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Gusak N, Kendall S, Nizalova O. Understanding of perinatal mental health and its psychosocial determinants through Ukrainian women's experience. Eur J Midwifery 2024; 8:EJM-8-29. [PMID: 38841270 PMCID: PMC11151686 DOI: 10.18332/ejm/188194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Perinatal mental health defines new mothers, their families, and the social, emotional, and cognitive development of their children. The factors contributing to Ukrainian mothers' mental health are not well-defined in the literature. This study aims to explore how Ukrainian women understand mental health and its psychosocial determinants through their perinatal experience. METHODS This qualitative analysis is part of a larger mixed-methods study exploring perinatal mental health in Ukraine. Five online focus groups (n=30) with Ukrainian mothers of children aged 0-5 years were conducted in June-July 2020. The participants were selected from a pool of 1634 women who completed an online questionnaire and agreed to participate in further research. Informed consent was obtained. The data collected from the focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using Dedoose software. RESULTS The study identified two themes. The first theme was: 'Understanding perinatal mental health through women's experience', which covers five subthemes. The second theme was 'Psychosocial determinants of maternal mental health', which includes six subthemes. Overall, women's feelings of guilt, blame, and shame during their perinatal journey are influenced by socio-cultural factors and can lead to mental health problems and reluctance to seek proper help. CONCLUSIONS The study has identified some factors that can contribute to the enhancement of mental health and well-being of mothers in Ukraine during their perinatal journey. Negative emotions such as guilt, blame, and shame can have a significant impact on their ability to seek the necessary support, and should be addressed by midwives and other healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliia Gusak
- Department of Social Work, National University of KyivMohyla Academy, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Zheng LR, Naurin E, Markstedt E, Olander P, Elden H, Linden K. A Longitudinal Dyadic Study of Six Leisure Activities in Swedish Couples During the Transition to Parenthood. SEX ROLES 2023; 88:210-224. [PMID: 36855639 PMCID: PMC9951155 DOI: 10.1007/s11199-023-01351-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Parents are not only caregivers to their children; they also have leisure routines that can impact their own well-being. However, little is known about how leisure activities change within the context of a couple during the transition to parenthood. This study uses latent growth curve models and data from the Swedish Pregnancy Panel to examine how often 918 first-time, heterosexual couples participated in six leisure activities from around pregnancy week 19 to one year postpartum. Compared to fathers, mothers less frequently exercised and listened to news, and more frequently read newspapers, spent time for themselves, and spent time with friends. Over time, mothers increased their frequency of praying to God and decreased spending time for themselves and with friends. Fathers decreased frequency of exercise. Within couples, there was a positive correlation between mothers' and fathers' frequency of engaging in leisure activities, although most changes over time were not associated. Our finding that two individuals within a couple may change their leisure activities independently of each other during the transition to parenthood can help healthcare professionals and researchers prepare expectant couples for upcoming changes (or lack thereof) and promote parent well-being. Our findings also highlight the possibility that in contexts with more state support for families, parenthood may not exacerbate gender gaps in leisure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy R. Zheng
- Department of Political Science, University of Gothenburg, Sprängkullsgatan 19, 41123 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Elin Naurin
- Department of Political Science, University of Gothenburg, Sprängkullsgatan 19, 41123 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Elias Markstedt
- Department of Political Science, University of Gothenburg, Sprängkullsgatan 19, 41123 Göteborg, Sweden
- Society, Opinion and Media Institute, University of Gothenburg, Seminariegatan 1B, 413 13 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Petrus Olander
- Department of Political Science, University of Gothenburg, Sprängkullsgatan 19, 41123 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Helen Elden
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 457, 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Diagnosvägen 15, 416 50 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Karolina Linden
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 457, 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
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Fogarty A, Jones A, Evans K, O’Brien J, Giallo R. The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic for families of infants involved with Child Protection Services for maltreatment concerns. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:1754-1762. [PMID: 34435399 PMCID: PMC8653246 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated physical distancing restrictions have exacerbated social, economic and health disadvantage within our communities. With increases in mental health difficulties and family violence already being seen, there is concern that the risk of child maltreatment risk may also be increased. The current study aimed to explore the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic for families identified to be at risk of child maltreatment in Victoria, Australia. Understanding the experiences of the pandemic for families already at risk is essential in identifying how to best support vulnerable parents and young children during this challenging time. Interviews were conducted with 11 parents currently involved with Child Protection Services, and nine clinicians working within a child and family health services, supporting clients with child protection involvement. Parents and clinicians described a range of pandemic related stressors including employment and financial stress, worry about infection and changes to service access. In addition, parents with children in out of home care discussed decreased access to their children resulting from physical distancing restrictions. Parents and clinicians perceived the pandemic to be having a negative impact on parent mental health, parenting stress and isolation. Although parents raised minimal concerns about the impact of the pandemic on child well-being, clinicians expressed concerns about the rise in risk factors for child maltreatment. Parents discussed a range of coping strategies which they perceived to be helpful during the pandemic, and clinicians and parents described the need for additional mental health support and support to access basic needs. The study highlights the importance of ensuring at risk families have access to parenting and mental health support throughout the pandemic and the importance of ensuring children within at-risk families are sighted and their safety assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Fogarty
- Murdoch Children’s Research InstituteMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Andi Jones
- Tweddle Child and Family Health ServiceMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Kirsty Evans
- Tweddle Child and Family Health ServiceMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Jacquie O’Brien
- Tweddle Child and Family Health ServiceMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Rebecca Giallo
- Murdoch Children’s Research InstituteMelbourneVic.Australia
- Department of PaediatricsThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
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Ashby GB, Riggan KA, Huang L, Torbenson VE, Long ME, Wick MJ, Allyse MA, Rivera-Chiauzzi EY. "I had so many life-changing decisions I had to make without support": a qualitative analysis of women's pregnant and postpartum experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:537. [PMID: 35787675 PMCID: PMC9251587 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04816-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has posed profound challenges for pregnant patients and their families. Studies conducted early in the pandemic found that pregnant individuals reported increased mental health concerns in response to pandemic-related stress. Many obstetric practices changed their healthcare delivery models, further impacting the experiences of pregnant patients. We conducted a survey study to explore the ways in which COVID-19 impacted the lives of pregnant and newly postpartum people. METHODS A mixed-methods survey was distributed to all patients ≥18 years old who were pregnant between January 1st, 2020 - April 28, 2021 in a large Midwest health system. Open-ended survey responses were analyzed for common themes using standard qualitative methodology. RESULTS Among the 1182 survey respondents, 647 women provided an open-ended response. Of these, 77% were in the postpartum period. The majority of respondents identified as white, were partnered or married, and owned their own home. Respondents reported feeling greater uncertainty, social isolation, as though they had limited social and practical support, and negative mental health effects as a result of the pandemic. Many cited sudden or arbitrary changes to their medical care as a contributing factor. Though in the minority, some respondents also reported benefits from the changes to daily life, including perceived improvements to medical care, better work-life balance, and opportunities for new perspectives. CONCLUSIONS This large qualitative dataset provides insight into how healthcare policy and lifestyle changes impacted pregnant and postpartum people. Respondents expressed similar levels of uncertainty and mental health concerns compared to other cohorts but less overall positivity. Our findings suggest greater attention be given to the impact of pandemic-related stress on pregnant and postpartum women. As the pandemic continues, these data identify areas where investment in additional support may have the greatest impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kirsten A Riggan
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lily Huang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Margaret E Long
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Myra J Wick
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Megan A Allyse
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Zhu Y, Wang R, Tang X, Li Q, Xu G, Zhang A. The effect of music, massage, yoga and exercise on antenatal depression: A meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2021; 292:592-602. [PMID: 34147972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.05.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal depression affects 20.7 percent of women worldwide, which was associated with preterm birth, low birth weight and Apgar score, as well as cognitive, emotional and behavioral development disorders. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to retrieve the latest and best evidence about music, massage, yoga and exercise in the prevention and treatment of prenatal depression, and to preliminarily compare the four methods to explore the most effective means. We also compared different types of yoga and music, in order to find the most effective type of intervention. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was carried out through six databases on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Effects were summarized by a random effects model using mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Evidence quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. RESULTS This research found low to very low evidence that yoga, exercise, music and massage could reduce antenatal depression. Among them, music may be the most effective intervention, and integrated yoga other than simple yoga would improve prenatal depression. The effect of Chinese Medicine Five Element Music may be better than ordinary music. CONCLUSION It is important to support prenatal depression patients to make informed decisions about their behavior therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhu
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaomei Tang
- Department of Nursing, Xinghua Maternity and Child Healthcare centre, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Nursing, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Guihua Xu
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Aixia Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Jiangsu, China.
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Carter EA, Bond MJ, Wickham RE, Barrera AZ. Perinatal depression among a global sample of Spanish-speaking women: A sequential-process latent growth-curve analysis. J Affect Disord 2019; 243:145-152. [PMID: 30243194 PMCID: PMC6207183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite high rates of perinatal depression among women from diverse backgrounds, the understanding of the trajectory of depressive symptoms is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the trajectories of depressive symptoms from pregnancy to postpartum among an international sample of pregnant women. METHODS Hispanic/Latina (79.2%), Spanish-speaking (81%) pregnant women (N = 1796; Mean age = 28.32, SD = 5.51) representing 78 unique countries/territories participated in this study. A sequential-process latent growth-curve model was estimated to examine general trajectories of depression as well as risk and protective factors that may impact depression levels throughout both the prenatal and postpartum periods. RESULTS Overall, depression levels decreased significantly across the entire perinatal period, but this decrease slowed over time within both the prenatal and postpartum periods. Spanish-speaking women, those who were partnered, and those with no history of depression reported lower levels of depression during early pregnancy, but this buffer effect reduced over time. Depression levels at delivery best predicted postpartum depression trajectories (i.e., women with higher levels of depression at delivery were at greater risk for depression postpartum). LIMITATIONS Given the emphasis on language and not country or culture of origin this study was limited in its ability to examine the impact of specific cultural norms and expectations on perinatal depression. CONCLUSIONS Given these findings, it is imperative that providers pay attention to, and assess for, depressive symptoms and identified buffers for depression, especially when working with women from diverse communities.
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Mandal SK, Hooker L, Vally H, Taft A. Partner violence and postnatal mental health: cross-sectional analysis of factors associated with depression and anxiety in new mothers. Aust J Prim Health 2018; 24:434-440. [DOI: 10.1071/py17174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Intimate-partner violence and poor mental health are common, harmful issues for women of childbearing age. Although the prevalence and correlates of postpartum depression are well established, far less is known about postpartum anxiety. We aimed to investigate the association between postnatal depression and anxiety, and intimate-partner violence among women attending Victorian Maternal and Child Health services, using data from a randomised control trial: Improving Maternal and Child Health care for Vulnerable Mothers (MOVE). These data included postnatal women who had given birth between May and December 2010. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the association between intimate partner violence (using the Composite Abuse Scale) and postnatal depression and anxiety (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale), controlling for participant socio-demographic characteristics. Findings showed that abused women were more likely to report postnatal depressive and anxiety symptoms. There was an almost two-fold (odds ratio (OR) 1.76, 95% CI 1.03–3.01) and three-fold (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.58–4.28) increase in the odds of reporting depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively, among abused compared with non-abused women. Abused women are at a higher risk of mental health problems. This study validated findings that intimate-partner violence is strongly associated with an increased risk of postnatal depression and highlighted the previously under-reported relationship with postnatal anxiety.
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McDonald E, Woolhouse H, Brown SJ. Sexual pleasure and emotional satisfaction in the first 18 months after childbirth. Midwifery 2017; 55:60-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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