident individuals’ dietary requirements. The main research question aims at trying to understand the different factors that are impacted when having a dietary requirement. The aim is to gain insightful data about the experience, ranging from the lived experience, coping strategies, and risk, to the financial impact and the doctor-patient relationship. While the literature review shows plenty of research abroad, there is minimal data available locally, and therefore this thesis aims at contributing to addressing this gap. A mix of data collection methods were used, including interviews (n=6), a survey (n=127), and visual diaries (n=3). This allowed me to ask questions with different focuses, and to show a representation of a day in the life of a person living with a dietary requirement. The main themes that resulted from the qualitative data were lived experiences that opened up into the subthemes of shaping stigma, centre of attention, emotions, other’s perception of myself and the self, and the doctor-patient relationship. The second theme was risk which explores medicine, risky behaviour brought on by social pressure, spontaneity, the risk of stigma, knowledge at restaurants by comparing the local with abroad, and the experience of getting diagnosed. The third theme is the art of surviving, which goes through the subthemes of medicine, symptom management, communication in relationships, and the support and lack of support in relationships, medical professionals, adapting to a new lifestyle, financial impact, the challenges of daily planning, and health literacy. In the quantitative data, the questions were split into sections that cover the main themes from the qualitative data, therefore, the analysis focused on the lived experience of managing a dietary requirement, health literacy, financial situation, risk, coping strategies, and social reactions. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z