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Suchanecki L, Goutaudier N. Childbirth as an anticipated trauma during pregnancy: pretraumatic stress symptoms in primiparous women. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024; 42:668-680. [PMID: 36266766 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2022.2137118] [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: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women can develop anticipated traumatic reactions related to the forthcoming delivery through "pretraumatic stress" symptoms. The present study aims at: a) exploring the frequency of probable pretraumatic stress disorder in primiparous pregnant women, b) evidencing associated features of pretraumatic stress symptoms and c) exploring which specific components of antenatal anxiety are associated with pretraumatic stress symptoms. METHODS A sample of 100 primiparous pregnant women completed an online questionnaire assessing pretraumatic stress, fear of childbirth, depressive and anxiety symptoms. Socio-demographic and pregnancy-related data were also gathered. RESULTS 8 % of women met all criteria for probable pretraumatic stress disorder. Increased depressive symptoms (ß = 0.48, p< .05), childbirth concerns (ß = 0.47, p< .05) and worry about self (ß = 0.74; p< .05) were associated with the intensity of pretraumatic stress disorder symptoms. CONCLUSION This study contributes to the very limited literature on pretraumatic stress symptoms. Thus, it is noteworthy that pretraumatic stress is not a reactivation of a former postpartum PTSD or associated with a prior negative experience of childbirth. Future studies conducted on primiparous women with no history of traumatic exposure could allow to provide additional evidences of the existence of anticipated traumatic reactions of childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Suchanecki
- Department of Psychology, Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition et l'Apprentissage -UMR CNRS 7295, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Nelly Goutaudier
- Department of Psychology, Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition et l'Apprentissage -UMR CNRS 7295, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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Çelebi EZ, Tozkır E, Çayır G, Murat M, Beji NK, Avcı N, Sinesi A. The Stirling Antenatal Anxiety Scale (SAAS): Turkish validity and reliability study. Midwifery 2024; 136:104073. [PMID: 38941783 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To examine the psychometric properties of the Stirling Antenatal Anxiety Scale (SAAS), developed by Sinesi et al., which assesses the level of anxiety of pregnant women in the prenatal period, in the Turkish culture, and to conduct a validity and reliability study. METHODS This study had a methodological approach, with a cross-sectional and descriptive research design. Reporting was in accordance with the STROBE checklist. The sample included 160 pregnant women who were followed up in the maternity outpatient clinics of a public hospital and a private hospital in Istanbul. Data were collected face-to-face using a personal information form, the Turkish version of the SAAS, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale between June and August 2023. In the data analysis, validity analyses were performed with content and construct validity and multiple fit indices for confirmatory factor analysis. Item-total score analysis was conducted using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Pearson's correlation analysis to assess reliability. Descriptive and reliability analyses were undertaken using SPSS v.28.0.1.0, and validity analyses were performed using SPSS AMOS v.26.0.0.0. FINDINGS Based on expert opinions on the items in the Turkish version of the SAAS, the content validity ratio was 0.96. The decision was made to exclude Item 9 from the Turkish version because the item factor load was low. The Turkish version had a single factor, as did the original version. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.87, so the Turkish version was determined to have high reliability. CONCLUSION The Turkish version of the SAAS, originally produced in English, has high levels of validity and reliability. In addition, it is short and easy to apply in clinical and research settings. As such, the Turkish version of the SAAS is recommended for use to evaluate the level of anxiety in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Zahide Çelebi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Bilgi University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Elif Tozkır
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Health Sciences Zeynep Kamil Women and Children Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gülsen Çayır
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Murat
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Hamidiye Faculty of Nursing, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nezihe Kızılkaya Beji
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nilgün Avcı
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Andrea Sinesi
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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3
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Hornor G. Child Sexual Abuse Victimization and Parenting. J Pediatr Health Care 2024; 38:438-449. [PMID: 38697699 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
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Wiley KS, Kwon D, Knorr DA, Fox MM. Regulatory T-cell phenotypes in prenatal psychological distress. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 116:62-69. [PMID: 38016492 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experiencing symptoms of psychological distress during pregnancy is common and has been linked to dysregulated immune functioning. In this context, immunoregulatory function is especially relevant because of its crucial role in establishment and maintenance of healthy pregnancy. However, little research has examined associations between women's prenatal psychological distress and immunoregulatory biomarkers. We investigated how symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress relate to circulating levels of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant Latina women were assessed at around 12 weeks of pregnancy (N = 82). These assessments included blood draws and self-report questionnaires assessing symptoms of depression, state anxiety, pregnancy-related anxiety, and perceived stress. Flow cytometry on PBMCs was used to quantify circulating Tregs, defined as CD3+CD4+CD25hiCD127loFoxP3+, and subpopulations positive for one of the following intra- or extracellular markers, CD45RA, CTLA-4, Helios, PD-1, TIM-3, and TIGIT. We collected 82 samples at 12 weeks. Multivariable linear regressions tested for associations between symptoms of psychological distress and Treg concentrations, adjusted for gestational age. RESULTS State anxiety symptoms at 12 weeks were negatively associated with parent Treg cell levels (b = -4.02, p = 0.023) and subpopulations Helios+ (b = -3.29, p = 0.019) and TIM3+ (b = -3.17, p = 0.008). Perceived stress was negatively associated with the PD-1+ subpopulation at 12 weeks (b = -4.02, p = 0.023). Depression was not related to Tregs or the subpopulations. CONCLUSION Our observation that symptoms of anxiety and stress are related to tolerogenic immunology suggests a possible biomechanism explaining correlations of maternal mood disorders with adverse outcomes for mothers and offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle S Wiley
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, United States.
| | - Dayoon Kwon
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Delaney A Knorr
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Molly M Fox
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
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Şolt Kırca A, Dağlı E. The effect of mandala coloring on pregnancy-related anxiety. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 292:251-258. [PMID: 38056411 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.11.035] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the literature, the efficacy of mandala coloring on pregnancy-related anxiety has been investigated, and no study has been found on its effect on anxiety. This randomized controlled trial was designed to assess the efficacy of mandala coloring application on pregnancy-related anxiety. METHODS The study included 77 primiparous pregnant women: 39 in the control group and 38 in the experimental group, and was carried out in an education-research hospital's obstetric clinic. Data for the study were gathered using Information Form, the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale, and the State Anxiety Inventory. While the experimental group did mandala coloring during a month twice in a week, and the control group was not do anything. The "Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale" and "The State Anxiety Inventor" were used to assess anxiety in all groups before and after application. In the statistical analysis of the data, the SPSS 23.0 package program was used. In all tests, p < 0.005 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Immediately post-intervention, the women in the experimental group had a significantly higher reduce pregnancy-related anxiety (p < 0.05). Especially in the mandala group within according to control group were found to have significantly reduced anxiety the application (PrAS-1 82,50 ± 2,47 vs. 84,41 ± 4,12; PrAS-2 77,92 ± 2,16 vs. 83,89 ± 3,80; PrAS-3 72,05 ± 3,97 vs. 84,10 ± 4,35; PrAS-Total 77,49 ± 5,21 vs. 84,13 ± 4,07; STAI-1 52,39 ± 2,50 vs. 51,17 ± 1,16; STAI-2 49,73 ± 0,75 vs. 49,05 ± 1,27; STAI-3 48,84 ± 3,17 vs. 49,02 ± 1,22; STAI-Total 50,32 ± 2,8 vs. 49,75 ± 1,58). CONCLUSIONS Mandala coloring is effective in reducing pregnancy-related anxiety. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER (NCT05534867).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayça Şolt Kırca
- Kirklareli University School of Health Science, Midwifery Department Kirklareli, Turkey.
| | - Elif Dağlı
- Cukurova University, ABDI SÜTCÜ Vocational High School, Adana, Turkey
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Zhou JX, Guo Y, Teng YZ, Zhu LL, Lu J, Hao XM, Yan SQ, Tao FB, Huang K. Maternal anxiety during pregnancy and children's asthma in preschool age: The Ma'anshan birth cohort study. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:312-320. [PMID: 37549810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.037] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fetal immune system and consequent elevated risk of asthma in childhood may be impacted by maternal anxiety during pregnancy. Limited studies have evaluated whether there was a sensitive period and cumulative effect of the relationship between prenatal anxiety and children's asthma. METHODS 3131 mother-child pairs made up the study's sample from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort Study in China. Maternal anxiety status was repeated three times using the pregnancy-related anxiety questionnaire in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Diagnostic information on asthma was collected three times at 24, 36, and 48 months of age. RESULTS After adjusting for confounders, children born to mothers with anxiety in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy all had an elevated risk of total asthma from 12 to 48 months of age. After further adjusting prenatal anxiety in the other trimesters, no association was observed between prenatal anxiety in any trimester and preschoolers' asthma. Children of mothers with persistently high anxiety score trajectory during pregnancy had an elevated risk of total asthma and high prevalence trajectory of asthma. Cumulative effects analysis showed that the more frequent the mother's anxiety, the higher the risk of her offspring developing a high prevalence trajectory of asthma from 12 to 48 months of age. The results of the subgroup analysis by age showed similar associations overall. CONCLUSIONS Maternal antenatal anxiety was associated with an elevated risk of preschool children's asthma, and a possible cumulative effect was observed. Maternal mental health conditions during pregnancy should receive constant attention throughout pregnancy, not just during one period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Xing Zhou
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yufan Guo
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yu-Zhu Teng
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lin-Lin Zhu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jingru Lu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xue-Mei Hao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Shuang-Qin Yan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Maternal and Child Health Care Center of Ma'anshan, No 24 Jiashan Road, Ma'anshan 243011, Anhui, China
| | - Fang-Biao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China; Scientific Research Center in Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China.
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Miller EB, Canfield CF, Barajas-Gonzalez RG, Chung A, Katter J, Kerker BD. The Children, Caregivers, and Community (C3) study of together growing strong: A protocol for an observational, place-based initiative in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290985. [PMID: 37656726 PMCID: PMC10473505 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290985] [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] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Reaching population-level impact for families in poverty requires moving beyond a sole focus on individuals, to a wider focus on interactions between individuals and their broader environmental contexts. Place-based initiatives have emerged as a policy response to promote community-level change around these broader interactions between individuals and their local communities through addressing long-standing disparities in housing, employment, education, and health. Together Growing Strong (TGS) is one such place-based initiative focused on transforming the health, wellbeing, and development of young children and their families in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The Children, Caregivers, and Community (C3) Study is an outcomes-based study designed to assess the trajectories of children and families in Sunset Park along indicators such as family health and wellbeing and child development in relation to TGS program participation. The aims, scope, and protocol of the C3 Study are the subjects of this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth B. Miller
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Caitlin F. Canfield
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Alicia Chung
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Julie Katter
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Bonnie D. Kerker
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
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Zafman KB, Riegel ML, Levine LD, Hamm RF. An interactive childbirth education platform to improve pregnancy-related anxiety: a randomized trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:67.e1-67.e9. [PMID: 37054807 PMCID: PMC10330277 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal anxiety is one of the most common conditions during pregnancy and is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Interventions that are focused on childbirth education and health literacy have been shown to help decrease pregnancy-related anxiety. These programs, however, have limitations. Transportation, childcare, and work conflicts pose barriers to patients. In addition, many of these programs have not been studied in high-risk patients, who are most at risk for pregnancy-related anxiety. Thus, it is uncertain whether an online childbirth education course can help to improve outcomes in a high-risk patient population. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare an interactive online platform for childbirth education (Birthly) with usual prenatal education on anxiety, emergency healthcare utilization, and delivery outcomes for high-risk pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN We performed a randomized trial comparing an interactive online childbirth education platform combined with usual prenatal education (intervention) with usual prenatal education alone (usual care). Nulliparous, English-speaking patients with internet access and a high-risk pregnancy (medical or mental health disorders) were included. Patients in 2 urban clinics that serve underresourced patients were enrolled at <20 weeks of gestation. The intervention included 3 interactive courses (prenatal bootcamp, breastfeeding, newborn care) and access to a clinician-moderated online community. Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale questionnaires were administered at randomization and at 34 to 40 weeks. The primary outcome was third-trimester Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale score. Secondary outcomes included change in Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale score, unscheduled emergency visits, delivery, and postpartum outcomes. To demonstrate a 15% decrease in Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale score, 37 patients would be needed per group. Accounting for a 20% loss to follow-up rate, we planned to recruit 90 total patients or 45 per group. RESULTS A total of 90 patients were randomized with no differences in demographics or baseline Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale scores. Most patients self-identified as Black and were publicly insured. More than 60% of patients (62.2%) in the intervention arm completed at least 1 Birthly course. Patients in the intervention arm had significantly lower third-trimester Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale scores (indicating lower anxiety) compared with those receiving usual care (44.6±7.3 vs 53.9±13.8; P<.01), with a decrease in score of 8.3 points vs 0.7 for usual care (P<.01). Patients in the intervention arm also had fewer emergency visits (1 [0-2] vs 2 [1-3]; P=.003). There were no differences in delivery outcomes. Patients in the intervention arm were more likely to breastfeed at delivery, although this was not different by the postpartum visit. Finally, patients who received the intervention were more likely to be satisfied with their childbirth education (94.6% vs 64.9%; P<.01). CONCLUSION An interactive online childbirth education platform can reduce pregnancy-related anxiety and emergency healthcare utilization while improving satisfaction in a high-risk patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly B Zafman
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Melissa L Riegel
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Lisa D Levine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rebecca F Hamm
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Weigl T, Brunton R, Dryer R, Garthus-Niegel S. Validation of the German version of the pregnancy-related anxiety scale (PrAS): psychometric properties across all trimesters of pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:472. [PMID: 37355600 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05787-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy-related anxiety has received greater research attention recently given its association with adverse outcomes (e.g., negative birth experiences). The Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale (PrAS) offers the possibility to assess pregnancy-related anxiety, but no German version is available. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate a German version of the PrAS, a comprehensive measure with eight dimensions. METHODS Pregnant women of any parity or gestation completed an online survey consisting of the PrAS, PRAQ-R2, and measures of anxiety, depression, and resilience. The PrAS was translated into German (PrAS-G) using the back-translation method. Data were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis and inferential statistics. RESULTS Complete data were provided by 443 women. Participants were predominantly German nationals, partnered, and well-educated with a planned pregnancy. Approximately half were nulliparous. The eight-factor model was well fitting and consistent with the development of the original PrAS. Criterion-related validity was demonstrated by strong correlations with similar measures (PRAQ-R2, anxiety, and depression) and lower correlations with resilience scores. Predictive validity was shown by group comparisons for: planned versus unplanned pregnancy, trimester, and parity. CONCLUSIONS The PrAS-G provides a broader assessment of pregnancy-related anxiety than existing measures. Initial evaluation has demonstrated convergent, divergent, and predictive validity, excellent internal consistency, and good model fit indicating promising psychometric properties. The PrAS-G offers a comprehensive assessment of pregnancy-related anxiety which will enable tailored interventions aiming to improve birth experience and well-being of expectant mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Weigl
- Psychology School, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Robyn Brunton
- Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, 2795, Australia
| | - Rachel Dryer
- Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, NSW, 2135, Australia
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Institute for Systems Medicine (ISM), Faculty of Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
- Department of Childhood and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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10
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Inness BE, Furtado M, Barrett E, Stallwood E, Streiner DL, McCabe RE, Green SM. Psychometric properties of the PSWQ in a sample of pregnant and postpartum women. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37139571 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2209101] [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: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)-characterised by excessive and uncontrollable worry-is the most frequently diagnosed anxiety disorder during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Identification of GAD often relies on assessment of its cardinal feature, pathological worry. The Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) is the most robust measure of pathological worry to date but has not been extensively evaluated for use during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This study evaluated the internal consistency, construct validity, and diagnostic accuracy of the PSWQ in a sample of pregnant and postpartum women with and without a principal GAD diagnosis. METHODS One hundred forty-two pregnant and 209 postpartum women participated in this study. Sixty-nine pregnant and 129 postpartum participants met criteria for a principal diagnosis of GAD. RESULTS The PSWQ demonstrated good internal consistency and converged with measures assessing similar constructs. Pregnant participants with principal GAD scored significantly higher on the PSWQ than those with no psychopathology and postpartum participants with principal GAD scored significantly higher than those with principal mood disorders, other anxiety and related disorders, and no psychopathology. A cut-off score of 55 and 61 or greater was determined for detecting probable GAD during pregnancy and the postpartum period, respectively. Screening accuracy of the PSWQ was also demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the robustness of the PSWQ as a measure of pathological worry and probable GAD and supports its use in the detection and monitoring of clinically significant worry symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briar E Inness
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melissa Furtado
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Barrett
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma Stallwood
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - David L Streiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Randi E McCabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheryl M Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Supporting routine cognitive reactivity assessment during the perinatal period: psychometric testing of the Chinese version of the Leiden Index of Depression Sensitivity. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:911. [PMID: 36474194 PMCID: PMC9727893 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05233-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is critical to find optimal forms to identify perinatal depression (PND) and its vulnerable factors and make them more applicable to depression screening. This study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Leiden Index of Depression Sensitivity (LEIDS-RR-CV) among perinatal women in China and determine the cut-off values for screening for high-risk depression. METHODS Women in their third trimester of pregnancy and six weeks postpartum completed the LEIDS-RR-CV and a diagnostic reference standard online. We assessed the LEIDS-RR-CV using classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). We also assessed the test performance for cut-off scores using receiver operator characteristic analysis to further screen for high-risk depression at each time point. RESULTS In total, 396 (third trimester) and 321 (six weeks postpartum) women participated. Cronbach's alpha, two-week test-retest reliability, and marginal reliability for the scale were all greater than 0.8. It showed a five-factor model; the cut-off values were 58 (third trimester) and 60 (six weeks postpartum). The areas under the curve were acceptable (≥ 0.7), and the LEIDS-RR-CV was positively correlated with the total Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score (r = 0.52 and 0.56, p = 0.00), indicating its predictive validity. An IRT analysis further confirmed its discriminative validity. CONCLUSIONS The LEIDS-RR-CV was found to be reliable, valid, and can be used to quantify cognitive reactivity among perinatal Chinese women and for screening for high-risk depression during this period.
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Moulds ML, Bisby MA, Black MJ, Jones K, Harrison V, Hirsch CR, Newby JM. Repetitive negative thinking in the perinatal period and its relationship with anxiety and depression. J Affect Disord 2022; 311:446-462. [PMID: 35597469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.05.070] [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: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rumination and worry represent two types of repetitive negative thinking (RNT), and their predictive and maintaining roles are well-established in depression and anxiety, respectively. Furthermore, there is an emerging literature on the link between RNT and psychological wellbeing in the perinatal period. METHODS We conducted a scoping review of studies that have investigated the relationship between RNT and perinatal depression and anxiety. We identified 87 papers eligible for inclusion in the review; they included cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, as well as treatment evaluations (pilot trials and randomised controlled trials). RESULTS Cross-sectional studies provided evidence of an association between RNT (i.e., rumination and worry) and depression and anxiety, in both pregnancy and postpartum. Longitudinal findings were mixed. Whilst antenatal worry consistently predicted subsequent depression and anxiety (both later in pregnancy and postpartum), rumination did not consistently predict depression. However, there was some evidence that rumination interacted with other processes to predict later psychopathology. Three randomised controlled trials evaluated whether psychological treatments reduce RNT in the perinatal period, only one of which included a clinical sample. LIMITATIONS No experimental investigations were eligible for inclusion in the review. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are needed to further our understanding of the nature and role of RNT in pregnancy and postpartum, and its consequences for maternal mental health. These include (but are not limited to) experimental investigations, studies with large clinical samples, and RCTs evaluating the effectiveness of psychological interventions targeting RNT to prevent and treat perinatal depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madelyne A Bisby
- eCentreClinic, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Melissa J Black
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Australia; Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney, Australia
| | - Katie Jones
- School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, The Open University, UK
| | | | - Colette R Hirsch
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Jill M Newby
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Australia; Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney, Australia
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Dryer R, Brunton R, Krägeloh C, Medvedev O. Screening for Pregnancy-Related Anxiety: Evaluation of the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale-Screener Using Rasch Methodology. Assessment 2022:10731911221103309. [PMID: 35713016 DOI: 10.1177/10731911221103309] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy-related anxiety has been linked to many maternal and child-related negative outcomes. However, there is an absence of free, well-validated screeners for this condition. The Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale-Screener (PrAS-Screener) was evaluated using robust Rasch methodology. This study also aimed to develop a shorter version to meet the need of settings governed by professional guidelines stipulating the use of brief instruments. Data from 400 pregnant women (Mage = 27.82, SD = 5.38) were subjected to Rasch analyses and the resulting Rasch models confirmed in a second sample (N = 400, Mage = 26.29, SD = 4.95). After minor modifications, the original 15-item PrAS-Screener demonstrated good fit, unidimensionality, excellent targeting, invariance, and internal consistency. After removal of items with content overlap, an 11-item version was developed, with this version showing good fit, unidimensionality, reasonable targeting, and sound internal consistency. The PrAS-Screeners show promise as psychometrically sound clinical scales for screening pregnancy-related anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Dryer
- Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robyn Brunton
- Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
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Hadfield K, Akyirem S, Sartori L, Abdul-Latif AM, Akaateba D, Bayrampour H, Daly A, Hadfield K, Abiiro GA. Measurement of pregnancy-related anxiety worldwide: a systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:331. [PMID: 35428199 PMCID: PMC9013052 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04661-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The perinatal period is often characterized by specific fear, worry, and anxiety concerning the pregnancy and its outcomes, referred to as pregnancy-related anxiety. Pregnancy-related anxiety is uniquely associated with negative maternal and child health outcomes during pregnancy, at birth, and early childhood; as such, it is increasingly studied. We examined how pregnancy-related anxiety is measured, where measures were developed and validated, and where pregnancy-related anxiety has been assessed. We will use these factors to identify potential issues in measurement of pregnancy-related anxiety and the geographic gaps in this area of research.
Methods
We searched the Africa-Wide, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO; PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, SciELO Citation Index, and ERIC databases for studies published at any point up to 01 August 2020 that assessed pregnancy-related anxiety. Search terms included pregnancy-related anxiety, pregnancy-related worry, prenatal anxiety, anxiety during pregnancy, and pregnancy-specific anxiety, among others. Inclusion criteria included: empirical research, published in English, and the inclusion of any assessment of pregnancy-related anxiety in a sample of pregnant women. This review is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020189938).
Results
The search identified 2904 records; after screening, we retained 352 full-text articles for consideration, ultimately including 269 studies in the review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In total, 39 measures of pregnancy-related anxiety were used in these 269 papers, with 18 used in two or more studies. Less than 20% of the included studies (n = 44) reported research conducted in low- and middle-income country contexts. With one exception, all measures of pregnancy-related anxiety used in more than one study were developed in high-income country contexts. Only 13.8% validated the measures for use with a low- or middle-income country population.
Conclusions
Together, these results suggest that pregnancy-related anxiety is being assessed frequently among pregnant people and in many countries, but often using tools that were developed in a context dissimilar to the participants’ context and which have not been validated for the target population. Culturally relevant measures of pregnancy-related anxiety which are developed and validated in low-income countries are urgently needed.
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Sarantaki A, Nomikou A, Raptis A. Validity and reliability of the Greek version of Pregnancy Outcome Questionnaire (POQ). JOURNAL OF MOTHER AND CHILD 2022; 26:35-42. [PMID: 35853761 PMCID: PMC10032319 DOI: 10.34763/jmotherandchild.20222601.d-22-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last decades a considerable increase in biological and psychosocial approaches have occurred so as to enhance the study of prenatal period. This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the Greek version of Pregnancy Outcome Questionnaire (POQ) in assessing pregnancy-related stress. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 135 first-time expectant women with good knowledge of the Greek language, low-risk pregnancies and a gestational age of ≥24 weeks. Questionnaires containing the POQ scale questions in addition to other questions and scaleswere distributed in printed and digital format at private gynecological clinics. The collected data were analysed using the SPSS software. RESULTS The POQ scale score showed satisfactory reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.8), while the factor analysis showed a major factor with an eigenvalue of 4.17 and an overall interpreted factor variance of 41%. The sample showed moderate intensity values on the scale. We observed that pregnancy-related characteristics affected the scale, while no significant correlations with demographic variables were recorded. CONCLUSION The results of the reliability and factor analyses evaluating the scale structure indicated that the tool performed well in Greek, had a compact structure with satisfying reliability, and is suitable for use in the Greek pregnant population. However, additional research is warranted to investigate the effect of various additional factors on the scale.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Athanasios Raptis
- Department of Economics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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16
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Women's experience of mild to moderate mental health problems during pregnancy, and barriers to receiving support. Midwifery 2022; 108:103276. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Sinesi A, Cheyne H, Maxwell M, O'Carroll R. THE STIRLING ANTENATAL ANXIETY SCALE (SAAS): DEVELOPMENT AND INITIAL PSYCHOMETRIC VALIDATION. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100333] [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] Open
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Barrio-Forné N, Gasch-Gallén Á. Companionship as a method to reduce anxiety in pregnant women hospitalized during their third trimester. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2021; 55:e03749. [PMID: 34190886 DOI: 10.1590/s1980-220x2020018603749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to study the association between pregnancy-related anxiety in women, screened during the third trimester, and companionship during their hospitalization. METHOD A case-control study was conducted in which 80 pregnant women over the age of 18 years, at 28 weeks and beyond, and without any diagnosed physical and/or health conditions took part. They were divided into 20 cases and 60 controls. Anxiety was measured using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and specific variables were recorded. A descriptive bivariate analysis was performed to compare the chosen variables by means of the chi-squared, Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS Companionship was associated with a reduction in state and trait anxiety ( p = 0.038 in both dimensions) during hospitalization. Women of the Roma (Gitano) ethnicity developed the most anxiety ( p = 0.019) and primiparous women were at four times greater risk. CONCLUSION The absence of support from a person of trust during hospitalization, together with ethnicity and primiparity, contributed to increased symptoms of anxiety in pregnant women hospitalized during their third trimester. Therefore, involvement by their close social circle is essential for the prevention and/or reduction of anxiety in this population.
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Perceived stress may mediate the relationship between antenatal depressive symptoms and preterm birth: A pilot observational cohort study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250982. [PMID: 33945579 PMCID: PMC8096039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Screening for changes in pregnancy-related anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy may further our understanding of the relationship between these two variables and preterm birth. Objectives To determine whether changes in pregnancy-related anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy influence the risk of preterm birth among Pakistani women; explore whether perceived stress moderates or mediates this relationship, and examine the relationship between the various components of pregnancy-related anxiety and preterm birth. Methods A prospective cohort study design was used to recruit a diverse sample of 300 low-risk pregnant women from four centers of Aga Khan Hospital for Women and Children in Karachi, Pakistan. Changes in pregnancy-related anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy were tested. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine a predictive model for preterm birth. We then determined if the influence of perceived stress could moderate or mediate the effect of depressive symptoms on preterm birth. Results Changes in pregnancy-related anxiety (OR = 1.1, CI 0.97–1.17, p = 0.167) and depressive symptoms (OR = 0.9, CI 0.85–1.03, p = 0.179) were insignificant as predictors of preterm birth after adjusting for the effects of maternal education and family type. When perceived stress was added into the model, we found that changes in depressive symptoms became marginally significant after adjusting for covariates (OR = 0.9, CI 0.82–1.01, p = 0.082). After adjusting for the mediation effect of change in perceived stress, the effect of change in depressive symptoms on preterm birth were marginally significant after adjusting for covariates. Among six different dimensions of pregnancy-related anxiety, mother’s concerns about fetal health showed a trend towards being predictive of preterm birth (OR = 1.3, CI 0.97–1.72, p = 0.078). Conclusions There may be a relationship between perceived stress and antenatal depressive symptoms and preterm birth. This is the first study of its kind to be conducted in Pakistan. Further research is required to validate these results.
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Akinsulore A, Temidayo AM, Oloniniyi IO, Olalekan BO, Yetunde OB. Pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms and associated factors amongst pregnant women attending a tertiary hospital in south-west Nigeria. S Afr J Psychiatr 2021; 27:1616. [PMID: 33824759 PMCID: PMC8007988 DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v27i0.1616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy can be associated with anxiety symptoms because of anticipated uncertainty. Aim This study investigated pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms (PRASs) and their associated factors amongst pregnant women. Setting Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Methods This cross-sectional survey involved 230 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at a tertiary teaching hospital in Nigeria. Pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms, maternal worries, personality traits and social support were measured by using Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS), Cambridge Worry Scale (CWS), Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI-10) and Maternal Social Support Scale (MSSS) respectively. Socio-demographic and obstetric details were also obtained. The Chi-square, t-test and logistic regression were used. Results Respondents’ mean age was 28.2 ± 5.4 years, whilst 192 (83.5%) were of Yoruba ethnicity. Twenty-four respondents (10.4%) were in the first trimester, 85 (37.0%) in the second and 121 (52.6%) in the third trimester. Some 154 (67.0%) were parous. The prevalence of PRAS and major maternal worries were 43.5% and 55.7% respectively. The socio-demographic factors significantly associated with PRAS were age (p = 0.004), ethnicity (p = 0.001), educational level (p = 0.011) and living arrangement (p = 0.029). Associated obstetric factors include trimester (p = 0.01), hypertension (p = 0.006), past miscarriage(s) (p = 0.013) and past pregnancy complication (p = 0.030). Significant psychosocial factors were partner social support (p = 0.038), maternal worries (p < 0.001) and extraversion (p = 0.016). Factors that contributed significantly to regression models were older maternal age and socio-medical worries. Conclusion High level of PRAS and major maternal worries were common amongst antenatal clinic attendees of a tertiary teaching hospital in Nigeria. Older maternal age and socio-medical maternal worries are important predictors of PRAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adesanmi Akinsulore
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Akinfenwa M Temidayo
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Ibidunni O Oloniniyi
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Badejoko O Olalekan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perimatology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oladimeji B Yetunde
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
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21
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Pilkington PD, Bedford-Dyer I. Mothers' Worries During Pregnancy: A Content Analysis of Reddit Posts. J Perinat Educ 2021; 30:98-107. [PMID: 33897234 DOI: 10.1891/j-pe-d-20-00018] [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: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Qualitative investigations into maternal worries during pregnancy are limited. The aim of this study was to identify the content of women's pregnancy-related worries by completing a content analysis of posts on Reddit. A total of 217 posts by 196 unique users were analyzed. Most worries related to infant factors (32.6%), individual factors (27.1%), and antenatal care factors, such as medical procedures (25.2%). The remaining worries related to situational factors (10.9%) and the partner relationship (4.3%). Although most fears related to fetal well-being, other concerns included problems with family members, women's own mental health, and not being a "good mother." These findings support calls for antenatal education to more adequately address women's psychosocial concerns.
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22
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Tan CW, Tan HS, Sultana R, Chui A, Chua TE, Chen H, Sng BL. Association of Childbirth Pain with Postnatal Depressive and Anxiety Disorders in Nulliparous Parturients: A Prospective Study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:2625-2636. [PMID: 34413647 PMCID: PMC8370488 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s321367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There is limited knowledge on the relationship between postnatal depression and childbirth pain characteristics associated with childbirth. We investigated whether the characteristics of childbirth pain, as assessed by Short-form-McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2), were associated with postnatal anxiety and depressive disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS Nulliparous parturients who received labor epidural analgesia (LEA) and delivered in our institution were invited to have a Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) assessment following their 5-9 weeks post-delivery follow-up phone survey of a larger study. Parturients' demographics, pre-delivery questionnaires on pain and psychological vulnerabilities, LEA data, maternal and neonatal outcomes, postnatal follow-up survey on pain and psychological vulnerabilities, pain and breastfeeding were collected accordingly. The primary outcome was the binary variable (yes/no) of the presence of postnatal depression and/or anxiety disorders based on the post-delivery MINI assessment. RESULTS Among the 107 parturients who participated in the post-delivery MINI assessment, a total of 40 (42.5%) patients were found to have postnatal anxiety and depressive disorders. A greater pre-delivery SF-MPQ-2 neuropathic pain mean subscale score (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.32, 95% CI 1.00-1.73, p=0.0482) and greater post-delivery Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 5-9 weeks post-delivery (adjusted OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.13-1.50, p=0.0002) were independently associated with the presence of postnatal anxiety and/or depressive disorders (receiver operating characteristic (ROC) = 0.7489). CONCLUSION Patients with greater pre-delivery neuropathic pain and higher EPDS scores at 5-9 weeks post-delivery are more likely to have postnatal depression and/or anxiety disorders, suggesting possible associations between pain and psychological vulnerability in the development of postnatal mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Wen Tan
- Department of Women's Anesthesia, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Anesthesiology and Perioperative Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Hon Sen Tan
- Department of Women's Anesthesia, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Anesthesiology and Perioperative Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Rehena Sultana
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Anne Chui
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore
| | - Tze-Ern Chua
- Department of Psychological Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Pediatrics Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Helen Chen
- Department of Psychological Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Pediatrics Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Ban Leong Sng
- Department of Women's Anesthesia, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Anesthesiology and Perioperative Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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Kurt G, Arslan H. Turkish version of the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale: A psychometric study. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2021; 57:157-166. [PMID: 32458429 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To adapt the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale (PrAS) into Turkish and evaluate its psychometric properties. DESIGN AND METHODS This cross-sectional study comprised of 400 pregnant women. The PrAS was translated using the methods of translation, back-translation, consensus meetings, and a trial of potential users. Then, its psychometric properties were evaluated by exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. FINDINGS The PrAS consists of 33 items. Following the exploratory factor analysis, the two items in the scale were discarded because factor loads were less than 0.50, therefore, the number of items decreased from 33 to 31. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the goodness-of-fit indices of the scale were found to be suitable. The internal consistency coefficient calculated for the reliability of the scale was .89. After correlating it with another scale for measuring pregnancy distress, the Turkish version of the PrAS shows discriminant validity. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The Turkish version of the PrAS is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to evaluate pregnancy-related-anxiety. The use of the PrAS in prenatal healthcare services will contribute to the early diagnosis, treatment, and management of pregnancy-related anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonul Kurt
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Hamide Arslan
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
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Brunton R, Dryer R. Child Sexual Abuse and Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Literature. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 111:104802. [PMID: 33218712 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child sexual abuse is related to many negative outcomes but less known is the effect on pregnancy and childbirth. OBJECTIVE This review critically examined the literature on the occurrence of child sexual abuse and outcomes associated with this abuse during pregnancy and childbirth. METHODS Five databases were searched over 50 years using an iterative approach and the terms pregnancy, sexual abuse/assault, childbirth/labour, identifying 49 studies. RESULTS The prevalence of child sexual abuse in pregnant women ranged from 2.63% to 37.25 with certain characteristics more common with a higher (e.g., specific questions, low income) or lower (broad questions, higher education) prevalence. Compared to women with no history of abuse, child sexual abuse survivors may have more concerns with their care, greater health complaints, fear childbirth and have difficulties with delivery. They also had a higher likelihood of PTSD symptomology and anxiety, consumed more harmful substances (e.g., alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs) and had greater concerns with their appearance, poorer health, sleep and may also have a higher risk of re-victimisation. CONCLUSIONS The balance of evidence suggests that compared to non-abused women, women with a child abuse history have more adverse experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, and care, with their abuse history, likely contributes to harmful behaviours and psychopathology. However, variability in operationalisation and measurement of abuse may contribute to these findings so tentative conclusions are drawn. Future research should examine the generalisability of the findings (relating to scale limitations) and recommendations for screening (e.g., sensitive items, scoring). Clinical implications of the findings point to the need for early identification of women with a child abuse history as such women require trauma-sensitive care and consideration. A useful tool is the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale which provides insights into specific areas of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Brunton
- Charles Sturt University, School of Psychology, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia.
| | - Rachel Dryer
- Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, NSW 2135, Australia
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Brunton R, Wood T, Dryer R. Childhood abuse, pregnancy-related anxiety and the mediating role of resilience and social support. J Health Psychol 2020; 27:868-878. [DOI: 10.1177/1359105320968140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical, sexual and psychological abuse were examined as risk factors for pregnancy-related anxiety with resilience and social support as mediators. Pregnant women ( n = 638) completed measures of pregnancy-related anxiety, resilience, perceived social support and childhood abuse. Women with an abuse history had higher pregnancy-related anxiety scores ( m = 64.40) than other women ( m = 55.36). All abuse types independently predicted pregnancy-related anxiety; resilience and social support were mediators. Results highlight the value of antenatal screening for pregnancy-related anxiety including specific risk factors such as child abuse. Programs such as the Midwife Continuity of Care are useful in encouraging disclosure.
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Pregnancy-related anxiety among Chinese pregnant women in mid-late pregnancy under the two-child policy and its significant correlates. J Affect Disord 2020; 276:272-278. [PMID: 32697709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.07.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy-related anxiety (PRA) is a global public health concern. This study aims to understand the PRA among Chinese pregnant women at mid-late pregnancy and to explore the significant correlates. METHODS The Chinese PRA scale was used to measure PRA among 342 pregnant women from Zhejiang Province in China at their mid- and late- pregnancy respectively. RESULTS The participants aged from 21 to 42 years old, and their mean age was 30. 1 (SD=4. 0). The average scores of the Chinese PRA scale at mid- and late- pregnancy were 1. 60 (SD=0. 33) and 1. 58 (SD=0. 33) respectively. Unplanned pregnancy (mid-pregnancy: β=0. 18, p<0. 001; late-pregnancy: β=0. 11, p = 0. 024) and gender of the first child being male (mid-pregnancy:β=-0. 20, p = 0. 001; late-pregnancy: β=-0. 14, p = 0. 016) were significantly correlated with PRA among pregnant women at mid- and late- pregnancy. Living with parents-in-law was not associated with the PRA overall and domain scores. LIMITATIONS This study was done among pregnant women at their mid-late pregnancy, and no follow-up was conducted at postpartum. The sample size of this study was relatively small which might affect the generalizability of the findings. CONCLUSIONS The current study found that the correlates of PRA at mid- and late-pregnancy were generally similar. For future studies, special attention should be paid to pregnant women who are in the condition of unplanned pregnancy and those who already have a female child to relieve their anxiety levels.
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Pregnancy-Related Anxiety, Perceived Parental Self-Efficacy and the Influence of Parity and Age. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186709. [PMID: 32942604 PMCID: PMC7557851 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy-related anxiety is contextualised by pregnancy and is a health concern for the mother and child. Perceived parental self-efficacy is associated with this anxiety and age and parity are identified as influential factors. This research, therefore, predicted that negative perceptions of parental self-efficacy would predict greater pregnancy-related anxiety, moderated by parity and age. Participants (N = 771) were recruited online and assessed for perceived parental self-efficacy, pregnancy-related anxiety, and demographics. Moderation models showed that the psychosocial and sociodemographic factors combined predicted up to 49% of the variance. Parental self-efficacy predicted anxiety in the areas of body image, worry about themselves, baby concerns, pregnancy acceptance, attitudes towards medical staff and childbirth, and avoidance. Parity predicted pregnancy-related anxiety both overall and in childbirth concerns, worry about self, baby concerns and attitudes towards childbirth. Age predicted baby concerns. There was a significant moderation effect for pregnancy acceptance indicating that primiparous women with low perceptions of parental self-efficacy are less accepting of their pregnancy. Results suggest that parity and parental self-efficacy may be risk factors for first-time mothers for pregnancy-related anxiety.
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Kuipers J, Henrichs J, Evans K. A comparison of the Fear of Childbirth Scale with the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale to identify childbirth-related fear in a sample of Dutch pregnant women: a diagnostic accuracy comparative cross-sectional study. Int J Nurs Stud 2020; 109:103615. [PMID: 32553993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of the considerable negative effects of women's childbirth-related anxiety, fear and worries, and the time constraints that midwives perceive to assess women's antenatal emotional wellbeing, it is important that midwives can identify women with a more severe fear of birth with an easy to administer, validated tool. OBJECTIVE To investigate the ability of the two-item Fear of Childbirth Scale (FOBS) to discriminate between pregnant women with and without birth-related fear, compared with the 16-item Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS). METHODS A diagnostic accuracy comparative cross-sectional study was performed, comparing two screening tests. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy and discriminant property of the FOBS were determined and compared with the TPDS and with the negative affect 11-items TPDS (TPDS-NA) subscale. The TPDS and TPDS-NA were treated as reference standard to establish the discriminative potential of the FOBS for the presence or absence of antenatal birth-related fear. PARTICIPANTS A sample of 396 Dutch women with uncomplicated pregnancies. RESULTS When compared with the 16-items TPDS, the FOBS showed a higher specificity (95%) than sensitivity (70%) to detect fear of childbirth. The FOBS items had a good predictive ability for fear and worries about the forthcoming birth (79%) and a conclusive ability for negative case-finding (92%). The FOBS showed good accuracy (89%). The FOBS discriminated women who were or were not classified as being fearful according to the TPDS (AUC .86). When compared with the 11 items TPDS-NA subscale, the FOBS validity and accuracy decreased: sensitivity: 51%; specificity 92%; positive predictive ability 65%; negative predictive ability 88%; accuracy 83%; AUC .82. CONCLUSION When compared with the 16-items TPDS, the two-item FOBS shows to be an accurate tool for identifying the presence of antenatal birth-related fear in a sample of Dutch women with uncomplicated pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacoba Kuipers
- Antwerp University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences - Nursing & Midwifery, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Jens Henrichs
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Midwifery Science AVAG-Amsterdam Public Health research institute, van der Boechhorststraat 7, 1091 BT Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Kerry Evans
- University of Nottingham, School of Health Sciences, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.
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Göbel A, Arck P, Hecher K, Schulte-Markwort M, Diemert A, Mudra S. Manifestation and Associated Factors of Pregnancy-Related Worries in Expectant Fathers. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:575845. [PMID: 33362598 PMCID: PMC7759496 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.575845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: During the last decades, fathers have increasingly participated in prenatal care, birth preparation classes, and childbirth. However, comparably little is known about the prenatal emotional well-being of fathers, particularly content and extent of broader paternal concerns that may arise during pregnancy beyond those focusing on childbirth. Thus, the aims of this study were to investigate the manifestation of paternal pregnancy-related worries in a population-based sample and to identify relevant associated factors. Materials and Methods: As part of a longitudinal pregnancy cohort at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany, N = 129 expectant fathers were assessed once during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related worries centering around medical procedures, childbirth, health of the baby, as well as socioeconomic aspects were assessed with the Cambridge Worry Scale (CWS). Additionally, paternal socioeconomic background and maternal obstetrical history, symptoms of generalized anxiety and depression, and level of hostility were investigated, as well as perceived social support. The cross-sectional data were analyzed based on multiple regression analyses. Results: The level of reported worries was overall low. Some fathers reported major worries for individual aspects like the health of a significant other (10.9%) and the baby (10.1%), as well as the current financial (6.2%) and employment situation (8.5%). Pregnancy-related worries were negatively associated with household income and positively associated with anxious and depressive symptoms and low perceived social support. Associations varied for specific pregnancy-related worries. Limitations: Due to the cross-sectional data examined in this study, a causal interpretation of the results is not possible. The sample was rather homogeneous regarding its socioeconomic background. More research needs to be done in larger, more heterogeneous samples. Conclusion: Though overall worries were rather low in this sample, specific major worries could be identified. Hence, addressing those fathers reporting major worries regarding specific aspects already in prenatal care might support their psychosocial adjustment. Fathers with little income, those with elevated levels of general anxious and depressive symptoms, and those with less social support reported higher pregnancy-related worries. Our results indicate the relevance of concerns beyond health- and birth-related aspects that could be relevant for fathers. Measurements developed specifically for expectant fathers are needed to properly capture their perspective already during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Göbel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schulte-Markwort
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anke Diemert
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, 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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Oliva-Pérez J, Cabrero-García J, Cabañero-Martínez MJ, Richart-Martínez M, Oliver-Roig A. Validity and Reliability of the Spanish Version of the Pregnancy-Related Thoughts Scale. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2019; 48:526-537. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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