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Abdul-Fatah A, Bezanson M, Lopez Steven S, Tippins E, Jones S, MacDonald H, Ysseldyk R. COVID-19 Public Health Restrictions and New Mothers' Mental Health: A Qualitative Scoping Review. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:10497323241251984. [PMID: 39030700 DOI: 10.1177/10497323241251984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Public health restrictions to protect physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic had unintended effects on mental health, which may have disproportionately affected some potentially vulnerable groups. This scoping review of qualitative research provides a narrative synthesis of new mothers' perspectives on their mental health during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions through pregnancy to the postpartum period. Database searches in PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO sought primary research studies published until February 2023, which focused on new mothers' self-perceived mental health during the pandemic (N = 55). Our synthesis found that new mothers' mental health was impacted by general public health restrictions resulting in isolation from family and friends, a lack of community support, and impacts on the immediate family. However, public health restrictions specific to maternal and infant healthcare were most often found to negatively impact maternal mental health, namely, hospital policies prohibiting the presence of birthing partners and in-person care for their infants. This review of qualitative research adds depth to previous reviews that have solely examined the quantitative associations between COVID-19 public health restrictions and new mothers' mental health. Here, our review demonstrates the array of adverse impacts of COVID-19 public health restrictions on new mothers' mental health throughout pregnancy into the postpartum period, as reported by new mothers. These findings may be beneficial for policy makers in future public health emergency planning when evaluating the impacts and unintended consequences of public health restrictions on new mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle Bezanson
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Emily Tippins
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Jones
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Renate Ysseldyk
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Tan A, Blair A, Homer CS, Digby R, Vogel JP, Bucknall T. Pregnant and postpartum women's experiences of the indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in high-income countries: a qualitative evidence synthesis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:262. [PMID: 38605319 PMCID: PMC11007880 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06439-6] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant and postpartum women's experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the emotional and psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on perinatal health, has been well-documented across high-income countries. Increased anxiety and fear, isolation, as well as a disrupted pregnancy and postnatal period are widely described in many studies. The aim of this study was to explore, describe and synthesise studies that addressed the experiences of pregnant and postpartum women in high-income countries during the first two years of the pandemic. METHODS A qualitative evidence synthesis of studies relating to women's experiences in high-income countries during the pandemic were included. Two reviewers extracted the data using a thematic synthesis approach and NVivo 20 software. The GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) was used to assess confidence in review findings. RESULTS Sixty-eight studies were eligible and subjected to a sampling framework to ensure data richness. In total, 36 sampled studies contributed to the development of themes, sub-themes and review findings. There were six over-arching themes: (1) dealing with public health restrictions; (2) navigating changing health policies; (3) adapting to alternative ways of receiving social support; (4) dealing with impacts on their own mental health; (5) managing the new and changing information; and (6) being resilient and optimistic. Seventeen review findings were developed under these themes with high to moderate confidence according to the GRADE-CERQual assessment. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this synthesis offer different strategies for practice and policy makers to better support women, babies and their families in future emergency responses. These strategies include optimising care delivery, enhancing communication, and supporting social and mental wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Tan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute of Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Amanda Blair
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Caroline Se Homer
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robin Digby
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute of Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joshua P Vogel
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tracey Bucknall
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute of Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
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Bute JJ, Brann M, Scott SF, Johnson NL. Expectancy violations and boundary management when giving birth during a pandemic: implications for supporting women. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE 2024; 17:92-100. [PMID: 37818744 DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2023.2267844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few life events are as profound as the birth of a child. Yet for those who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, the birth experience and the care of their newborn child were altered in significant ways. METHOD In this study, we examined the stories of women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic using expectations violations theory and communication privacy management theory. RESULTS Based on focus group interviews with 65 women from 19 states across the U.S., we found that policies imposed by institutions and visitation rules negotiated by women were prominent in women's birth stories. Policies that affect territorial access to mothers and babies shaped communication to manage health and safety, resulted in intense emotional responses, and affected relationships with women's partners and families. CONCLUSIONS Our findings offer practical implications for both health care systems and health care providers. Systems must communicate proactively to offer compassionate patient care, and physicians should offer guidance to help new parents manage visitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Bute
- Department of Communication Studies, IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Maria Brann
- Department of Communication Studies, IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Nicole L Johnson
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, VA, USA
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Heelan-Fancher L, Moore Simas TA, Mazzawi J, Dumont T, Edmonds JK. Nulliparous Women's Expectations and Experiences of Early Labor. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2024; 49:22-28. [PMID: 37773194 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the expectations of early labor by nulliparous pregnant women in their third trimester and first-time mothers' experiences of early labor after they had given birth. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A descriptive qualitative approach involving semi-structured, video-call interviews conducted between September 2020 and April 2021. Data were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS Twenty-two women took part in this study. Only 3 of the 10 nulliparous pregnant participants reported pain as an expected symptom of early labor. There were two themes identified from interviews with pregnant participants: Desire to stay at home in early labor and Lack of knowledge and two themes from interviews from postpartum participants: Expectations didn't match experiences and Feelings of anxiety and uncertainty during early labor . CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Nulliparous women lack knowledge of and skills to effectively cope with pain during early labor while at home. There is a need for an innovative labor support program for childbearing women to remain safely at home in early labor.
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Saleh L, Canclini S, Mathison C, Combs S, Dickerson B. "This is not what I imagined motherhood would look like": pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting during COVID-19 - a qualitative analysis of the first year since birth. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:578. [PMID: 37568087 PMCID: PMC10422746 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05872-3] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childbearing is one of the most emotional and transformative events in a woman's life. This study aims to explore the impact COVID-19 had on childbirth, postpartum, and the first year since giving birth. METHODS This was a qualitative study using data previously collected for a larger study of women who had given birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The findings presented here are from an analysis of a subset of open-ended questions. Sixty-six participants completed questions about how COVID-19 affected childbearing and postpartum experiences. Data was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Thematic analysis of the data identified five major themes and several subthemes, including: (1) amplification of new mother typical emotions (positive emotions and negative emotions), (2) financial impact on mothers and their families, (3) persistent impact of COVID-19, (4) new mom paradigm crash (first time mothers and experienced mothers faced different issues such as lack of education and support, adding a layer to the day-to-day, and negotiating time with others) and (5) validating the importance of maternal health. On the whole, participants were overwhelmed, isolated, and did not have enough physical and emotional support. There was a lack of supportive maternal healthcare both in the short-term and long-term, with an emphasis on poor postpartum support. CONCLUSIONS This study supports previous findings that women who gave birth and entered motherhood during the COVID-19 pandemic were impacted in many ways. These findings contribute to the understanding of women's experiences not just in the immediate postpartum period, but in their daily lives one year after childbirth. The results highlight that our nation's traditional maternal healthcare model may be insufficient, especially when facing a national crisis. Strain placed on the healthcare system by COVID-19 impacted both the physical and mental health of mothers who were often left with inadequate care, education, and support. Our findings point to the need for more supportive maternal health both during childbirth and postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shanna Combs
- Anne Marion Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, USA
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White LK, Kornfield SL, Himes MM, Forkpa M, Waller R, Njoroge WFM, Barzilay R, Chaiyachati BH, Burris HH, Duncan AF, Seidlitz J, Parish-Morris J, Elovitz MA, Gur RE. The impact of postpartum social support on postpartum mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arch Womens Ment Health 2023; 26:531-541. [PMID: 37268777 PMCID: PMC10238239 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-023-01330-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Social support is an influential component of postpartum recovery, adjustment, and bonding, which was disrupted by social distancing recommendations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports on changes in the availability of social support for postpartum women during the pandemic, investigates how those changes may have contributed to postpartum mental health, and probes how specific types of social support buffered against poor postpartum mental health and maternal-infant bonding impairment. Participants were 833 pregnant patients receiving prenatal care in an urban USA setting and using an electronic patient portal to access self-report surveys at two time points, during pregnancy (April-July 2020) and at ~12 weeks postpartum (August 2020-March 2021). Measures included an assessment of COVID-19 pandemic-related change in social support, sources of social support, ratings of emotional and practical support, and postpartum outcomes including depression, anxiety, and maternal-infant bonding. Overall self-reported social support decreased during the pandemic. Decreased social support was associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and impaired parent-infant bonding. Among women reporting low practical support, emotional support appeared to protect against clinically significant depressive symptoms and impaired bonding with the infant. Decreases in social support are associated with a risk for poor postpartum mental health outcomes and impaired maternal-infant bonding. Evaluation and promotion of social support are recommended for healthy adjustment and functioning of postpartum women and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K White
- Lifespan Brain Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sara L Kornfield
- Penn Center for Women's Behavioral Wellness, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Megan M Himes
- Lifespan Brain Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Markolline Forkpa
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rebecca Waller
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Wanjikũ F M Njoroge
- Lifespan Brain Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Policy Lab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ran Barzilay
- Lifespan Brain Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Barbara H Chaiyachati
- Lifespan Brain Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Heather H Burris
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Andrea F Duncan
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jakob Seidlitz
- Lifespan Brain Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Julia Parish-Morris
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michal A Elovitz
- Women's Biomedical Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Raquel E Gur
- Lifespan Brain Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Combellick J, Ibrahim BB, Scharer K, Brickley T, Julien T, Kennedy HP. Applying Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic to Future Threats to the Perinatal Care System. J Midwifery Womens Health 2023; 68:333-339. [PMID: 36905175 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13481] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health care systems will continue to face unpredictable challenges related to climate change. The COVID-19 pandemic tested the ability of perinatal care systems to respond to extreme disruption. Many childbearing people in the United States opted out of the mainstream choice of hospital birth during the pandemic, leading to a 19.5% increase in community birth between 2019 and 2020. The aim of the study was to understand the experiences and priorities of childbearing people as they sought to preserve a safe and satisfying birth during the time of extreme health care disruption caused by the pandemic. METHODS This exploratory qualitative study recruited participants from a sample of respondents to a national-scope web-based survey that explored experiences of pregnancy and birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maximal variation sampling was used to invite survey respondents who had considered a variety of birth setting, perinatal care provider, and care model options to participate in individual interviews. A conventional content analysis approach was used with coding categories derived directly from the transcribed interviews. RESULTS Interviews were conducted with 18 individuals. Results were reported around 4 domains: (1) respect and autonomy in decision-making, (2) high-quality care, (3) safety, and (4) risk assessment and informed choice. Respect and autonomy varied by birth setting and perinatal care provider type. Quality of care and safety were described in relational and physical terms. Childbearing people prioritized alignment with their personal philosophies toward birth as they weighed safety. Although levels of stress and fear were elevated, many felt empowered by the sudden opportunity to consider new options. DISCUSSION Disaster preparedness and health system strengthening should address the importance childbearing people place on the relational aspects of care, need for options in decision-making, timely and accurate information sharing, and opportunity for a range of safe and supported birth settings. Mechanisms are needed to build system-level changes that respond to the self-expressed needs and priorities of childbearing people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tess Brickley
- Yale University School of Nursing, Orange, Connecticut
| | - Tamika Julien
- Yale University School of Nursing, Orange, Connecticut
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Elliott GMC, Letvak S, Côté-Arsenault D, Wallace DC, Smith JM. First-Time Mothers' Invisible Presence Using Social Networking Sites. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2022; 47:318-326. [PMID: 35877993 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe first-time mothers' experiences with online social networking sites in the early postpartum period, explore how mothers use them to gain support, and to evaluate how their use can aid or hinder maternal role transition. STUDY DESIGN Qualitative descriptive study. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study, using convenience and snowball sampling, first-time mothers in the early postpartum period were recruited through social media. Semistructured interviews were conducted virtually where mothers were asked to describe their experiences with online social networking. Thematic analysis methods were used to develop themes from participant interviews. RESULTS Twelve first-time mothers ranging from 4 to 12 weeks postpartum participated in the study. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: 1) Habits of first-time mom using social networking sites, 2) New purpose online, 3) Taking it to the moms, and 4) Impact on motherhood. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Maternal child nurses have opportunities to further customize support for first-time mothers online. Awareness of habits, trends, implications of early mothering during COVID-19, and the role social networking sites can play in supporting mothers in the early postpartum period offers new ways for nurses to support and empower the motherhood collective.
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Hadjigeorgiou E, Vogazianos P, Christofi MD, Motrico E, Domínguez-Salas S, Mesquita AR, Christoforou A. Experiences, concerns, and needs of pregnant and postpartum women during the Covid-19 pandemic in Cyprus: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:685. [PMID: 36064519 PMCID: PMC9442558 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05017-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current COVID-19 pandemic is a unique stressor with potentially challenging and negative consequences on the experiences of pregnant and postpartum women. International literature highlights the pandemic's negative impact on women's perinatal experiences. This is the first study in the scientific literature reporting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, on the perinatal experiences of a large sample of women living in Cyprus. AIM To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experiences, concerns and needs of pregnant and postpartum women in Cyprus. METHOD The cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2020 to January 2021. A total of 695 women, 355 pregnant and 340 postpartum women (with infants up to 6 months of age), residing in Cyprus were surveyed. RESULTS The great majority of the participants (80.9%) perceived the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their life as negative. The greatest sources of stress were identified and quantified for their impact on the participants. Our findings indicate that 74.1% of the pregnant women were concerned about changes due to COVID-19 measures impacting the presence of their family at the time of delivery, 57.2% about their newborn's health, and 43.1% about changes related to perinatal care. Postpartum women's concerns were mainly related to the welfare and health of their child (70.3%), whilst half of them (49.1%) expressed concerns about how they were going to care for their baby because of pandemic-related changes. Qualitative data revealed emerging themes as the basis of the pregnant and postpartum women's concerns and needs. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated imposed measures and restrictions had adverse effects on pregnant and postpartum women's perinatal experiences in Cyprus. The women's concerns emphasized the need for the development of specialized, evidenced-based support systems which are essential particularly in pandemic-like situations, when pregnant and postpartum women are more vulnerable to isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Hadjigeorgiou
- Nursing Department, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.
| | - Paris Vogazianos
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Humanities, Social and Education Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria-Dolores Christofi
- Nursing Department, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Emma Motrico
- Psychology Department, Universidad Loyola Andalucia, Dos Hermanas Seville, Spain
| | - Sara Domínguez-Salas
- Psychology Department, Universidad Loyola Andalucia, Dos Hermanas Seville, Spain
| | - Ana R Mesquita
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Andri Christoforou
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Humanities, Social and Education Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Gómez-Baya D, Gómez-Gómez I, Domínguez-Salas S, Rodríguez-Domínguez C, Motrico E. The influence of lifestyles to cope with stress over mental health in pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-20. [PMID: 35729900 PMCID: PMC9200375 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03287-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic affected daily life routines and lifestyles of pregnant and postpartum women and increased their stress and risk of suffering from mental health problems. The aim of this study was to analyse which sociodemographic variables, COVID-19 exposure variables and lifestyles to cope with stress variables predicted anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional design was performed with a sample of 3356 Spanish women participating in the Riseup-PPD-COVID-19 study. These participants completed an online survey composed of measures of anxiety (GAD-7), depression (EPDS), and PTSD related to COVID-19 (Checklist DSM-5), as well as demographics, exposure to COVID-19, and lifestyles to cope with stress. Regarding results, 47.2% showed depression and a third reported anxiety, whereas moderate scores were observed in PTSD symptoms. The most commonly used strategies to cope with stress in the COVID-19 pandemic were talking with friends and family and increasing time with social networks. Better results in mental health were associated with coping strategies such as talking with family and friends or participating in family activities, physical activity, sleeping well at night, eating healthier, and increasing personal care. Furthermore, poor results in mental health were observed in those participants who increased time with screens, ate fast food, reported substance use, and talked more frequently with health professionals. More symptoms were also observed in younger women, primiparous women, and those who reported more exposure to COVID-19. The results underline the need to strengthen the mental health of pregnant and postpartum women. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04595123.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Gómez-Baya
- Department of Social, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Irene Gómez-Gómez
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Dos Hermanas, Seville Spain
| | - Sara Domínguez-Salas
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Dos Hermanas, Seville Spain
| | | | - Emma Motrico
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Dos Hermanas, Seville Spain
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