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Aydin E, Glasgow KA, Weiss SM, Khan Z, Austin T, Johnson MH, Barlow J, Lloyd-Fox S. Giving birth in a pandemic: women's birth experiences in England during COVID-19. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:304. [PMID: 35399066 PMCID: PMC8994823 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04637-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expectant parents worldwide have experienced changes in the way they give birth as a result of COVID-19, including restrictions relating to access to birthing units and the presence of birthing partners during the birth, and changes to birth plans. This paper reports the experiences of women in England. METHODS Data were obtained from both closed- and open-ended responses collected as part of the national COVID in Context of Pregnancy, Infancy and Parenting (CoCoPIP) Study online survey (n = 477 families) between 15th July 2020 - 29th March 2021. Frequency data are presented alongside the results of a sentiment analysis; the open-ended data was analysed thematically. RESULTS Two-thirds of expectant women reported giving birth via spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) (66.1%) and a third via caesarean section (CS) (32.6%) or 'other' (1.3%). Just under half (49.7%) of the CS were reported to have been elective/planned, with 47.7% being emergencies. A third (37.4%) of participants reported having no changes to their birth (as set out in their birthing plan), with a further 25% reporting COVID-related changes, and 37.4% reporting non-COVID related changes (e.g., changes as a result of birthing complications). One quarter of the sample reported COVID-related changes to their birth plan, including limited birthing options and reduced feelings of control; difficulties accessing pain-relief and assistance, and feelings of distress and anxiety. Under half of the respondents reported not knowing whether there could be someone present at the birth (44.8%), with 2.3% of respondents reporting no birthing partner being present due to COVID-related restrictions. Parental experiences of communication and advice provided by the hospital prior to delivery were mixed, with significant stress and anxiety being reported in relation to both the fluctuating guidance and lack of certainty regarding the presence of birthing partners at the birth. The sentiment analysis revealed that participant experiences of giving birth during the pandemic were predominately negative (46.9%) particularly in relation to the first national lockdown, with a smaller proportion of positive (33.2%) and neutral responses (19.9%). CONCLUSION The proportion of parents reporting birthing interventions (i.e., emergency CS) was higher than previously reported, as were uncertainties related to the birth, and poor communication, leading to increased feelings of anxiety and high levels of negative emotions. The implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezra Aydin
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK.
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York City, USA.
| | - Kevin A Glasgow
- Department of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Staci M Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Zahra Khan
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Topun Austin
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
- Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Jane Barlow
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Lloyd-Fox
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
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152
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Lear-Claveras A, Clavería A, Couso-Viana S, Nabbe P, Oliván-Blázquez B. Analysis of Drug and Health Resource Use Before and After COVID-19 Lockdown in a Population Undergoing Treatment for Depression or Anxiety. Front Psychol 2022; 13:861643. [PMID: 35478736 PMCID: PMC9037328 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.861643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic modified the functions of Primary Care (PC) teams, which were forced to focus their resources on the diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. The disrupted healthcare of individuals with pre-existing mental disorders (depression or anxiety), as well as the psychological decompensation resulting from the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, may have modified the use of drugs and health resources by these patients. The aim of this study is to determine the changes in these parameters, between the 6 months prior to the lockdown (09/14/2019 to 03/15/2020) and the 6 months following its end (05/03/2020 to 11/04/2020), in a population undergoing active treatment for depression or anxiety, according to the electronic clinical record. Materials and Methods Real world data observational study of 110,694 individuals aged >16 years suffering from active or undergoing treatment for depression or anxiety according to the electronic medical records of the Aragon Regional Health Service (Spain). Pharmacological variables [daily dose per inhabitant (DHD) dispensed by pharmacies of: anxiolytics, hypnotics/sedatives, and antidepressants] and variables related to the use of healthcare resources (number of primary and specialized healthcare visits) were considered. Student's T-tests for paired samples were performed to analyze differences between periods (pre-post). The level of significance was established at 5% (p < 0.05). Results The use of anxiolytic drugs increased as compared to its use over the 6 months prior to the lockdown. In contrast, the consumption of antidepressants was found to decrease. The use of health resources continued to be below pre-pandemic levels, 6 months post-lockdown end. Conclusion Changes in the use of health resources could have a negative impact on the parameters of these diseases. The increase in drug use, especially benzodiazepines, may suggest a worsening of the symptoms during the lockdown and in the subsequent months. It is a worrying sign, which points to the growth of this public health problem and the need for its prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Clavería
- I-Saúde Group, South Galicia Health Research Institute, Vigo, Spain
- Vigo Health Area, SERGAS, Vigo, Spain
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabela Couso-Viana
- Vigo Health Area, SERGAS, Vigo, Spain
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patrice Nabbe
- Département Universitaire de Médecine Générale, ER 7479 SPURBO (Soins Primaires, Santé Publique, Registre des Cancers de Bretagne Occidentale), Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - Bárbara Oliván-Blázquez
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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153
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Crowe S, Sarma K. Coping with Covid-19: stress, control and coping among pregnant women in Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:274. [PMID: 35365093 PMCID: PMC8972984 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of the current study is to investigate the relationship between perceived control, coping and psychological distress among pregnant women in Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is hypothesised that lower levels of perceived control, greater use of avoidant coping and greater Covid-19 related pregnancy concern will be associated with psychological distress. In addition, it is hypothesised that the relationship between Covid-19 related pregnancy concern and psychological distress will be moderated by perceived control and avoidant coping. Method The study is cross-sectional, utilizing an online questionnaire, which was completed by 761 women in January 2021. The questionnaire includes measures of perceived control, coping style, perceived stress, anxiety and depression. Results Correlation analyses found that lower levels of perceived control were associated with higher levels of avoidant coping and psychological distress. There was also a significant positive relationship between avoidant coping and psychological distress. Using multiple regression, perceived control, avoidant coping and Covid-19 related pregnancy concern were found to predict 51% of the variance in psychological distress. However, in the moderation analysis, perceived control and avoidant coping were not found to moderate the relationship between Covid-19 related pregnancy concern and psychological distress. Conclusion The results from this study suggest that pregnant women in Ireland are experiencing increased levels of psychological distress during the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings also suggest that perceptions of control and avoidant coping are associated with psychological distress in this group and could be used as intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Crowe
- National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Kiran Sarma
- National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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154
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Women mental health status and behaviour change during the COVID-19 in Sudan. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09358. [PMID: 35529700 PMCID: PMC9055749 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan, women took the heaviest burden in taking care of family health needs. Potential health risks and its ensuing readiness to adopt and comply with public health measures may be especially distressing on women. Mental health challenges involved with modifying health behaviours that adhere to pandemic guidelines are considered following the Stages of Change Model. A total of 498 Sudanese women completed a cross-sectional online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in Khartoum State. A questionnaire was designed to assess the transition within the stages of change towards maintenance to protective behaviours. Mental health status was assessed using an Arabic validated version of the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist for depression and anxiety. Most of the respondents were 40-year university graduate women. Depression and anxiety were low among 75% of respondents. The stages of change indicated that 22% of the women are in the maintenance stage compared to 1% in precontemplation. Anxiety increased significantly with the progression in the stages. The multiple regression equation R2 = .42, F(1, 416) = 6.71, p = .005 indicated that the preparation stage and action stage has a significant effect on the maintenance of protective behaviours. The most likely factors to motivate Sudanese women to comply with COVID-19 protective behaviours are the perception of self-efficacy coupled with access to information. The implications may be central to empirically stage-match transition points in the change process as they relate to mental health status.
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155
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Kochan M, Deliktas Demirci A, Kabukcuoglu K. The postpartum period during the COVID-19 pandemic: investigating Turkish women's postpartum support and postpartum-specific anxiety. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:261-269. [PMID: 34881549 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine how Turkish women were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the postpartum period in terms of postpartum support and anxiety variables. METHODS The study was conducted with 130 women who gave birth during the COVID-19 period. Data were collected online using a personal information form, Postpartum Support Scale and Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale. Descriptive statistics were used, with Kruskal-Wallis and regression analysis performed. RESULTS All postpartum women stated that they were affected negatively by COVID-19. The most common issues described were feeling alone (25.51%), having economic difficulties (15.5%) and experiencing difficulties accessing health services (21.7%). The mean Postpartum Support Scale score was 102.43 ± 27.67, while the mean Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale score was 188.07 ± 96.71. COVID-19 exposure level had a significant effect on postpartum-specific anxiety (p=0.00). The variables of having a problem during pregnancy (p=0.006), having a baby willingly (p=0.007), and partner's educational status significantly predicted the degree of being affected by COVID-19 (p=0.025). The degree to which COVID-19 affected the women was determined by having problems during pregnancy, having a baby willingly, and a highly educated partner. CONCLUSIONS These variables may inform a resource to empower postpartum women during COVID-19. Healthcare systems need to be organised considering pandemic conditions to provide increased postpartum support, evaluate psychological health, deliver healthcare services, and consider pregnancy periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Kochan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ayse Deliktas Demirci
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Kamile Kabukcuoglu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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156
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Silva-Jose C, Nagpal TS, Coterón J, Barakat R, Mottola MF. The 'new normal' includes online prenatal exercise: exploring pregnant women's experiences during the pandemic and the role of virtual group fitness on maternal mental health. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:251. [PMID: 35337280 PMCID: PMC8953965 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04587-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms have significantly increased since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic In addition, home confinement regulations have caused a drastic increase in time spent sedentary. Online group fitness classes may be an effective strategy that can increase maternal physical activity levels and improve mental health outcomes by providing an opportunity for social connectedness. The present study explores the experiences of pregnant women who participated in an online group exercise program during the pandemic and identifies relationships with maternal mental health and well-being. In addition, we present person-informed recommendations on how to improve the delivery of future online prenatal exercise programs. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pregnant women (8-39 weeks of pregnancy) who participated in an online group exercise program, from March to October 2020 in Spain. A phenomenological approach was taken, and open-ended questions were asked to understand women's experiences throughout the pandemic and the role the online exercise classes may have had on their physical activity levels, mental health, and other health behaviours such as diet. A thematic analysis was performed to evaluate data. In addition, women completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and these data supplemented qualitative findings. RESULTS Twenty-four women were interviewed, and the anxiety scores were on average 32.23 ± 9.31, ranging from low to moderate levels. Thematic analysis revealed that women felt safe exercising from home, an increased availability of time to schedule a structured exercise class, and consequently an improvement in their adherence to the program and other behaviours (i.e., healthier diet). Women emphasized feeling connected to other pregnant women when they exercised online together, and overall, this had a positive effect on their mental well-being. Women suggested that future online exercise programs should include flexible options, detailed instructions and facilitation by a qualified exercise professional. CONCLUSION Pregnant women are receptive to online group exercise classes and expressed that they are an accessible option to accommodating physical activity during the pandemic. In addition, the online group environment provides an important sense of connectivity among pregnant women exercising together and this may mitigate the detrimental effect of COVID-19 on maternal mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taniya S Nagpal
- Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University St. Catharines, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Javier Coterón
- AFIPE Research Group, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ruben Barakat
- AFIPE Research Group, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michelle F Mottola
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.,Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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157
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Quifer-Rada P, Aguilar-Camprubí L, Padró-Arocas A, Gómez-Sebastià I, Mena-Tudela D. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in Breastfeeding Consultations on LactApp, an m-Health Solution for Breastfeeding Support. Telemed J E Health 2022; 28:1449-1457. [PMID: 35333627 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Breastfeeding is an unquestionable right of mothers and their children; however, it is not a one-woman job. For breastfeeding to succeed, women must have access to appropriate support and guidance. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restriction measures and lockdown to reduce community spread of the disease have negatively impacted breastfeeding support from health services and thus, in mothers' breastfeeding experiences. Objective: The present study aims at evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding consultations in LactApp (a mobile application [app] for m-Health focused on breastfeeding support, www.lactapp.com) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational, descriptive, and retrospective study with LactApp data recorded between July 2018 and March 2021, including 9,151,456 queries classified in 48 topics among 137,327 active users. We used the Interrupted time series model to evaluate the increase of the number of queries consulted and active users due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wilcoxon test was used to study the increase of certain topics due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: LactApp active users increased by 12,092 users (p < 0.001) during the COVID-19 outbreak and confinement and queries consulted in LactApp also significantly increased by 10,899 queries per month after the pandemic outbreak. The breastfeeding topics that significantly increased are those related to growth spurts, breastfeeding stages, breastfeeding technique, breast pain and mastitis, problems with infants not gaining weight correctly, hypogalactia, increased milk demand, and relactation. These findings are important to understand the potential of online tools when face-to-face professional support is unavailable. Conclusions: Critical issues in breastfeeding establishment were highly consulted and significantly increased in the app during the pandemic. We believe that LactApp was a useful tool for breastfeeding support when women could not obtain appropriate support elsewhere. LactApp might be considered a powerful tool to identify critical issues of breastfeeding and trends in an automatized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Quifer-Rada
- LactApp Women's Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, CIBER of Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Ignasi Gómez-Sebastià
- LactApp Women's Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Computer Science Department, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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158
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[The Prevailing Emphasis on the Quality of the Parent-Infant Relationship for Early Intervention]. Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr 2022; 71:261-282. [PMID: 35301920 DOI: 10.13109/prkk.2022.71.3.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Attachment theory is the buzzword in parenting guides and professional publications, and risk to the child's attachment development is widely used as the threshold for early intervention. Given the severe impact of inaccurately diagnosed attachment disturbances on the child's wellbeing (Granqvist et al., 2017), the valid assessment of the quality of the early parent-infant relationship is crucial.This is particularly relevant during the ongoing pandemic which specifically burdens young families. Based on the psychoanalytic understanding of the parent-infant relationship and its crucial importance for the infant's emerging self, this paper gives an introduction into the early relational development in infancy.The relevance of a psychodynamic diagnosis of relational disturbance in the first year is described using the Parent-Infant Relational Assessment Tool (PIRAT) Global Scales (Broughton, Hommel, the Parent-Infant Project, 2016; Hommel, 2018). Conceptualized at theAnna Freud Centre in London, the PIRAT was developed and validated, by the author.The prevailing emphasis on the importance of early intervention, and the evidence of the effectiveness of parent-infant psychotherapy in improving both parental functioning and fostering secure attachment relationships in young children (Barlow et al., 2013), support the clinical need to detect very early risks for parents and babies (Sleed, 2013).
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159
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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in Romanian Women during Two Periods of COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061628. [PMID: 35329954 PMCID: PMC8950465 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression is a major mental health disorder that can negatively affect both mother and baby. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic associated with extreme measures of the lockdown had profound effects on humanity, increasing the rates of anxiety and depression, especially among women in the postpartum period. The aim of this study was threefold: to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression, to compare the prevalence of postpartum depression at two different times during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to assess a possible association between the timing of childbirth in a given period of the pandemic and the risk of postpartum depression. A cross-sectional study involving 154 women who were interviewed immediately postpartum, using the EPDS scale, was conducted at the Timisoara Municipal Hospital, Romania at two different periods during the COVID-19 pandemic (March−April 2020 during the first wave and August−September 2021 during the fourth wave). The overall prevalence of postpartum depression (EPDS score > 13) was 18.8%, with a statistically significantly higher rate among participants surveyed during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania; the COVID-19 pandemic represents an impact on women’s mental health in the postpartum period, increasing the risk of developing postpartum depression.
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160
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Fernandes DV, Canavarro MC, Moreira H. Self-compassion and mindful parenting among postpartum mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of depressive and anxious symptoms. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-13. [PMID: 35283611 PMCID: PMC8905028 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02959-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Self-compassion is an important psychological skill that may facilitate the adoption of a mindful way of parenting, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the association between these constructs may be explained by several variables, such as maternal psychopathological symptoms, with a well-established interference in parenting. This study aimed to compare mothers who experienced and mothers who did not experience a negative emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-compassion, mindful parenting, postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) and postpartum anxious symptoms (PPAS). We also explored whether mothers' self-compassion was associated with mindful parenting and whether this relationship may be mediated by PPDS and PPAS. A sample of 977 Portuguese mothers of infants aged between zero and six months completed an online survey between December 2020 and January 2021, a period of major pandemic-related restrictions. The survey included several self-report questionnaires that assessed sociodemographic, clinical, and COVID-19 information, self-compassion, mindful parenting, PPDS and PPAS. Mothers who reported having felt that the pandemic had a negative emotional impact during their postpartum period (79.5%) presented lower levels of self-compassion and mindful parenting, and higher levels of PPDS and PPAS. Regarding the mediation model, higher levels of self-compassion were related to higher levels of mindful parenting, and this association was mediated by lower levels of PPAS. These results highlight the relevance of mothers' self-compassion for helping them feel less anxious and to adopt a mindful way of parenting in the postpartum period, particularly during the pandemic. Compassion-based interventions may be particularly important in reducing PPAS and promoting mindful parenting and should be available to postpartum mothers, especially during, but also beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ventura Fernandes
- Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua Do Colégio Novo, 3030-115 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Canavarro
- Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua Do Colégio Novo, 3030-115 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Helena Moreira
- Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua Do Colégio Novo, 3030-115 Coimbra, Portugal
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161
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Kołomańska-Bogucka D, Micek A, Mazur-Bialy AI. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Levels of Physical Activity in the Last Trimester, Life Satisfaction and Perceived Stress in Late Pregnancy and in the Early Puerperium. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19053066. [PMID: 35270759 PMCID: PMC8910231 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the levels of physical activity during the third trimester of pregnancy, life satisfaction and stress in women in late pregnancy and early postpartum. Methods: The study was conducted among 740 patients of maternity wards in Cracow hospitals on days 1−8 postpartum. Patients who were surveyed before the pandemic (December 2019−March 2020) were included in the prepandemic group (PPan: n = 252). The second group of women (COVID 1 group, Cov1: n = 262) was examined in the early stages of the pandemic (May−September 2020). In turn, participants who were surveyed during the population vaccination campaign (June−September 2021) were qualified to the COVID 2 group (Cov2: n = 226). The research tools used were the original questionnaire in addition to standardized questionnaires assessing physical activity in the last trimester of pregnancy (the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire); previous life satisfaction (the Satisfaction with Life Scale); and stress levels during the last month (the Perceived Stress Scale). Results: During the pandemic, women reduced the level of energy spent on total physical activity; nevertheless, statistically significant differences were found only between the PPan and Cov2 groups (p = 0.001). At the early stages of the pandemic, patients significantly reduced mobility activities (Cov1 vs. PPan: p < 0.001; Cov1 vs. Cov2: p = 0.007), while late in the pandemic they spent less energy on household activities (Cov2 vs. PPan: p = 0.002, Cov2 vs. Cov1: p = 0.002). There were no differences in the levels of stress and life satisfaction. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the level of physical activity; however, it did not change levels of perceived stress and life satisfaction in women in late-stage pregnancy and in the early puerperium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Kołomańska-Bogucka
- Department of Biomechanics and Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Science, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawińska 8, 31-066 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Micek
- Faculty of Health Science, Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 25, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka I. Mazur-Bialy
- Department of Biomechanics and Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Science, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawińska 8, 31-066 Krakow, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-012-421-9351
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162
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Burm S, Luong V, LaDonna K, Bogie B, Cowley L, Klasen JM, MacLeod A. From struggle to opportunity: Reimagining medical education in a pandemic era. PERSPECTIVES ON MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 11:115-120. [PMID: 35286689 PMCID: PMC8919355 DOI: 10.1007/s40037-022-00702-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the international medical education community in unprecedented ways. The restrictions imposed to control the spread of the virus have upended our routines and forced us to reimagine our work structures, educational programming and delivery of patient care in ways that will likely continue to change how we live and work for the foreseeable future. Yet, despite these interruptions, the pandemic has additionally sparked a transformative impulse in some to actively engage in critical introspection around the future of their work, compelling us to consider what changes could (and perhaps should) occur after the pandemic is over. Drawing on key concepts associated with scholar Paulo Freire's critical pedagogy, this paper serves as a call to action, illuminating the critical imaginings that have come out of this collective moment of struggle and instability, suggesting that we can perhaps create a more just, compassionate world even in the wake of extraordinary hardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Burm
- Continuing Professional Development and Division of Medical Education, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Victoria Luong
- Continuing Professional Development and Division of Medical Education, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kori LaDonna
- Department of Innovation in Medical Education and Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bryce Bogie
- MD/PhD Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsay Cowley
- Ottawa Blood Disease Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer M Klasen
- Clarunis, Department of Visceral Surgery, University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna MacLeod
- Continuing Professional Development and Division of Medical Education, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Liu CH, Hyun S, Mittal L, Erdei C. Psychological risks to mother-infant bonding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:853-861. [PMID: 34645943 PMCID: PMC9008072 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01751-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to examine the association between mental health symptoms, along with psychological experiences and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related concerns, and self-reported maternal-infant bonding experiences of postpartum women. METHODS Using data collected from May 19 to August 17, 2020, this cross-sectional online study assessed 429 women to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women during the postpartum period. Enrolled respondents were asked to participate in a 30-45-min online survey about COVID-19-related experiences, pregnancy, stress, and well-being. RESULTS Postpartum women's depressive symptoms were related to lower quality maternal-infant bonding, but the anxiety symptoms were not associated with bonding. Maternal self-efficacy, but not social support, was associated with mothers' higher quality of maternal-infant bonding. COVID-19-related grief was significantly associated with lower quality bonding. On the other hand, COVID-19-related health worries were associated with higher quality of maternal-infant bonding. CONCLUSIONS We describe potential psychological risk factors to maternal-infant bonding among postpartum women during the pandemic period. To best support the medical and psychological well-being of the mothers and infants, enhanced interdisciplinary partnerships among perinatal healthcare professionals involved in primary and/or specialty care is needed. IMPACT Unique COVID-19-related health and grief concerns exist, with implications for maternal-infant bonding. Depression but not anxiety is associated with lower maternal-infant bonding. Caregiving confidence, but not social support, is associated with higher maternal-infant bonding. It is critical to screen for postpartum depression and COVID-19-related grief during maternal follow-up and pediatric visits. Study findings inform and prioritize pediatric interventions toward enhancing maternal-infant bonding during the COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy H Liu
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sunah Hyun
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leena Mittal
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carmina Erdei
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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164
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Alspaugh A. Research and Professional Literature to Inform Practice, March/April 2022. J Midwifery Womens Health 2022; 67:277-282. [PMID: 35390224 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Alspaugh
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
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165
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Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Postpartum Depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042219. [PMID: 35206407 PMCID: PMC8872263 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Owing to the high prevalence and detrimental consequences, postpartum depression (PPD) has been identified as one of the severe global public health issues in the last decade. Prior research found that during disasters or events, the prevalence rates of mental disorders among postpartum women are significantly high. However, the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on PPD and its risk factors remained unclear for postpartum women. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of PPD and to summarize risk factors for PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Three electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched for articles from their commencements until 1 November 2021. Quality assessment of included studies, random-effects meta-analysis, and sensitivity analysis were performed. Results: A total of eight studies with 6480 postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic were included, and most studies were conducted in developed countries. The pooled prevalence of PPD was 34% (95% CI: 21–46%) during the COVID-19 pandemic, much higher than the incident of previous research during the non-pandemic period. Risk factors for PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic were defined as socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, stress and anxiety, lack of various supports, and the COVID-19 related factors. Conclusion: The research findings indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic could make detrimental effects on maternal mental wellbeing among women after childbirth. Investigating the prevalence and risk factors of PPD among postpartum women could shed some light on their mental and emotional states; so that support measures and tailored interventions from health professionals and policymakers could be offered to improve the maternal and infant outcomes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Much more research on maternal psychological wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic was strongly recommended to undertake in the middle and low-income countries.
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Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Use of Antidepressant and Antianxiety Pharmaceuticals as Well as Sick Leave in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042135. [PMID: 35206325 PMCID: PMC8872174 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a major upheaval to the lives of people and placed a strain on societal mental health. The aim of this research is to estimate the impact of the pandemic on the mental condition of the Polish population measured through the consumption of relevant medication and medical leave of absence from the workplace. Methods: We analyzed national-level data on the consumption of pharmaceuticals used in clinical practice in Poland in the treatment of depression and anxiety alongside medical absence in the workplace using the Interrupted Time Series model to estimate the significance of the pandemic. Results: We found no significant change regarding the consumption of pharmaceuticals with the development of the pandemic. Conversely, medical leaves of absence for psychiatric reasons increased significantly with the onset of COVID-19. The influence was strongest in the diagnosis of anxiety or reaction to severe stress and weakest in recurrent depression. Conclusion: The pandemic had a significant influence on the ability to work for psychiatric patients in Poland but did not change pharmaceutical use. Physicians should consider the mental health of patients impacted by the anti-epidemic measures. Further study is needed to fully understand the long-term impact of the pandemic on mental health in Poland.
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167
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Erdei C, Feldman N, Koire A, Mittal L, Liu CHJ. COVID-19 Pandemic Experiences and Maternal Stress in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9020251. [PMID: 35204971 PMCID: PMC8870163 DOI: 10.3390/children9020251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 compounds the already high levels of psychological distress experienced by NICU mothers. We aimed to describe the rates of NICU-related maternal stress during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine how COVID-19 experiences correlate with high levels of stress experienced by NICU mothers. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis based on responses to a nationwide online survey to understand the relationship between COVID-19-related experiences and the stress experienced by mothers of infants admitted to U.S. NICUs (n = 108) during the pandemic. Results indicate that 61.9% of surveyed mothers reported experiencing high levels of stress on the Parental Stressor Scale: NICU. COVID-19-related grief was significantly associated with higher levels of maternal stress, as it related to seeing the baby’s appearance and behavior in the NICU and exposure to sights and sounds within the NICU environment. No significant associations were noted between parental stress and COVID-19-related health worries or worries about resources. Of note, our recruitment relied on convenience sampling, limiting the generalizability of study results. In conclusion, mothers who experience COVID-19-related grief appear to be more vulnerable to NICU-related stress. Prioritizing parent involvement and enhancing psychosocial support are essential strategies to mitigate the long-term consequences of heightened stress for NICU families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmina Erdei
- Department of Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (N.F.); (A.K.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +617-732-5420
| | - Natalie Feldman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (N.F.); (A.K.); (L.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Amanda Koire
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (N.F.); (A.K.); (L.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Leena Mittal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (N.F.); (A.K.); (L.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Cindy Hsin Ju Liu
- Department of Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (N.F.); (A.K.); (L.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Sudhinaraset M, Landrian A, Mboya J, Golub G. The Economic Toll of
COVID
‐19: A Cohort Study of Prevalence and Economic Factors Associated with postpartum depression in Kenya. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2022; 158:110-115. [PMID: 35152420 PMCID: PMC9087701 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study is to examine the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) among women who delivered during the COVID‐19 pandemic compared to women who delivered before the COVID‐19 pandemic and how economic challenges are associated with PPD. Methods Data were collected from 2332 women. This includes 1197 women from healthcare facilities in 2019 who were followed up at 2–4 and 10 weeks postpartum. Additionally, we recruited 1135 women who delivered from March 16, 2020 onward when COVID‐19 restrictions were mandated in Kenya in the same catchment areas as the original sample to compare PPD rates. Results Adjusting for covariates, women who delivered during COVID‐19 had 2.5 times higher odds of screening positive for PPD than women who delivered before COVID‐19 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.92–3.15). Women who reported household food insecurity, required to pay a fee to cover the cost of PPE during labor and delivery and/or postnatal visit(s), and those who reported COVID‐19 employment‐related impacts had a higher likelihood of screening for PPD compared to those who did not report these experiences. Conclusion The COVID‐19 pandemic has greatly increased the economic vulnerability of women, resulting in increases in PPD. The COVID‐19 pandemic has greatly increased the economic vulnerability of women and has increased PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Sudhinaraset
- Fielding School of Public Health University of California Los Angeles USA
| | - Amanda Landrian
- Fielding School of Public Health University of California Los Angeles USA
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Gold S, Clarfield L, Johnstone J, Diambomba Y, Shah PS, Whittle W, Abbasi N, Arzola C, Ashraf R, Biringer A, Chitayat D, Czikk M, Forte M, Franklin T, Jacobson M, Keunen J, Kingdom J, Lapinsky S, MacKenzie J, Maxwell C, Preisman M, Ryan G, Selk A, Sermer M, Silversides C, Snelgrove J, Watts N, Young B, De Castro C, D'Souza R. Adapting obstetric and neonatal services during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:119. [PMID: 35148698 PMCID: PMC8840792 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04409-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The provision of care to pregnant persons and neonates must continue through pandemics. To maintain quality of care, while minimizing physical contact during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) pandemic, hospitals and international organizations issued recommendations on maternity and neonatal care delivery and restructuring of clinical and academic services. Early in the pandemic, recommendations relied on expert opinion, and offered a one-size-fits-all set of guidelines. Our aim was to examine these recommendations and provide the rationale and context to guide clinicians, administrators, educators, and researchers, on how to adapt maternity and neonatal services during the pandemic, regardless of jurisdiction. METHOD Our initial database search used Medical subject headings and free-text search terms related to coronavirus infections, pregnancy and neonatology, and summarized relevant recommendations from international society guidelines. Subsequent targeted searches to December 30, 2020, included relevant publications in general medical and obstetric journals, and updated society recommendations. RESULTS We identified 846 titles and abstracts, of which 105 English-language publications fulfilled eligibility criteria and were included in our study. A multidisciplinary team representing clinicians from various disciplines, academics, administrators and training program directors critically appraised the literature to collate recommendations by multiple jurisdictions, including a quaternary care Canadian hospital, to provide context and rationale for viable options. INTERPRETATION There are different schools of thought regarding effective practices in obstetric and neonatal services. Our critical review presents the rationale to effectively modify services, based on the phase of the pandemic, the prevalence of infection in the population, and resource availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Gold
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | | | - Jennie Johnstone
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yenge Diambomba
- Department of Paediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Prakesh S Shah
- Department of Paediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy Whittle
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Nimrah Abbasi
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Cristian Arzola
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rizwana Ashraf
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Anne Biringer
- Department of Family Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David Chitayat
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Marie Czikk
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Milena Forte
- Department of Family Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tracy Franklin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle Jacobson
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Johannes Keunen
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - John Kingdom
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | | | - Joanne MacKenzie
- Department of Nursing, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cynthia Maxwell
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Mary Preisman
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Greg Ryan
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Amanda Selk
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Mathew Sermer
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Candice Silversides
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - John Snelgrove
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Nancy Watts
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Beverly Young
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Rohan D'Souza
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 700 University Avenue, Room 3-908, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.
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Burns S, Jegatheeswaran C, Perlman M. I Felt Like I was Going Crazy: Understanding Mother's and Young Children's Educational Experiences at Home During COVID-19. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION JOURNAL 2022; 51:469-482. [PMID: 35153466 PMCID: PMC8817636 DOI: 10.1007/s10643-022-01306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 disruptions to children's education have been a major issue for families. This study examined how demographic, family, and mental health characteristics of 375 low-income children and their mothers from the City of Toronto were associated with children's educational experiences at home during COVID-19. Many mothers (82.3%) reported that they and their children (80.0%) experienced challenges related to children's education at home during the pandemic. However, a small percentage of mothers (1.1%) reported that this mode of learning was better for them and their children (4.3%). The most frequently reported challenges faced by mothers was taking on the role of a teacher (43.7%) and balancing their children's remote learning with other responsibilities (19.4%). The most frequently mentioned challenges faced by children was that children lacked both motivation (21.1%) and socialization (21.1%) and had difficulty focusing (26.9%). White mothers from households with higher income and with a higher number of adults in the home reported that their children experienced higher levels of challenges related to their education at home. Maternal and child challenges with children's education at home were also related to higher levels of maternal and child mental health challenges. Our findings suggest that the online educational experiences set up following the onset of the pandemic were difficult for many children and mothers to implement in the home. Given the significant associations of these challenges with child and maternal mental health, we encourage educators to provide flexibility, empathy, and support with learning from home to both children and mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Burns
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education - University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto, M5S 1V6 Canada
| | - Calpanaa Jegatheeswaran
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education - University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto, M5S 1V6 Canada
| | - Michal Perlman
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education - University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto, M5S 1V6 Canada
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Sari DN, Diatri H, Siregar K, Pratomo H. The Prevalence of Depression Symptoms among Pregnant Women during the Second Wave of COVID-19. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pregnant women are vulnerable to depression. We hypothesized that the COVID-19 pandemic would increase depression in pregnancy leading to complications to both mother and fetus.
AIM: This study is aimed to identify antenatal depression symptoms during the second wave COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS: This was a community-based, cross-sectional study conducted from 10 to 21 June 2021. A number of 130 pregnant women were recruited through both convenience and snowball sampling. An online survey with self-administered Whooley questions was used to assess antenatal depression symptoms.
RESULTS: We found elevated antenatal depression symptoms similar to other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of pregnant women with depression symptoms was 42.3%. The majority of pregnant women who had antenatal depression symptoms had the following characteristics: About 44.75% lived outside Jakarta, 60% had low education (Junior high school and below), 42.9% aged 20–35 years, and 44.8% of them were housewives.
CONCLUSION: In Indonesia, the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic affected increasing symptoms of depression among pregnant women. Positive protective factors should be taken to prevent negative impacts of both unidentified and untreated antenatal depression among the pregnant women for the sake of maternal and child health.
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Anderson MR, Salisbury AL, Uebelacker LA, Abrantes AM, Battle CL. Stress, coping and silver linings: How depressed perinatal women experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. J Affect Disord 2022; 298:329-336. [PMID: 34715180 PMCID: PMC8548890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on perinatal mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic has largely focused on data from community samples. This study sought to understand the experiences of pregnant and postpartum women with histories of clinically elevated symptoms of depression. METHODS Participants included 60 perinatal women who participated in wellness intervention trials for women with antenatal depression. We used a mixed methods approach, assessing depression, anxiety, stressors and coping behaviors, along with narrative responses to questions regarding COVID-specific effects on mental health. RESULTS Over three-fourths of the sample indicated a worsening of mental health during the pandemic, with 31.7% of women endorsing clinically elevated depression symptoms and 36.7% screening positive for anxiety. Women reported negative impacts on their emotional wellbeing, especially a resurgence of mental health symptoms. Participants also articulated positive experiences during the pandemic, including an appreciation for increased time with family, especially infants. Women detailed numerous, mostly adaptive, coping strategies they had used to mitigate stress; self-isolation and spending time outdoors were associated with having depression above or below the clinical cut off, respectively. LIMITATIONS The study had a small sample, and the generalizability of findings may be limited, given that participants were clinical trial completers. CONCLUSIONS Although the pandemic upended many aspects of life for perinatal women and raised mental health concerns, many also reported adaptive means of coping and positive experiences or 'silver linings' related to pandemic restrictions. Some coping strategies that were utilized, including wellness-based behaviors, may have helped to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 related stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micheline R. Anderson
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,Women and Infants’ Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, USA
| | - Amy L. Salisbury
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,Women and Infants’ Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA,School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Lisa A. Uebelacker
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ana M. Abrantes
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Cynthia L. Battle
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,Women and Infants’ Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA,Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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Experiences of New Mothers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Obstet Gynecol 2022; 139:244-253. [DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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174
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Traube DE, Molina AP, YingWangKay S, Kemner A. Perinatal Mental Health Support and Early Childhood Home Visitation During COVID-19. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2022; 23:260-270. [PMID: 34718948 PMCID: PMC8557704 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-021-01313-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has disrupted many of the preventive service sectors designed to serve mothers at-risk for developing postpartum depression, forcing a rapid transition to telehealth-based modes of delivery. The purpose of this study was to explore differences in early childhood home visitation service provision (enrollment and depression screening) among mothers receiving home visitation services prior to and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional factors related to receipt of virtual home visitation services, family risk factors, and the maternal depressive symptoms were examined. Linear and logistic regression were utilized to examine whether there were differences in family risk factors, the percentage of mothers being screened for depression and maternal depressive symptoms, and associations between risk factors and positive depression screenings, while accounting for clustering by site. Samples compared outcomes for families enrolled during the pre-pandemic period (defined as March 16th to July 27th, 2019, n = 4,743) and the post-pandemic period (defined as March 16th to July 27th, 2020, n = 2,049). Families enrolled after the onset of the pandemic were significantly less likely to be impacted by housing instability, have a child with a disability, or be involved with the military, but more likely to have a history of child abuse or neglect. Fewer mothers were screened for depression during the pandemic and maternal report of depressive symptoms decreased. Virtual home visitation is currently attracting some groups of mothers who are experiencing fewer stressors, which may place them at decreased risk for exhibiting depressive symptoms. There may be aspects of the virtual depression screening experience that make detection more difficult. As a result, many mothers at risk for maternal depression may not receive adequate prevention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian E Traube
- USC Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work, 669 W 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Abigail Palmer Molina
- USC Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work, 669 W 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Sheila YingWangKay
- USC Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work, 669 W 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Allison Kemner
- Parents as Teachers National Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
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175
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Perez A, Göbel A, Stuhrmann LY, Schepanski S, Singer D, Bindt C, Mudra S. Born Under COVID-19 Pandemic Conditions: Infant Regulatory Problems and Maternal Mental Health at 7 Months Postpartum. Front Psychol 2022; 12:805543. [PMID: 35153928 PMCID: PMC8826543 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.805543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-COVID-19 pandemic and its associated disease control restrictions have in multiple ways affected families with young children, who may be especially vulnerable to mental health problems. Studies report an increase in perinatal parental distress as well as symptoms of anxiety or depression in children during the pandemic. Currently, little is known about the impact of the pandemic on infants and their development. Infant regulatory problems (RPs) have been identified as early indicators of child socio-emotional development, strongly associated with maternal mental health and the early parent-infant interaction. Our study investigates whether early parenthood under COVID-19 is associated with more maternal depressive symptoms and with a perception of their infants as having more RPs regarding crying/fussing, sleeping, or eating, compared to mothers assessed before the pandemic. METHODS As part of a longitudinal study, 65 women who had given birth during the first nationwide disease control restrictions in Northern Germany, were surveyed at 7 months postpartum and compared to 97 women assessed before the pandemic. RPs and on maternal depressive symptoms were assessed by maternal report. Number of previous children, infant negative emotionality, and perceived social support were assessed as control variables. RESULTS Compared to the control cohort, infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic and those of mothers with higher depressive symptoms were perceived as having more sleeping and crying, but not more eating problems. Regression-based analyses showed no additional moderating effect of parenthood under COVID-19 on the association of depressive symptoms with RPs. Infant negative emotionality was positively, and number of previous children was negatively associated with RPs. LIMITATIONS Due to the small sample size and cross-sectional assessment, the possibility for more complex multivariate analysis was limited. The use of parent-report questionnaires to assess infant RPs can support but not replace clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The pandemic conditions affecting everyday life may have a long-term influence on impaired infant self- and maternal co-regulation and on maternal mental health. This should be addressed in peripartum and pediatric care. Qualitative and longitudinal studies focusing on long-term parental and infant outcomes under ongoing pandemic conditions are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Perez
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ariane Göbel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lydia Yao Stuhrmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steven Schepanski
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Singer
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carola Bindt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Mudra
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Werchan DM, Hendrix CL, Ablow JC, Amstadter AB, Austin AC, Babineau V, Anne Bogat G, Cioffredi LA, Conradt E, Crowell SE, Dumitriu D, Fifer W, Firestein MR, Gao W, Gotlib IH, Graham AM, Gregory KD, Gustafsson HC, Havens KL, Howell BR, Humphreys KL, King LS, Kinser PA, Krans EE, Lenniger C, Levendosky AA, Lonstein JS, Marcus R, Monk C, Moyer S, Muzik M, Nuttall AK, Potter AS, Salisbury A, Shuffrey LC, Smith BA, Smith L, Sullivan EL, Zhou J, Thomason ME, Brito NH. Behavioral coping phenotypes and associated psychosocial outcomes of pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1209. [PMID: 35075202 PMCID: PMC8786860 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05299-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of COVID-19-related stress on perinatal women is of heightened public health concern given the established intergenerational impact of maternal stress-exposure on infants and fetuses. There is urgent need to characterize the coping styles associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes in perinatal women during the COVID-19 pandemic to help mitigate the potential for lasting sequelae on both mothers and infants. This study uses a data-driven approach to identify the patterns of behavioral coping strategies that associate with maternal psychosocial distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large multicenter sample of pregnant women (N = 2876) and postpartum women (N = 1536). Data was collected from 9 states across the United States from March to October 2020. Women reported behaviors they were engaging in to manage pandemic-related stress, symptoms of depression, anxiety and global psychological distress, as well as changes in energy levels, sleep quality and stress levels. Using latent profile analysis, we identified four behavioral phenotypes of coping strategies. Critically, phenotypes with high levels of passive coping strategies (increased screen time, social media, and intake of comfort foods) were associated with elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and global psychological distress, as well as worsening stress and energy levels, relative to other coping phenotypes. In contrast, phenotypes with high levels of active coping strategies (social support, and self-care) were associated with greater resiliency relative to other phenotypes. The identification of these widespread coping phenotypes reveals novel behavioral patterns associated with risk and resiliency to pandemic-related stress in perinatal women. These findings may contribute to early identification of women at risk for poor long-term outcomes and indicate malleable targets for interventions aimed at mitigating lasting sequelae on women and children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dani Dumitriu
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - William Fifer
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | | | - Wei Gao
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Brittany R Howell
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Catherine Monk
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Sara Moyer
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Beth A Smith
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Lynne Smith
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA, West Carson, USA
| | | | - Judy Zhou
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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177
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Christie HE, Beetham K, Stratton E, Francois ME. “Worn-out but happy”: Postpartum Women's Mental Health and Well-Being During COVID-19 Restrictions in Australia. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 2:793602. [PMID: 35072152 PMCID: PMC8777212 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2021.793602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: From late 2019, COVID-19 disease has infiltrated the global population causing widespread challenges to public health. One cohort that has received less attention, but who may be more vulnerable to the mental and physical health related impacts of COVID-19 restrictions are postpartum mothers. The aim of this study was to explore the mental health, well-being, and health behaviours of mothers up to 12 months postpartum whilst living in Australia under COVID-19 level 3 and 4 restrictions. Methods: 351 women in their first year postpartum residing in Australia whilst under level 3/4 social distancing restrictions (during April 13 and June 11, 2020) were recruited to participate in an online questionnaire. The survey measured symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS), wellness (SF-36), physical activity (Godin-Shephard score), perceived value of health outcomes, diet, and sleep. Descriptive statistics and linear regressions were performed. Results: Data was analysed for 139 eligible women. Of these women, 74% scored “normal” for depression, 84% for anxiety, and 72% for stress. Over half (58%) of women reported being worn out all, most, or a good bit of the time and 77% reported being a happy person all, most, or a good bit of the time. Analysis of the perceived values of health outcome revealed women had high value for “getting out of the house,” “achieving a better overall mood,” and “to feel better physically.” Women were considered physically active according to the Godin Leisure score, however only 41% of women met the current Australian national physical activity guidelines of 150 min.week−1. Conclusions: Overall the majority of postpartum mums that were surveyed, have normal mental health symptoms, and despite being worn out most are happy at least a good bit of the time. This study highlights the importance of health values in maintaining leisure physical activity and mental health. In addition it appears women may benefit from virtual group exercise and community programs to encourage being physically active and socialising with friends simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E. Christie
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Kassia Beetham
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Banyo, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Stratton
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Monique E. Francois
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Monique E. Francois
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178
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Takeuchi M, Matsunaga M, Egashira R, Miyake A, Yasuno F, Nakano M, Moriguchi M, Tonari S, Hotta S, Hayashi H, Saito H, Myowa M, Hagihara K. A multidimensional physical scale is a useful screening test for mild depression associated with childcare in Japanese child-rearing women. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:969833. [PMID: 36532195 PMCID: PMC9751884 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.969833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal depression is one of the important problems of postpartum women. For its early detection and appropriate treatment, it is necessary to identify women at high risk for depression quickly and easily. MATERIALS AND METHODS A simple screening scale for depression from physical aspects, the multidimensional physical scale (MDPS), which is a 17-item, self-report, three-step scale (0, 1, 2) according to the theory of Kampo medicine, was developed. The aim of the present study was to develop (n = 785) and validate (n = 350) the MDPS that was designed to rate the risk of depression. The Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition was used for determination of depression. In the development cohort, the final model was determined using multi-regression logistic analysis. RESULTS The components of the MDPS for mothers (MDPS-M) were developed, containing the total score of MDPS (0-34 points) and resumption of menstruation or not (-3, 0 points). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis of the MDPS-M (-3 to 34) for identifying a high risk of depression showed moderately good discrimination [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70-0.78]. At the cutoff value of MDPS-M (9/10), its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 84.9, 45.7, 36.7, and 89.2%, respectively. External validation of the MDPS-M showed moderately good discrimination (AUC = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.68-0.79) using the same analysis as the development cohort. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the MDPS-M is a useful, simple, clinical scale for early identification of mothers at high risk of depression in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Takeuchi
- Department of Advanced Hybrid Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Michiko Matsunaga
- Department of Advanced Hybrid Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Egashira
- Department of Advanced Hybrid Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akimitsu Miyake
- Department of Medical Innovation, Osaka University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Yasuno
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mai Nakano
- Department of Advanced Hybrid Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Misaki Moriguchi
- Department of Advanced Hybrid Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoko Tonari
- Department of Advanced Hybrid Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sayaka Hotta
- Department of Advanced Hybrid Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Haruka Hayashi
- Department of Advanced Hybrid Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hitomi Saito
- Department of Advanced Hybrid Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masako Myowa
- Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keisuke Hagihara
- Department of Advanced Hybrid Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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179
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Gonzalez C, Ramirez M, Mata-Greve F, Diaz A, Duran MC, Johnson M, Grote N, Areán PA. Acceptability of virtual therapy for postpartum women during COVID-19: A national mixed methods study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:893073. [PMID: 36159918 PMCID: PMC9500288 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.893073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum depression (PPD) affects one in eight women in the U.S., with rates increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the unique circumstances of COVID-19, virtual therapy might be a unique way to overcome barriers to mental health services. The study sought to explore the acceptability of virtual therapy among women in the postpartum period. METHODS Using an online recruitment mixed methods approach, we collected data from a U.S. national cross-sectional sample of women (N = 479) who gave birth in the last 12 months. FINDINGS Results show that 66% of women endorsed items consistent with possible depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 27% accessed therapy services during the postpartum period. While 88% were open to engaging in virtual therapy services, 12% identified several major concerns with virtual therapy, namely: (1) preference for in-person therapy (2) no perceived need for therapy (3) uncomfortable with virtual therapy, and (4) lack of privacy. Of note, 36% more Latinas reported dissatisfaction with quality of care received during virtual therapy compared to non-Latina participants. Despite a major shift to virtual care with COVID-19, future work is needed to make virtual mental health services more accessible for women with PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Gonzalez
- Department of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Magaly Ramirez
- Department of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Felicia Mata-Greve
- Department of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Autumn Diaz
- Department of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Miriana C Duran
- Department of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Morgan Johnson
- Department of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nancy Grote
- Department of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Patricia A Areán
- Department of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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180
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Ehmer AC, Scott SM, Smith H, Ashby BD. Connecting during COVID: The application of teleservices in two integrated perinatal settings. Infant Ment Health J 2022; 43:127-139. [PMID: 34973060 PMCID: PMC9015324 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Integrated perinatal behavioral healthcare provides opportunities to support women and their babies as part of their primary care medical home. The COVID‐19 pandemic required significant changes to be made to medical practices to enhance safety and reduce risk, particularly for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women. Previously established modes of mental health service delivery in the HEART program, an integrated behavioral health program embedded in a primary care clinic for adolescent mothers and their babies, and the PROMISE Clinic, an integrated obstetric behavioral health program that serves pregnant women, quickly pivoted to telehealth services because of the pandemic. HEART serves a racially and ethnically diverse patient population, with over 85% of patients publicly insured. The PROMISE Clinic serves a socioeconomically, racially, and ethnically diverse patient population. Behavioral health clinicians implemented a variety of technology‐based services including telephone interventions and support, virtual visits using iPads during medical visits, and video visits that patients accessed from their homes. In HEART, behavioral health visits continued at pre‐COVID rates during telehealth adaptations. In the PROMISE clinic, the number of perinatal women seen doubled, the total number of patient contacts tripled, and the missed appointment rate significantly decreased during COVID. In the PROMISE clinic, significantly more White and Hispanic perinatal women were seen during COVID and telehealth adaptations, while significantly fewer Black perinatal women were seen during this period. Further research is indicated to examine patient attitudes towards telehealth services, barriers to treatment for Black women, and outcome data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia C Ehmer
- School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, University of Colorado, USA
| | - Stephen M Scott
- School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, University of Colorado, USA
| | - Hana Smith
- School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, University of Colorado, USA
| | - Bethany D Ashby
- School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, University of Colorado, USA
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181
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Bataineh MF, Mohamad MN, Al Dhaheri AS, Rawashdeh M, Al-Nawaiseh AM, Asali FF, Hashim M, Jarrar A, Abu Jamous DO, Stojanovska L, Daour RA, Saleh ST, Osaili TM, Cheikh Ismail L. Impact of coronavirus 2019 pandemic on post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among pregnant women in Jordan. WOMEN'S HEALTH 2022; 18:17455057221112935. [PMID: 35848375 PMCID: PMC9290107 DOI: 10.1177/17455057221112935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To examine the prevalence of psychological symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak among pregnant women and its association with gestational age and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and November 2020 to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in pregnancy using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. Pregnant women 18 years and older were recruited from antenatal and obstetrics clinics in Jordan. A total of 481 pregnant women participated in an online survey developed on Google Forms. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, mental health information, and lifestyle changes. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised, the Perceived Support Scale, and the Mental Health Lifestyle Scale were administered. Variables related to sociodemographic information and dietary behavior and perception during the COVID-19 pandemic were also assessed. Results: The results showed that 58.6% of pregnant women reported the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and women in the second trimester were more likely to show post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms compared with the first and third trimesters (p = 0.001). Moreover, a higher level of education, employment, poor dietary habits, and changes due to the pandemic were significantly associated with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised score and the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with high rates of psychological distress among pregnant women. Identifying mothers at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may help improve maternity services and prevent adverse child outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo’ath F Bataineh
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Maysm N Mohamad
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ayesha S Al Dhaheri
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Ali M Al-Nawaiseh
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Fida F Asali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Mona Hashim
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amjad Jarrar
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dima O Abu Jamous
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lily Stojanovska
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rameez Al Daour
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sheima T Saleh
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tareq M Osaili
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Leila Cheikh Ismail
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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182
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Abstract
Objective: To examine the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on breastfeeding outcomes among participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Southern California. Materials and Methods: Data from the 2020 Los Angeles County triennial WIC Survey were used to examine the impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding outcomes among WIC participants. Chi-square tests were used to explore the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and breastfeeding outcomes along with hospital-friendly practices. Results: Compared with infants born before March 2020, the percentage of infants who received any breastfeeding at 1 month decreased from 79.66% to 76.96% (p = 0.139). The percentage of infants who received any breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months significantly decreased from 64.57% to 56.79% (p = 0.001) and from 48.69% to 38.62% (p = 0.0035), respectively. The percentage of infants fully breastfed at 1, 3, and 6 months significantly decreased at all time points. Examining hospital practices, there were no differences between the before and during COVID-19 groups. Conclusions: The prevalence of any breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months and fully breastfeeding at 1, 3, and 6 months was significantly lower among mothers who gave birth during the pandemic compared with mothers who gave birth before the pandemic. The shift to remote services delivery and the corresponding reduction in live support of WIC services owing to the pandemic may explain the decline in the breastfeeding rate. As the nation and the WIC program prepare for the postpandemic life, it is critical to ensure that breastfeeding support is met in a hybrid of remote and face-to-face settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Koleilat
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Development, California State University, Fullerton, California, USA
| | - Shannon E Whaley
- Division of Research and Evaluation, PHFE WIC Program, a Program of Heluna Health, Irwindale, California, USA
| | - Cindy Clapp
- Breastfeeding Services, PHFE WIC Program, a Program of Heluna Health, Irwindale, California, USA
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Longitudinal changes in wellbeing amongst breastfeeding women in Australia and New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181:3753-3766. [PMID: 35976413 PMCID: PMC9382010 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04580-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted new mothers' wellbeing and breastfeeding experience. Women have experienced changes in birth and postnatal care and restricted access to their support network. It is unclear how these impacts may have changed over time with shifting rates of infection and policies restricting movement and access to services in Australia and New Zealand. This study investigated the longitudinal effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding and maternal wellbeing in Australia and New Zealand. Mothers (n = 246) completed an online survey every 4 weeks for 6 months that examined feeding methods, maternal mental wellbeing, worries, challenges, and positive experiences during the pandemic. Mothers maintained high full breastfeeding rates at 4 months (81%) which decreased to 37% at 6 months. Perceived low milk supply contributed to the earlier cessation of full breastfeeding. Poor infant sleep was associated with stress, perinatal anxiety, mental wellbeing, and breastfeeding status. Although mothers initially reported that lockdowns helped with family bonding and less pressure, prolonged lockdowns appeared to have adverse effects on access to social networks and extended family support. Conclusion: The results highlight the changing dynamic of the pandemic and the need for adaptable perinatal services which allow mothers access to in-person services and their support network even in lockdowns. Similarly, access to continuous education and clinical care remains critical for women experiencing concerns about their milk supply, infant sleep, and their own wellbeing. What is Known: • The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions have significantly affected perinatal mental health, disrupted maternal services, and subsequent breastfeeding. What is New: • In Australia and New Zealand, breastfeeding women experienced challenges to their mental wellbeing, sleep, and breastfeeding, which was likely exacerbated over time by the pandemic. Lockdowns, while initially beneficial for some families, became detrimental to maternal support and wellbeing.
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184
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Mazumdar K, Sen I, Parekh S. Vignettes of mothering through the pandemic: A gendered perspective of challenges and making meaning of motherhood in India. WOMENS STUDIES INTERNATIONAL FORUM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wsif.2021.102539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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185
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Peifer JS, Bradley E, Taasoobshirazi G. Pilot Testing a Brief Partner-Inclusive Hybrid Intervention for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:735582. [PMID: 35633795 PMCID: PMC9130596 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.735582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The necessity of hybrid and more accessible options for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) has taken on increased urgency in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lasting impacts. In the New Family Wellness Project (NFWP), participants engage in a hybrid in-person and teletherapy six-session intervention for new parents early in their postpartum period. This small, phase 1 clinical research examined early outcomes of the NFWP's cognitive behavioral intervention on adverse mental health outcomes (i.e., perinatal depression and anxiety, overall mental illness symptoms) and adaptive outcomes and protective factors (i.e., relational health, social support, flourishing, self-efficacy). Despite a small sample size (N = 12), paired t-tests yielded significant effects for improvements in mental health symptoms at posttest, as well as marginally significant improvements in postpartum anxiety and self-efficacy. Findings suggest the brief, partner-inclusive, hybrid intervention shows promise for further study. Lessons learned from this small phase 1 clinical study and recommendations for revising the intervention prior to future trials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle S Peifer
- Department of Psychology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Erin Bradley
- Department of Public Health, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Gita Taasoobshirazi
- School of Data Science and Analytics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, United States
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186
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Mahaffey BL, Levinson A, Preis H, Lobel M. Elevated risk for obsessive-compulsive symptoms in women pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arch Womens Ment Health 2022; 25:367-376. [PMID: 34269873 PMCID: PMC8282770 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-021-01157-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a public mental health crisis with many people experiencing new or worsening anxiety. Fear of contagion and the lack of predictability/control in daily life increased the risk for problems such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in the general population. Pregnant women may be particularly vulnerable to such pandemic-related stressors yet the prevalence of OC symptoms in this population during the pandemic remains unknown. We examined the prevalence of OC symptoms in a sample of 4451 pregnant women in the USA, recruited via targeted online methods at the start of the pandemic. Participants completed self-report measures including the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised and the Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale. Clinically significant OC symptoms were present in 7.12% of participants, more than twice as high as rates of peripartum OCD reported prior to the pandemic. Younger maternal age, income loss, and suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection were all associated with higher OC symptoms. Two types of pregnancy-specific stress, pandemic-related and pandemic-unrelated, were both associated with higher levels of OC symptoms. Pandemic-related pregnancy stress predicted OC symptoms even after controlling for non-pandemic-related, pregnancy-specific stress. Elevated rates of OC symptoms were observed in women pregnant during the pandemic, particularly those experiencing elevated pandemic-related pregnancy stress. This type of stress confers a distinct risk for OC symptoms above and beyond pregnancy-specific stress and demographic factors. Healthcare providers should be prepared to see and treat more peripartum women with OC symptoms during this and future public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittain L. Mahaffey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Putnam Hall, New York, NY 11794 USA
| | - Amanda Levinson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Putnam Hall, New York, NY 11794 USA ,Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, New York, NY 11794 USA
| | - Heidi Preis
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, New York, NY 11794 USA ,Department of Pediatrics, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, New York, NY 11794 USA
| | - Marci Lobel
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, New York, NY 11794 USA
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187
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Kolker S, Biringer A, Bytautas J, Blumenfeld H, Kukan S, Carroll JC. Pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploration of patients' lived experiences. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:851. [PMID: 34972506 PMCID: PMC8718994 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04337-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious outbreaks are known to cause fear and panic. Exploration of pregnant individuals' psychosocial condition using a qualitative lens during an infectious outbreak is limited. In this study we explore pregnant individuals' lived experiences as well as their psychological and behavioural responses during COVID-19 with the goal of providing useful strategies from the patient's perspective to enable health care providers to help pregnant patients navigate this and future pandemics. METHODS Pregnant individuals between 20-weeks gestation and 3 months postpartum who received maternity care from an urban academic interprofessional teaching unit in Toronto, Canada were invited to participate. Semi-structured 60 min interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis. Interview questions probed psychological responses to the pandemic, behavioural and lifestyle changes, strategies to mitigate distress while pregnant during COVID-19 and advice for other patients and the healthcare team. RESULTS There were 12 participants, mean age 35 years (range 30-43 years), all 1 to 6 months postpartum. Six main themes emerged: 1) Childbearing-related challenges to everyday life; 2) Increased worry, uncertainty and fear; 3) Pervasive sense of loss; 4) Challenges accessing care; 5) Strategies for coping with pandemic stress; 6) Reflections and advice to other pregnant people and health care professionals. Pregnant individuals described lack of social support due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and a profound sense of loss of what they thought their pregnancy and postpartum period should have been. Advice to healthcare providers included providing mental health support, clear and up to date communication as well as more postpartum and breastfeeding support. CONCLUSIONS These participants described experiencing psychosocial distress during their pregnancies and postpartum. In a stressful situation such as a global pandemic, health care providers need to play a pivotal role to ensure pregnant individuals feel supported and receive consistent care throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period. The health care provider should ensure that mental health concerns are addressed and provide postpartum and breastfeeding support. Without addressing this need for support, parental mental health, relationships, parent-infant bonding, and infant development may be negatively impacted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Kolker
- Ray D. Wolfe Department of Family Medicine, Sinai Health, 60 Murray Street, Box 25, Toronto, ON, M5T 3L9, Canada.
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Anne Biringer
- Ray D. Wolfe Department of Family Medicine, Sinai Health, 60 Murray Street, Box 25, Toronto, ON, M5T 3L9, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Bytautas
- Ray D. Wolfe Department of Family Medicine, Sinai Health, 60 Murray Street, Box 25, Toronto, ON, M5T 3L9, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Haley Blumenfeld
- Ray D. Wolfe Department of Family Medicine, Sinai Health, 60 Murray Street, Box 25, Toronto, ON, M5T 3L9, Canada
| | - Sahana Kukan
- Ray D. Wolfe Department of Family Medicine, Sinai Health, 60 Murray Street, Box 25, Toronto, ON, M5T 3L9, Canada
| | - June C Carroll
- Ray D. Wolfe Department of Family Medicine, Sinai Health, 60 Murray Street, Box 25, Toronto, ON, M5T 3L9, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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188
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Saleem S, Burns S, Falenchuk O, Varmuza P, Perlman M. Heterogeneity in maternal and child mental health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. EARLY CHILDHOOD RESEARCH QUARTERLY 2021; 59:203-214. [PMID: 34955597 PMCID: PMC8685196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecresq.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We used latent profile analysis on a longitudinal dataset to examine changes in maternal and child mental health during COVID-19 and factors that may protect against declines in mental health. Participants were 183 low-income mothers (M = 36 years) with young children (M = 5.31 years) in the City of Toronto with data collected prior to and during the pandemic in 2020. Mothers reported on their own stress, anxiety and depression and their children's emotional, conduct, hyperactivity, peer, and prosocial problems at both timepoints. We found heterogeneity in mental health changes, with 5 distinct patterns of change for mothers, and 4 distinct patterns of change for children during COVID-19. The majority (83%) of mothers experienced significant declines in at least one aspect of mental health. In contrast, the majority of children (65%) experienced either no change or improvements in mental health. Interestingly, patterns of change across these groups were not differentiated by demographic characteristics such as income, education, and family composition. However, for mothers, a higher degree of satisfaction with social support was associated with membership in a profile with better mental health both prior to, and during the pandemic. For children, having a stable history of early childhood education, and care was associated with membership in a profile that showed improvements in mental health during the pandemic. We discuss how our results support the need for proactive and global interventions for at-risk families with raised mental health concerns, and the benefits that stable early childhood education and care may provide for young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumayya Saleem
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education - University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto M5S 1V6, Canada
| | - Samantha Burns
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education - University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto M5S 1V6, Canada
| | - Olesya Falenchuk
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education - University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto M5S 1V6, Canada
| | - Petr Varmuza
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education - University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto M5S 1V6, Canada
| | - Michal Perlman
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education - University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto M5S 1V6, Canada
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189
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Traube D, Gozalians S, Duan L. Transitions to virtual early childhood home visitation during COVID-19. Infant Ment Health J 2021; 43:69-81. [PMID: 34953079 PMCID: PMC9015548 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has disrupted many of the preventive service sectors designed to promote infant mental health. The purpose of this study is to examine provider and supervisor transition strategies as well as maternal-child outcomes during the transition from in-person to virtual early childhood home visitation services in Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County is one of the largest home visitation sectors in the U.S. and disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Transitioning from in-person to virtual home visitation was an important step in ensuring the continuity of infant mental health services. Home visitors reported relative ease in transitioning to virtual services themselves but noted that families encountered greater difficulty. The most helpful strategies to support this transition included training, ongoing reflective supervision, and provision of technology. Family level analysis revealed that positive screening rates for anxiety and depression decreased during the pandemic as did referrals for most support services. These findings likely highlight challenges in delivering virtual home visitation. Understanding how transitions in a key infant serving sector were managed serves an important role in forecasting for the future and preparing for future public heath emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian Traube
- USC Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sharlene Gozalians
- Los Angeles Best Babies Network at Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lei Duan
- USC Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Los Angeles, California, USA
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190
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Pedrotti BG, Mallmann MY, Almeida CRS, Marques FM, Vescovi G, Riter HDS, Almeida ML, Pieta MAM, Frizzo GB. Infants' and toddlers' digital media use and mothers' mental health: A comparative study before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infant Ment Health J 2021; 43:24-35. [PMID: 34953088 PMCID: PMC9015474 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study compared children's and mothers’ digital media use and mothers’ mental health in two samples: one accessed before (Group 1; N = 257; M = 33.18 years; SD = 4.79) and the other accessed during (Group 2; N = 256; M = 33.51 years; SD = 4.96) the COVID‐19 pandemic in Brazil. Mothers of children up to 3 years old (Group 1: M = 17.95 months, SD = 9.85; Group 2: M = 16.48 months, SD = 10.15) answered an online survey. Bivariate analysis, factorial ANOVA tests, and multiple linear regression were performed. Results suggest that mothers’ and children's media use duration was higher during the pandemic only among children over 12 months. Mothers’ media use duration (β = .18) and mothers’ intention to offer media (β = .23) contributed to the explanation of children's media use duration (F(4, 474) = 16.81; p < .001; R2 = .12; R2 adjusted = .117). Higher mothers’ common mental disorders symptoms were also positively correlated to mothers’ intention to offer media to children both before and during the pandemic. Results suggest that interventions focusing on infants and toddlers screen time reduction should target maternal aspects such as mental health, maternal screen time, and intention to offer media, taking into account the mothers’ needs when planning these actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Gabriella Pedrotti
- Psychology Institute. Psychology Postgraduation Program. Developmental Psychology and Personality Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Manoela Yustas Mallmann
- Psychology Institute. Psychology Postgraduation Program. Developmental Psychology and Personality Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Carla Regina Santos Almeida
- Psychology Institute. Psychology Postgraduation Program. Developmental Psychology and Personality Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Martins Marques
- Psychology Institute. Psychology Postgraduation Program. Developmental Psychology and Personality Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Vescovi
- Psychology Institute. Psychology Postgraduation Program. Developmental Psychology and Personality Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Helena da Silveira Riter
- Psychology Institute. Psychology Postgraduation Program. Developmental Psychology and Personality Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Maíra Lopes Almeida
- Psychology Institute. Psychology Postgraduation Program. Developmental Psychology and Personality Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Maria Adélia Minghelli Pieta
- Psychology Institute. Psychology Postgraduation Program. Developmental Psychology and Personality Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Giana Bitencourt Frizzo
- Psychology Institute. Psychology Postgraduation Program. Developmental Psychology and Personality Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
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191
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Stirling Cameron E, Ramos H, Aston M, Kuri M, Jackson L. "COVID affected us all:" the birth and postnatal health experiences of resettled Syrian refugee women during COVID-19 in Canada. Reprod Health 2021; 18:256. [PMID: 34952615 PMCID: PMC8709538 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01309-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior to COVID-19, postnatal resettled refugee women in Canada reported barriers to healthcare and low levels of social support, contributing to maternal health morbidities. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to be further exacerbating health inequities for marginalized populations. The experiences of resettled refugee women are not fully known. AIM To understand Syrian refugee women's experiences accessing postnatal healthcare services and supports during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Semi-structured, virtual interviews were conducted with eight resettled Syrian refugee women living in Nova Scotia (Canada) who were postnatal between March and August 2020. Data analysis was informed by constructivist grounded theory. FINDINGS Three themes emerged: "the impacts of COVID-19 on postnatal healthcare;" "loss of informal support;" and "grief and anxiety." Women experienced difficult healthcare interactions, including socially and physically isolated deliveries, challenges accessing in-person interpreters, and cancelled or unavailable in-home services (e.g., public health nurse and doula visits). Increased childcare responsibilities and limited informal supports due to pandemic restrictions left women feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Stay-at-home orders resulted in some women reporting feelings of isolation and loss, as they were unable to share in person postnatal moments with friends and family, ultimately impacting their mental wellness. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 and associated public health restrictions had significant impacts on postnatal Syrian refugee women. Data presented in this study demonstrated the ways in which the pandemic environment and related restrictions amplified pre-existing barriers to care and postnatal health inequalities for resettled refugee women-particularly a lack of postnatal informal supports and systemic barriers to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Stirling Cameron
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Howard Ramos
- Department of Sociology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Megan Aston
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Marwa Kuri
- School of Social Work, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Lois Jackson
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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192
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Jeličić L, Sovilj M, Bogavac I, Drobnjak A, Gouni O, Kazmierczak M, Subotić M. The Impact of Maternal Anxiety on Early Child Development During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2021; 12:792053. [PMID: 35002886 PMCID: PMC8728063 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.792053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Maternal prenatal anxiety is among important public health issues as it may affect child development. However, there are not enough studies to examine the impact of a mother's anxiety on the child's early development, especially up to 1 year. Objective: The present prospective cohort study aimed to examine whether maternal trait anxiety, perceived social support, and COVID-19 related fear impacted speech-language, sensory-motor, and socio-emotional development in 12 months old Serbian infants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This follow-up study included 142 pregnant women (Time 1) and their children at 12 months (Time 2). Antenatal maternal anxiety and children's development were examined. Maternal anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Child speech-language, sensory-motor, and socio-emotional development were assessed using the developmental scale in the form of an online questionnaire that examined the early psychophysiological child development. Information on socioeconomic factors, child and maternal demographics, clinical factors, and perceived fear of COVID-19 viral infection were collected. Multivariable General Linear Model analysis was conducted, adjusted for demographic, clinical, and coronavirus prenatal experiences, maternal prenatal anxiety levels, perceived social support, speech-language, motor skills, and cognitive and socio-emotional development at the infants' age of 12 months. Results: The study revealed the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal trait anxiety. The association between selected independent factors and infants' development was found in a demographically unified sample except for employment and the number of children. There was a correlation between all observed developmental functions. Univariate General Linear model statistical analysis indicated that linear models with selected independent factors and covariates could account for 30.9% (Cognition) up to 40.6% (Speech-language) of variability in developmental functions. It turned out that two-way and three-way interactions had a dominant role on models, and STAI-T Level and COVID-19 related fear were present in all interaction terms. Conclusion: Our findings reveal important determinants of child developmental outcomes and underline the impact of maternal anxiety on early child development. These findings lay the groundwork for the following interdisciplinary research on pregnancy and child development to facilitate and achieve positive developmental outcomes and maternal mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Jeličić
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Center,”Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mirjana Sovilj
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Bogavac
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Center,”Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - And̄ela Drobnjak
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Olga Gouni
- Cosmoanelixis, Prenatal & Life Sciences, Athens, Greece
- Prenatal Sciences Research Institute, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Miško Subotić
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Center,”Belgrade, Serbia
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193
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Hall H, Lauche R, Fogarty S, Kloester J, Carr B, Munk N. Partner delivered relaxation massage to support mild antenatal anxiety; views of participants. Midwifery 2021; 105:103229. [PMID: 34963069 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2021.103229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately one-fifth of pregnant women suffer from anxiety and/or depression. These mental health conditions are associated with increased infant and maternal morbidity. Relaxation massage has the potential to improve mental health and may provide a vaulable option for pregnant women. This paper reports on participants' experiences of partner delivered massage as a technique to manage mild antenatal anxiety. METHODS We conducted a feasibility study with 44 pregnant women who self-assessed as mildly anxious. The women were randomised into massage therapy (14 women/partner dyads) or to an active control group (13 women). 4-6 weeks after the birth of their baby, massage group participants were invited to be interviewed about their experiences; twelve women and four partners agreed. The qualitative data was analysed using reflective thematic analysis. RESULTS Four themes emerged from the data; Supporting mental health, Connecting, Useful and adaptable and Making it happen. Partner delivered massage was an accessible and practical method to manage mild anxiety for pregnant women in this study. The massage program also provided useful skills for participants to apply in their lives after the birth of their child, which has the potential to continue to support maternal mental health as well as partner connection. CONCLUSION Partner delivered massage offers low-cost, accessible option for pregnant women to manage their mild anxiety. These findings have particular relevance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where anecdotal reports indicate that antenatal stress is increasing and women may have limited access to healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Hall
- School of Health, Federation University, Victoria Australia; National Centre in Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Romy Lauche
- National Centre in Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Fogarty
- Western Sydney University, School of Medicine, Penrith NSW, Australia
| | - Joy Kloester
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
| | - Bethany Carr
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
| | - Niki Munk
- National Centre in Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW, Australia; Indiana University School of Health & Human Sciences, IUPUI, Indianapolis, United States of America
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194
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Campos-Garzón C, Riquelme-Gallego B, de la Torre-Luque A, Caparrós-González RA. Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnant Women: A Scoping Review. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:181. [PMID: 34940116 PMCID: PMC8698569 DOI: 10.3390/bs11120181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During the gestation period, pregnant women experience physical and psychological changes, which represent vulnerability factors that can boost the development of mental health conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic is producing new changes in the routines of the whole society, especially on lifestyle habits. The psychological impact associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and pregnant women remains unclear. A scoping review regarding the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women was conducted. Searchers were conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL databases. Articles in Spanish, English and French were included. The search was conducted between November 2020 and September 2021. We identified 31 studies that evaluated 30,049 expectant mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pregnant women showed high levels of anxiety and depression symptomatology. Fear of contagion and concerns regarding the health of the fetus were identified as the main variables related to psychological distress. An increase of the levels of depression, anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic amongst pregnant women has been observed. Moreover, an increased vulnerability of the fetus due to placental metabolic alterations is discussed. This review suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a negative psychological impact on pregnant women. Thus, high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms suggest the need for a systematic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Campos-Garzón
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (C.C.-G.); (R.A.C.-G.)
| | - Blanca Riquelme-Gallego
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (C.C.-G.); (R.A.C.-G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Alejandro de la Torre-Luque
- Center of Biomedical Research in Mental Health, Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, CIBERSAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rafael A. Caparrós-González
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (C.C.-G.); (R.A.C.-G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
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195
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The experience of remote recruitment for Essential Coaching for Every Mother during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. JBI Evid Implement 2021; 20:218-227. [PMID: 36373360 PMCID: PMC9593332 DOI: 10.1097/xeb.0000000000000304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Introduction and aims: Due to physical distancing recommendations because of the COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment approaches for perinatal research needed to shift from in-person to remote. The purpose of this study is to describe the recruitment and retention of women for an mHealth intervention study for Essential Coaching for Every Mother. Methods: Three methods were used for recruitment: social media, posters in hospital, and media outreach. First time mothers were eligible for enrollment antenatally (37+ weeks) and postnatally (<3 weeks). Eligibility screening occurred remotely via text message. Outcomes were days to recruit 75 participants, eligibility vs. ineligibility rates, dropout and exclusion reasons, survey completion rates, perinatal timing of enrollment, and recruitment sources. Results: Recruitment ran from 15 July to 19 September 2020 (67 days) with 200 potential participants screened and 88 enrolled. It took 50 days to enroll 75 participants. Women recruited antenatally were more likely to receive all intervention messages (68 vs. 19%) and miss fewer messages (6.4 vs. 13.8) than women enrolled postnatally. Participants heard about the study through family/friends (31%), news (20%), Facebook groups/ads (30%), posters (12%), or other (7%). Conclusion: Antenatal recruitment resulted in participants enrolling earlier and receiving more messages. Remote recruitment was a feasible way to recruit, with word of mouth and media outreach being most successful, followed by Facebook.
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196
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Vieira LG, Camargo ELJS, Schneider G, Rocatti da Silva GP, Thomazini M, Possani MA, Matioli MR, de Sousa Ibiapina AR. Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Pregnant and Puerperal Women: A Systematic Review. Open Nurs J 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1874434602115010388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused negative impacts on the physical and mental health of the population worldwide. Pregnant and puerperal women comprise the population most vulnerable to impacts on mental health.
Objective:
To synthesize the scientific evidence on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of pregnant and puerperal women.
Methods:
This systematic review focused on answering the question “what is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of pregnant and puerperal women?” In order to perform the search of the studies, we used combinations of keywords: pregnant, puerperal, prenatal, perinatal, mental health, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. We identified 132 studies from the databases and 18 studies from preprints. In total, we elected 14 studies and another four studies by manual search, making up a total of 18 studies, to compose the final sample of this review.
Results:
Anxiety and depression were the main outcomes found, being shown in 15 and 11 studies, respectively. Other outcomes found in more than one study were: concerns related to several factors, loneliness, stress, and fear.
Conclusion:
From this review, we can infer that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of pregnant and puerperal women, with depression and anxiety being the most frequent changes. The social detachment, the media pressure, the fear of contracting the infection, the economic scenario, and the rupture of family rituals are shown as intensifying factors of psychological distress, thus causing changes in the mental health of these women.
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197
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Usmani S, Greca E, Javed S, Sharath M, Sarfraz Z, Sarfraz A, Salari SW, Hussaini SS, Mohammadi A, Chellapuram N, Cabrera E, Ferrer G. Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Literature Review. J Prim Care Community Health 2021; 12:21501327211059348. [PMID: 34894838 PMCID: PMC8671662 DOI: 10.1177/21501327211059348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating worldwide effect on mental health. Recent studies correlate the spreading of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with symptoms of depression, most prominent in postpartum women. Our systematic literature review scope is to identify the risk factors and predictors for postpartum depression (PPD) and describe the steps that should be taken to help postpartum women. This study will help clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to elucidate the predictors of PPD during this pandemic and prevent these adverse outcomes in future crises. METHODS We conducted a systematic search by employing databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase to identify articles published before March 2021. About 463 publications were generated during our search process and from those, 36 were reviewed, summarized, and synthesized. Studies qualified the criteria if they (1) utilized qualitative or quantitative design, (2) explored the risk factors for PPD, and (3) were written in English. Quality evaluation of each study was achieved by using criteria set by Lincoln and Guba. RESULTS Prevalence of depression symptoms ranged from 7% to 80.8% in postpartum women during the SARS-COV 2 pandemic. The risk factors for PPD were classified into 6 major categories: socio-demographic, psychological, pre-existing pathology, metabolic factors, previous events of miscarriage, and media misinformation. CONCLUSION It is extremely vital to care for women's mental health during pregnancy and after childbirth during these unprecedented times. This review urges the need to design adequate interventions for this vulnerable population to prevent negative consequences of PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elona Greca
- Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sana Javed
- Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Zouina Sarfraz
- Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, FL, USA
- Zouina Sarfraz, Division of Clinical and Translational Research, Larkin Community Hospital, 7031 SW 62nd Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143, USA.
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198
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Gildner TE, Uwizeye G, Milner RL, Alston GC, Thayer ZM. Associations between postpartum depression and assistance with household tasks and childcare during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from American mothers. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:828. [PMID: 34903201 PMCID: PMC8666834 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04300-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early postpartum period is recognized cross-culturally as being important for recovery, with new parents receiving increased levels of community support. However, COVID-19-related lockdown measures may have disrupted these support systems, with possible implications for mental health. Here, we use a cross-sectional analysis among individuals who gave birth at different stages of the pandemic to test (i) if instrumental support access in the form of help with household tasks, newborn care, and care for older children has varied temporally across the pandemic, and (ii) whether access to these forms of instrumental support is associated with lower postpartum depression scores. METHODS This study used data from the COVID-19 And Reproductive Effects (CARE) study, an online survey of pregnant persons in the United States. Participants completed postnatal surveys between April 30 - November 18, 2020 (n = 971). Logistic regression analysis tested whether birth timing during the pandemic was associated with odds of reported sustained instrumental support. Linear regression analyses assessed whether instrumental support was associated with lower depression scores as measured via the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression survey. RESULTS Participants who gave birth later in the pandemic were more likely to report that the pandemic had not affected the help they received with household work and newborn care (p < 0.001), while access to childcare for older children appeared to vary non-linearly throughout the pandemic. Additionally, respondents who reported that the pandemic had not impacted their childcare access or help received around the house displayed significantly lower depression scores compared to participants who reported pandemic-related disruptions to these support types (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The maintenance of postpartum instrumental support during the pandemic appears to be associated with better maternal mental health. Healthcare providers should therefore consider disrupted support systems as a risk factor for postpartum depression and ask patients how the pandemic has affected support access. Policymakers seeking to improve parental wellbeing should design strategies that reduce disease transmission, while facilitating safe interactions within immediate social networks (e.g., through investment in COVID-19 testing and contact tracing). Cumulatively, postpartum instrumental support represents a potential tool to protect against depression, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa E Gildner
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Glorieuse Uwizeye
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Society of Fellows, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | | | - Grace C Alston
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Zaneta M Thayer
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, Environment & Society Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
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199
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Chang O, Layton H, Amani B, Merza D, Owais S, Van Lieshout RJ. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of women seeking treatment for postpartum depression. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:9086-9092. [PMID: 34882058 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.2014810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While research has examined the mental health of general population samples of postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic's impact on women seeking treatment for postpartum depression (PPD) is not well known. This study compared levels of depression and anxiety, the quality of social relationships, and the temperament of infants of treatment-seeking mothers in Ontario, Canada prior to and during the pandemic. METHODS Mothers with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores ≥10 and seeking treatment for PPD prior to COVID-19 (n = 100) were compared to those who sought treatment during the pandemic (n = 120). Mothers self-reported symptoms of depression, worry/anxiety, partner relationship quality, social support, as well as aspects of the mother-infant relationship and infant temperament. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in symptoms of depression, anxiety, or the quality of social relationships between women seeking treatment for PPD before or during the pandemic. However, mothers reported poorer relationships with their infants, and there was evidence of more negative emotionality in their infants during COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS The pandemic may not have worsened depression, anxiety, relationships with partners, or social support in mothers seeking treatment for PPD, but appears to have contributed to poorer mother-infant interactions and maternal reports of more negative emotionality in their infants. These findings highlight the importance of identifying women with possible PPD, supporting mother-infant interactions, and monitoring their infants during COVID-19 and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oswin Chang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Haley Layton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Bahar Amani
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Donya Merza
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Sawayra Owais
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Ryan J Van Lieshout
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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200
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Choi KW, Kim HH, Basu A, Kwong ASF, Hernandez-Diaz S, Wyszynski DF, Koenen KC. COVID-19 perceived impacts on sleep, fitness, and diet and associations with mental health during pregnancy: A cross-national study. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2021; 7:100288. [PMID: 34927121 PMCID: PMC8670882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karmel W Choi
- Center for Precision Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.,Psychiatric & Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hannah H Kim
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Archana Basu
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alex S F Kwong
- Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Sonia Hernandez-Diaz
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Karestan C Koenen
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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