فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Background: Pregnant women in correctional facilities face increased risks of health complications, yet many struggles to engage in self-care despite the availability of basic healthcare services. Emotional and psychological barriers stemming from incarceration -such as isolation, distrust, and a lack of emotional safety- often hinder their ability to utilize care effectively. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the reasons behind pregnant inmates' reluctance to engage in pregnancy self-care through a feminist lens.  Methods: This qualitative study, conducted from January to March 2024 at a women’s correctional facility in Indonesia, employed purposive sampling to select participants. Six inmates who were either currently pregnant or had been pregnant within the past year were interviewed. Data were collected through unstructured in-depth interviews and observational methods. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data, with trustworthiness ensured through prolonged engagement, triangulation, member checking, and reflexivity. Results: The primary theme identified was "trapped in emotional turmoil", reflecting the fear of moral judgment from family members and feelings of betrayal among pregnant inmates. These women grappled with the tension between their lived experiences and societal expectations of motherhood. Furthermore, the unpredictable and inconsistent authority exhibited by prison and healthcare staff fostered distrust and a sense of neglect. These emotional challenges exacerbated the inmates’ feelings of isolation and powerlessness, complicating their ability to care for themselves and maintain mental well-being during incarceration. Conclusion: The study revealed that pregnant inmates' reluctance to engage in pregnancy self-care is deeply rooted in emotional wounds shaped by patriarchal norms, moral judgment, and institutional distrust. A feminist perspective highlights how the voices of these women are often silenced within a system that neglects their emotional needs, thereby reinforcing their withdrawal from self-care practices.