Social support and maternal mental health at 4 months and 1 year postpartum: analysis from the All Our Families cohort

Pregnancy during COVID 19 pandemic associated with differential gut microbiome composition as compared to pre-pandemic

The first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent health mandates resulted in significant disruptions to daily life, creating a period of heightened psychosocial stress in myriad aspects. Understanding the impact of this period on pregnant individuals' bacteriomes is crucial as pregnancy is a period of heightened vulnerability to stress and its sequelae, anxiety and mood disorders, which have been demonstrated to alter gut microbiome composition. In a prospective cohort study (N = 12-26) conducted from February 2019 to August 2021, we examined psychometric responses and rectal microbiome swabs from pregnant individuals. Full-length 16 S rRNA sequencing followed by calculation of diversity metrics and relative abundance values were used to interrogate fecal microbiome community composition across pandemic groups. Distinct shifts in bacterial diversity and composition were observed during early to late pregnancy in the pandemic group, including lower relative abundance of pathogenic and lesser-known taxa. However, distribution of stress and depressive symptoms did not significantly differ from the pre-pandemic period while the correlation between stress and depressive symptoms dissipated during the pandemic. Our findings suggest that living through the COVID-19 pandemic altered the gut microbiome of pregnant individuals, independent of perceived stress.

The Unique Impacts of COVID-19 on Low-Income and Diverse Canadian Women's Mental Health Profiles: A Latent Transition Analysis

There is evidence of an overall decline in women's mental health, particularly those with young children, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, research has also found heterogeneity in women's mental health responses. This longitudinal study sampled low-income women with young children by recruiting from the government's child care financial subsidy waitlist. To examine heterogeneity in women's mental health responses to COVID-19, a latent transition analysis was employed to identify profiles of anxiety, depression, and stress among 289 low-income mothers. Using these identified profiles, we examined the transitional patterns between profiles before and during COVID-19 and the sociodemographic and familial factors related to these profiles. A three-profile solution was identified prior to COVID-19 and a four-profile solution during COVID-19, with some profiles exhibiting qualitatively different defining characteristics. Latent transition analyses found diverse patterns of mental health changes after the onset of COVID-19. Mothers with better mental health prior to COVID-19 tended to have the most stable mental health during COVID-19. In contrast, mothers who were highly stressed prior to COVID-19 were equally likely to improve or decline after the onset of the pandemic. In addition, the relationships between race, parenting practices, child temperament, and child mental health were significantly related to mothers' mental health profiles. These findings describe mothers' experiences and areas where policymakers and practitioners can tailor support to low-income women with young children.

Predictors of Participation in a Perinatal Text Message Screening Protocol for Maternal Depression and Anxiety: Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Universal screening for depression and anxiety in pregnancy has been recommended by several leading medical organizations, but the implementation of such screening protocols may overburden health care systems lacking relevant resources. Text message screening may provide a low-cost, accessible alternative to in-person screening assessments. However, it is critical to understand who is likely to participate in text message-based screening protocols before such approaches can be implemented at the population level.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine sources of selection bias in a texting-based screening protocol that assessed symptoms of depression and anxiety across pregnancy and into the postpartum period.

METHODS

Participants from the Montreal Antenatal Well-Being Study (n=1130) provided detailed sociodemographic information and completed questionnaires assessing symptoms of depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS]) and anxiety (State component of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI-S]) at baseline between 8 and 20 weeks of gestation (mean 14.5, SD 3.8 weeks of gestation). Brief screening questionnaires, more suitable for delivery via text message, assessing depression (Whooley Questions) and anxiety symptoms (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-Item questionnaire) were also collected at baseline and then via text message at 14-day intervals. Two-tailed t tests and Fisher tests were used to identify maternal characteristics that differed between participants who responded to the text message screening questions and those who did not. Hurdle regression models were used to test if individuals with a greater burden of depression and anxiety at baseline responded to fewer text messages across the study period.

RESULTS

Participants who responded to the text messages (n=933) were more likely than nonrespondents (n=114) to self-identify as White (587/907, 64.7% vs 39/96, 40.6%; P<.001), report higher educational attainment (postgraduate: 268/909, 29.5% vs 15/94, 16%; P=.005), and report higher income levels (CAD $150,000 [a currency exchange rate of CAD $1=US $0.76 is applicable] or more: 176/832, 21.2% vs 10/84, 11.9%; P<.001). There were no significant differences in symptoms of depression and anxiety between the 2 groups at baseline or postpartum. However, baseline depression (EPDS) or anxiety (STAI-S) symptoms did predict the total number of text message time points answered by participants, corresponding to a decrease of 1% (eβ=0.99; P<.001) and 0.3% (eβ=0.997; P<.001) in the number of text message time points answered per point increase in EPDS or STAI-S score, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study highlight the feasibility of text message-based screening protocols with high participation rates. However, our findings also highlight how screening and service delivery via digital technology could exacerbate disparities in mental health between certain patient groups.

Maternal Sleep Health, Social Support, and Distress: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Mothers of Infants and Young Children in Rural US

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to explore sleep health in rural maternal populations through a social-ecological framework and identify risk and protective factors for this population.

METHODS

39 individuals who are mothers of infants or children under the age of 5 years completed an online survey, 35 of which completed a subsequent semi-structured interview. Recruitment was limited to one rural community and was in partnership with community healthcare providers. Results were integrated using a convergent, parallel mixed-methods design.

RESULTS

Poor sleep health and high prevalence of insomnia symptoms in rural mothers were evident and associated with social support and maternal distress. Qualitative content from interviews indicated that well-established precipitating and perpetuating factors for insomnia may contribute to poor maternal sleep health. Results also revealed a gap in knowledge and language surrounding sleep health among rural mothers.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep health is challenged during the transition to motherhood and rural mothers have less access to specialized perinatal and behavioral health care than their urban counterparts. In this sample, poor sleep was attributable to distress in addition to nocturnal infant and child sleep patterns which has implications for psychoeducation and promotion of sleep health in mothers. Sleep is a modifiable health indicator that is associated with several other maternal health outcomes and should be considered an element of a comprehensive maternal health for prevention and intervention across individual, interpersonal, and societal domains of the social-ecological model of sleep health.

The reliability and validity of the Postpartum Partner Support Scale among Chinese women

BACKGROUND

The benefits of partner support have been well documented for maternal and child health and wellbeing. Chinese women who practice traditional postpartum rituals may lack support during the confinement and often rely heavily on their partners. Currently, there is no validated measure to assess postpartum partner support in China.

AIM

To translate the Postpartum Partner Support Scale (PPSS) into Chinese, evaluate its psychometric properties and assess postpartum support among Chinese women.

METHODS

The PPSS was translated into Chinese using a validated process and administered to 428 postpartum women residing in the city of Quanzhou in the Fujian Province in China between September 2021 and July 2022.

RESULTS

Reliability analysis demonstrated a Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.97, a split-half coefficient of 0.93, and a retest correlation coefficient of 0.91 (p < 0.01). The item analysis and content validity results fell within the recommended range, with no items requiring deletion. Exploratory factor analysis revealed the extraction of a single common factor, which accounted for 74.05% of the cumulative variance. Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a χ2/df ratio of 1.48 and an RMSEA value of 0.05. Several demographic variables were associated with significantly lower levels of postnatal partner support including older maternal and paternal age, lower maternal education, higher household income, fair relationship with in-law family, female infant sex, and premature birth.

CONCLUSION

The Chinese version of the PPSS exhibited good reliability and validity providing evidence that it may be suitable for evaluating partner support among postpartum women in China.

Mixed-Methods Assessment of Maternal Anxiety During the First 8 Weeks After Birth

OBJECTIVE

To describe and compare the experiences of postpartum anxiety among women with generalized anxiety and postpartum-specific anxiety.

DESIGN

Prospective, longitudinal, mixed methods.

SETTING

Academic tertiary center in the mid-Atlantic United States. Study activities were remote.

PARTICIPANTS

Women at 1 to 8 weeks after birth (N = 34).

METHODS

We used mobile surveys to measure daily anxiety ratings and responses to open-ended, theory-driven questions about anxiety. We used the cutoff scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale administered 8 weeks after birth to determine the presence of generalized and postpartum-specific anxiety. Participants' responses were analyzed with qualitative description and sorted by anxiety questionnaire scores at 8 weeks after birth. We compared qualitative findings between participants with generalized anxiety and postpartum-specific anxiety.

RESULTS

Participants with generalized anxiety had high levels of overwhelm and felt ill-equipped to handle daily stressors, whereas those with postpartum-specific anxiety felt adept at coping. Participants with generalized anxiety lacked emotional and physical support, and those with postpartum-specific anxiety reported more physical but variable emotional support. Sources of daily anxiety in participants with postpartum-specific anxiety were infant-centric (e.g., infant health, end of maternity leave, breastfeeding), whereas anxiety sources for participants with generalized anxiety were varied (e.g., self-health, partner concerns). Participants with generalized anxiety versus postpartum-specific anxiety were more likely to be multiparous and have comorbid depression symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Symptoms, levels of perceived support, and sources of anxiety differed between participants with generalized versus postpartum-specific anxiety. Our findings can inform postpartum anxiety screening strategies and support interventions.

The social and healthcare professional support drawn upon by women antenatally during the COVID-19 pandemic: A recurrent, cross-sectional, thematic analysis

OBJECTIVE

To explore antenatal experiences of social and healthcare professional support during different phases of social distancing restriction implementation in the UK.

DESIGN

Semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone or video-conferencing software between 13 July 2020 - 2 September 2020. Interviews were transcribed and a recurrent, cross-sectional, thematic analysis was conducted.

PARTICIPANTS

Twelve antenatal women were interviewed during UK social distancing restrictions (Timepoint 1; T1) and a separate sample of twelve women were interviewed in the initial easing of these restrictions (Timepoint 2; T2).

FINDINGS

T1 themes were: 'Maternity care as non-essential' and 'Pregnancy is cancelled'. T2 themes were: 'Technology is a polarised tool' and 'Clinically vulnerable, or not clinically vulnerable? That is the question'.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

At T1, anxieties were ascribed to the exclusion of partners from routine care, and to perceived insensitivity and aggression from the public. For T2, insufficient Governmental transparency led to disillusionment, confusion, and anger. Covert workplace discrimination also caused distress at T2. Across timepoints: deteriorated mental wellbeing was attributed to depleted opportunities to interact socially and scaled back maternity care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Recommendations are made to: protect maternal autonomy; improve quality of mental health and routine care signposting; prioritise parental community support in the re-opening of 'non-essential' services; prioritise the option for face-to-face appointments when safe and legal; and protecting the rights of working mothers.

What do mothers think about their antenatal classes? A mixed-method study in Switzerland

PROBLEM

Research so far has evaluated the effect of antenatal classes, but few studies have investigated its usefulness from the perspective of mothers after birth.

BACKGROUND

Antenatal classes evolved from pain management to a mother-centred approach, including birth plans and parenting education. Evaluating the perception of the usefulness of these classes is important to meet mother's needs. However, so far, research on the mothers' perception of the usefulness of these classes is sparse, particularly when measured after childbirth. Given that antenatal classes are considered as adult education, it is necessary to carry out this evaluation after mothers have had an opportunity to apply some of the competences they acquired during the antenatal classes during their childbirth.

AIM

This study investigated mothers' satisfaction and perceived usefulness of antenatal classes provided within a university hospital in Switzerland, as assessed in the postpartum period.

METHODS

Primiparous mothers who gave birth at a Swiss university hospital from January 2018 to September 2020 were contacted. Those who had attended the hospital's antenatal classes were invited to complete a questionnaire consisting of a quantitative and qualitative part about usefulness and satisfaction about antenatal classes. Quantitative data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.

FINDINGS

Among the 259 mothers who answered, 61% (n = 158) were globally satisfied with the antenatal classes and 56.2% (n = 145) found the sessions useful in general. However, looking at the utility score of each theme, none of them achieved a score of usefulness above 44%. The timing of some of these sessions was questioned. Some mothers regretted the lack of accurate information, especially on labour complications and postnatal care.

DISCUSSION

Antenatal classes were valued for their peer support. However, in their salutogenic vision of empowerment, they did not address the complications of childbirth, even though this was what some mothers needed. Furthermore, these classes could also be more oriented towards the postpartum period, as requested by some mothers.

CONCLUSION

Revising antenatal classes to fit mothers' needs could lead to greater satisfaction and thus a better impact on the well-being of mothers and their families.

Are pregnancy and parity associated with telomere length? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Women's reproduction requires increased energy demands, which consequently may lead to cellular damage and aging. Hence, Telomere Length (TL), a biomarker of biological aging and health status may possibly serve as a biomarker of reproductive effort. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate telomere dynamics throughout pregnancy and the association between parity and TL.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across seven databases including CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Proquest, PubMed; Scopus; and Web of Science, using keywords and MeSH descriptors of parity and TL. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to screen abstracts and titles. After the removal of duplicates, 3431 articles were included in the primary screening, narrowed to 194 articles included in the full-text screening. Consensus was reached for the 14 studies that were included in the final review, and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was utilized to assess the quality of the selected studies. A mini meta-analysis utilized JASP 0.17.3 software and included 4 applicable studies, comprising a total of 2564 participants to quantitatively assess the estimated effect size of parity on TL.

RESULTS

Of the 11 studies reviewed on parity and TL, four demonstrated a negative correlation; one - a positive correlation and six -found no correlation. Studies demonstrating a negative correlation encompassed rigorous methodological practices possibly suggesting having more children is associated with enhanced telomere attrition. Of the four longitudinal studies assessing telomere dynamics throughout pregnancy, most found no change in TL from early pregnancy to postpartum suggesting pregnancy does not affect TL from early pregnancy to early postpartum. The meta-analysis revealed a negative, yet, non-significant effect, of the estimated effect size of parity on TL(ES = -0.009, p = 0.126, CI -0.021, 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Studies assessing pregnancy, parity and TL yielded mixed results, most likely due to the different research methods utilized in each study. Improvements in study design to better understand the short-term effects of pregnancy on TL and the effect of parity on TL over time, include precise definitions of parity, comparisons of different age groups, inclusion of reproductive lifespan and statistically adjusting for potential confounders in the parity and TL relationship.

One size doesn't fit all: Attitudes towards work modify the relation between parental leave length and postpartum depression

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental leave length and maternal depressive symptoms at six- and twelve-months postpartum and whether this relation was influenced by women's attitudes towards leave, whether leave was paid or unpaid, and the reason they returned to work. The sample included 115 working women recruited during pregnancy as part of a larger longitudinal study. Analyses revealed that maternal attitudes toward leave influenced the association between leave length and depressive symptoms. Specifically, longer leaves were associated with increased depressive symptoms for women who missed their previous activities at work. Furthermore, women who missed work and had leave for 16 weeks or more, exhibited higher depressive symptoms at six- and twelve-months. Last, results also indicated that women who returned to work solely for monetary reasons exhibited more depressive symptoms at six-months postpartum than those who returned to work for other reasons. This study is among the first to show that women's attitudes towards parental leave and their individual reasons for returning to work are important factors to consider that may have potential implications for parental leave policies.

The impact of postpartum social support on postpartum mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic

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.

Women's experience of perinatal support in a high migrant Australian population during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

As a COVID-19 risk mitigation measure, Australia closed its international borders for two years with significant socioeconomic disruption including impacting approximately 30% of the Australian population who are migrants. Migrant populations during the peripartum often rely on overseas relatives visiting for social support. High quality social support is known to lead to improved health outcomes with disruption to support a recognised health risk.

AIM

To explore women's experience of peripartum social support during the COVID-19 pandemic in a high migrant population. To quantify type and frequency of support to identify characteristics of vulnerable perinatal populations for future pandemic preparedness.

METHODS

A mixed methods study with semi-structured interviews and a quantitative survey was conducted from October 2020 to April 2021. A thematic approach was used for analysis.

RESULTS

There were 24 participants interviewed both antenatally and postnatally (22 antenatal; 18 postnatal). Fourteen women were migrants and 10 Australian born. Main themes included; 'Significant disruption and loss of peripartum support during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing impact for migrant women'; 'Husbands/partners filling the support gap' and 'Holding on by a virtual thread'. Half of the participants felt unsupported antenatally. For Australian born women, this dissipated postnatally, but migrants continued to feel unsupported. Migrant women discussed partners stepped into traditional roles and duties of absent mothers and mothers-in-law who were only available virtually.

CONCLUSION

This study identified disrupted social support for migrant women during the pandemic, providing further evidence that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted migrant populations. However, the benefits identified in this study included high use of virtual support, which could be leveraged for improving clinical care in the present and in future pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted most women's peripartum social support with migrant families having ongoing disruption. Gains in the pandemic included greater gender equity for domestic work as husbands/partners increased their contribution to domestic work and childcare.

Women's Mental Health up to Eight Years after Childbirth and Associated Risk Factors: Longitudinal Findings from the All Our Families Cohort in Canada

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the prevalence of elevated maternal anxiety and/or depression symptoms up to eight years after childbirth and the association between role and relationship strains during parenting and mental health challenges from three to eight years after childbirth.

METHODS

This study used data from the All Our Families longitudinal pregnancy cohort. Role and relationship strain factors and anxiety and depression symptoms were measured at repeated time points from four months to eight years after childbirth. The proportion of women with elevated anxiety and/or depression was calculated at each available time point. Generalized estimating equation models were used to examine the association between role and relationship strain factors and anxiety and/or depression from three to eight years after childbirth. Predicted probability of having anxiety and/or depression was estimated across those with and without challenges with roles and relationships. The models were adjusted for known risk factors such as maternal income and perinatal anxiety and/or depression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of elevated anxiety and/or depression ranged from 18.8% (at four months) to 26.2% (at eight years). The adjusted odds ratio of anxiety and/or depression was 3.5 (95% CI = 2.9, 4.3) for those juggling family responsibilities and 2.4 (95% CI = 2.0, 3.0) for those with stressful partner relationship compared to their counterparts. Similarly, experiencing financial crunch and poor partner relationship were associated with increased mental health difficulties. Women without challenges in roles or relationships had a 23% lower predicted probability of anxiety and/or depression than those with the challenges.

CONCLUSIONS

Monitoring mothers for anxiety and depression beyond the postpartum period and strategies that address role and relationship challenges may be valuable to women at risk of anxiety and depression.

Effect of Remote Peer-Counsellor- delivered Behavioral Activation and Peer-support for Antenatal Depression on Gestational Age at Delivery: a single-blind, randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

Antenatal depression (AD) is the most common complication of pregnancy in developed countries and increases the risk of preterm birth (PTB). Many pregnant individuals with AD do not obtain treatment due in part to risks associated with antidepressant medications, the expense and wait times for psychological services, and perceived stigma. Accessible and timely treatment of antenatal depression is crucial to minimize foetal impacts and associated long-term child health outcomes. Previous studies show that behavioural activation and peer support are promising avenues of treatment for perinatal depression. Additionally, remote and paraprofessional counselling interventions show promise as more accessible, sustainable, and cost-effective treatment avenues than traditional psychological services. The primary aim of this trial is to test the effectiveness of a remote, behavioural activation and peer support intervention, administered by trained peer para-professionals, for increasing gestational age at delivery among those with antenatal depression. The secondary aims are to evaluate the effectiveness for treating AD prior to delivery, with persistence into the postpartum; improving anxiety symptoms; and improving parenting self-efficacy compared to controls.

METHODS

A two-arm, single-blinded, parallel groups randomized controlled trial (RCT) with repeated measures will be conducted. Participants scoring >10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale will be recruited from the larger P3 cohort and invited to enroll. Assessments will be conducted prior to 27 weeks' gestation at trial intake (T1), post-intervention, prior to delivery (T2), 5-6 months postpartum (T3), and 11-12 months postpartum (T4) and will include self-report questionnaires and linked medical records.

DISCUSSION

Our remote, peer paraprofessional-delivered behavioural activation plus peer support intervention has the potential to successfully reduce symptoms of AD, which may in turn decrease the risk of PTB and subsequent health impacts. The current trial builds on previous findings and uses a patient-oriented approach to address priorities for patient care and to provide a cost-effective, accessible, and evidence-based treatment to pregnant individuals with AD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) registry (ISRCTN51098220) ISRCTN51098220. Registered on April 7, 2022.

Social and cognitive vulnerability to COVID-19-related stress in pregnancy: A case-matched-control study of antenatal mental health

Emerging evidence shows that compared to pre-pandemic norms pregnant women report significant increases in clinical levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms during COVID-19. This pre-registered study examined cognitive and social vulnerability factors for poor mental health in pregnancy during COVID-19. Understanding vulnerability profiles is key to identifying women at risk for deteriorating peripartum mental health. N = 742 pregnant women and N = 742 age and country-matched controls from the COVID-19 Risks Across the Lifespan Study were included. Using a case-match control design allowed us to explore whether the cognitive vulnerability profiles would differ between pregnant and non-pregnant women. The findings showed that COVID-19-related stress was associated with heightened levels of depression and anxiety during pregnancy. Its impact was greatest in women with cognitive (i.e., higher intolerance of uncertainty and tendency to worry) and social (i.e., higher level of self-reported loneliness) vulnerabilities. Importantly, our data show that the mental health impacts of the pandemic were greater in pregnant women compared to women who were not pregnant, especially those with cognitive and social vulnerabilities. The results highlight the urgent need to prioritize mental health care for pregnant women to mitigate the impact of COVID-19-related stress on women's postpartum mental health and their infants' well-being.

Mothers’ Access to Social and Health Care Systems Support during Their Infants’ First Year during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Feminist Poststructural Study

Social support and health services are crucial for mothers and families during their infants’ first year. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of self-isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on mothers’ access to social and health care systems support during their infants’ first year. We utilized a qualitative design using feminist poststructuralism and discourse analysis. Self-identifying mothers (n = 68) of infants aged 0 to 12 months during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nova Scotia, Canada completed an online qualitative survey. We identified three themes: (1) COVID-19 and the Social Construction of Isolation, (2) Feeling Forgotten and Dumped: Perpetuating the Invisibility of Mothering, and (3) Navigating and Negotiating Conflicting Information. Participants emphasized a need for support and the associated lack of support resulting from mandatory isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. They did not see remote communication as equivalent to in-person connection. Participants described the need to navigate alone without adequate access to in-person postpartum and infant services. Participants identified conflicting information related to COVID-19 as a challenge. Social interactions and interactions with health care providers are crucial to the health and experiences of mothers and their infants during the first year after birth and must be sustained during times of isolation.

Re-centering Relationships: Obstetric Violence, Health Care Rationalities, and Pandemic Childbirth in Canada

Emerging evidence suggests that the COVD-19 pandemic is eroding childbirth rights. Drawing on narratives of women who gave birth in Canada during the pandemic, this article exposes a paradox in that policies aimed at limiting interpersonal contact implicitly acknowledge the connection between health, well-being, and the social context of people's lives, yet they frame this relationality as a liability to be eliminated. They do this despite the many benefits that social support is known to confer for pregnancy and childbirth. I suggest that obstetric violence theory could be expanded to include the perinatal health care system's failure to consider the well-being of pregnant and birthing persons as necessarily interdependent with that of close others. Conscientiously and routinely making the safeguarding of these relationships a priority in perinatal health care planning may strengthen existing health care systems against certain forms of obstetric violence. [childbirth, COVID-19, obstetric violence, relational personhood, Canada].

Outcomes of Childbirth Education in PRAMS, Phase 8

OBJECTIVE

To determine if childbirth education is associated with improved outcomes for national maternal child health goals in the United States.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of PRAMS data. The sample was limited to survey respondents who answered a question "During your most recent pregnancy, did you take a class or classes to prepare for childbirth and learn what to expect during labor and delivery?" The outcomes included nine national objectives from Title V and Healthy People. Logistic regression models were built with control for characteristics associated with attending childbirth education. Odds ratios were converted to adjusted risk ratios for interpretation. Stratification by maternal race/ethnicity and use of Medicaid identified opportunities for improvement in childbirth education.

RESULTS

Of the 2,256 eligible respondents, 936 (41.5%) attended childbirth education. Attending childbirth education was associated with reduced likelihood of primary cesarean (ARR 0.79), increased attendance at postpartum visit (ARR 1.06), use of birth control (ARR 1.07), safe infant sleep (Back to Sleep ARR 1.04; Sleep on Own 1.12), and breastfeeding (Ever breastfeed ARR 1.08; still breastfeeding ARR 1.15). No association was found for LARC use or postpartum depression. Not all benefits of childbirth education were apparent for all racial/ethnic groups, nor for those with Medicaid insurance.

CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE

Childbirth education is a community intervention that may help achieve population maternal and child health goals.

Socio-demographic characteristics associated with perceived social support among parents of children aged 0-7 years: the CIKEO study

BACKGROUND

Social support has been associated with numerous positive outcomes for families' health, wellbeing and empowerment. This study examined which socio-demographic characteristics are associated with perceived social support among parents of children aged 0-7 years.

METHOD

Cross-sectional data of 1007 parents of children aged 0-7 years, gathered in the CIKEO cohort study in the Netherlands, were analysed. Social support was assessed with the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Linear regression models were used to examine associations between socio-demographic characteristics and perceived social support.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 34.1 years (SD = 5.1); 92.9% were mothers. The multivariable regression model showed that fathers (β: -0.15, 95% CI: - 0.22, - 0.08), parents with a low educational level (β: -0.12, 95% CI: 0.18, - 0.06), parents with a low income (β: -0.10, 95% CI: - 0.19, - 0.01), unemployed parents (β: -0.14, 95% CI: - 0.20, - 0.07), and parents of older children (β: -0.07; 95% CI: - 0.13, 0.00) perceived lower levels of social support. Interaction analyses showed that parents with a migration background and a low educational level were particularly susceptible to perceiving lower levels of support (β: -0.34, 95% CI: - 0.52, - 0.15).

CONCLUSION

Fathers, parents with a low educational level, parents with a low income, unemployed parents, parents of older children, and parents with both a migration background and a low educational level are at increased risk of perceiving lower levels of social support.

IMPLICATIONS

We recommend to develop, implement and evaluate intervention strategies to strengthen perceived social support among the abovementioned subgroups of parents, in order to improve families' health, wellbeing and empowerment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NTR7607 in the Netherlands trial registry.

The effects of social support on depression and anxiety in the perinatal period: A mixed-methods systematic review

BACKGROUND

The social support offered to women in the perinatal period can buffer against depression and anxiety. The sources and types of support that reduce maternal levels of depression and anxiety are not well understood.

AIMS

To investigate the effects of structural and functional support on depression and anxiety in women in the perinatal period, and to explore the experiences of women around support during the perinatal period.

METHOD

A comprehensive search of six electronic databases was undertaken. Relevant studies published from January 2010 to April 2020 were included (PROSPERO reference number: CRD42020194228). Quantitative and qualitative studies were eligible if they reported the effects of, or had themes related to receiving functional or structural support in the perinatal period on women's levels of depression or anxiety. Qualitative data was synthesised using a thematic synthesis method. Quantitative data could not be pooled due to the lack of comparable RCTs or cohort studies and was thus presented in a narrative form.

RESULTS

Fifty-one articles (41 quantitative and 10 qualitative studies) were included. Analysis of quantitative studies demonstrated that insufficient support from partner, friends and family was associated with greater risk of symptoms of depression and anxiety. Distance-delivered interventions (via internet or telephone) diminished levels of depression and anxiety. Qualitative data revealed three overarching themes: appreciating all forms of support in the perinatal period, recognising appropriate and inappropriate support from health professionals and services, and having barriers to mobilising functional and structural support.

LIMITATIONS

Grey literature was not explored and search strategies only included English, Spanish and Portuguese language articles. The reviewed studies were heterogeneous and for this reason, quantitative assessments were not feasible.

CONCLUSION

Support from specific sources such as family members, friends who are also mothers, health professionals, neighbours, supervisors, co-workers and online communities still need to be further investigated. Implications for health professionals involved in the care of women in the perinatal period are discussed.

Family environment characteristics and sleep duration in children: Maternal mental health as a mediator

BACKGROUND

Family environment is a key factor affecting children's health. However, little is known about whether and how the family environment affects sleep duration in children. This study investigated the effects of both physical and social characteristics of the family environment on sleep duration in children and determined whether these associations were mediated by maternal mental health.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study. A total of 19,400 children who completed 6-month, 18-month, 3-year, 5.5-year, and 8-year surveys were analyzed. The physical family environment characteristics were household crowding and housing quality. Family functioning was used as an indicator of family social environment. Multiple linear regression and path analysis were performed to test the hypotheses.

RESULTS

The children living in crowded households had shorter sleep durations (β = -0.03, p < .001). Superior housing quality and family functioning were associated with longer sleep durations (β = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively, ps < .01). The effects of housing quality and family functioning on sleep duration were mediated by maternal mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

Both physical and social characteristics of the family environment are critical to sleep duration in children. The effects of family environment characteristics on sleep duration in children are in part mediated by maternal mental health. Interventions to improve sleep during childhood by targeting the family environment may be more effective when maternal mental health is considered.

Support from friends moderates the relationship between repetitive negative thinking and postnatal wellbeing during COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence has linked repetitive negative thinking (RNT) to postnatal depression and anxiety, yet the factors moderating this relationship have been minimally investigated. During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, social restrictions imposed to reduce viral transmission limited access to social support, which is critical to postnatal psychological wellbeing - potentially intensifying RNT.

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether perceived social support (from friends, family, and a significant other) played a moderating role in the relationship between RNT and maternal postnatal anxiety and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

A sample of women (N = 251) who had given birth in the preceding 12 months completed an online battery of standardised measures during the COVID-19 'lockdown' of May 2020.

RESULTS

As predicted, social support moderated the relationship between RNT and depression such that the association between RNT and depression was stronger for women who reported lower levels of social support. Interestingly, this finding emerged for social support from friends only; for support from family and significant other, social support did not play a moderating role. Further, and unexpectedly, overall social support did not moderate the relationship between RNT and postnatal anxiety, however, social support from friends was a significant moderator.

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of perceived social support from friends (but not family or significant others) buffered the effects of RNT on depression and anxiety during the postpartum period. Strategies to bolster peer social support may be a valuable inclusion in interventions to prevent and treat postnatal depression and anxiety.

Positive intervention effect of mobile health application based on mindfulness and social support theory on postpartum depression symptoms of puerperae

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effects of mobile health application designed based on mindfulness and social support theory on parenting self-efficacy and postpartum depression symptoms of puerperae.

METHODS

We recruited 130 puerperae from a hospital in China and randomized them to an App use group (n = 65) and a waiting control group (n = 65). The App group underwent an 8-week app use intervention while the control group underwent no intervention. We measured four main variables (mindfulness, perceived social support, maternal parental self-efficacy and postpartum depressive symptoms) before and after the App use intervention.

RESULTS

In the App group, perceived social support, maternal parental self-efficacy were significantly higher and postpartum depressive symptoms was significantly lower. In the control group, there were no significant differences in any of the four variables between the pre-test and post-test.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that the mobile health application may help to improve perceived social support, maternal self-efficacy and reduce postpartum depressive symptoms. The finding of the mobile health application's effect extends our understanding of integrative effects of mindfulness and perceived social support on reduction of postpartum depressive symptoms and suggests clinical potentials in the treatment of postpartum depressive symptoms.

Common mental disorders in pregnancy and postnatal depressive symptoms in the MINA-Brazil study: occurrence and associated factors

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the occurrence and factors associated with common mental disorders in pregnancy and depressive symptoms in postpartum, as well as the association between both in the Brazilian Western Amazon.

METHODS

This is a prospective cohort in the MINA-Brazil study with women who received primary health care in the town of Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre State. We performed two clinical evaluations during pregnancy (the first: 16–20 weeks; the second: 28 gestational weeks) and three postpartum evaluations (at 3, 6 and 12 months), in which demographic and socioeconomic, gestational, lifestyle and clinical data were collected. We used the Self-Reported Questionnaire (score ≥ 8) to screen the gestational common mental disorder and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (score ≥ 10) to identify postpartum depressive symptoms. We used adjusted ordinal logistic regression to investigate the relationship between the covariates and the occurrence of common mental disorders in pregnancy and postpartum depressive symptomatology.

RESULTS

A total of 461 women completed the two clinical evaluations in pregnancy; of these, 247 completed the three postpartum evaluations. The occurrence of common mental disorder during pregnancy was 36.2% and 24.5% in the first and second evaluations, respectively, and the cumulative incidence was 9.2%. In addition, 50.3% maintained the disorder between evaluations. During postpartum, approximately 20% of the mothers presented depressive symptoms during the first year of their children’s lives. Parity (≥ 2) was associated with common mental disorders, while low maternal education was associated with postpartum depressive symptoms. Women with a common mental disorder in both evaluations during pregnancy were 5.6 times more likely (95%CI: 2.50–12.60) to develop postpartum depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of common mental disorder at any time assessed during pregnancy, but especially its persistence from the second trimester, was strongly associated with depressive symptoms after childbirth. These findings highlight the need for early screening and monitoring of the mental health of pregnant women at the start of prenatal care in order to reduce possible negative impacts on the health of the mother-child binomial caused by such events.

The Relationship between Social Support and Postnatal Anxiety and Depression: Results from the Listening to Mothers in California Survey

BACKGROUND

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) impact multiple domains of maternal and child well-being. Estimates of postpartum depressive symptoms range from 6.5% to 12.9% and from 8.6% to 9.9% for postpartum anxiety. We sought to identify the role social support could play in mitigating PMADs.

METHODS

The data are drawn from the Listening to Mothers in California survey; results are representative of women who gave birth in 2016 in a California hospital. The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 was used to assess total symptoms of PMADs and anxiety and depressive symptoms individually. Two questions adapted from the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey were used to assess emotional, practical, and functional (combined) social support. After exclusions for missing data related to PMADs or social support, we analyzed data from 2,372 women.

RESULTS

At the time of survey administration (mean 5.7 months after birth), 7.0% of respondents reported elevated PMAD symptoms and 45.9% reported that they always received functional social support. In multivariable analysis, controlling for demographic and pregnancy-related factors and prenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms, women who reported consistent support had a prevalence of elevated PMAD symptoms one-half that of those who did not (adjusted odds ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that consistent social support serves as a robust protective factor against postpartum symptoms of PMADs. Because many predictors of PMADs are not modifiable, social support stands out as an important target for programmatic intervention, particularly in light of increased isolation related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Perceived social support predicts self-reported and objective health and health behaviors among pregnant women

Perinatal health and health behaviors play a crucial role in maternal and neonatal health. Data examining psychosocial factors which predict self-reported health and health behaviors as well as objective indicators downstream of health behaviors among pregnant women are lacking. In this longitudinal study design with 131 pregnant women, perceived social support was examined as a predictor of self-rated health and average levels of sleep quality, health-promoting and health-impairing behaviors, and red blood cell (RBC) polyunsaturated fatty acids across early, mid, and late pregnancy. Participants provided a blood sample and fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed by gas chromatography. Measures included the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Prenatal Health Behavior Scale. Regression models demonstrated that, after adjustment for income, race/ethnicity, age, relationship status, pre-pregnancy body mass index, greater social support was associated with better self-rated health (p = 0.001), greater sleep quality (p = 0.001), fewer health-impairing behaviors (p = 0.02), and higher RBC omega-3 fatty acids (p = 0.003). Associations among social support with health-promoting behaviors, RBC omega-6 fatty acids, or gestational weight gain were not significant. Findings underscore the benefits of perceived social support in the context of pregnancy. Examination of pathways that link social support with these outcomes will be meaningful in determining the ways in which perinatal psychosocial interventions may promote health.

Exercise for perinatal depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in perinatal health services

BACKGROUND

Exercise improves perinatal depressive (PD) symptoms, but reports call for more robust evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at synthesizing evidence exclusively from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of exercise on PD symptoms in women recruited through perinatal health services.

METHODS

Nine e-databases and fifteen systematic reviews were searched for relevant RCTs. Exercise-specific tools extracted/coded data. A meta-analysis using a random effects model (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD]) investigated the effects of exercise on PD scores post-intervention.

RESULTS

From 285 records, 14 RCTs (2.025 participants) were considered eligible including two RCTs with clinically diagnosed PD women. Exercise showed a statistically significant, small, overall antidepressant effect (SMD = -0.21, 95% CI = -0.31, -0.11, p = 0.0001) with low/non-significant heterogeneity (Q = 17.82, I ² = 16%, p = 0.27). Only the fail-safe criterion recorded marginally significant publication bias, but trim-fill analysis added no study. Sensitivity analyses increased the overall effect in RCTs showing lower risk of bias or delivering ≥150 min/week moderate intensity aerobic exercise. Subgroup analyses revealed significant antidepressant effects for exercise across various settings, delivery formats, depressive symptoms severities and outcome measures used. Heterogeneity was low/non-significant in all analyses (I ² ≤ 50%). Hedges' g corrections did not influence the results.

LIMITATIONS

Study limitations include the small number of available trials and clinically diagnosed PD samples and the variety of exercise modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise improved PD symptoms, especially in RCTs with lower risk of bias or with ≥150 min/day moderate intensity aerobic exercise interventions. Findings are clinically useful but more RCTs for clinically diagnosed PD women are needed for firmer conclusions.

When the Bough Breaks: A systematic review and meta-analysis of mental health symptoms in mothers of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Parents have experienced considerable challenges and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may impact their well-being. This meta-analysis sought to identify: (1) the prevalence of depression and anxiety in parents of young children ( Collapse

Key Words

• Angs
• COVID-19
• Depression
• Mütter
• ansiedad
• anxiety
• anxiété
• depresión
• depression
• dépression
• madres
• maternal mental health
• mères
• psychische Gesundheit
• salud mental
• santé mentale
• young children
• الكلمات الأساسية: كوفيد-19، الصحة النفسية ، الأمهات ، الاكتئاب ، القلق
• キーワード:COVID-19、メンタルヘルス、母親、抑うつ、不安
• 关键词:2019冠状病毒病
• 心理健康
• 抑郁
• 母亲
• 焦虑

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MESH Headings

• Anxiety/epidemiology
• COVID-19
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Depression/epidemiology
• Female
• Humans
• Mental Health
• Mothers
• Pandemics
• Prevalence
• SARS-CoV-2

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Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

Nicole Racine Department of PsychologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada Alberta Children's Hospital Research InstituteCalgaryAlbertaCanada
Rachel Eirich Department of PsychologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada Alberta Children's Hospital Research InstituteCalgaryAlbertaCanada
Jessica Cooke Department of PsychologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada Alberta Children's Hospital Research InstituteCalgaryAlbertaCanada
Jenney Zhu Department of PsychologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada Alberta Children's Hospital Research InstituteCalgaryAlbertaCanada
Paolo Pador Department of PsychologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
Nicole Dunnewold Health Sciences LibraryLibraries and Cultural ResourcesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
Sheri Madigan Department of PsychologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada Alberta Children's Hospital Research InstituteCalgaryAlbertaCanada

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The role and attributes of social networks in the provision of support to women after stillbirth: experiences from Uganda

INTRODUCTION

Communities exert stigma on mothers after stillbirth despite their potential to offer social support to the grieving family. Maternal healthcare-seeking behaviors are socially reinforced rendering a social network approach vital in understanding support dynamics which when utilized can improve community response to mothers experiencing stillbirth. However, the form and direction of social support for women when in need is not clear. The study explored the role and attributes of women's social networks in the provision of support to mothers who have experienced a stillbirth in Uganda.

METHODS

An exploratory cross-sectional study design adopting a social network approach was conducted. Data collection following established procedures was conducted on a convenient sample of 17 mothers who had experienced a stillbirth six months before the study. Frequencies and bivariate analysis were conducted to determine the factors influencing the provision of social support from 293 network members elicited during the alter generation. We then performed a Poisson regression on each of the social support forms and the explanatory variables. Network structure variables were calculated using UCINET version 6 while Netdraw facilitated the visualization of networks.

RESULTS

Overall, social support was available from all network relations mentioned by the respondents. No major variations were observed between the two time periods during pregnancy and following a stillbirth. The most common support received was in form of intangible support such as emotional and information support, mainly from females who were married and from the naturally occurring networks such as family and friends. We also observed that social support followed patterns of network relational characteristics including trust, frequency of contact and alters counted on for support more likely to provide the same.

CONCLUSIONS

A great potential for social support exists within women's social networks to help address stillbirth risk factors during pregnancy and cope after experiencing the same. Alter characteristics like being female, married, and from naturally occurring networks together with relational characteristics such as trust, frequency of contact, and count on alter for support were predictors of eventual social support. Interventions aiming at addressing stillbirth risks at the community level ought to harness these network characteristics for benefits to the mothers.

Influence of parity and infant age on maternal self-efficacy, social support, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum depression in the first six months in the Maritime Provinces, Canada

BACKGROUND

After giving birth, women experience significant changes related to maternal self-efficacy and social support and are at risk of experiencing postpartum anxiety and depression.

PROBLEM

No studies have focused on the relationship between parity and infant age and their impact on psychosocial outcomes, particularly in a Canadian context.

AIM

To explore the relationship between parity and infant age on perceived maternal self-efficacy, social support, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum depression.

METHODS

Women from three Canadian provinces within the first 6 months postpartum completed standardized online questionnaires. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to examine the primary aim.

FINDINGS

A total of 561 women (56.5% primiparous, 55.1% infant 0-3 months) participated. There were significant main effects for both parity (P < .001) and age of infant (P < .001), but no significant interaction (P = .463). Primiparous women had lower maternal self-efficacy (P = .004) and higher postpartum anxiety (P = .000) than multiparous women. Women with younger infants had more perceived social support (P = .002). Women with older infants had higher levels of postpartum anxiety (P = .003) and depression (P = .000).

DISCUSSION

The transition that women experience, independent of parity, within the first six months is dynamic with women of older infants experiencing more postpartum mental health concerns and less perceived social support. Our findings emphasize that postnatal support should extend beyond the typical six-week follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional studies are warranted to determine ways to provide ongoing support throughout the first six months and beyond to improve maternal well-being and address postpartum needs.

The Influence of Four Constructs of Social Support on Pregnancy Experiences in Group Prenatal Care

Objective: This study aimed to identify the influence of the four constructs of social support on positive pregnancy experiences in CenteringPregnancy, a group prenatal care (GPNC) model. Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 women who had participated in at least 6 of 10 GPNC sessions at a family practice medicine residency. Participants were asked to describe their experiences in GPNC. Results: Using a standard content analysis, four constructs of social support (emotional, informational, instrumental, and appraisal) were identified through three major themes: (1) informational support, offered by peers in GPNC settings, promotes learning and prepares women for motherhood; (2) emotional and appraisal support, offered by peers in GPNC, improves emotional well-being and helps women build lasting, supportive connections with peers, and (3) emotional, informational, instrumental, and appraisal support work in tandem to create positive relationships between women and health care providers. Conclusion: Social support provided a means to a positive prenatal health care experience that facilitated the attainment of new knowledge and the formation of positive relationships with health care providers and peers. The findings of this study can provide health care providers with a framework to examine and enhance their practice and care of women in the perinatal period.

Effectiveness of a Postpartum Text Message Program (Essential Coaching for Every Mother) on Maternal Psychosocial Outcomes: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Women experience changes both physically and psychologically during their transition to motherhood. The postnatal period is a critical time for women to develop maternal self-efficacy. Mobile health interventions may offer a way to reach women during this critical period to offer support and information. Essential Coaching for Every Mother is a text message program that seeks to educate and support women during the first 6 weeks postpartum.

OBJECTIVE

The primary effectiveness objective is to compare the effectiveness of the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program on maternal psychosocial outcomes (self-efficacy, social support, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety) immediately after the intervention and 6 months postpartum, collectively as well as stratified by parity. The primary implementation objective is to evaluate the implementation extent and quality of the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program.

METHODS

This will be a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial. A total of 140 mothers-to-be or new mothers from Nova Scotia will be recruited and randomized to the intervention or control arm, stratified by parity. The intervention arm will receive the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program, which consists of 53 messages sent twice a day for the first 2 weeks and daily for weeks 3 through 6. The control group will receive usual care. Messages are personalized based on the infant's age and the woman's self-selected preference for breastfeeding or formula feeding and tailored with the infant's name and gender. Women can enroll in the program if they are ≥37 weeks pregnant or within 10 days postpartum, with the first message designed to be sent on the second evening after birth. The actual number of messages received will vary based on the timing of enrollment and the infant's date of birth. Participants will complete questionnaires assessing self-efficacy, social support, and postpartum depression and anxiety at baseline (enrollment after birth) and 6 weeks (postintervention) and 6 months postpartum. Implementation data will be collected throughout the trial, and evaluation feedback will be collected at 6 weeks from women who received the intervention.

RESULTS

Recruitment for this study started on January 5, 2021, and is currently ongoing, with an anticipated date of recruitment completion of January 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will assess the effectiveness of a postpartum text message program to improve maternal self-efficacy and social support while decreasing postpartum depression and anxiety. It will also shed light on the implementation effectiveness of the program.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04730570; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04730570.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/27138.

Predicting Postpartum Depressive Symptoms from Pregnancy Biopsychosocial Factors: A Longitudinal Investigation Using Structural Equation Modeling

The prediction of postpartum depression (PPD) should be conceptualized from a biopsychosocial perspective. This study aims at exploring the longitudinal contribution of a set of biopsychosocial factors for PPD in perinatal women. A longitudinal study was conducted, assessment was made with a website and included biopsychosocial factors that were measured during pregnancy (n = 266, weeks 16–36), including age, affective ambivalence, personality characteristics, social support and depression. Depression was measured again at postpartum (n = 101, weeks 2–4). The analyses included bivariate associations and structural equation modeling (SEM). Age, affective ambivalence, neuroticism, positive, and negative affect at pregnancy were associated with concurrent depression during pregnancy (all p < 0.01). Age, affective ambivalence, positive affect, and depression at pregnancy correlated with PPD (all p < 0.05). Affective ambivalence (β = 1.97; p = 0.003) and positive (β = −0.29; p < 0.001) and negative affect (β = 0.22; p = 0.024) at pregnancy remained significant predictors of concurrent depression in the SEM, whereas only age (β = 0.27; p = 0.010) and depression (β = 0.37; p = 0.002) at pregnancy predicted PPD. Biopsychosocial factors are clearly associated with concurrent depression at pregnancy, but the stability of depression across time limits the prospective contribution of biopsychosocial factors. Depression should be screened early during pregnancy, as this is likely to persist after birth. The use of technology, as in the present investigation, might be a cost-effective option for this purpose.

A peer support intervention for first-time mothers: Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the mummy buddy program

BACKGROUND

The transition to motherhood, although joyous, can be highly stressful, and the availability of professional postpartum support for mothers is often limited. Peer volunteer support programs may offer a viable and cost-effective method to provide community-based support for new mothers.

AIM

To determine the feasibility of a peer volunteer support program-The Mummy Buddy Program-in which experienced volunteer mothers are paired with, and trained to offer social support to, first-time mothers.

METHODS

Using a single-group non-randomised feasibility trial, a total of 56 experienced mothers participated in the Mummy Buddy training program, which was focused on education and practical exercises relating to the provision of various forms of social support. Experienced mothers ('Mummy Buddies') were subsequently paired with expectant first-time mothers (n=47 pairs), and were encouraged to provide support until 24-weeks postpartum.

FINDINGS

In terms of key feasibility considerations, 95.1% of Mummy Buddies felt that they were trained sufficiently to perform their role, and 85.8% of New Mothers were satisfied with the support provided by their Buddy. Analyses of preliminary efficacy (i.e., program outcomes) revealed that the first-time mothers maintained normal levels of stress and depressive symptomology, and possessed relatively strong maternal functioning, across the program duration.

CONCLUSION

The Mummy Buddy Program appears to be a feasible and potentially valuable peer volunteer support program for first-time mothers. This study provides a foundation for program expansion and for work designed to examine program outcomes-for first-time mothers, Mummy Buddies, and entire family units-within a sufficiently-powered randomised controlled trial.

The role of interpersonal emotional regulation on maternal mental health

PURPOSE

Symptoms of depression and anxiety during the perinatal period have a negative impact on mothers and their developing children. A significant body of research has demonstrated an association between mental health and both individual and interpersonal emotion regulation. Yet, this association has not been studied during the perinatal period. The aim of this study was to explore the association between emotion regulation, maternal mental health, and interpersonal emotion regulation during the transition to motherhood in a sample of Chilean women.

METHODS

Women in their third trimester of pregnancy (n = 253) provided self-reports of emotion regulation and symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and three months postpartum. Additional self-reports of interpersonal emotion regulation were obtained from individuals who were identified as social support persons by these women. Results: Maternal emotion regulation contributed to maternal symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after childbirth. The association between emotion regulation and maternal mental health was moderated by specific interpersonal emotion regulation strategies reported by the participant's social support persons. Strategies including modulating the emotional response, situation modification, attentional deployment and cognitive change, modified the association between poor regulation strategies and anxiety symptoms. Also, an infrequent use of these interpersonal emotion regulation strategies strengthened the association between these maternal emotional regulation difficulties and anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that interpersonal emotional regulation strategies impact the association of maternal emotional regulation strategies and maternal emotional wellbeing.

Psychosocial Risk Factors for Food Insecurity in Puerto Ricans Living in the USA from Baseline to 5-Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Food insecurity is prevalent among Puerto Rican adults in the USA and is associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes. However, the direction of this association has not been established in this understudied population.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to examine the longitudinal association between a group of psychosocial risk factors and subsequent food insecurity in a cohort of Puerto Rican adults.

METHODS

Secondary analysis was conducted using data from the prospective Boston Puerto Rican Health Study. A total of 517 Puerto Rican participants aged 45-75 y in the Boston area who were food secure at baseline, and who completed food security surveys at baseline and 5 y were included. Psychosocial factors, including depressive symptoms, stress, tangible social support, and acculturation were assessed with validated instruments. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the risk of food insecurity at 5 y, as a function of psychosocial factors at baseline and their changes over 5 y, adjusting for age, sex, education, baseline and change in total annual household income, and in family size.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of food insecurity at 5 y was 12.6%. The odds of incident food insecurity was significantly associated with baseline depressive symptom score [OR = 1.78 (1.16, 2.76) per each 10 score units], with change in depressive symptom score [OR = 1.50 (1.07, 2.09) per each 10-unit increase], and with change in perceived stress [OR = 1.59 (1.01, 2.51) per each 10-unit increase], after adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort of Puerto Rican adults, depressive symptoms at baseline, and increases in depressive symptoms and perceived stress over 5 y were associated with a higher risk of food insecurity. Psychosocial health and environment appear to play important roles in predicting risk of food insecurity in the Puerto Rican community.

Design, development and usability testing of Essential Coaching for Every Mother: A postnatal text message educational intervention

BACKGROUND

The transition to motherhood is an exciting yet challenging period that requires physical, emotional, and social adjustment. During the postpartum period, mothers require support and information to ensure a smooth transition and adjustment to motherhood. One innovative strategy to provide mothers with this information is mobile health (mHealth), and specifically, text messaging.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the design, development and usability testing of a postnatal text message intervention called Essential Coaching for Every Mother.

METHODS

First time mothers (n=11) and postpartum healthcare providers (n=18) were involved in iterative interviewing in Halifax, Canada. Adaption of content occurred through three rounds of user testing using semi-structured interviews. The Information Assessment Method (IAM) Parents survey was also completed by mothers.

RESULTS

Three cycles of iterative testing were conducted with eight participants (3 mothers, 5 healthcare providers), thirteen participants (8 mothers, 5 healthcare providers) and 8 participants (8 healthcare providers), respectively. Messages evolved from risk-focused to prevention and education focused. Mothers felt the messages addressed their needs and healthcare providers ensured the content was consistent with the messaging currently provided to postpartum mothers.

CONCLUSION

Essential Coaching for Every Mother is the first postnatal educational text message intervention developed for mothers in Halifax, Canada. We sought to involve first time mothers (end-users) and postpartum healthcare providers (experts) in the development and usability evaluation to ensure the intervention adequately met needs and was consistent with current practices related to postpartum education.

Social Determinants of Health Associated with Mental Health Among U.S. Mothers with Children Aged 0-5 Years

Background: Maternal mental illness is a significant public health problem during the perinatal period and beyond. Little is known about how social determinants of health (SDOH) affect maternal mental health. Materials and Methods: We used cross-sectional data from the 2016 to 2017 National Survey of Children's Health with 19,127 mothers of a nationally representative sample of U.S. children aged 0-5. We estimated the prevalence of poor reported mental health (reported as "fair"/"poor") among mothers with children aged 0-5 by SDOH. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with poor maternal mental health. Results: Approximately 4.5% of mothers with children aged 0-5 reported having poor mental health in 2016-2017. Postadjustment and mothers' poor mental health were significantly associated with age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 18-20 years: 2.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-5.67; 21-24 years AOR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.22-3.73, and 30-34 years AOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.13-3.43), U.S.-born status (AOR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.48-3.63), poor physical health (AOR: 8.69, 95% CI: 5.81-13.02), having a child with a special health care need (AOR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.03-2.64), experiencing food insecurity (afford enough food, yet, unhealthy [AOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.59-4.70] and sometimes/often not afford enough food [AOR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.76-5.84]), and low social capital (AOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.04-3.73). Conclusion: Mothers with children aged 0-5 who had poor physical health and experienced food insecurity were at the greatest risk for poor mental health. Integrated perinatal and behavioral health models, screening, and referrals may help identify and treat mothers experiencing these issues.

Relative contribution of maternal adverse childhood experiences to understanding children's externalizing and internalizing behaviours at age 5: findings from the All Our Families cohort

BACKGROUND

The negative effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on physical and mental health has led to calls for routine screening for ACEs in primary care settings. We aimed to examine the association between maternal ACEs and children's behaviour problems (externalizing and internalizing) at age 5 in the context of other known predictors.

METHODS

We analyzed data from mother-and-child dyads participating in the All Our Families cohort in Calgary, Canada, between 2011 and 2017. Data were collected for factors related to the individual child (sex, age, temperament and behaviour), the mother (adverse childhood experiences, mental health, personality and parenting) and sociodemographic characteristics (family income, ethnicity and family structure) when the children were 3 and 5 years of age. We used logistic regression models to estimate crude and adjusted associations between maternal ACEs and children's externalizing (hyperactivity and aggression) and internalizing (anxiety, depression and somatization) behaviours.

RESULTS

Data were available for 1688 mother-and-child dyads. In the crude models, the presence of 4 or more maternal ACEs was associated with children's externalizing and internalizing behaviours at age 5. However, these associations were attenuated with adjustment. Persistent maternal mental health symptoms were associated with both externalizing and internalizing behaviours at age 5 (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.50-7.05, and adjusted OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.66-3.81, respectively). High levels of ineffective parenting behaviours were also associated with both externalizing and internalizing behaviours at age 5 (adjusted OR 6.27, 95% CI 4.30-9.14, and adjusted OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.03-1.99, respectively).

INTERPRETATION

The association between maternal ACEs and children's behaviour at age 5 was weakened in the presence of other maternal and family-level factors. Assessments of maternal mental health and parenting behaviours may be better targets for identifying children at risk of behavioural problems.

Perinatal depression: The role of maternal adverse childhood experiences and social support

BACKGROUND

A strong association between the number of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the risk of maternal depression has been demonstrated; however, this association has not been examined with regards to changes in depression across the perinatal period. The objectives of this longitudinal study were to: (1) determine whether ACEs predict depressive symptomology in pregnancy and the postpartum period; (2) test the relative contribution of ACEs, with other established risks of depression, including social support, and (3) examine whether the association between ACEs and depression across the perinatal period vary as a function of social support.

METHODS

Data from 1994 women were collected from a prospective pregnancy cohort. Women completed questionnaires related to ACEs prior to the age of 18. In pregnancy and at 4 months postpartum, social support was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey and clinical cut-off scores for depression were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

RESULTS

Logistic regression demonstrated that after accounting for sociodemographic factors and social support, ACEs predicted depressive symptoms in pregnancy (AOR = =1.26, CI = =1.12-1.43), the postpartum period (AOR = =1.34, CI = =1.17-1.52), and across the perinatal period (AOR = =1.31, CI = =1.12-1.54). Social support did not moderate the association between maternal ACEs and depression for any time point.

LIMITATIONS

retrospective and self-report nature of the data.

CONCLUSION

ACEs and low social support are both risk factors for depression, however low social support predicted the highest odds of depression, indicating the importance of asking about social support in pregnant and postpartum women.

Trajectories of social support in pregnancy and early postpartum: findings from the All Our Families cohort

PURPOSE

Low social support during the perinatal period can increase the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety after giving birth but little is known about women's trajectories of social support during this time. This study will identify trajectories of social support among women from second trimester to 4-month postpartum, and the characteristics associated with different trajectories.

METHODS

Data from the All Our Families longitudinal birth cohort was used to assess women's perceived social support during their second trimester, third trimester, and at 4-month postpartum (n = 3387). Group-based trajectory modeling was used to determine the number of groups, shape of trajectories, and proportion of women with differing trajectories. Multinomial regression was used to compare probability of group membership.

RESULTS

Six distinct trajectory groups were identified, with the majority of participants belonging to groups with stable, high social support (60.6%). Only 2.7% of women had consistently low levels of social support, and 2.3% had rising levels. Membership in groups with lower levels of social support was associated with lower incomes and minority ethnicity. Women whose support improved over time may be more likely to be employed in pregnancy than those whose support remained low.

CONCLUSION

Trajectories of social support are relatively stable in pregnancy and early postpartum. Socio-demographic indicators of vulnerability predict initial levels of support, and participating in the workforce may help improve perception of support over time.

Dynamic and bidirectional associations between maternal stress, anxiety, and social support: The critical role of partner and family support

BACKGROUND

Stress and anxiety in pregnancy and the postpartum period are associated with poor long-term maternal and child health outcomes. Social support has been shown to mitigate the effects of maternal stress and anxiety; however, the directionality and longitudinal associations among these variables are poorly understood. Using a novel multilevel modeling approach called dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM), we examined within-person (state-level) autoregressive and cross-lagged associations among stress, anxiety, and social support in the perinatal period in order to elucidate directional associations over time.

METHODS

Mothers from a longitudinal pregnancy cohort (N = 3,388) completed self-report measures of stress, anxiety, and social support across 4 time points from pregnancy to 12 months postpartum.

RESULTS

Higher than average levels of stress and anxiety led to elevations in anxiety and stress and decreases in social support at subsequent time points. Importantly, earlier individual levels of partner and family support predicted subsequent decreases in stress and anxiety.

LIMITATIONS

Support was measured via maternal self-report thus extrapolations cannot be made to tangible or instrumental supports and lagged relationships represent average lags over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a novel statistical approach, these results suggest that increases in both partner and family support may be powerful protective factors for decreasing mental health difficulties in pregnancy and the postpartum, highlighting the importance of targeting and increasing this type of support from pregnancy to the postpartum period.