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Rozenblat S, Nitzan T, Matz Vaisman T, Shusel R, Rum Y, Ashtamker M, Golan O, Dinstein I, Koller J. Autistic children and their parents in the context of war: Preliminary findings. Stress Health 2024:e3442. [PMID: 38970246 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3442] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
While existing literature on the intersection of trauma and autism is limited, emerging evidence suggests heightened vulnerability of autistic children to the psychological consequences of traumatic events, including an elevated risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, parents of autistic children often experience elevated levels of negative emotional states, compared to parents of typically developing children. This study investigates the impact of terrorism and war on autistic and non-autistic children and their parents, presenting preliminary results from the initial data collection phase of a year-long longitudinal investigation of the experience of autistic children and their parents following Hamas' 7 October 2023 attack on Israel. Data gathered within 30 days of the initial attack reveal that both autistic and non-autistic children exhibited clinically significant post-traumatic stress symptoms, with autistic children demonstrating a more pronounced manifestation. Moreover, parents of autistic children reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in the aftermath of the events, compared to an independent cohort of parents of autistic children assessed prior to the crisis. These results underscore the heightened susceptibility of autistic children to post-traumatic stress and the unique challenges confronted by their parents during times of conflict. The study highlights the imperative for tailored support services for autistic children and their families amidst traumatic incidents and stresses the need for further research in comparable contexts globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shir Rozenblat
- Seymour Fox School of Education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tanya Nitzan
- Psychology Department, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Tamar Matz Vaisman
- Seymour Fox School of Education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ronit Shusel
- ALUT, The National Society for Children and Adults with Autism, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yonat Rum
- Seymour Fox School of Education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Ashtamker
- Psychology Department, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ofer Golan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ilan Dinstein
- Psychology Department, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Cognitive and Brain Sciences Department, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Judah Koller
- Seymour Fox School of Education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Sridhar H, Kishore MT, Chandra PS. Child developmental outcomes associated with postpartum depression and anxiety in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024:10.1007/s00737-024-01485-7. [PMID: 38896155 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-024-01485-7] [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: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
AIMS This systematic review aims to summarize the findings of empirical studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) examining the relationship between postpartum depression and anxiety, and child developmental outcomes measured at 24 months of child's age. METHODS The study was performed as per PRISMA guidelines for a systematic review. EBESCO, ProQuest, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and BMJ databases were examined, along with a forward and backward examination of the citations published. The New Ottawa scales (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the studies. The findings of the studies were integrated using a narrative synthesis approach. RESULTS The systematic review revealed that there are 14 studies examining the impact of postpartum depression (n=14) and postpartum anxiety (n=2) across different domains of child development in LMICs. Studies varied regarding the severity and duration of maternal depression, the context and nature of evaluation, and motherinfant characteristics which are important to understand the association between postpartum depression and anxiety and infant development. Maternal depression is negatively associated with language development, socio-emotional and behavioural development while its association with motor and cognitive development is inconsistent. The impact of maternal anxiety on infant development was examined in two studies, and both have identified a negative association. However, the results of the current review need to be interpreted within the scope and limitations of the methodologies adopted by each study details of which are elaborated in the manuscript. CONCLUSION Postpartum depression and anxiety can have a wide range of effects on child development. Therefore, periodic infant developmental assessments should become part of routine psychiatric evaluation. There is a need for uniform guidelines for conducting studies and reporting data related to postpartum mental health and child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harikrupa Sridhar
- Department of clinical psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India.
| | - M Thomas Kishore
- Department of clinical psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Prabha S Chandra
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
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Mattar B, Abu-Rmeileh NME, Wahdan Y. Postpartum depression symptoms: prevalence, risk factors, and childbirth experiences in Palestine. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1357. [PMID: 38769541 PMCID: PMC11107043 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18829-8] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide mothers are suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) which impairs mothers' well-being, children, and families, and leads to adverse outcomes for mothers and their growing newborns. Low and middle-income countries have a higher prevalence of PPD and limited studies about it. This study assessed the percentage of Palestinian mothers experiencing PPD nationally, identified mothers at a higher risk of PPD, and studied the correlation between PPD and mistreatment during childbirth. METHODS The study is based on a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional study in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). A total of 745 telephone-based interviews with mothers were done within 2-4 weeks post-childbirth. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used as a screening tool for PPD. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for analyzing the data. RESULTS In the context of descriptive epidemiology, we observed that 12.6% of the selected Palestinian mothers experienced PPD, with a higher occurrence of PPD among mothers living in the Gaza Strip, a politically and economically unstable region in Palestine, compared to mothers living in the West Bank (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOD: 2.2, Confidence Interval (CI): 1.4-3.44). Older mothers were two times more likely to develop PPD compared to young mothers (AOR: 2.03, CI: 1.070-3.84). Mothers who experienced disrespectful behaviors represented by any abuse, negligence, abandonment, ineffective communication, or poor pain management in childbirth settings were more likely to report PPD than those who were not exposed to the disrespect. CONCLUSION A notable percentage of Palestinian mothers were identified as experiencing PPD, especially among mothers who experienced mistreatment in childbirth settings. It is essential to support healthcare providers to improve their practices and attitudes to eliminate mistreatment and abusive behaviors of mothers during childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batoul Mattar
- Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, P. O. Box 14, Ramallah, West Bank, occupied Palestinian territory.
| | - Niveen M E Abu-Rmeileh
- Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, P. O. Box 14, Ramallah, West Bank, occupied Palestinian territory
| | - Yasmeen Wahdan
- Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, P. O. Box 14, Ramallah, West Bank, occupied Palestinian territory
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Bdier D, Mahamid F, Fallon V, Amir M. Posttraumatic stress symptoms and postpartum anxiety among palestinian women: the mediating roles of self-esteem and social support. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:420. [PMID: 37559047 PMCID: PMC10413689 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02567-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are estimated to develop several mental disorders during pregnancy and/or for up to a year postpartum, with anxiety and depression being the most common co-morbidities. Postpartum anxiety is less well studied compared with postpartum depression in the Palestinian context in terms of risk factors, mental health outcomes and protective factors. PURPOSE The aim of the current study was to investigate whether self-esteem and social support mediated the association between posttraumatic stress symptoms and postpartum anxiety among Palestinian women. METHODS Berlin Social Support Scales, Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale, Impact of the Event Scale, and Rosenberg self-esteem scale were administered to 408 Palestinian women recruited from health centers in northern of the West Banks/ Palestine using a convenience sample. RESULTS The findings of our study revealed that postpartum anxiety positively correlated with posttraumatic stress symptoms (r = .56, p < .01), and negatively correlated with social support (r = - .30, p < .01), and self-esteem (r = - .27, p < .05). Moreover, posttraumatic stress symptoms negatively correlated with social support (r = - .24, p < .01), and self-esteem (r = - .25, p < .01). Results of structural equation modeling (SEM) showed a good fit of the hypothesized model. CONCLUSIONS Given this, it is recommended to conduct similar studies with diverse samples in the Palestinian society. It would also be useful for health professionals who work with Palestinian pregnant women (i.e., mental health providers, nurses, midwives, physicians) to assess self-esteem and social support in an effort to identify women who may be at greater risk of developing postpartum anxiety. It may also be worthwhile to develop and implement interventions during pregnancy which serve to enhance a women's sense of self-esteem during this particularly stressful period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Bdier
- Psychology and Counseling Dept, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Fayez Mahamid
- Psychology and Counseling Dept, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Vicky Fallon
- School of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Moath Amir
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Palestinian Ministry of Health, Thabet-Thabet Hospital, Tulkarm, Palestine
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Nuttman-Shwartz O. The Long-Term Effects of Living in a Shared and Continuous Traumatic Reality: The Case of Israeli Families on the Border With Gaza. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:1387-1404. [PMID: 34962839 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211063467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This article presents a literature review of the concept of intergenerational transmission of traumatic stress among a specific population of Israeli parents and children living near the Israeli/Gaza border, an area that can essentially be viewed as a laboratory of shared, continuous, and stressful reality resulting from ongoing political violence. The Google Scholar database was used to search only for peer-reviewed articles written in English and published between 2002 and 2020, and the particular focus of the study was Israeli families living in the "Gaza envelope": communities that have been on the receiving end of rockets and mortars from Gaza for the past 20 years. The review was based on 35 articles and sheds light on the existence of studies using a variety of perspectives (e.g., psychological, biopsychosocial, and behavioral). Findings demonstrate the effects of continuous stress situations on the family dynamic, even before birth, among this small population. In addition, they show that to understand the unique process of intergenerational trauma transmission in a shared continuous traumatic reality, it is important to adopt a comprehensive perspective so as to understand the reciprocal, long-lasting, and transgenerational effects of being exposed to traumatic stress. This perspective can be used as a basis for developing family intervention strategies that are appropriate for preventing stress outcomes that derive from living in the context of persistent violence.
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Chrzan-Dętkoś M, Rodríguez-Muñoz MF, Krupelnytska L, Morozova-Larina O, Vavilova A, López HG, Murawaska N, Radoš SN. Good Practices in Perinatal Mental Health for Women during Wars and Migrations: A Narrative Synthesis from the COST Action Riseup-PPD in the Context of the War in Ukraine. CLÍNICA Y SALUD 2022. [DOI: 10.5093/clysa2022a14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
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Pagès N, Gorgui J, Wang C, Wang X, Zhao JP, Tchuente V, Lacasse A, Côté S, King S, Muanda F, Mufike Y, Boucoiran I, Nuyt AM, Quach C, Ferreira E, Kaul P, Winquist B, O’Donnell KJ, Eltonsy S, Chateau D, Hanley G, Oberlander T, Kassai B, Mainbourg S, Bernatsky S, Vinet É, Brodeur-Doucet A, Demers J, Richebé P, Zaphiratos V, Bérard A. The Impact of COVID-19 on Maternal Mental Health during Pregnancy: A Comparison between Canada and China within the CONCEPTION Cohort. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12386. [PMID: 36231687 PMCID: PMC9566261 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mental health has been described in Canada and China but no study has compared the two countries using the same standardized and validated instruments. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the impact of COVID-19 public health policies on maternal mental health between Canada and China, as we hypothesize that geographical factors and different COVID-19 policies are likely to influence maternal mental health. Pregnant persons >18 years old were recruited in Canada and China using a web-based strategy. All participants recruited between 26 June 2020 and 16 February 2021 were analyzed. Self-reported data included sociodemographic variables, COVID-19 experience and maternal mental health assessments (Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD-7) scale, stress and satisfaction with life). Analyses were stratified by recruitment cohort, namely: Canada 1 (26 June 2020-10 October 2020), Canada 2 and China (11 October 2020-16 February 2021). Overall, 2423 participants were recruited, with 1804 participants within Canada 1, 135 within Canada 2 and 484 in China. The mean EDPS scores were 8.1 (SD, 5.1) in Canada 1, 8.1 (SD, 5.2) in Canada 2 and 7.7 (SD, 4.9) in China (p-value Canada 2/China: p = 0.005). The mean GAD-7 scores were 2.6 (SD, 2.9) in China, 4.3 (SD, 3.8) in Canada 1 (p < 0.001) and 5.8 (SD, 5.2) in Canada 2 (p < 0.001). When adjusting for stress and anxiety, being part of the Chinese cohort significantly increased the chances of having maternal depression by over threefold (adjusted OR 3.20, 95%CI 1.77-5.78). Canadian and Chinese participants reported depressive scores nearly double those of other crises and non-pandemic periods. Lockdowns and reopening periods have an important impact on levels of depression and anxiety among pregnant persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Pagès
- Research Center CHU Ste-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Jessica Gorgui
- Research Center CHU Ste-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Chongjian Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xian Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jin-Ping Zhao
- Research Center CHU Ste-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Vanina Tchuente
- Research Center CHU Ste-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Anaïs Lacasse
- Health Sciences Department, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada
| | - Sylvana Côté
- Research Center CHU Ste-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Suzanne King
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Flory Muanda
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- ICES Western, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Yves Mufike
- Department of Family Medicine, Protestant University in Congo, Kinshasa II, Kinshasa P.O. Box 4745, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Isabelle Boucoiran
- Research Center CHU Ste-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Anne Monique Nuyt
- Research Center CHU Ste-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Caroline Quach
- Research Center CHU Ste-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Ema Ferreira
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Pharmacy Department, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Padma Kaul
- Department of Medicine, 4-120 Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AL T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - Brandace Winquist
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Kieran J. O’Donnell
- Yale Child Study Center, Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Sherif Eltonsy
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada
| | - Dan Chateau
- Manitoba Center for Health Policy, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada
| | - Gillian Hanley
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tim Oberlander
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Population and Public Health, University of BC, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Behrouz Kassai
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69003 Lyon, France
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, UMR 5558 CNRS, Clinical Investigation Centre, Inserm-Hospices Civils de Lyon, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Sabine Mainbourg
- Research Center CHU Ste-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, UMR 5558 CNRS, Clinical Investigation Centre, Inserm-Hospices Civils de Lyon, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Sasha Bernatsky
- Divisions of Clinical Epidemiology and Rheumatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Évelyne Vinet
- Divisions of Clinical Epidemiology and Rheumatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Annie Brodeur-Doucet
- Dispensaire Diététique de Montréal/Montreal Diet Dispensary, Montreal, QC H3H 1J3, Canada
| | - Jackie Demers
- Dispensaire Diététique de Montréal/Montreal Diet Dispensary, Montreal, QC H3H 1J3, Canada
| | - Philippe Richebé
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, CIUSSS de l’Est de l’Ile de Montreal, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Valerie Zaphiratos
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, CIUSSS de l’Est de l’Ile de Montreal, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Anick Bérard
- Research Center CHU Ste-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69003 Lyon, France
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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Feduniw S, Stawarz B, Raba G. Pregnant refugees during the first days of Russian invasion of Ukraine. J Epidemiol Community Health 2022; 76:1034. [DOI: 10.1136/jech-2022-219704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Goli S, Mavisakalyan A, Rammohan A, Vu L. Conflicts and son preference: Micro-level evidence from 58 countries. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2022; 46:101146. [PMID: 35605477 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2022.101146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Research on the association between armed conflict and son preference has largely been based on single-country studies, often presenting descriptive patterns. This paper empirically analyzes the association between conflict and son preference using a sample of more than 1.1 million individuals from 58 countries over the period 2003-2018. We empirically show that both the incidence and intensity of conflict exposure are associated with greater son preference. Moreover, conflict-exposed individuals are likely to realise their preference for sons, as reflected in the systematically higher prevalence of sons over daughters among these individuals. To explore the aggregate effects of these findings, we conduct a cross-country analysis of sex ratios and show that history of conflict exposure plays an important role in explaining the cross-country differences in sex ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Goli
- Australia India Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia; Department of Fertility and Social Demography, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, India.
| | | | - Anu Rammohan
- UWA Business School, University of Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Loan Vu
- Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin University, Australia.
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Peltonen K, Gredebäck G, Pollak SD, Lindskog M, Hall J. The role of maternal trauma and discipline types in emotional processing among Syrian refugee children. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022:10.1007/s00787-022-01962-3. [PMID: 35217919 PMCID: PMC10326120 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-01962-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Stressful experiences in armed conflict incur intergenerational effects through parental behaviors with their children. A recent study reported that among Syrian refugee families, mothers' (but not fathers') post-traumatic stress (PTS) impacted children's emotional processing. In this study, we aim to shed further light on this phenomenon by analyzing how the parenting practices in the context of post-traumatic stress confers protection or risk for children's emotional processing. Participants were 6-18-year-old children (n = 212) and their mothers (n = 94), who fled from Syria and were residing in Turkish communities. We used the computer-based emotional processing task including photos of facial movements typically associated with different emotions to measure children's capacity for emotional processing. Mothers reported their PTS and the discipline types they use, as well as the contextual factors related to their refugee background. Linear mixed effect models were constructed first, to find out the discipline types that are most strongly associated with emotional processing of the child, and second, to examine whether these discipline types moderate the effect of maternal PTS on children's emotional processing. Finally, generalized linear models were constructed to examine which contextual factors are associated with the use of these discipline types by mothers. We found that spanking as a discipline type was associated with poorer child emotional processing, whereas withholding of media access was associated with better emotional processing. Younger and less religious mothers were more prone to use spanking. The study underlines the need for parenting programs alongside with efforts to address mental health issues among mothers living under armed conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsi Peltonen
- Department of Child Psychiatry and INVEST Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 3, 20014, Turku, Finland.
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Isosävi S, Diab SY, Qouta S, Kangaslampi S, Sleed M, Kankaanpää S, Puura K, Punamäki R. Caregiving representations in war conditions: Associations with maternal trauma, mental health, and mother–infant interaction. Infant Ment Health J 2020; 41:246-263. [DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Isosävi
- The Faculty of Social SciencesTampere University Tampere Finland
- Traumacentre Finland Helsinki Finland
| | | | | | | | - Michelle Sleed
- University College London & Anna Freud Centre London United Kingdom
| | - Saija Kankaanpää
- The Outpatient Clinic for Multicultural PsychiatryHelsinki University Hospital District Helsinki Finland
| | - Kaija Puura
- University Hospital of Tampere Tampere Finland
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Toso K, de Cock P, Leavey G. Maternal exposure to violence and offspring neurodevelopment: A systematic review. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2020; 34:190-203. [PMID: 32026500 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress during pregnancy is known to affect fetal neurodevelopment. It seems likely therefore that intimate partner violence (IPV) and domestic violence (DV) as extreme stressors will have a similarly adverse effect. OBJECTIVES A systematic review was conducted to assess the association between prenatal exposure to violence for mothers and developmental difficulties in their children. DATA SOURCES PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, ERIC, Science Direct, SCOPUS, PsyARTICLES, Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, Women's Studies International and Gender Studies Database were all searched using the agreed search terms. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION We include studies of women who have experienced any violence, fear of violence or aggression while pregnant, including emotional, psychological, physical or sexual violence in the context of IPV or DV. Studies were excluded if the neurodevelopmental outcomes of the offspring were not assessed. Studies from all countries were included, in English or translated to English, and search dates were not restricted. We included all years from inception of the database until the search date. SYNTHESIS Study design and biases, assessment tools, management of confounding, results and overall quality were assessed. RESULTS We identified 11 papers reporting on observational studies. Almost three quarters of the studies found a relationship between prenatal exposure to violence and developmental difficulties in the offspring. Differing assessment tools were used with a range of data collected and not all adjusted their findings for the same confounders. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence on the relationship between prenatal violence exposure, as IPV or DV, and consequent child developmental disorders remains limited. Future research using comprehensive study designs, larger samples and longitudinal follow-up of the offspring could clarify this association. While maternal trauma resulting from exposure to violence may play an important role in childhood development disorders, additional intervening factors on the pathway need further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Toso
- Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Paul de Cock
- Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Gerard Leavey
- Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
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Bhutta ZA, Gaffey MF, Blanchet K, Waldman R, Abbasi K. Protecting women and children in conflict settings. BMJ 2019; 364:l1095. [PMID: 30862687 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l1095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Michelle F Gaffey
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Karl Blanchet
- Health in Humanitarian Crises Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ron Waldman
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
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Lahti K, Vänskä M, Qouta SR, Diab SY, Perko K, Punamäki RL. Maternal experience of their infants' crying in the context of war trauma: Determinants and consequences. Infant Ment Health J 2019; 40:186-203. [PMID: 30715730 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We examined, first, how prenatal maternal mental health and war trauma predicted mothers' experience of their infant crying, indicated by emotions, cognitions, and behavior; and second, how these experiences influenced the mother-infant interaction and infant development. Participants were 511 Palestinian mothers from the Gaza Strip, reporting their war trauma, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and perceived stress during pregnancy (Time 1). They reported experiences of infant crying at 4 months (Time 2), and the mother-infant interaction and infant sensorimotor and language development at 12 months of infants' age (Time 3). Results revealed that maternal mental health problems, but not war trauma, were important to experiences of infant crying. A high level of PTSD symptoms predicted negative emotions evoked by infant crying, and high depressive symptoms predicted low active and positive responses to crying. Unexpectedly, high prenatal perceived stress predicted high active and positive responsiveness. Concerning the consequences, mothers' sensitive interpretation of infant crying predicted optimal infant sensorimotor development, and mothers' active and positive responses predicted high emotional availability in mother-infant interaction. Crying is the first communication tool for infants, and mothers' sensitive responses to crying contribute to infant well-being. Therefore, reinforcing mother's optimal responses is important when helping war-affected dyads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katri Lahti
- Department of Psychology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mervi Vänskä
- Department of Psychology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Samir R Qouta
- Department of Education and Psychology, Islamic University Gaza, Gaza City, Palestine
| | - Safwat Y Diab
- Department of Educational Psychology, Al Quds Open University, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | - Kaisa Perko
- Department of Psychology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
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Isosävi S, Diab SY, Kangaslampi S, Qouta S, Kankaanpää S, Puura K, Punamäki RL. MATERNAL TRAUMA AFFECTS PRENATAL MENTAL HEALTH AND INFANT STRESS REGULATION AMONG PALESTINIAN DYADS. Infant Ment Health J 2017; 38:617-633. [DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Kaija Puura
- University of Tampere
- University Hospital of Tampere
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16
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Punamäki RL, Isosävi S, Qouta SR, Kuittinen S, Diab SY. War trauma and maternal-fetal attachment predicting maternal mental health, infant development, and dyadic interaction in Palestinian families. Attach Hum Dev 2017; 19:463-486. [PMID: 28556692 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2017.1330833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Optimal maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) is believed to be beneficial for infant well-being and dyadic interaction, but research is scarce in general and among risk populations. Our study involved dyads living in war conditions and examined how traumatic war trauma associates with MFA and which factors mediate that association. It also modeled the role of MFA in predicting newborn health, infant development, mother-infant interaction, and maternal postpartum mental health. Palestinian women from the Gaza Strip (N = 511) participated during their second trimester (T1), and when their infants were 4 (T2) and 12 (T3) months. Mothers reported MFA (interaction with, attributions to, and fantasies about the fetus), social support, and prenatal mental health (post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety) at T1, newborn health at T2, and the postpartum mental health, infant's sensorimotor and language development, and mother-infant interaction (emotional availability) at T3. Results revealed, first, that war trauma was not directly associated with MFA but that it was mediated through a low level of social support and high level of maternal prenatal mental health problems. Second, intensive MFA predicted optimal mother-reported infant's sensorimotor and language development and mother-infant emotional availability but not newborn health or maternal postpartum mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raija-Leena Punamäki
- a Department of Psychology , School of Social Science and Humanities, University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland.,b Department of Psychologia Evolutiva and Education , University of Sevilla , Sevilla , Spain
| | - Sanna Isosävi
- a Department of Psychology , School of Social Science and Humanities, University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland
| | - Samir R Qouta
- c Department of Education and Psychology , Islamic University Gaza , Gaza City , Palestine
| | - Saija Kuittinen
- a Department of Psychology , School of Social Science and Humanities, University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland
| | - Safwat Y Diab
- d Department of Educational Psychology , Al Quds Open University , Gaza Strip , Palestine
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