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Wheeler JM, LaManna J, Esparza L, Khalil D, Davis JW, Xie R, Misra DP, Giurgescu C, Kavanaugh K. A Mixed Methods Approach to Understand Mother-Father Relationship and Perceived Stress Among Black Pregnant Women. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs 2024; 38:256-270. [PMID: 39074324 DOI: 10.1097/jpn.0000000000000838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black women in the United States report moderate to high levels of perceived stress during pregnancy. Though lower levels of involvement and support from father of the baby (FOB) and higher levels of conflict have been associated with higher levels of maternal perceived stress, it is not clear how Black pregnant women experience the mother-father relationship and its influence on perceived stress. PURPOSE To examine and describe the mother-father relationship and its role in experiences of perceived stress from the perspective of Black pregnant women. METHODS Using a convergent, mixed methods approach with ideal-type analysis, we conducted a secondary analysis of data among 60 Black pregnant women enrolled in the Biosocial Impact on Black Births study. Women completed online self-report questionnaires and participated in a semi-structured interview by telephone. RESULTS Participants who reported more conflict with FOB also reported higher levels of perceived stress (ρ(47) = .431, P= .002). Themes (importance, communication, support, conflict, satisfaction, and stress) emerged from the data. Five distinct mother-father relationship typologies were identified following an ideal-type analysis of the combined dataset: Cared For; Managing Expectations; Just Friends, For the Kids; It's Complicated; and Can't be Bothered. CONCLUSIONS These findings are an innovative exemplar of ideal-type analysis and provide a deeper understanding of the nuance and dynamics within the mother-father relationship and how it influences perceived stress among Black pregnant women. IMPLICATIONS Clinicians must recognize the significance of the mother-father relationship and, when appropriate, encourage paternal involvement or intervene if there is conflict during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Wheeler
- Author Affiliations: College of Nursing, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida (Drs Wheeler, LaManna, Davis, Xie, and Giurgescu); Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing (Ms Esparza and Dr Misra); College of Nursing, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (Dr Khalil); Department of Statistics and Data Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida (Dr Xie); and Department of Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice, Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Dr Kavanaugh)
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Dennis CL, Singla DR, Brown HK, Savel K, Clark CT, Grigoriadis S, Vigod SN. Postpartum Depression: A Clinical Review of Impact and Current Treatment Solutions. Drugs 2024; 84:645-659. [PMID: 38811474 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-024-02038-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Depression during the first year postpartum (postpartum depression) impacts millions of women and their families worldwide. In this narrative review, we provide a summary of postpartum depression, examining the etiology and consequences, pharmacological and psychological treatments, and potential mechanisms of change and current barriers to care. Psychological treatments are effective and preferred by many perinatal patients over medications, but they often remain inaccessible. Key potential mechanisms underlying their effectiveness include treatment variables (e.g., dosage and therapeutic alliance) and patient behaviors (e.g., activation and avoidance and emotional regulation). Among pharmacological treatments, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline is generally the first-line antidepressant medication recommended to women in the postpartum period due to its minimal passage into breastmilk and the corresponding decades of safety data. Importantly, most antidepressant drugs are considered compatible with breastfeeding. Neurosteroids are emerging as an effective treatment for postpartum depression, although currently this treatment is not widely available. Barriers to widespread access to treatment include those that are systematic (e.g., lack of specialist providers), provider-driven (e.g., lack of flexibility in treatment delivery), and patient-driven (e.g., stigma and lack of time for treatment engagement). We propose virtual care, task-sharing to non-specialist treatment providers, and collaborative care models as potential solutions to enhance the reach and scalability of effective treatments to address the growing burden of postpartum depression worldwide and its negative impact on families and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy-Lee Dennis
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada.
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Rm 280, Toronto, ON, M6J 1H4, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Daisy R Singla
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hilary K Brown
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Katarina Savel
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Crystal T Clark
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sophie Grigoriadis
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Simone N Vigod
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
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Alshowkan A, Shdaifat E. Factors influencing postpartum depression in Saudi women: a cross-sectional descriptive study. WOMEN'S HEALTH NURSING (SEOUL, KOREA) 2024; 30:164-173. [PMID: 38987920 PMCID: PMC11237367 DOI: 10.4069/whn.2024.06.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and stress, as well as factors influencing PPD, among women in Saudi Arabia. METHODS This study employed a cross-sectional online survey and recruited participants during postpartum visits to the Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Data collection was done using Arabic versions of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and a sociodemographics and obstetric history questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted, including multiple linear regression using a stepwise method. RESULTS Data from the 270 participants showed low levels of postpartum depressive symptoms with a mean score of 2.54±4.5 and low levels of perceived stress with a mean score of 2.49±6.2. While 94.4% of the participants reported low levels of stress and PPD, 5.6% reported elevated levels (≥10 for PPD, ≥14 for stress). The stepwise regression analysis showed significant results (p<.001), accounting for 34% of the variance in PPD. The factors significantly influencing PPD included the type of family, stress, number of abortions, disease during pregnancy, and family income. Importantly, perceived stress emerged as a factor influencing PPD. CONCLUSION Although the majority of participants exhibited low levels of PPD, about 1 in 18 showed elevated levels. The identification of significant influencing factors highlights the need for targeted interventions to effectively address mental health concerns in postpartum women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Alshowkan
- Community Nursing Department, College of Nursing, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad Shdaifat
- Community Nursing Department, College of Nursing, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Rioux C, Fulp DC, Haley PN, LaBelle JL, Aasted ME, Lambert KK, Donohue MT, Mafu NT. Phenotypic Environmental Sensitivity and Mental Health During Pregnancy and Post Partum: Protocol for the Experiences of Pregnancy Longitudinal Cohort Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e49243. [PMID: 38055312 PMCID: PMC10733836 DOI: 10.2196/49243] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health problems during pregnancy and post partum are common and associated with negative short- and long-term impacts on pregnant individuals, obstetric outcomes, and child socioemotional development. Socio-environmental factors are important predictors of perinatal mental health, but the effects of the environment on mental health are heterogeneous. The differential susceptibility theory and the environmental sensitivity framework suggest that individuals differ in their degree of sensitivity to positive and negative environments, which can be captured by individual phenotypes such as temperament and personality. While there is strong evidence for these models in childhood, few studies examined them in adults, and they were not examined in pregnancy. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of the Experiences of Pregnancy study is to explore whether childhood and current environments are associated with mental health and well-being in pregnancy and whether these effects depend on individual sensitivity phenotypes (personality). This study also aims to gather important psychosocial and health data for potential secondary data analyses and integrative data analyses. METHODS We will conduct a longitudinal cohort study. The study was not registered elsewhere, other than this protocol. Participants will be recruited through social media advertisements linking to the study website, followed by an eligibility call on Zoom (Zoom Video Communications). Participants must be aged 18 years or older, currently residing in the United States as citizens or permanent residents, and currently planning to continue the pregnancy. A minimum of 512 participants will be recruited based on power analyses for the main objectives. Since the data will also be a resource for secondary analyses, up to 1000 participants will be recruited based on the available budget. Participants will be in their first trimester of pregnancy, and they will be followed at each trimester and once post partum. Data will be obtained through self-reported questionnaires assessing demographic factors; pregnancy-related factors; delivery, labor, and birth outcomes; early infant feeding; individual personality factors; childhood and current environments; mental health and well-being; attachment; and infant temperament. A series of measures were taken to safeguard the study from web robots and fraudulent participants, as well as to reduce legal and social risks for participants following Dobbs v. Jackson. RESULTS The study received ethics approval in April 2023 from the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Institutional Review Board. Recruitment occurred from May to August 2023, with 3 follow-ups occurring over 10 months. CONCLUSIONS The Experiences of Pregnancy study will extend theories of environmental sensitivity, mainly applied in children to the perinatal period. This will help better understand individual sensitivity factors associated with risk, resilience, plasticity, and receptivity to negative and positive environmental influences during pregnancy for pregnant individuals. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/49243.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie Rioux
- Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Delaney C Fulp
- Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Parker N Haley
- Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Jenna L LaBelle
- Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Mary E Aasted
- Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Kasie K Lambert
- Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Madison T Donohue
- Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Nkatheko T Mafu
- Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
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Răchită AIC, Strete GE, Sălcudean A, Ghiga DV, Rădulescu F, Călinescu M, Nan AG, Sasu AB, Suciu LM, Mărginean C. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depression and Anxiety among Women in the Last Trimester of Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1009. [PMID: 37374213 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy represents a psychologically and emotionally vulnerable period, and research indicates that pregnant women have a higher prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression, debunking the myth that hormonal changes associated with pregnancy protect the mother. In recent years, several researchers have focused on the study of prenatal anxiety/depression-emotional disorders manifested by mood lability and low interest in activities-with a high prevalence. The main objective of this research was to conduct an antenatal screening in a cohort of pregnant women hospitalized for delivery in order to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression. The secondary objective was to identify the risk factors associated with depression and anxiety in women in the third trimester of pregnancy. We carried out a prospective study in which we evaluated 215 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy hospitalized for childbirth at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the Târgu-Mureș County Clinical Hospital. The research was carried out between December 2019 and December 2021. The results showed that age and the environment of origin are the strongest predictors of mental health during pregnancy (OR = 0.904, 95%CI: 0.826-0.991; p = 0.029). For women from urban areas, there is an increased probability of falling at a higher level on the dependent variable (moderate depression) (OR = 2.454, 95%CI: 1.086-5.545; p = 0.032). In terms of health behaviors, none of the variables were statistically significant predictors of the outcome variable. The study highlights the importance of monitoring mental health during pregnancy and identifying relevant risk factors to provide appropriate care to pregnant women and the need for interventions to support the mental health of pregnant women. Especially in Romania, where there is no antenatal or postnatal screening for depression or other mental health conditions, these results could be used to encourage the implementation of such screening programs and appropriate interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Ioana Cristea Răchită
- Doctoral School, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology from Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Gabriela Elena Strete
- Department of Psychiatry, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology from Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania
- Mental Health Center, Mureș County Clinical Hospital, 540072 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Andreea Sălcudean
- Department of Ethics and Social Sciences, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology from Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Dana Valentina Ghiga
- Department of Medical Scientific Research Methodology, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology from Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Flavia Rădulescu
- Department of Endocrinology, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology from Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Mihai Călinescu
- Graduate of Cluj School of Public Health, Babes-Bolyai University Cluj Napoca, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea Georgiana Nan
- First Department of Psychiatry, Clinical County Hospital, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Andreea Bianca Sasu
- First Department of Psychiatry, Clinical County Hospital, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Laura Mihaela Suciu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic II, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology from Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Claudiu Mărginean
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic II, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology from Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania
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6
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Li P, Chen WW, Zhang LR. The Moderating Role of Perceived Partner Responsiveness Between Implicit Theories of Relationships and Romantic Relationship Satisfaction. Psychol Rep 2023:332941231165238. [PMID: 36935546 DOI: 10.1177/00332941231165238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Whether people believe their romantic relationship quality can be improved or not could largely influence the relationship consequences. However, relatively fewer studies have focused on the potential factors that account for the association between such beliefs and romantic relationship satisfaction (RS). In the current research, we aimed to investigate the relation between implicit theories of relationships (ITRs) and RS and the potential moderating role of perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) in such relation. An online survey was administered to 300 Chinese young adults (aged 18-35) who were currently in romantic relationships, measuring their implicit beliefs about romantic relationships, PPR, and RS. Results indicated that (a) growth beliefs of ITRs and PPR were positively associated with RS, respectively; (b) destiny beliefs of ITRs were not significantly associated with RS; and (c) PPR moderated the relation between growth beliefs of ITRs and RS. Growth beliefs were significantly positively correlated with RS in lower PPR conditions but not in higher PPR conditions. We further discussed the theoretical and practical implications of these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peishan Li
- Faculty of Education, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao
| | - Wei-Wen Chen
- Faculty of Education, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao
| | - Lu Ran Zhang
- Faculty of Education, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao
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Kumar SA, Franz MR, DiLillo D, Brock RL. Promoting resilience to depression among couples during pregnancy: The protective functions of intimate relationship satisfaction and self-compassion. FAMILY PROCESS 2023; 62:387-405. [PMID: 35610976 PMCID: PMC9899353 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy, while often marked by joy, may pose considerable risk for depression among parents. Against a backdrop of adverse life events, expectant parents may be even more vulnerable to developing symptoms of depression during the prenatal period. Thus, it is critical to identify sources of resilience that might facilitate a successful transition to parenthood among couples who have a history of adversity. Prior work suggests that interpersonal and intrapersonal factors associated with resilience, such as intimate relationship satisfaction and self-compassion (i.e., self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness), have the potential to attenuate prenatal depression among couples with a history of stressful life experiences. We tested this possibility in a sample of 159 couples navigating pregnancy. As predicted, a greater number of prior stressful life experiences was associated with increased depression symptom severity for both mothers and fathers. However, moderation analyses revealed the positive link between cumulative stressful life experiences and depression symptom severity was attenuated among mothers who reported greater self-compassion in the form of feelings of common humanity, and fathers who reported higher levels of intimate relationship satisfaction and self-compassion in the form of mindfulness. Findings suggest enhancing intimate relationship satisfaction and self-compassion among expectant couples may be valuable in attenuating prenatal depression among those with a greater history of adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Molly R. Franz
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
| | - David DiLillo
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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Kestler-Peleg M, Stenger V, Lavenda O, Bendett H, Alhalel-Lederman S, Maayan-Metzger A, Strauss T. "I'll Be There": Informal and Formal Support Systems and Mothers' Psychological Distress during NICU Hospitalization. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121958. [PMID: 36553401 PMCID: PMC9777094 DOI: 10.3390/children9121958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mothers of infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are at a high risk for psychological distress, which is of concern to health and social professionals due to the negative implications for mothers and infants. A model for explaining maternal psychological distress, consisting of intolerance to uncertainty and support from informal (spouse, family, and friends) and formal (medical staff) systems was examined. Data was collected from one of the largest NICUs in Israel; 129 mothers of 215 preterm infants completed self-report questionnaires regarding their background variables, intolerance to uncertainty, perceived informal support and perceived medical staff support. The NICU's medical staff provided indicators for the infants of participating mothers. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted. The examined model explained 29.2% of the variance in maternal psychological distress. Intolerance of uncertainty positively predicted psychological distress. Informal support, and in particular, spousal support negatively predicted psychological distress above and beyond intolerance of uncertainty. Medical staff support negatively predicted psychological distress above and beyond intolerance to uncertainty and informal support. Our findings suggest that maternal psychological distress is reduced through a family-centered care approach in NICUs. Medical professionals and social services should develop further solutions for addressing preterm mothers' need for certainty and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miri Kestler-Peleg
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
- Correspondence:
| | - Varda Stenger
- Department of Neonatology, Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Osnat Lavenda
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Haya Bendett
- Department of Neonatology, Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Shanee Alhalel-Lederman
- Department of Neonatology, Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Ayala Maayan-Metzger
- Department of Neonatology, Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Tzipora Strauss
- Department of Neonatology, Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
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9
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Fernandes J, Tavares I, Bem-Haja P, Barros T, Carrito ML. A Longitudinal Study on Maternal Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Strict Lockdown Measures and Social Support. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604608. [PMID: 35356264 PMCID: PMC8959081 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study examined the trajectory of perinatal depressive symptoms in Portuguese women during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of individual, relational, and contextual risk and protective factors.Methods: This 3-wave longitudinal study followed 290 pregnant women from the third trimester of pregnancy until 6-months postpartum. Women self-reported on depressive symptoms, psychological (anxiety, perceived stress, mindfulness), relational (perceived social support, dyadic adjustment, sexual wellbeing), and contextual (lockdown status) factors.Results: Women who were under strict lockdown presented significantly higher scores of depressive symptoms at baseline (by 1.38 EPDS points) than women who were not under strict lockdown measures. Mixed Growth Models showed that trajectories of depressive symptoms were explained by differences in women’s baseline depression. Differences in women’s depressive symptoms at baseline were mainly explained by higher anxiety and lower social support (22% and 24% for women under lockdown; 39% and 6% for women not on lockdown, respectively).Conclusion: Preventative interventions targeted at pregnant women should aim to reduce anxiety and enhance women’s social support to prevent depression in pregnancy and postpartum during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Fernandes
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Tavares
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Inês Tavares,
| | - Pedro Bem-Haja
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tânia Barros
- Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana L. Carrito
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Peifer JS, Bradley E, Taasoobshirazi G. Pilot Testing a Brief Partner-Inclusive Hybrid Intervention for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:735582. [PMID: 35633795 PMCID: PMC9130596 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.735582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The necessity of hybrid and more accessible options for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) has taken on increased urgency in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lasting impacts. In the New Family Wellness Project (NFWP), participants engage in a hybrid in-person and teletherapy six-session intervention for new parents early in their postpartum period. This small, phase 1 clinical research examined early outcomes of the NFWP's cognitive behavioral intervention on adverse mental health outcomes (i.e., perinatal depression and anxiety, overall mental illness symptoms) and adaptive outcomes and protective factors (i.e., relational health, social support, flourishing, self-efficacy). Despite a small sample size (N = 12), paired t-tests yielded significant effects for improvements in mental health symptoms at posttest, as well as marginally significant improvements in postpartum anxiety and self-efficacy. Findings suggest the brief, partner-inclusive, hybrid intervention shows promise for further study. Lessons learned from this small phase 1 clinical study and recommendations for revising the intervention prior to future trials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle S Peifer
- Department of Psychology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Erin Bradley
- Department of Public Health, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Gita Taasoobshirazi
- School of Data Science and Analytics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, United States
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11
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The risk and protective factors of heightened prenatal anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 lockdown. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20261. [PMID: 34642429 PMCID: PMC8511267 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99662-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While pregnant women are already at-risk for developing symptoms of anxiety and depression, this is heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. We compared anxiety and depression symptoms, as indicators of psychological distress, before and during COVID-19, and investigated the role of partner, social network and healthcare support on COVID-19-related worries and consequently on psychological distress. A national survey, conducted during the first lockdown in The Netherlands, assessed COVID-19 experiences and psychological distress (N = 1421), whereas a comparison sample (N = 1439) was screened for psychological distress in 2017-2018. During COVID-19, the percentage of mothers scoring above the questionnaires' clinical cut-offs doubled for depression (6% and 12%) and anxiety (24% and 52%). Women reported increased partner support during COVID-19, compared to pre-pandemic, but decreased social and healthcare support. Higher support resulted in lower COVID-19-related worries, which in turn contributed to less psychological distress. Results suggest that a global pandemic exerts a heavy toll on pregnant women's mental health. Psychological distress was substantially higher during the pandemic than the pre-pandemic years. We identified a protective role of partner, social, and healthcare support, with important implications for the current and future crisis management. Whether increased psychological distress is transient or persistent, and whether and how it affects the future generation remains to be determined.
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12
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The Association between Birth Satisfaction and the Risk of Postpartum Depression. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910458. [PMID: 34639758 PMCID: PMC8508559 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Negative experiences with childbirth might have a negative impact on a woman’s overall health, including a higher risk of postpartum depression. The aim of the study was to examine the association between birth satisfaction and the risk of postpartum depression (PPD). A 30-item version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used, as well as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The study included 584 women (mean age 30.6 ± 4.9), 2 to 4 days postpartum. In the regression model, the negative effect of birth satisfaction on the risk of postpartum depression was shown: a lower level of satisfaction with childbirth was a significant predictor of a higher risk of PPD (β = −0.18, 95% CI = −0.08; −0.03). The regression model was controlled for the effect of the sociodemographic factors (such as education or marital status) and clinical variables (such as parity, type of delivery, psychiatric history, levels of prenatal stress). Levels of prenatal stress (β = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.27; 0.39), psychiatric history (β = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.01; 3.09), parity (β = −0.12, 95% CI = −1.82; −0.32) and type of delivery (β = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.20; 1.94) were also significantly associated with the levels of postnatal depression. The current study confirmed the association between the level of birth satisfaction and the risk of developing PPD, i.e., a lower satisfaction with childbirth may increase the risk of developing PPD.
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Gugliandolo MC, Cuzzocrea F, Costa S, Soenens B, Liga F. Social support and motivation for parenthood as resources against prenatal parental distress. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/sode.12521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Cuzzocrea
- Department of Health Science University ‘Magna Graecia’ of Catanzaro Catanzaro Italy
| | - Sebastiano Costa
- Department of Psychology University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’ Caserta Italy
| | - Bart Soenens
- Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology Ghent University Ghent Italy
| | - Francesca Liga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine University of Messina Messina Italy
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Missler M, van Straten A, Denissen J, Donker T, Beijers R. Effectiveness of a psycho-educational intervention for expecting parents to prevent postpartum parenting stress, depression and anxiety: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:658. [PMID: 33129314 PMCID: PMC7603696 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03341-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first months postpartum can be challenging for parents, leading to elevated symptoms of parenting stress, depression and anxiety. In turn, distressed parents are at higher risk for providing suboptimal quality of caregiving. As psychoeducational interventions can be effective in reducing psychological distress, the goal of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effectiveness of low-intensity universal psychoeducational program to prevent postpartum parenting stress, and to enhance parental well-being and caregiving quality. METHOD Between 26 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, 138 pregnant women and 96 partners were randomized to the intervention or a waitlist control group. The intervention consisted of a booklet, a video, a home visit, and a telephone call. Information was provided on (1) sensitive responsiveness, adapting to the parental role, and attending to own needs; (2) crying patterns; (3) feeding (arrangements); and (4) sleeping (arrangements). The primary outcome was parenting stress postpartum. Secondary outcomes were additional measures of distress (depression and anxiety), parental well-being, and caregiving quality. RESULTS Both groups showed a rise in distress after birth. No between-group differences were observed on parenting stress, nor on the secondary outcomes. The intervention was rated as useful and of added value by the parents. CONCLUSION This study offered no evidence that our universal prevention program was effective in decreasing parental distress or in increasing caregiving quality. However, parents found aspects of the intervention useful. More research is needed, including a longer period of follow-up as well as observational measures of parents' responsiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial has been registered on 15 September 2016 in the Netherlands National Trial Register, ID: NTR6065, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/5782 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein Missler
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Section of Clinical Psychology & Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke van Straten
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Section of Clinical Psychology & Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Denissen
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tara Donker
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Section of Clinical Psychology & Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory for Biological and Personality Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 8, D-79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Roseriet Beijers
- Radboud University, Behavioural Science Institute, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behavior, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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