1
|
Li K, Lu J, Pang Y, Zheng X, Liu R, Ren M, Tu S. Maternal postpartum depression literacy subtypes: A latent profile analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20957. [PMID: 37867796 PMCID: PMC10585387 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim To explore the potential categories and characteristic differences of maternal postpartum depression literacy. Design Cross-sectional survey. Methods From February 2023 to April 2023, convenience sampling was used to survey 278 women attending postnatal visits to three tertiary level A hospitals. The study included general demographic characteristics, postpartum depression literacy scale, and family caring index scale. Latent profile analysis was performed to identify the categories of maternal postpartum depression literacy, and multiple disordered logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of different categories. Results Maternal postpartum depression literacy was divided into three categories: low literacy (41.0 %), moderate literacy (32.4 %), and high literacy (26.6 %). The results showed that work status, education level, whether the pregnancy was planned, whether or not they had participated in mental health-related courses, and family functioning status were factors influencing the category of maternal postpartum depression literacy (P < 0.05). Conclusion There was heterogeneity in postpartum depression literacy among mothers. Medical staff should implement targeted interventions according to potential category characteristics and influencing factors to improve the level of postpartum depression literacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kangfen Li
- School of Nursing, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Lu
- School of Nursing, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Pang
- Department of Nursing, Chengdu Women and Children's Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinlie Zheng
- School of Nursing, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Ran Liu
- School of Nursing, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Ren
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Suhua Tu
- Nursing Department, Afliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xiao X, Ma H, Zhu S, Li Q, Chen Y. The perceptions and attitudes of obstetric staff and midwives towards perinatal mental health disorders screening: a qualitative exploratory study in Shenzhen, China. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:313. [PMID: 37705010 PMCID: PMC10498526 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01475-7] [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] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The perinatal period is a crucial time for women, as they experience various biological, psychological, and social stressors. Due to the complexity of this vulnerable time, there is a high prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders among pregnant women. In 2019, the Health Commission of Shenzhen initiated perinatal mental health screening programme in China. However, attitudes and perceptions of medical staff towards implementing mental health screening programme during pregnancy remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and attitudes of obstetric staff and midwives towards screening for perinatal mental disorders in pregnant women, and identify their perceived needs and motivations for undertaking this task. METHODS This is a qualitative exploratory study. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The dataset was analysed using inductive content analysis. Purposive sampling method was used to recruit 13 participants at a tertiary maternal hospital in Shenzhen from September to November, 2019. RESULTS A total of 13 obstetric staff was interviewed, including two obstetricians, three midwives, and eight nurses. Four themes were identified from this study: views on perinatal mental health disorders screening, competency in identifying and supporting high-risk groups, barriers to dealing with psychological problems during pregnancy, and the support needs of medical staff in undertaking the tasks of mental health disorders screening. CONCLUSION Medical staff lacked sufficient knowledge and skills in perinatal psychological health and were not well prepared for the task of screening pregnant women for mental health disorders. To address this issue, medical organisations and relevant government sectors should provide training to medical staff on perinatal mental health disorders, enhance public awareness of perinatal mental health disorders, establish a model of multidisciplinary collaboration for the screening of women's perinatal mental disorders, and provide continuous and holistic care for pregnant women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haixia Ma
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shening Zhu
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiaomeng Li
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mavragani A, Awosoga OA, McDonald S, Bonifacio GT, Leung BMY. African Immigrant Mothers' Views of Perinatal Mental Health and Acceptability of Perinatal Mental Health Screening: Quantitative Cross-sectional Survey Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e40008. [PMID: 36705944 PMCID: PMC9886220 DOI: 10.2196/40008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health disorders are the most common perinatal conditions. They affect mothers, babies, partners, and support networks. However, <15% of pregnant and postpartum women seek timely help for their mental health care. Low perinatal mental health knowledge and universal screening unacceptability are cited as important deterrents to obtaining timely mental health care. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was 2-fold: (1) to determine African immigrant mothers' views of perinatal mental health and to identify predictors of those views and (2) to identify African immigrant mothers' views regarding perinatal mental health screening and to determine factors associated with those views. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of African immigrant women from the province of Alberta, Canada. Respondents were eligible to participate if they were aged ≥18 years, had a live birth, and the infant was aged ≤2 years. Questions were drawn from the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, and additional questions were developed using the Alberta Maternal Mental Health 2012 survey as a guide and tested to reflect the immigrant context. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS Among the 120 respondents, 46.5% (53/114) were aged 31-35 years, 76.1% (89/117) were employed or on maternity leave, 92.5% (111/120) were married, and 55.6% (65/117) had younger infants aged 0 to 12 months. Significantly more respondents had higher levels of knowledge of postnatal (109/115, 94.8%) than prenatal (57/110, 51.2%) mental health (P<.001). Only 25.4% (28/110) of the respondents accurately identified that prenatal anxiety or depression could negatively impact child development. Personal knowledge of postpartum anxiety and depression was a significant predictor of prenatal and postnatal mental health knowledge. Most respondents strongly agreed or agreed that all women should be screened in the prenatal (82/109, 75.2%) and postnatal (91/110, 82.7%) periods. Respondents reported that their partner would be their first choice when seeking help and support. The acceptability of postnatal screening was a significant predictor of prenatal mental health knowledge (P<.001), whereas the acceptability of prenatal screening was a significant predictor of postnatal mental health knowledge (P=.03). Prenatal mental health knowledge was a significant predictor of both prenatal (P<.001) and postnatal (P=.001) screening acceptability. CONCLUSIONS Although African mothers' knowledge of postnatal mental health is high, their prenatal mental health knowledge and its influence on child development are limited. Perinatal mental health interventions for African immigrant mothers in Alberta should target these knowledge gaps. The high acceptability of universal perinatal mental health screening among African mothers provides a promising strategy for perinatal mental health literacy initiatives to achieve optimal perinatal mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sheila McDonald
- Department of Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Glenda T Bonifacio
- Department of Women and Gender Studies, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Brenda M Y Leung
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pei Y, Chen Q, Zhang Y, He C, Wang J, Tang J, Hou H, Zhu Z, Zhang X, Wang W. Factors associated with the mental health status of pregnant women in China: A latent class analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1017410. [PMID: 36703830 PMCID: PMC9871834 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1017410] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal mental health is a neglected public health issue that places pregnant women at a higher risk for mental disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influencing factors of prenatal mental disorders and provide a scientific basis to guide and promote the mental health of pregnant women. Methods The study sample comprised 973 women in their first pregnancy, who were in their second trimester and third trimester, who underwent obstetric outpatient checkups at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Huai'an, who were recruited in the survey that was conducted from July to December 2017. The Chinese mental health scale (CMHS) was used to assess the mental health of pregnant women. The present study uses the chi-square test to compare the rates of class with different demographic variables, a latent class analysis to identify psychological symptoms, and multiple logistic regression analysis to examine whether the demographics predicted class membership. Results The chi-square test results showed that participants who reported feeling different in the perinatal period (χ2 = 6.35, P = 0.04), having marital satisfaction (χ2 = 15.8, P < 0.001), with an in-law relationship (χ2 = 29.43, P < 0.001), with a friend relationship (χ2 = 24.81, P < 0.001), with basic diseases (χ2 = 8.04, P = 0.02), and taking birth control pills (χ2 = 8.97, P = 0.01) have different probabilities of being classified. Three latent classes were identified: the high symptoms group (6.89%), the moderate symptoms group (20.56%), and the low symptoms group (72.56%). Pregnant women in the third trimester [odds ratio (OR) = 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-3.25, P = 0.04], with a poor in-law relationship (OR = 2.82, 95% CI:1.45-5.51, P = 0.002), with a bad friend relationship (OR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.31-7.71, P = 0.01), and who had basic diseases (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.00-2.90, P = 0.04) tended to be classified under the high symptoms group than under the low symptoms group. Pregnant women with a bad friend relationship (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.08-4.28, P = 0.03) and taking birth control pills (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.08-2.11, P = 0.02) were more likely to be placed under the moderate symptoms group than under the low symptoms group. Conclusions A pregnant woman's mental health status factors include feeling different in the perinatal period, those with marital satisfaction, those with an in-law relationship, those with a friend relationship, those with basic diseases, and those taking birth control pills. To ensure a smooth progress of pregnancy and promote the physical and mental health of pregnant women, psychological screening and psychological intervention measures should be strengthened.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Pei
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Chen
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Huai'an Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenlu He
- Wuxi No.5 People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Tang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Hou
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziqing Zhu
- Xuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xunbao Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Xunbao Zhang ✉
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Key Laboratory of Human Genetics and Environmental Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Wei Wang ✉
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alsabi RNS, Zaimi AF, Sivalingam T, Ishak NN, Alimuddin AS, Dasrilsyah RA, Basri NI, Jamil AAM. Improving knowledge, attitudes and beliefs: a cross-sectional study of postpartum depression awareness among social support networks during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:221. [PMID: 35690751 PMCID: PMC9187926 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01795-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most prevalent mental health disorder after childbirth, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, PPD is known to have a long-term influence on the mother and the newborn, and the role of social support network is crucial in early illness recognition. This study aims to evaluate the social support networks’ level of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding PPD and examine their sociodemographic variables and exposure to the public information relating to PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted via an online Google Form disseminated to people in Klang Valley through WhatsApp, Email, Facebook, Instagram and other available social media among postpartum women’s social support networks aged 18 years and living in the Klang Valley area (N = 394). Data were collected from 1 March to 5 July 2021 and analysed using the Mann–Whitney U-test and generalised linear mixed models. Results During the COVID-19 epidemic in Klang Valley, most participants had good knowledge, negative attitudes and awareness of PPD. Marital status, gender and parity all had significant correlations with the amount of awareness regarding PPD. Ethnicity, gender, parity and educational level showed significant association with attitude towards PPD. No significant relationship was noted between sociodemographic variables and PPD beliefs. Public awareness of PPD was also associated with knowledge and attitude towards it. Conclusions A significant positive knowledge, negative attitude and negative awareness level of PPD exist among social support networks for postnatal women. However, no significant effect of belief on PPD awareness level was noted. Implications Insight campaigns and public education about PPD should be conducted to enhance postnatal mothers’ awareness and knowledge. Postnatal care, mental check-ups and counselling sessions for the new mothers are recommended. In future studies, a closer assessment of postpartum social support, variances and similarities across women from diverse racial/ethnic origins is critical.
Strengths and limitations This cross-sectional study is one of the early studies on the area of PPD in the Malaysian region during COVID-19. Numerous data have been collected using low-cost approaches using self-administered surveys through Google Forms in this research.
Collapse
|
6
|
Kusumawati Y, Widyawati W, Dewi FST. [Vulnerable to mental health problems: Pregnant women and husband's perception in Surakarta, Indonesia]. ENFERMERIA CLINICA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2022; 32:334-343. [PMID: 36084999 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcle.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the perception of women and their husbands on the vulnerability of pregnant women to mental health disorders. METHOD Qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. The inclusion criteria were pregnant women of the second and third-trimester gestation (13-35 weeks). The exclusion criteria were pregnant women with complications and who had a family record of mental disorders. Data was collected using focus group discussion and in-depth interviews at four Primary Health Cares in Surakarta, Indonesia. Then, the data were analyzed through thematic analysis, which was supported by the OpenCode 4.02® software. RESULTS This study uncovered two main topics, firstly the factors that trigger the vulnerability of pregnant women to experience mental disorders and secondly perceived barriers to managing mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. Pregnant women and husbands recognize that they need to get mental health information. CONCLUSION Unstable emotions during pregnancy are considered normal and neglected by their surroundings. Lack of knowledge about mental health in pregnancy justifies the need to increase education in this area in order to prevent prenatal and postpartum depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Kusumawati
- Public Health Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia.
| | - Widyawati Widyawati
- Department of Pediatric and Maternity Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Fatwa Sari Tetra Dewi
- Department of Health Behavior, Environment and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Daehn D, Rudolf S, Pawils S, Renneberg B. Perinatal mental health literacy: knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking among perinatal women and the public - a systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:574. [PMID: 35854232 PMCID: PMC9295513 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04865-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The perinatal period is a time of increased vulnerability to mental health problems, however, only a small proportion of women seek help. Poor mental health literacy (MHL) is a major barrier to seeking help for mental health problems. This study aimed to collect the existing evidence of MHL associated with perinatal mental health problems (PMHP) among perinatal women and the public. This review analysed which tools were used to assess perinatal MHL as well as the findings concerning individual components of perinatal MHL. Methods Four electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL) were analysed from their inception until September 1, 2020. Not only quantitative studies reporting on components of MHL (knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking), but also studies reporting overall levels of MHL relating to PMHP were taken into account. Two independent reviewers were involved in the screening and extraction process and data were analysed descriptively. Results Thirty-eight of the 13,676 retrieved articles satisfied the inclusion criteria. The majority of selected studies examined MHL related to PMHP in perinatal women (N = 28). The most frequently examined component of MHL in the selected data set was help-seeking. A lack of uniformity in assessing MHL components was found. The most common focus of these studies was postpartum depression. It was found that the ability to recognize PMHP and to identify relevant symptoms was lacking among both perinatal women and the public. Perinatal women had low intentions of seeking help for PMHP and preferred seeking help from informal sources while reporting a variety of structural and personal barriers to seeking help. Stigmatizing attitudes associated with PMHP were found among the public. Conclusions There is a need for educational campaigns and interventions to improve perinatal MHL in perinatal women and the public as a whole. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04865-y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daria Daehn
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sophie Rudolf
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silke Pawils
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Babette Renneberg
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kusumawati Y, Widyawati W, Dewi FST. Vulnerable to mental health problems: Pregnant women and husband's perception in Surakarta, Indonesia. ENFERMERIA CLINICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
9
|
Jannati N, Farokhzadian J, Ahmadian L. The Experience of Healthcare Professionals Providing Mental Health Services to Mothers with Postpartum Depression: A qualitative study. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2021; 21:554-562. [PMID: 34888074 PMCID: PMC8631231 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.4.2021.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to describe the experience of healthcare professionals in
providing mental health services to women with postpartum depression
(PPD). Methods In this qualitative study, data were collected through semi-structured
interviews with five physicians, five midwives and five psychologists from
14 urban healthcare centres in Kerman, Iran, from April 2019 to September
2019. Purposeful sampling was used to select the participants. Data were
qualitatively analysed using a content analysis approach. Results Data analysis revealed the main theme of the study: ‘the long way
ahead for comprehensive, integrated and responsive mental health
services’. This theme included four categories: ‘postpartum
depression challenges’, ‘social and personal
factors’, ‘structural challenges’ and ‘need
for change in mental health services’. The participants described
that depression diagnosis is difficult due to insufficient knowledge among
healthcare providers and the hidden signs of PPD. They also described how
different factors such as economic and cultural factors, personality traits,
a community’s lack of knowledge, negative attitude towards
depression and limited family support might cause depression. Moreover,
providing mental health services involves certain challenges, such as
limited human resources, insufficient financial resources and incomplete or
inefficient policy-making. Conclusion Although measures have been taken to provide mental health services, there
are many challenges regarding providing mental health services to mothers.
Therefore, serious measures should be taken to improve mental health
services and re-define the existing measures. Informing the community,
empowering the healthcare providers and attempting to change the
community’s attitudes and beliefs can affect the mental healthcare
of women with depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jamileh Farokhzadian
- Nursing Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Leila Ahmadian
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kusumawati Y, Widyawati W, Dewi FST. Development and Validation of a Survey to Evaluate Mental Health Knowledge: The Case of Indonesian Pregnant Women. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.5844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Internationally, many instruments have been designed to evaluate mental health knowledge; however, in pregnant women is very limited.
AIM: Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a survey to measure the mental health knowledge of pregnant women.
METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 13 midwives attended the FGD and 10 pregnant women were invited for in-depth interviews to develop an item pool. The content validity was carried out by a panel of 6 experts. The face validity was performed with 5 pregnant women. Next, the construct validity test involved 150 pregnant women who were selected by stratified sampling from 13 public health centers in Surakarta, Indonesia. Analyses were conducted to check content validity, face validity, construct validity, internal consistency reliability, difficulty index, and exploratory factor analysis.
RESULTS: A final 20-item Mental Health Knowledge Scale (MHKS) has a content validity index of 0.97 and a correlation value per item greater than the r-table (i.e., 0.1603). In addition, the MHKS has a Kuder–Richardson 20 reliability coefficient of 0.717. Furthermore, the difficulty index ranged from 0.39 to 0.82 which was considered in the good and acceptable category. Construct validity was confirmed using exploratory factor analysis KMO = 0.713, Bartlett’s test p < 0.001.
CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, the final version of the MHKS was considered a valid and reliable tool. The instrument can be applied to measure the understanding of pregnant women about pregnancy depression. Further studies require adjustment items to other participants regarding mental health knowledge.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ghasemi S, Rayyani M, Farokhzadian J. General health and self-efficacy for health practices of pregnant women: is it important for motherhood? J Public Health (Oxf) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-019-01094-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
|
12
|
Hashmi N, Ullah I, El Hayek S, Shakoor N. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and service delivery during pregnancy: Role of telepsychiatry. Asian J Psychiatr 2020; 54:102461. [PMID: 33271738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nida Hashmi
- Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Irfan Ullah
- Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Samer El Hayek
- Department of Psychiatry, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Branquinho M, Canavarro MC, Fonseca A. Postpartum Depression in the Portuguese Population: The Role of Knowledge, Attitudes and Help-Seeking Propensity in Intention to Recommend Professional Help-Seeking. Community Ment Health J 2020; 56:1436-1448. [PMID: 32072375 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-020-00587-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Professional help-seeking for postpartum depression is very uncommon, despite its adverse effects. However, women's support network can have an important role in the professional help-seeking behaviour. This study aimed to characterize the intentions to recommend professional help-seeking for postpartum depression in the Portuguese population, as well as to analyse its determinants. A cross-sectional internet survey including 621 people of general population was conducted. Participants reported a high intention to recommend professional help-seeking for postpartum depression. Greater knowledge about postpartum depression, lower stigma and high perceived utility of mental health help-seeking were associated with high intention to recommend professional help-seeking for PPD, both directly and indirectly, through less negative attitudes towards postpartum depression and higher help-seeking propensity. Education campaigns are needed to increase knowledge and to promote positive attitudes towards postpartum depression in the general population. Moreover, the results highlight the importance of implementing strategies aimed at reducing the stigma associated to help-seeking, of increasing the perception of utility of mental health services and of including the women's support network in perinatal care to facilitate their help-seeking process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Branquinho
- Research Group "Relationships, Development & Health", Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioural Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-115, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Canavarro
- Research Group "Relationships, Development & Health", Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioural Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-115, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Fonseca
- Research Group "Relationships, Development & Health", Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioural Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-115, Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Swami V, Vintila M, Goian C, Tudorel O, Bucur V. Mental Health Literacy of Maternal and Paternal Postnatal Depression in a Community Sample of Romanian Adults. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1037/ipp0000130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Postnatal depression affects a large proportion of Romanian parents, but no existing research has examined knowledge of postnatal depression in Romanian adults. To rectify this, we examined the ability of Romanian adults to correctly identify cases of maternal and paternal postnatal depression, as well as attitudes toward cases of postnatal depression. A total of 1,248 Romanian adults were presented with vignettes describing cases of maternal or paternal postnatal depression. Based on the vignettes, participants were asked to report if they thought anything was wrong with the targets and, if so, to describe what they thought was wrong. Participants also rated the targets on several attitudinal dimensions. Participants were more likely to indicate that something was wrong when the target was female (67.9%) compared with male (46.4%). Of those who believed something was wrong, 57.7% of participants correctly described the female target as experiencing postnatal depression, but only 37.1% did so for the male target. Women held significantly more positive attitudes toward the targets than men, particularly when the target was female. Mental health literacy of postnatal depression appears to be poor in Romanian adults compared with other national groups, especially in the case of paternal postnatal depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viren Swami
- Division of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, and Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University
| | - Mona Vintila
- Department of Psychology, West University of Timișoara
| | - Cosmin Goian
- Department of Social Work, West University of Timișoara
| | | | - Venera Bucur
- Department of Social Work, West University of Timișoara
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ogbo FA, Kingsley Ezeh O, Dhami MV, Naz S, Khanlari S, McKenzie A, Agho K, Page A, Ussher J, Perz J, Eastwood J. Perinatal Distress and Depression in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Australian Women: The Role of Psychosocial and Obstetric Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2945. [PMID: 31426304 PMCID: PMC6720521 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16162945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal distress and depression can have significant impacts on both the mother and baby. The present study investigated psychosocial and obstetric factors associated with perinatal distress and depressive symptoms among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Australian women in Sydney, New South Wales. The study used retrospectively linked maternal and child health data from two Local Health Districts in Australia (N = 25,407). Perinatal distress was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS, scores of 10-12) and depressive symptoms, with EPDS scores of 13 or more. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between psychosocial and obstetric factors with perinatal distress and depressive symptoms. The prevalence of perinatal distress and depressive symptoms among CALD Australian women was 10.1% for antenatal distress; 7.3% for antenatal depressive symptoms; 6.2% for postnatal distress and 3.7% for postnatal depressive symptoms. Antenatal distress and depressive symptoms were associated with a lack of partner support, intimate partner violence, maternal history of childhood abuse and being known to child protection services. Antenatal distress and depressive symptoms were strongly associated with postnatal distress and depressive symptoms. Higher socioeconomic status had a protective effect on antenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms. Our study suggests that current perinatal mental health screening and referral for clinical assessment is essential, and also supports a re-examination of perinatal mental health policy to ensure access to culturally responsive mental health care that meets patients' needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Akpojene Ogbo
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2571, Australia.
- General Practice Unit, Prescot Specialist Medical Centre, Welfare Quarters, Makurdi, Benue State 972261, Nigeria.
| | - Osita Kingsley Ezeh
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2571, Australia
| | - Mansi Vijaybhai Dhami
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2571, Australia
| | - Sabrina Naz
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2571, Australia
| | - Sarah Khanlari
- Department of Community Paediatrics, Sydney Local Health District, Croydon Community Health Centre, 24 Liverpool Street, Croydon, NSW 2132, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Anne McKenzie
- Primary & Community Health, Child and Family, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Narellan CHC, NSW 2567, Australia
| | - Kingsley Agho
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2571, Australia
| | - Andrew Page
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2571, Australia
| | - Jane Ussher
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2571, Australia
| | - Janette Perz
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2571, Australia
| | - John Eastwood
- Department of Community Paediatrics, Sydney Local Health District, Croydon Community Health Centre, 24 Liverpool Street, Croydon, NSW 2132, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, 1 Campbell Street, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Public Health, Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Smith T, Gemmill AW, Milgrom J. Perinatal anxiety and depression: Awareness and attitudes in Australia. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2019; 65:378-387. [PMID: 31148499 DOI: 10.1177/0020764019852656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Better community mental health literacy is associated with positive help-seeking behaviours and reduced stigma. There are relatively few published surveys of perinatal mental health literacy. AIMS To provide a profile of current awareness, knowledge and attitudes in relation to the mental health of women and men in the perinatal period. METHOD A cross-sectional online survey (n = 1,201) of adults (⩾ 18 years) in each state and territory of Australia was conducted in early 2016. Survey questions were based on a previous 2009 survey, with the addition of several novel items designed to assess knowledge around both perinatal anxiety and men's perinatal mental health. RESULTS Depression (including postnatal depression) was the most frequently cited general health problem for women in the first postnatal year (52% of spontaneous first responses). Over 70% of adults believed that postnatal depression requires specialised treatment and checks for depressive symptoms should occur routinely in pregnancy and the first postnatal year. Women identified postnatal depression at a higher rate than men. Most commonly, postnatal depression was perceived as having a biological rather than psychosocial etiology (34.5%). Men and women differed in their knowledge about the symptoms of postnatal depression with more women correctly identifying core depressive symptoms. The specific term 'perinatal depression' was not well recognised. Although not well recognised as a general health issue, when prompted, 39% of respondents were aware of anxiety as a specific perinatal mental health issue. Most adult Australians (60%) were unaware that perinatal depression and anxiety could be experienced by men. CONCLUSION Awareness of postnatal depression appeared high. However, areas including anxiety, antenatal mental health, and men's mental health were less well-understood. There remains considerable scope, and a need for, continued awareness-raising around anxiety, mental health in pregnancy and men's mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terri Smith
- 1 Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA), Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alan W Gemmill
- 2 Parent-Infant Research Institute, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeannette Milgrom
- 2 Parent-Infant Research Institute, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,3 Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Knowledge and attitudes about postpartum depression in the Portuguese general population. Midwifery 2019; 77:86-94. [PMID: 31276960 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterize the Portuguese general population's knowledge and attitudes about postpartum depression, and analyze its sociodemographic and clinical correlates. DESIGN A cross-sectional internet survey. SETTING Participants were recruited through advertisements on social media websites, in thematic forums and by email. PARTICIPANTS A total of 621 people in the general population (88.1% women) participated in the study. MEASUREMENTS Participants were questioned about sociodemographic and clinical data, personal contact with postpartum depression, awareness of public education campaigns about postpartum depression and knowledge and attitudes towards postpartum depression (outcome variables). FINDINGS The sample presented a good level of knowledge and positive attitudes about postpartum depression despite the existence of some gaps in knowledge and some stereotypes. Personal contact with postpartum depression was associated with higher levels of knowledge (p < .001) and more positive attitudes towards postpartum depression (p < .001) and participants who assisted to public education campaigns reported higher levels of knowledge about postpartum depression (p < .001). Lower levels of knowledge and more negative attitudes about postpartum depression were found in men and older and less educated people. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE These results show the importance of awareness-raising and education campaigns directed at the general population, particularly focusing on people who can act as the postpartum women's support network (e.g., partners, parents, in-laws), to increase the level of knowledge and to foster more positive attitudes towards postpartum depression.
Collapse
|
18
|
Swami V, Barron D, Smith L, Furnham A. Mental health literacy of maternal and paternal postnatal (postpartum) depression in British adults. J Ment Health 2019; 29:217-224. [PMID: 31070064 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2019.1608932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Postnatal depression affects between 6 and 13% of new parents, but only a small proportion of individuals who meet diagnostic criteria receive optimal treatment. One reason for this is poor mental health literacy of postnatal depression.Aims: Studies have examined mental health literacy of maternal postnatal depression, but there are no similar studies of paternal postnatal depression, which we sought to rectify.Methods: A sample of 406 British adults was presented with vignettes describing cases of either maternal or paternal postnatal depression. Based on the vignettes, participants were asked to report if they thought anything was wrong with the targets and, if so, to describe what they thought was wrong. Participants also rated the targets on a range of attitudinal dimensions.Results: Participants were more likely to indicate that something was wrong when the target was female (97.0%) compared to male (75.9%). Of those who believed something was wrong, 90.1% of participants correctly described the female target as experiencing postnatal depression, but only 46.3% did so for the male target. Participants also held more positive attitudes toward the female target than the male target.Conclusions: There is a gender binary in symptom recognition of postnatal depression, which highlights the need for greater awareness of paternal postnatal depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viren Swami
- Division of Psychology, School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - David Barron
- Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Lee Smith
- The Cambridge Centre for Sports and Exercise Sciences, Division of Sport Science, School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adrian Furnham
- Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Serdang, Malaysia.,Department of Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Norwegian Business School, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mughal MK, Giallo R, Arnold PD, Kehler H, Bright K, Benzies K, Wajid A, Kingston D. Trajectories of maternal distress and risk of child developmental delays: Findings from the All Our Families (AOF) pregnancy cohort. J Affect Disord 2019; 248:1-12. [PMID: 30690110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.12.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing literature on the impact of the course of maternal distress symptoms in the perinatal period and beyond has mainly focused on one source of distress (e.g., anxiety or depression) and only selected aspects of child development. This study examined the relative impact of trajectories of maternal depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms from mid-pregnancy to early childhood on child communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal social development at three years of age. METHODS Data were analyzed from 1983 mother-child dyads who participated in the three-year follow-up of the All Our Families (AOF) study. Maternal distress and child development across five domains were measured using validated tools. Latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted to identify trajectories of maternal distress over time. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between the trajectories and child development while adjusting for the covariates. RESULTS At age three years, 5.2% of children were at risk communication delay; 12.7% for gross motor delay; 15.4% for fine motor delay; 11.2 for problem solving delay; and 5.6% for personal-social delay on ASQ-3 domains. Multivariable analysis showed children born to mothers with persistent high anxiety symptoms from pregnancy to 3-years postpartum had an increased risk of delays in communication and personal-social domains. LIMITATIONS The use of self-reported maternal mental health symptoms and maternal reported child development are the study limitations. CONCLUSIONS The impact of high levels of maternal anxiety symptoms on the increased risk of child developmental delay in communication and personal-social domains highlights the importance of early intervention and addressing maternal anxiety from pregnancy through early childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Kashif Mughal
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Rebecca Giallo
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Paul D Arnold
- Mathison Center for Mental Health Research & Education, Cumming Schol of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Heather Kehler
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Katherine Bright
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Karen Benzies
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Abdul Wajid
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Dawn Kingston
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sunday EM, Okoli PC, Dinwoke VO. Level of awareness and treatment of anxiety and depression during pregnancy in southeast Nigeria. S Afr J Psychiatr 2018; 24:1192. [PMID: 30473881 PMCID: PMC6244144 DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v24i0.1192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anxiety and depressive disorders are somewhat masked by features of pregnancy; hence many women are ignorant of them and are untreated. Aim To determine the level of awareness and treatment of anxiety and depression in pregnancy. Setting The study was carried out at the antenatal clinic of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. Method This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study of 200 pregnant women in consecutive attendance of the antenatal clinic using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results Of the participants, 23.5% had anxiety and/or depression, 7.5% of them were aware of their condition and only 0.5% of all the participants or 6.7% of those who were aware of their problem received treatment. Conclusion Anxiety and depression are prevalent among pregnant women. Because of overlap of symptoms of anxiety and depression with those of pregnancy, the awareness is very low; hence many of them suffer immensely without treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ezeme M Sunday
- Department of Psychiatry, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
| | - Paul C Okoli
- Department of Psychiatry, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
| | - Vincent O Dinwoke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Depression Literacy and Awareness of Psychopathological Symptoms During the Perinatal Period. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2017; 46:197-208. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
22
|
Schmied V, Langdon R, Matthey S, Kemp L, Austin MP, Johnson M. Antenatal psychosocial risk status and Australian women's use of primary care and specialist mental health services in the year after birth: a prospective study. BMC Womens Health 2016; 16:69. [PMID: 27782825 PMCID: PMC5078921 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-016-0344-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor mental health in the perinatal period can impact negatively on women, their infants and families. Australian State and Territory governments are investing in routine psychosocial assessment and depression screening with referral to services and support, however, little is known about how well these services are used. The aim of this paper is to report on the health services used by women for their physical and mental health needs from pregnancy to 12 months after birth and to compare service use for women who have been identified in pregnancy as having moderate-high psychosocial risk with those with low psychosocial risk. METHODS One hundred and six women were recruited to a prospective longitudinal study with five points of data collection (2-4 weeks after prenatal booking, 36 weeks gestation, 6 weeks postpartum, 6 months postpartum and 12 months postpartum) was undertaken. Data were collected via face-to-face and telephone interviews, relating to psychosocial risk factors, mental health and service use. The prenatal psychosocial risk status of women (data available for 83 of 106 women) was determined using the Antenatal Risk Questionnaire (ANRQ) and was used to compare socio-demographic characteristics and service use of women with 'low' and 'moderate to high' risk of perinatal mental health problems. RESULTS The findings indicate high use of postnatal universal health services (child and family health nurses, general practitioners) by both groups of women, with limited use of specialist mental health services by women identified with moderate to high risk of mental health problems. While almost all respondents indicated that they would seek help for mental health concerns most had a preference to seek help from partners and family before accessing health professionals. CONCLUSION These preliminary data support local and international studies that highlight the poor uptake of specialist services for mental health problems in postnatal women, where this may be required. Further research comparing larger samples of women (with low and psychosocial high risk) are needed to explore the extent of any differences and the reasons why women do not access these specialist services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Schmied
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797 Penrith, Sydney, 2751, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rachel Langdon
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797 Penrith, Sydney, 2751, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Applied Nursing Research (a joint facility of the South Western Sydney Local Health District and Western Sydney University, Liverpool, Australia
- The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Matthey
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney and Research Director, Infant, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service, South West Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lynn Kemp
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797 Penrith, Sydney, 2751, NSW, Australia
| | - Marie-Paule Austin
- Chair, Perinatal Mental Health Unit University of New South Wales & St John of God Health Care, Burwood , Sydney, Australia
- The Black Dog Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maree Johnson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|