1
|
Morris SY, Barrera AZ. A decolonized mental health framework for black women and birthing people. JOURNAL OF LESBIAN STUDIES 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38780643 DOI: 10.1080/10894160.2024.2356994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Black perinatal mental health is an area that has received less focus in psychotherapy research in the United States. This area is especially important as recent attacks on Reproductive Justice impact not only birthing people's rights and freedoms but also their mental health and emotional well-being. Current psychotherapy interventions are rooted in evidence-based treatments (EBTs) that may not always align with the values and practices of frameworks like radical healing and liberation psychology that are meant to emphasize collective healing and empower individuals. To date, psychological research involving radical healing and liberation psychology approaches have not had a specific focus on birthing people. Psychotherapeutic interventions have also largely excluded the unique intersectional identities and healing of Black birthing people. In moving toward decolonizing psychotherapy, this conceptual paper will propose a multi-pronged framework for addressing racial stressors and other mental health concerns during the perinatal period. The proposed framework, The Three Cs of Decolonization, includes three components: Community, Creativity, and Connection to Self. These components of the framework are meant to address and highlight culturally relevant ways of healing for Black birthing people. Larger systemic changes are needed and necessary for the desired change across mental health, medical, and other integrated systems of care that have been impacted by racism and discrimination. The current framework is dedicated to healing and empowering Black birthing people with approaches and considerations that are consistent with Reproductive Justice.
Collapse
|
2
|
Koerner R, Rechenberg K, Rinaldi K, Duffy A. Are Providers Adequately Screening for Anxiety Symptoms During Pregnancy? Nurs Womens Health 2024; 28:109-116. [PMID: 38278513 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the difference in prevalence of self-reported anxiety symptoms throughout pregnancy compared to clinical diagnosis of an anxiety disorder by a provider. DESIGN Secondary data analysis of a prospective cohort study of 50 pregnant individuals. SETTING/LOCAL PROBLEM Pregnant individuals commonly experience heightened anxiety symptoms, which are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. However, a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder by a health care provider is less common, which may result in insufficient mental health intervention. PARTICIPANTS Pregnant individuals were recruited at their first prenatal appointment and followed until birth. INTERVENTION/MEASUREMENTS We examined anxiety symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Anxiety subscale. We conducted a medical record review to examine if pregnant individuals were clinically diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. RESULTS Based on an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Anxiety subscale cutoff score of ≥5, 40% (n = 20) of individuals experienced anxiety symptoms during pregnancy. However, only 16% (n = 8) of participants were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder by a health care provider. CONCLUSION Anxiety symptoms are prevalent throughout pregnancy and may be underdiagnosed by health care providers. An intervention to increase clinical diagnosis of an anxiety disorder and subsequent referral to a mental health specialist may be indicated.
Collapse
|
3
|
Zivin K, Pangori A, Zhang X, Tilea A, Hall SV, Vance A, Dalton VK, Schroeder A, Courant A, Tabb KM. Perinatal Mood And Anxiety Disorders Rose Among Privately Insured People, 2008-20. Health Aff (Millwood) 2024; 43:496-503. [PMID: 38507649 PMCID: PMC11163973 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Nationwide, perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) diagnoses among privately insured people increased by 93.3 percent from 2008 to 2020, growing faster in 2015-20 than in 2008-14. Most states and demographic subgroups experienced increases, suggesting worsening morbidity in maternal mental health nationwide. PMAD-associated suicidality and psychotherapy rates also increased nationwide from 2008 to 2020. Relative to 2008-14, psychotherapy rates continued to rise in 2015-20, whereas suicidality rates declined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kara Zivin
- Kara Zivin , University of Michigan, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, and Mathematica, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | | | | | - Ashlee Vance
- Ashlee Vance, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | | | | | - Karen M Tabb
- Karen M. Tabb, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nelson T, Tomi CL, Gebretensay SB. (Re)Framing Strength: How Superwoman Schema May Impact Perinatal Anxiety and Depression among African American Women. Womens Health Issues 2023; 33:568-572. [PMID: 37316335 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey.
| | - Cecelela L Tomi
- Department of Childhood Studies, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pratt AA, Sadler AG, Thomas EBK, Syrop CH, Ryan GL, Mengeling MA. Incidence and risk factors for postpartum mood and anxiety disorders among women veterans. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2023; 84:112-124. [PMID: 37433239 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our aim was to determine rates of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) among U.S. women Veterans and the overlap among PMADs. We further sought to identify PMAD risk factors, including those unique to military service. METHODS A national sample of women Veterans completed a computer-assisted telephone interview (N = 1414). Eligible participants were aged 20-45 and had separated from service within the last 10 years. Self-report measures included demographics, general health, reproductive health, military exposures, sexual assault, childhood trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The PMADs of interest were postpartum depression (PPD), postpartum anxiety (PPA) and postpartum PTSD (PPPTSD). This analysis included 1039 women Veterans who had ever been pregnant and who answered questions about PPMDs related to their most recent pregnancy. RESULTS A third (340/1039, 32.7%) of participants were diagnosed with at least one PMAD and one-fifth (215/1039, 20.7%) with two or more. Risk factors common for developing a PMAD included: a mental health diagnosis prior to pregnancy, a self-report of ever having had a traumatic birth experience, and most recent pregnancy occurring during military service. Additional risk factors were found for PPD and PPPTSD. CONCLUSION Women Veterans may be at an increased risk for developing PMADs due to high rates of lifetime sexual assault, mental health disorders, and military-specific factors including giving birth during military service and military combat deployment exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra A Pratt
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City VA Health Care System, 601 Highway 6 West, Building 42, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA.
| | - Anne G Sadler
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City VA Health Care System, 601 Highway 6 West, Building 42, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA; VA Office of Rural Health (ORH), Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Iowa City (VRHRC-IC), Iowa City VA Health Care System, 601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Emily B K Thomas
- VA Office of Rural Health (ORH), Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Iowa City (VRHRC-IC), Iowa City VA Health Care System, 601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 340 Iowa Ave, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Craig H Syrop
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ginny L Ryan
- Puget Sound VA Healthcare System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356460, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Michelle A Mengeling
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City VA Health Care System, 601 Highway 6 West, Building 42, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA; VA Office of Rural Health (ORH), Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Iowa City (VRHRC-IC), Iowa City VA Health Care System, 601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Somerville K, Rowell T, Stadulis R, Bell D, Neal-Barnett A. An evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of sister circles as an anxiety intervention for pregnant Black women. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231185405. [PMID: 37480300 PMCID: PMC10363880 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231185405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black women and their infants face heightened health risks during pregnancy, labor, and delivery that, for many, cost them their lives. Such health risks during this critical period are linked to increased rates of anxiety among Black pregnant and postpartum women. Black women also endure racism when seeking support from mental health and healthcare providers, which further contributes to pregnancy and postpartum-related anxiety. Evidence on sister circles has demonstrated that this indigenous form of healing may provide Black pregnant and postpartum women with the support and skills needed to cope with stressors associated with mental and physical health concerns and racism. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the Birthing Beautiful Babies Sisters Offering Support, a sister circle cognitive behavioral therapy-based stress and anxiety intervention for Black pregnant and postpartum women. DESIGN Our study employed a mixed-methods framework. METHODS Descriptive analyses, paired samples t-test, and open and selective coding were conducted. We utilized the following measures: Penn State Worry Questionnaire-Abbreviated, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale, focus booklet, and focus group discussion. RESULTS Participants reported experiencing moderate levels of worry and distress and low levels of pregnancy-related anxiety prior to the start of the Birthing Beautiful Babies Sisters Offering Support intervention. Eighty women participated in Birthing Beautiful Babies Sisters Offering Support. Eleven focus groups were conducted to assess their experience. Participants reported a perceived increase in their knowledge about panic attacks and stress and ability to manage stressors effectively. They found that all completed activities contributed to their development and application of skills. They reported they enjoyed Birthing Beautiful Babies Sisters Offering Support because of the supportive environment, openness, and emphasis on sisterhood. Participants provided helpful feedback about the structure and flow of the intervention. CONCLUSION Limitations of the present study and future directions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Debra Bell
- Birthing Beautiful Communities, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Boakye PN, Prendergast N, Bandari B, Anane Brown E, Odutayo AA, Salami S. Obstetric racism and perceived quality of maternity care in Canada: Voices of Black women. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231199651. [PMID: 37772754 PMCID: PMC10542226 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231199651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstetric racism in healthcare encounters impact on access to quality maternal healthcare for Black childbearing women yet remains underexplored in Canada. Understanding the experiences of Black Canadian women is critical to inform policy and create targeted interventions to address obstetric racism and advanced maternal health equity. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of obstetric racism and its influence on perceived quality of maternity care among Black women in Toronto, Canada. DESIGN Qualitative research was conducted using a critical qualitative inquiry approach. METHODS We conducted a semi-structured interviews with 24 Black women who were pregnant and/or have given birth in the last 3 years. The interviews explored their experiences seeking care during pregnancy/childbirth and perceived quality of care. RESULTS Two themes were generated through the process of thematic analysis: (1) Manifestations and Impacts of Obstetric Racism and (2) Strategies for Addressing Obstetric Racism. Narratives of being dismissed, objectified, dehumanized, trauma and paternalism were reflected in the accounts of the participants. These experiences undermined the quality of care, hindered therapeutic relationships and contributed to mistrust. CONCLUSION Black women understood the nature and impact of obstetric racism as it relates to the quality of maternal health care, their safety, and well-being. Participants recommended the need for anti-Black racism training specific to caring of Black childbearing women and increasing Black healthcare provider representation in perinatal settings as strategies to address obstetric racism. Investment in Black maternal health research is urgently needed to generate meaningful evidence to inform policy and interventions to advanced maternal health equity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sharon Salami
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bloyd C, Murthy S, Song C, Franck LS, Mangurian C. National Cross-Sectional Study of Mental Health Screening Practices for Primary Caregivers of NICU Infants. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9060793. [PMID: 35740730 PMCID: PMC9221644 DOI: 10.3390/children9060793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Universal screening for postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) has been recommended for all new parents at outpatient postpartum and well-child visits. However, parents of newborns admitted to the NICU are rarely able to access these services during their infant’s prolonged hospitalization. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of mental health screening and treatment programs for parents or other primary caregivers in NICUs across the country. In this cross-sectional study, US NICU medical directors were invited to complete an online survey about current practices in mental health education, screening, and treatment for primary caregivers of preterm and ill infants in the NICU. Comparative analyses using Fisher’s exact test were performed to evaluate differences in practices among various NICU practice settings. Survey responses were obtained from 75 out of 700 potential sites (10.7%). Of participating NICUs, less than half routinely provided caregivers with psychoeducation about mental health self-care (n = 35, 47%) or routinely screened caregivers for PPD or other mental health disorders (n = 33, 44%). Nearly one-quarter of the NICUs did not provide any PMAD screening (n = 17, 23%). Despite consensus that postpartum psychosocial care is essential, routine mental health care of primary caregivers in the NICU remains inadequate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cooper Bloyd
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (C.B.); (S.M.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Snehal Murthy
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (C.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Clara Song
- Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA 91188, USA;
| | - Linda S. Franck
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Christina Mangurian
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (C.B.); (S.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-415-206-5925; Fax: +1-415-206-8942
| |
Collapse
|