Staff Profiles

Teenaged pregnancy and parenthood.  Teenaged motherhood and intimate partner violence.  Teen health care.  Sexual health and contraception.

 

Research group membership

Other professional interests:

 

• Book Reviewer for the Journal of Community Nursing, Nursing Children and Young People
• Article Reviewer for Nursing Standard, Nursing Children and Young People, Qualitative Health Review

 

Previous:

 

• Course facilitator for the RCN Sexual Health Distance Learning Programme
• Member of Advisory Board for Paediatric Nursing Journal
• Course facilitator STI foundation course, Barts and the London Hospitals Trust

Research grants and awards

Barber's Company Clinical Nursing Scholarship 2012

Research projects

Research degree:  'Why do I always become pregnant with the pill?'; reconceiving teenage repeat pregnancy.  

Journal articles

• Crocamo Cristina, Bachi Bianca, Cioni Riccardo M., Schecke Henrike, Nieminen Irja, Zabłocka-Żytka Lidia, Woźniak-Prus Małgorzata, Bartoli Francesco, Riboldi Ilaria, Appleton Jane V., Bekaert Sarah, Zlatkute Giedre, Jouet Emmanuelle, Viganò Giovanni, Specka Michael, Scherbaum Norbert, Paavilainen Eija, Baldacchino Alexander, Carrà Giuseppe, 'Professionals’ Digital Training for Child Maltreatment Prevention in the COVID-19 Era: A Pan-European Model'
  International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19 (2) (2022)
  ISSN: 1661-7827 eISSN: 1660-4601
  Abstract

  The responsiveness of professionals working with children and families is of key importance for child maltreatment early identification. However, this might be undermined when multifaceted circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, reduce interdisciplinary educational activities. Thanks to technological developments, digital platforms seem promising in dealing with new challenges for professionals’ training. We examined a digital approach to child maltreatment training through the ERICA project experience (Stopping Child Maltreatment through Pan-European Multiprofessional Training Programme). ERICA has been piloted during the pandemic in seven European centers involving interconnected sectors of professionals working with children and families. The training consisted of interactive modules embedded in a digital learning framework. Different aspects (technology, interaction, and organization) were evaluated and trainers’ feedback on digital features was sought. Technical issues were the main barrier, however, these did not significantly disrupt the training. The trainers perceived reduced interaction between participants, although distinct factors were uncovered as potential favorable mediators. Based on participants’ subjective experiences and perspectives, digital learning frameworks for professionals working with children and families (such as the ERICA model nested in its indispensable adaptation to an e-learning mode) can represent a novel interactive approach to empower trainers and trainees to tackle child maltreatment during critical times such as a pandemic, and as an alternative to more traditional learning frameworks.
  

  Website 
• Bekaert S, Azzopardi L, 'Safeguarding teenagers in a Sexual Health service during the Covid-19 pandemic [Short report]'
  Sexually Transmitted Infections Online first (2021)
  ISSN: 1368-4973 eISSN: 1472-3263
  Abstract

  Objectives The first aim was to examine how the Covid-19 restrictions on movement impacted on teenagers’ access to a local sexual health service (SHS). The second aim was to audit whether safeguarding assessments were carried out for those accessing the service remotely.
  

  Methods April –September 2020 consultation numbers for teenagers aged 17 years and under were compared to the 2019 equivalent.   Service safeguarding assessment standards were reviewed for teenagers receiving telephone consultations for the first six months of lockdown, April-September 2020.
  

  Results There was a reduction in contact with the service of 100% for those aged 13 and younger, 48% for those aged 14 and 15 years, and 31% for those aged 16 and 17 years for the compared months. A safeguarding assessment was either carried out by the service or accounted for by a partner community practitioner for all contacts with the service by AHA 15 years or younger. 96% of safeguarding assessments were carried out for those aged 16-17 years. 
  

  Conclusions There was a reduction in consultations for all age groups examined in the six months following lockdown. This adds to growing evidence restrictions during lockdown are barriers to young people accessing SHS.  For those who did have a consultation safeguarding assessments were consistently carried out. Nevertheless, due to reduced contact overall it is likely that some safeguarding issues remain undisclosed.   Multiagency safeguarding networks, and telephone consultations with a low threshold for promoting an in-person consultation facilitated access to SHS and a robust safeguarding pathway during the constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic.

  Website 
• Bekaert S, Bachi B, Cioni RM, Crocamo C, Paavilainen E, Scheke H, Baldeccino A, Jouet E, Zablocka-Zytka L, Carra G, Bartoli F, Appleton JV, 'Family members’ experiences with child protection services, a metasynthesis of the literature'
  Children and Youth Services Review 128 (2021)
  ISSN: 0190-7409 eISSN: 1873-7765
  Abstract

  This metasynthesis brings together what is known about family members’ perspectives of their relationship with social care practitioners as a starting point for developing a pan-European training resource for practitioners.  Four databases were searched for qualitative literature with search terms relating to family members and social care practitioners. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 35 studies were critically appraised and were included in the metasynthesis. Three broad themes were identified through a thematic analysis of the studies’ findings: family members’ perspectives of the system; perceptions of how they were viewed by their worker; and view of their worker.  The following aspects are discussed: whether partnership between family and worker is possible within a legal framework; the detrimental effects of cultural bias; and practical foundations for building trust.  Recommendations are made for practical support, reflection on cultural practice and broader service provision.

  Website 
• Bekaert S, 'Teenaged mother’s narratives: methodological dilemmas in tracing an emergent, yet muted, desire for motherhood.'
  Community, Work and Family online first (2021)
  ISSN: 1366-8803 eISSN: 1469-3615
  Abstract

  This paper reflexively considers the muted narratives of a desire for pregnancy and parenthood in teenaged women’s accounts of their journey to motherhood after deciding on abortion with their first, unexpected, pregnancy. By contrast their accounts were replete with good citizenship narratives that attested to pregnancy avoidance. Through the use of the Listening Guide, a feminist, layered, reflexive approach to data analysis, these accounts are considered in the wider social and cultural ‘narratives’ evident in the interview data, and the interviewee/interviewer relationship.  It is suggested that the young women draw on dominant cultural tropes of the good teenager and mother, shaped by the desire to present themselves to the interviewer as acceptable citizens. It is debated whether the young women choose relative silence regarding their growing desire for pregnancy to avoid judgment in a society that problematises young motherhood, or are silenced by the same dominant discourse.  Discussion considers what such a muted narrative might represent in a political and socio-cultural context. With narrow definitions of what is acceptable in the teenage years, and for motherhood, the young women’s desire to present as acceptable may eclipse valuable contextual considerations that are important to practitioners and policy makers in providing effective support.
  

  Website 
• Harding L, Bekaert S, Appleton JV, 'Exploring the challenges of using electronic health record systems in nursing research'
  Nurse Researcher 28 (1) (2020)
  ISSN: 1351-5578 eISSN: 2047-8992
  Abstract

  Background: Electronic Health Records (EHR) provide an interesting potential data set for nursing research but can present challenges for data collection and data quality, as health care IT systems are often not designed with research in mind. 
  
  Aim: To present an example of data collection using Electronic Health Records (EHR), conducted as part of a research study into the role of the school nurse in child protection.  
  
  Methods: Descriptive analysis of quantitative, secondary data.
  
  Discussion: Data were successfully obtained from Electronic Health Records (EHR) to understand school nursing caseloads and interventions with vulnerable children and young people. Major limitations included variances in record systems, such as different ‘labels’ used for interventions. These limitations were addressed during data collection by reviewing organisational record keeping guidance and a working knowledge of the different EHR systems. 
  
  Conclusion: Conducting research using Electronic Health Records (EHR) has provided important learning about the potential of this type of data and the promise it holds for future research. 
  
  Implications for Practice: Organisations who wish to engage in research using existing data might consider embedding pathways for data collection that are easy for potential researchers to navigate. Electronic Clinical Record (EHR) systems need to be sensitive for research, but not at the expense of efficiency in clinical practice. 
  

  Website 
• Bekaert S, 'Exploring the influences on teenage pregnancy decision-making using the Listening Guide data analysis method.'
  SAGE Research Methods Cases (2020)
  Abstract

  This case study presents the methodology and method for an exploratory study with eight young mothers regarding their pregnancy decision making. 

  The study drew methodologically on feminist reflexivity and concepts of governmentality to attend to ways in which women’s sexuality is regulated through policy, clinical, and research practice, as well as framing how the young women speak of their own pregnancy decision making.  

  The case study will critically consider issues relating to recruitment, sample size, the role of gatekeeper, children and consent,  anonymity  and confidentiality.  The Listening Guide method will be described drawing on examples from the research.  The four ‘reading’s within the Guide will be examined: firstly for ‘plot’ – eliciting the overall ‘story’ the participant wishes to tell before beginning the fragmentive process of data analysis.  Then for reader response to the participant’s words, building in a feminist reflexivity to the method.  The second reading is for the voice of I, and the third for relationships.  The fourth reading looks wider to social structures and cultural contexts.

  This method highlighted how the young women interviewed offered stylized ‘good citizenship’ narratives as the participant may not feel free to fully voice their desires and opinions for fear of judgement. The readings highlighted quieter or less frequently mentioned narratives.  Using the Listening Guide leads the researcher to see the wider influences on the young women’s lives, which included poverty, gang culture and pervasive violence.  These fragile life circumstances had a significant bearing on the young women’s decisions to ‘get on with’ parenting in the teenage years.

  Website 
• Bekaert S, Bradly J, 'The Increasingly Leaky Stigma of the "Pregnant Teen": When Does "Young Motherhood" Cease to be Problematic?'
  Studies in the Maternal 11 (1) (2019)
  ISSN: 1759-0434 eISSN: 1759-0434
  Abstract

  This discussion piece arose from a conversation between the two authors, Sarah, a nurse researcher exploring teenage women’s pregnancy decisions and Joelle, researcher, ‘young mother’, activist and founder of @prymface a twitter feed that advocates for young mothers and anyone who was ever a young mother. We explore the concepts of teenage pregnancy within policy and popular discourse, and consider the extent to which this now applies to young mothers in their twenties.
  

  Website 
• Harding L, Davison-Fischer J, Bekeart S, Appleton JV, 'The Role of the School Nurse in Protecting Children and Young People from Maltreatment: An Integrative Review of the Literature'
  International Journal of Nursing Studies 92 (2019) pp.60-72
  ISSN: 0020-7489 eISSN: 1873-491X
  Abstract

  Objectives. This review aims to describe the role of the school nurse in protecting children and young people from maltreatment by examining the international literature. Child maltreatment is a prevalent issue in global society today and includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation. School nurses are ideally placed to identify and work with children and young people who are at risk of maltreatment through their regular contact with the school community. Design. Integrative literature review incorporating thematic analysis. Data Sources. Electronic databases British Nursing Database, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library Database for Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Search Terms: Role, School Nurse, Child Maltreatment. Review Methods. Initial title and abstract review of 444 studies resulted in 78 studies for full text review. Additional search strategies identified one relevant study. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were employed as follows; (1) study published in the English language, (2) peer-reviewed, (3) primary research, (4) inclusion of school nurses (or equivalent role internationally) in the study sample, and (5) a focus on the role of school nurses in preventing child maltreatment. Studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool for qualitative studies and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist for mixed-methods and quantitative studies. Findings from the studies were identified, summarised and organised into a summary table, before being analysed thematically. Results. 21 studies met inclusion and quality criteria and were included in the review. Key themes that emerged from the analysis were; supporting the child and family, detective work, working with other professionals, training and supervision, barriers to protecting children and young people from maltreatment and trust. Conclusion. International literature highlights the variety of activities that school nurses may undertake in daily practice to protect children and young people from maltreatment. Several challenges to this role are identified, including time management and building relationships with children and young people. Recommendations for practice and further research are made.

  Website 
• Bekaert S, SmithBattle L, 'Teen mothers' experience of intimate partner violence: a metasynthesis'
  Advances in Nursing Science 39 (3) (2016) pp.272-290
  ISSN: 0161-9268
  Abstract Pregnant and parenting teens suffer higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) than older mothers. This qualitative metasynthesis explores teen mothers' experience with IPV during pregnancy and postpartum. Organized by the metaphor of a web, findings highlight how pervasive violence during childhood contributes to teen pregnancy and the risk of IPV as violence is normalized. The web constricts through the partner's control as violence emerges or worsens with pregnancy. Young mothers become increasingly isolated, and live with the physical and psychological consequences of IPV. Trauma-informed nursing practice is needed to support teen mothers in violent intimate relationships to spin a new web.Website 

Book chapters

• Bekaert S, 'Chapter 42. Reconceiving Young Motherhood' in Andrea O'Reilly (ed.), Maternal Theory: Essential Readings (2nd Edition), Demeter (2021)
  ISBN: 9781772583830
  Abstract

  
  

• Bekaert S, Appleton JV, 'Intimate Partner Violence in Teen Relationships' in Shackelford TK (ed.), The SAGE Handbook of Domestic Violence, Sage (2021)
  ISBN: 9781526494863 eISBN: 9781529742336
  Website 
• Bekaert S, 'Teenage Mothers in England: Resisting, or Silenced by, the Regulatory Framework?' in Professor Fabienne Portier LeCocq (ed.), Motherhood in Contemporary International Perspective, Routledge (2019)
  ISBN: 9780367188436
  Abstract

  A qualitative exploratory study with teenaged mothers who had previously had an abortion was undertaken to explore repeat pregnancy in the teenage years. The study aimed to examine the influencing factors in these two differing decisions, with the aim of informing best practice for an outreach model. The young women gave narrative assurances of ‘good citizenship’, that they were adhering to normalised pregnancy avoidance technologies for teenagers. There was, however, quiet resistance to the regulatory framework with an emergent desire for pregnancy. Neo-liberal policy locates teenaged pregnancy and parenthood in a framework of individualism and economics. Such policy disregards the wider context of these young women’s lives where job prospects are limited, gang-related mortality is a reality, and poverty significant. The outreach model should evolve to recognise teenage childbearing not as a personal or an organisational failure, but as a decision made within relational context.
  

  Website 
• , '"Hopefully he puts the ring on it": teenage mother's voiced desire for marriage' in Dr Linda Ennis (ed.), After the happily ever after: Empowering women and mothers in relationships, Demeter Press (2017)
  ISBN: 9781772581287
  

Other publications

• Bekaert S, SmithBattle L, 'Taking the plunge into metasynthesis: First steps in developing a database of qualitative studies on teen pregnancy and parenting'
  (2015) Website 

Chapters accepted:

 

Teenaged mothers in the UK. In Motherhood: global perspectives. Ed: Prof Fabienne Portier Le-Cocq, Tours University. 2017.

 

'I wanted to get my education straight.'; the impact on pregnancy decision-making of contemporary social and cultural expectations for the teenage years. Motherhood and Abortion. Demeter Press.

 

Published:

Hopefully He Puts the Ring on it…’, Teenaged Mothers’ Voiced Desire for Marriage.

Troubling the Fantasy of the Happy Ever After; Demeter Press.

 

Bekaert, S. and SmithBattle, L., 2016. Teen mothers' experience of intimate partner violence: a metasynthesis. Advances in Nursing Science, 39(3), pp.272-290.

 

The Art of Gentle Revolution – Experience with a Feminist Wikihack. Technologies of Popfeminist Activism. University of Alberta. http://www.artsrn.ualberta.ca/feminism/index.php/2016/03/01/the-art-of-gentle-revolution-experience-with-a-feminist-wikihack/

 

Challenges in choosing research methodologies as a novice researcher. Review of Social Studies, 2014. 1:1.p93.

 

Hot Topics for teens: promoting teen health in youth settings. 2013. Radcliffe. Oxford.

 

Tackling Homophobic attitudes and bullying in youth settings. Paediatric Nursing. 2010. 22:3, p27-29.

 

Meeting the health needs of young offenders. Paediatric Nursing. 2008. 20:9, p14-17.

 

Symptom Sorter: Women’s Health. Radcliffe. Oxford.

 

Integrated Contraceptive and Sexual Health Care. 2006. Radcliffe. Oxford.

 

Adolescents and Sex: the handbook for professionals working with young people. 2004. Radcliffe. Oxford.

 

Developing Adolescent Services in general practice. Nursing Standard. 2003. 17:36, p33-36.

 

Improving Health Care Provision for Teenagers. Practice Nurse. 28 March 2003, p38-45.

 

School Nurses and sexual health education. Journal of Community Nursing. November 2002. 16:11, p16-22.

 

Sexual Health Workshops. Paediatric Nursing. May 2002. 14:4, p22-25.

 

The school nurse’s role in caring for adolescents. Primary Health Care. September 2001, 11:7, p33-36.

 

Preventing unwanted teenage pregnancies. Nursing Times. May 10, 2001. 97:19, p38-39.

 

Minority integration in rural healthcare provision: an example of good practice. Nursing Standard. July 26, 2000. 14:45, p43-45.

 

Games without frontiers. Nursing Times. June 29, 2000, 96:26, p32-33.

 

Reflection on Practice: A Student Perspective, Paediatric Nursing. Feb 2000. 12:1, p6-7.

 

Three Electives: Linkoping’s University Hospital, Sweden. Paediatric Nursing. Dec/Jan 99/2000, 11:10, p31-35.

Conferences

Presented:

Extended education and the impact on parenting decisions for teenaged women. Route to social mobility or milestone to adulthood? Generations, socialisation, and adult identity.  A BSA Early Career Event. Thursday 13 September 2018, Canterbury Christ Church University.

Reconceiving teenage mothers’ repeat pregnancies. Psychology of Women and Equalities Section Conference, Cumberland Lodge, Windsor. July 2018.

Social Norms and Culture: Honoring Experiences and Perspectives Healthy Teen Network. 2017. Conference October 2-4, 2017
Baltimore, Maryland  Round table discussion: 'Presenting the good father'; teen mothers' assets view of their babyfather's involvement in family life, a wise approach to encouraging growth as a family.

‘Why do I always become pregnant when I’m on the pill?’ Embodied resistance, legitimising stories – how contemporary expectations for teen-age silence teen mothers’ desire for motherhood

Mother Figures and Representations of Motherhood in English-speaking Societies. Tours, France. April 2017.

Embodied resistance, legitimising stories; silencing the voiced desire for motherhood in the teenage years. BPS Psychology of Women Section Annual Conference, July 2016.

 

Teenaged pregnancy: losing a pregnancy, an incentive toward rapid repeat pregnancy? 4th Annual Doctoral Research Conference, City University. April 2016.

 

Embodied resistance, legitimising stories; how teenage women describe their pregnancy decisions from abortion to motherhood. Motherhood and Culture. International and Interdisciplinary Conference, Maynooth University, Ireland. June 2015.

 

Embodied resistance, legitimising stories; how teenage women describe their pregnancy decisions from abortion to motherhood. 5th Annual Postgraduate Research Symposium, City University, March 2015.

 

‘How exactly is this a piece of feminist research?’ Articulating a feminist methodological approach to qualitative research. 3rd Annual Doctoral Research Conference, City University, April 2015.

 

Relational poems – a means to highlight the polyphony within narrative; exploring the decision-making context of young women’s pregnancy stories. ‘Troubling Narratives: Identity Matters’ The Institute for Research in Citizenship and Applied Human Sciences, University of Huddersfield. June 2014.

 

Relational poems – a means to highlight the polyphony within narrative; exploring the decision-making context of young women’s pregnancy stories. 2nd Annual Doctoral Research Conference, City University, April 2014.

 

Relational poems – a means to highlight the polyphony within narrative; exploring the decision-making context of young women’s pregnancy stories. 4th Annual Postgraduate Research Symposium. City University, March 2014.

 

Challenges in choosing research methodologies (as a novice researcher). Methodological Choices and Challenges. LCSS Phd Conference. April 2013.

 

Challenges in choosing research methodologies (as a novice researcher). Annual Doctoral Student Conference, City University, April 2013.

 

 

Posters:

 

Khanam, H. (Bekaert, S) 2016. Benefits and Barriers to Nurse’s use of Paediatric Early Warning Scores. Capital Nurse Conference, London, UK.

 

Aktar, N. Ashworth, K. Moriarty, S, (Bekaert, S). 2016. Facilitating independence: Developing visual aids to support young women with learning needs in managing their hygiene. Children’s Nursing Conference: “Working Together”, University of Hertfordshire, UK.

 

Bekaert, S and SmithBattle, L. Taking the Plunge into Metasynthesis: first steps in developing a database of qualitative studies on teen pregnancy and parenting. Qualitative Health Research Conference, International Institute for Qualitative Methodology. University of Alberta. October 2015, Halifax, Canada.

Other experience

Sept 2014 – May 2017	City, University of London	Lecturer Child Health
Dec 2015 – to date	Oxford University Foundation Hospital Trust	Specialist Nurse
Dec 2011- Feb 2013	City and Hackney Primary Care Trust/Homerton Hospital	Designated Nurse for Looked After Children
March 07 – to August 2015	City and Hackney Primary Care Trust/Homerton Hospital	Advanced Nurse Practitioner (Children and Families Department)
Sept 06 – March 07	Margaret Pyke Centre for Women’s Health	Senior Practitioner
Aug 02 – Sept 06	City and Hackney Primary Care Trust	Lead Nurse for Young People’s Service; incorporating a 6 month secondment in Homerton Department of Sexual Health
Dec 01 – Aug 02	Statham Grove Surgery	Practice Nurse
March 00 – Dec 01	City and Hackney Primary Care Trust	Community Paediatric Nurse, Lower Clapton Health Centre
March 99-March 00	Homerton Hospital	Staff Nurse Starlight Children Unit
1995-1996	Tear Fund Overseas Relief and Development Organisation	London

Further information

active on Twitter @sarahbekaert