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Calkins FC, Laifer LM, Beck RCB, Gervais SJ, Brock RL. Evaluating the factor structure of the pregnancy-related anxiety scale: implications for maternal and infant wellbeing. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39344583 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2024.2409146] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
AIMS/BACKGROUND Although the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale - also referred to as the Pregnancy-Related Thoughts Scale (PRT) - is one of the most widely utilised measures of pregnancy-related anxiety (PrA), there is limited research exploring its factor structure and psychometric properties. The present study sought to (a) explore the factor structure of the PRT and (b) examine whether specific dimensions of PrA differentially predict postpartum outcomes. DESIGN/METHODS A community sample of pregnant women (N = 159) was recruited from a Midwestern city in the United States and completed the PRT alongside other self-report measures of stress and maternal health and mood during pregnancy. Participants also completed measures of maternal health and mood, as well as parenting/infant outcomes, at 1- and 6-months postpartum. RESULTS Results provided support for a bifactor model with two unique dimensions of the PRT capturing baby- and self-focused concerns, respectively. Maternal self-focused PrA uniquely predicted postpartum internalising problems (β = .22), worse physical health (β = -.27), and impaired mother-infant bonding (β = .19) when controlling for baby-focused and general PrA. CONCLUSION Findings highlight the utility of screening for specific dimensions of PrA to promote both maternal and infant wellbeing following childbirth. Specifically, evidence suggests that screening for self-focused PrA, above and beyond baby-focused PrA, might facilitate prevention and intervention efforts and allow researchers to better understand antecedents and consequences of unique facets of PrA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances C Calkins
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Lauren M Laifer
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Rachel C B Beck
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Sarah J Gervais
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Rebecca L Brock
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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2
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Fraga SD, Khan IN, Sharma TA, Lawrence ER. Predominant approaches to measuring pregnancy-related anxiety in Sub-saharan Africa: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2425. [PMID: 39243035 PMCID: PMC11378414 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19935-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy-related anxiety significantly impacts maternal and fetal health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including those within Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Most studies conducted to evaluate pregnancy-related anxiety in LMICs have utilized scales developed in high-income countries, despite significant variations in pregnancy-related anxiety due to socioeconomic and cultural contexts. This review surveyed existing literature in order to identify which scales have been used to measure pregnancy-related anxiety in SSA. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, and APA PsycNet for relevant studies published in the English language up to March 22, 2023. Eligible studies focused on anxiety in pregnant populations within SSA, using validated scales or tools. Screening followed PRIMSA guidelines, with blinded review at the abstract/title level and subsequent full-text review. Data was extracted and analyzed to identify trends and characteristics of the screening tools used. RESULTS From 271 articles, 37 met inclusion criteria, identifying 24 different tools used to measure anxiety in pregnant women in SSA. The most common tools were the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (seven uses), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (five uses), and the Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20 (five uses). Seven tools were pregnancy-specific, with only two designed specifically for SSA: the Risk Factor Assessment (RFA), and the 4-Item Screening Tool. Studies were most frequently conducted in South Africa, followed by Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Ghana. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review illustrates that only two tools (the RFA and 4-item Screening Tool) were created to assess pregnancy-related anxiety specifically in SSA. This highlights the need for more culturally sensitive tools tailored to the specific contexts of pregnant populations in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Dane Fraga
- University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Ibrahim Nawaz Khan
- University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tanvi A Sharma
- University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Emma R Lawrence
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Abiiro GA, Abdul-Latif AM, Akaateba D, Braimah KRL, Alhassan M, Hadfield K, Hadfield K. A qualitative examination of factors influencing pregnancy-related anxiety in Northern Ghana. Midwifery 2024; 134:104014. [PMID: 38669757 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite high prevalence of anxiety among pregnant women in low- and -middle-income countries, research on context-specific conceptualisation, measurement, and predictors of pregnancy-related anxiety (PrA) is limited in these contexts. We explored local conceptualisations of factors influencing PrA in the Northern Region of Ghana. METHODS We conducted 15 focus group discussions with antenatal care seekers in the Mion District, Savelugu Municipality, and Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region, in July and August 2021. Multistage stratified purposive sampling was used to select respondents (n = 108). The data were audio-recorded and transcribed, and then we conducted a thematic analysis of the data. RESULTS At the individual level, fear of anaemia; pre-existing health conditions; challenges with daily activities; and physical, emotional, and sexual abuses from spouses contributed to PrA. Health system failures resulting in unexpected out-of-pocket payments, negative health worker attitudes, diagnostic errors, constraints on birth preparation and birth process, and potential adverse birth outcomes were understood as driving PrA. Socio-cultural factors influencing PrA comprised beliefs and practices around baby naming/outdooring ceremonies, fear of spiritual attacks, social construction of gender roles, and contextual factors such as transportation challenges. CONCLUSION Pregnant women in the region understood, experienced, and could identify perceived predictors of PrA. To address PrA, we recommend that mental health services should be integrated into the basic package of antenatal care and rural health services should be improved. Perceived predictors of PrA identified here could be included in the design of a context-specific PrA measure for use in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert Abotisem Abiiro
- Department of Health Services, Policy, Planning, Management and Economics, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana; Department of Population and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
| | - Abdul-Malik Abdul-Latif
- Institute of Interdisciplinary research and consultancy services, University for Development Studies, Tamale(,) Ghana
| | | | - Killian Ramatu Laale Braimah
- Department for Social and Behavioural Change, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Mustapha Alhassan
- Department for Social and Behavioural Change, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | | | - Kristin Hadfield
- Trinity Centre for Global Health, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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4
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Zhou J, Wu P, Cai W, Lu J, Guo Y, Teng Y, Tong J, Gao G, Yan S, Tao F, Huang K. The impact of maternal anxiety during pregnancy on children's eczema and allergic rhinitis: The Ma'anshan birth cohort study. J Psychosom Res 2024; 181:111621. [PMID: 38636299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between maternal exposure to anxiety during pregnancy and the susceptibility of offspring to eczema and allergic rhinitis and the possibility of sensitivity periods and cumulative effects. METHODS The study's sample consisted of 3160 mother-child pairs from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort Study. Maternal anxiety was repeatedly measured in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy using the Chinese version of the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale. Information regarding children's eczema and allergic rhinitis diagnoses was collected through parental reports at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months of age. Binary logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis and corrected for multiple comparisons using the false discovery rate (FDR) method. RESULTS Children whose mothers experienced anxiety throughout pregnancy had the highest odds of developing total eczema (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.07) and total allergic rhinitis (aOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.17-2.37) between the ages of 6 and 48 months. The higher the trajectory of the maternal anxiety scores throughout pregnancy, the higher the odds of total eczema (aOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.14-2.40) and allergic rhinitis (aOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.28-2.66) in their offspring. The association between maternal anxiety and children's eczema was mainly concentrated in the first 24 months, whereas the association with allergic rhinitis was mainly concentrated in the 36-48 months. CONCLUSION Maternal anxiety during any trimester of pregnancy, especially with a consistently high trajectory of anxiety scores, was associated with higher odds of children's eczema and allergic rhinitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixing Zhou
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Pengui Wu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wenjing Cai
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jingru Lu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yufan Guo
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yuzhu Teng
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Juan Tong
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Guopeng Gao
- Maternal and Child Health Care Center of Ma'anshan, No 24 Jiashan Road, Ma'anshan 243011, Anhui Province, China
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Maternal and Child Health Care Center of Ma'anshan, No 24 Jiashan Road, Ma'anshan 243011, Anhui Province, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China.
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Brunton R. Childhood abuse and perinatal outcomes for mother and child: A systematic review of the literature. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302354. [PMID: 38787894 PMCID: PMC11125509 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood abuse can have long-term adverse outcomes in adulthood. These outcomes may pose a particular threat to the health and well-being of perinatal women; however, to date, this body of knowledge has not been systematically collated and synthesized. This systematic review examined the child abuse literature and a broad range of perinatal outcomes using a comprehensive search strategy. The aim of this review was to provide a clearer understanding of the distinct effect of different abuse types and areas where there may be gaps in our knowledge. Following PRISMA guidelines, EBSCO, PsychInfo, Scopus, Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases and gray literature including preprints, dissertations and theses were searched for literature where childhood abuse was associated with any adverse perinatal outcome between 1969 and 2022. Exclusion criteria included adolescent samples, abuse examined as a composite variable, editorials, letters to the editor, qualitative studies, reviews, meta-analyses, or book chapters. Using an assessment tool, two reviewers extracted and assessed the methodological quality and risk of bias of each study. From an initial 12,384 articles, 95 studies were selected, and the outcomes were categorized as pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal for the mother, and perinatal for mother and child. The prevalence of childhood abuse ranged from 5-25% with wide variability (physical 2-78%, sexual 2-47%, and emotional/psychological 2-69%). Despite some consistent findings relating to psychological outcomes (i.e., depression and PTSD), most evidence was inconclusive, effect sizes were small, or the findings based on a limited number of studies. Inconsistencies in findings stem from small sample sizes and differing methodologies, and their diversity meant studies were not suitable for a meta-analysis. Research implication include the need for more rigorous methodology and research in countries where the prevalence of abuse may be high. Policy implications include the need for trauma-informed care with the Multi-level Determinants of Perinatal Wellbeing for Child Abuse Survivors model a useful framework. This review highlights the possible impacts of childhood abuse on perinatal women and their offspring and areas of further investigation. This review was registered with PROSPERO in 2021 and funded by an internal grant from Charles Sturt University.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Brunton
- School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst Campus, Bathurst, NSW, Australia
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Chi R, Li M, Zhang M, Zhang N, Zhang G, Cui L, Ma G. Exploring the Association between Anxiety, Depression, and Gut Microbiota during Pregnancy: Findings from a Pregnancy Cohort Study in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China. Nutrients 2024; 16:1460. [PMID: 38794698 PMCID: PMC11123899 DOI: 10.3390/nu16101460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Negative emotions and gut microbiota during pregnancy both bear significant public health implications. However, the relationship between them has not been fully elucidated. This study, utilizing data from a pregnancy cohort, employed metagenomic sequencing to elucidate the relationship between anxiety, depression, and gut microbiota's diversity, composition, species, and functional pathways. Data from 87 subjects, spanning 225 time points across early, mid, and late pregnancy, were analyzed. The results revealed that anxiety and depression significantly corresponded to lower alpha diversity (including the Shannon entropy and the Simpson index). Anxiety and depression scores, along with categorical distinctions of anxiety/non-anxiety and depression/non-depression, were found to account for 0.723%, 0.731%, 0.651%, and 0.810% of the variance in gut-microbiota composition (p = 0.001), respectively. Increased anxiety was significantly positively associated with the abundance of Oscillibacter sp. KLE 1745, Oscillibacter sp. PEA192, Oscillibacter sp. KLE 1728, Oscillospiraceae bacterium VE202 24, and Treponema socranskii. A similar association was significantly noted for Oscillibacter sp. KLE 1745 with elevated depression scores. While EC.3.5.3.1: arginase appeared to be higher in the anxious group than in the non-anxious group, vitamin B12-related enzymes appeared to be lower in the depression group than in the non-depression group. The changes were found to be not statistically significant after post-multiple comparison adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixin Chi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; (R.C.); (N.Z.)
| | - Muxia Li
- Department of Scientific Research, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing 100045, China;
| | - Man Zhang
- School of Nursing, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China;
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; (R.C.); (N.Z.)
| | - Guohua Zhang
- The Third Department of Obstetrics, Shijiazhuang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050011, China;
| | - Lijun Cui
- The Seventh Department of Obstetrics, Shijiazhuang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050011, China;
| | - Guansheng Ma
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; (R.C.); (N.Z.)
- Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
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7
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Šoštarić M, Jokić-Begić N, Vukušić Mijačika M. Can't stop, won't stop - understanding anxiety's role in cyberchondria among pregnant women. Women Health 2024; 64:185-194. [PMID: 38258443 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2024.2308525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Online health research is common during pregnancy, especially if women are facing complications. Given the unpleasant emotions women experience after research, it is surprising that cyberchondria, excessive and repeated online health research caused by anxiety that intensifies such anxiety, has not been studied in pregnant women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the predictors of cyberchondria among women with and without pregnancy complications, accounting for health anxiety (a worry regarding personal health) and pregnancy-specific anxiety (concerns related to pregnancy and childbirth). A total of 360 pregnant women completed a questionnaire consisted of Short Health Anxiety Inventory, Pregnancy Concerns Scale and Short Cyberchondria Scale. The results of one-way MANOVA showed that women who had medically complicated pregnancy had higher levels of health anxiety, pregnancy-specific anxiety and cyberchondria compared to those without complications. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that health anxiety and pregnancy-specific anxiety were predictors of cyberchondria but had different roles depending on complications. Pregnancy-specific anxiety predicted cyberchondria in both groups above health anxiety. Health anxiety predicted cyberchondria only in women without complications. In conclusion, women with complications have a higher chance of experiencing cyberchondria. Pregnancy-specific and health anxiety are risk factors for cyberchondria in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matea Šoštarić
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nataša Jokić-Begić
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Vukušić Mijačika
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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8
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Šoštarić M, Mikac U, Jokić-Begić N. Understanding cyberchondria in pregnant women: longitudinal assessment of risk factors, triggers, and outcomes. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 44:2265050. [PMID: 37800570 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2023.2265050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy often triggers anxiety and health concerns in women, leading many to search for health information online. Excessive, compulsive, and repetitive online health research, accompanied by heightened anxiety, can result in cyberchondria. This study aimed to explore the risk factors, triggers, and outcomes of cyberchondria in pregnant women. A total of 149 participants completed an online questionnaire longitudinally across three stages of pregnancy: early (14-19 weeks), mid (24-29 weeks), and late pregnancy (34-39 weeks). The findings revealed that health anxiety and the cognitive component of anxiety sensitivity are risk factors for cyberchondria during pregnancy. Pregnancy concerns related to motherhood emerged as triggers for cyberchondria. While a connection between cyberchondria and fear of birth was observed, fear of birth did not appear to be a direct outcome of cyberchondria. These results highlight the importance of addressing health anxiety, cognitive anxiety sensitivity and motherhood concerns in prenatal care and support interventions. Understanding the factors contributing to cyberchondria in pregnant women can assist healthcare professionals in providing targeted support and resources to mitigate excessive online health searching behaviors and alleviate anxiety during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matea Šoštarić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Una Mikac
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nataša Jokić-Begić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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9
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White LK, Himes MM, Waller R, Njoroge WFM, Chaiyachati BH, Barzilay R, Kornfield SL, Burris HH, Seidlitz J, Parish-Morris J, Brady RG, Gerstein ED, Laney N, Gur RE, Duncan AF. The Influence of Pandemic-Related Worries During Pregnancy on Child Development at 12 Months. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01605-x. [PMID: 37805964 PMCID: PMC10999505 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01605-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to increased risk for perinatal anxiety and depression among parents, as well as negative consequences for child development. Less is known about how worries arising from the pandemic during pregnancy are related to later child development, nor if resilience factors buffer negative consequences. The current study addresses this question in a prospective longitudinal design. Data was collected from a sub-study (n = 184) of a longitudinal study of pregnant individuals (total n = 1173). During pregnancy (April 17-July 8, 2020) and the early postpartum period (August 11, 2020-March 2, 2021), participants completed online surveys. At 12 months postpartum (June 17, 2021-March 23, 2022), participants completed online surveys and a virtual laboratory visit, which included parent-child interaction tasks. We found more pregnancy-specific pandemic worries were prospectively related to lower levels of child socioemotional development based on parent report (B = - 1.13, SE = .43, p = .007) and observer ratings (B = - 0.13, SE = .07, p = .045), but not to parent-reported general developmental milestones. Parental emotion regulation in the early postpartum period moderated the association between pregnancy-specific pandemic worries and child socioemotional development such that pregnancy-specific pandemic worries did not relate to worse child socioemotional development among parents with high (B = - .02, SE = .10, t = - .14, p = .89) levels of emotion regulation. Findings suggest the negative consequences of parental worry and distress during pregnancy on the early socioemotional development of children in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results highlight that parental emotion regulation may represent a target for intervention to promote parental resilience and support optimized child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K White
- Lifespan Brain Institute, 3400 Spruce St. 10th floor, Gates Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Megan M Himes
- Lifespan Brain Institute, 3400 Spruce St. 10th floor, Gates Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rebecca Waller
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wanjikũ F M Njoroge
- Lifespan Brain Institute, 3400 Spruce St. 10th floor, Gates Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Policy Lab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Barbara H Chaiyachati
- Lifespan Brain Institute, 3400 Spruce St. 10th floor, Gates Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Policy Lab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ran Barzilay
- Lifespan Brain Institute, 3400 Spruce St. 10th floor, Gates Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sara L Kornfield
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn Center for Women's Behavioral Wellness, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Heather H Burris
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jakob Seidlitz
- Lifespan Brain Institute, 3400 Spruce St. 10th floor, Gates Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Julia Parish-Morris
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca G Brady
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Emily D Gerstein
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 325 Stadler Hall, 1 University Blvd., St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nina Laney
- Lifespan Brain Institute, 3400 Spruce St. 10th floor, Gates Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Raquel E Gur
- Lifespan Brain Institute, 3400 Spruce St. 10th floor, Gates Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrea F Duncan
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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10
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Akdağ B, Erdem D, Bektaş M, Yardımcı F. Maternal prenatal attachment during the COVID-19 pandemic: exploring the roles of pregnancy-related anxiety, risk perception, and well-being. Arch Womens Ment Health 2023; 26:651-658. [PMID: 37407838 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-023-01343-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women have faced novel physical and mental health risks during the pandemic. This situation is remarkable because a parent's emotional bond with their unborn baby (also known as prenatal attachment) is related to the parent's mental state. Prenatal attachment helps parents psychologically prepare for the transition into parenthood. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role in the future parentchild relationship and psychosocial development of the baby. Based on the available literature, the current study integrated risk perception theories with mental health indicators to examine maternal prenatal attachment during the pandemic. Pregnant women (n = 258) completed the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-Revision 2 (PRAQ-R2), the WHO Well-being Index (WHO-5), the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI), and answered questions about COVID-19 risk perception. The findings illustrated that pregnancy-related anxiety was positively associated with maternal prenatal attachment. Moreover, COVID-19 risk perception and well-being mediated this relationship. In other words, the higher levels of pregnancy-related anxiety were associated with increased COVID-19 risk perception and decreased well-being, inhibiting prenatal attachment in pregnant women. Considering the importance of prenatal attachment, it is crucial to understand the experiences of pregnant women and develop policies for promoting prenatal attachment, especially during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berhan Akdağ
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Silifke State Hospital, Mersin, Turkey.
| | - Dilek Erdem
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Alaaddin Keykubat University Alanya Training and Research Hospital, Alanya, Turkey
| | - Murat Bektaş
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Figen Yardımcı
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
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11
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Ayraler A, Tosun ŞA, Özkök S. Pregnancy school education program in mother friendly training and research hospital impact on stress and anxiety. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e20230279. [PMID: 37585990 PMCID: PMC10427180 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230279] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate prenatal education and its relationship with anxiety and stress in pregnant women. METHODS This research was carried out between July 1, 2022, and December 1, 2023, at Giresun Gynecology and Pediatrics Training and Research Hospital. Women aged >18 years at >20 weeks of pregnancy were included. Patients were randomized into two groups, and one group received a 4 week training on meditation, breathing exercises, and pregnancy-related health issues. A questionnaire was applied to both groups to analyze sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy, birth, medical history, the Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale, and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULT The groups were similar in terms of age, educational status, anthropometric characteristics, occupation, economic status, and gestational week. There was no difference between the trained and nontrained groups in terms of the Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale score and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-state score. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory-trait was significantly lower in the trained group (p=0.033). There were weak positive correlations between Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale score and medication use and between State Trait Anxiety Inventory-state score and age. A negative correlation was found between the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-state score and working status, showing that employed women had lower anxiety scores irrespective of training. Another weak positive correlation was found between the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-trait score and the presence of comorbidities. CONCLUSION State Trait Anxiety Inventory-trait anxiety was lower in pregnant women who received training on prenatal meditation, exercise, and pregnancy health; however, State Trait Anxiety Inventory-state and Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale scores were similar in the two groups. Unemployed pregnant women and those with chronic diseases appear to need closer follow-up to reduce anxiety levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arzu Ayraler
- Giresun University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine – Giresun, Turkey
| | - Şebnem Alanya Tosun
- Giresun University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Giresun, Turkey
| | - Senem Özkök
- Giresun University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine – Giresun, Turkey
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12
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White LK, Himes MM, Waller R, Njoroge WFM, Chaiyachati BH, Barzilay R, Kornfield SL, Burris HH, Seidlitz J, Parish-Morris J, Brady RG, Gerstein ED, Laney N, Gur RE, Duncan A. The Influence of Pandemic-Related Worries During Pregnancy on Child Development at 12 Months. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2682358. [PMID: 36993329 PMCID: PMC10055645 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2682358/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to increased risk for perinatal anxiety and depression among parents, as well as negative consequences for child development. Less is known about how worries arising from the pandemic during pregnancy are related to later child development, nor if resilience factors buffer negative consequences. The current study addresses this question in a prospective longitudinal design. Data was collected from a sub-study ( n = 184) of a longitudinal study of pregnant individuals (total n = 1,173). During pregnancy (April 17-July 8, 2020) and the early postpartum period (August 11, 2020-March 2, 2021), participants completed online surveys. At 12 months postpartum (June 17, 2021-March 23, 2022), participants completed online surveys and a virtual laboratory visit, which included parent-child interaction tasks. We found more pregnancy-specific pandemic worries were prospectively related to lower levels of child socioemotional development based on parent report (B=-1.13, SE = .43, p = .007) and observer ratings (B=-0.13, SE = .07, p = .045), but not to parent-reported general developmental milestones. Parental emotion regulation in the early postpartum period moderated the association between pregnancy-specific pandemic worries and child socioemotional development such that pregnancy-specific pandemic worries did not related to worse child socioemotional development among parents with high (B=-.02, SE = .10, t=-.14, p = .89) levels of emotion regulation. Findings suggest the negative consequences of parental worry and distress during pregnancy on the early socioemotional development of children in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results highlight that parental emotion regulation may represent a target for intervention to promote parental resilience and support optimized child development.
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13
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Jones MC, Byun JY, Billings R, Shorten A, Kempf MC, Vance DE, Puga F. Tools for Screening and Measuring Anxiety Among Women Living with HIV of Reproductive Age: A Scoping Review. AIDS Behav 2023:10.1007/s10461-023-03990-9. [PMID: 36757556 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-03990-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that women living with HIV (WLWH) may experience higher rates of anxiety than men living with HIV and women living without HIV. To date, relatively little knowledge exists on valid anxiety screening and diagnostic tools and how they are used among WLWH, specifically WLWH of reproductive age. Thus, the purpose of this scoping review was to describe what is known in the published literature about anxiety among WLWH and the tools used to measure and screen for anxiety in clinical and research contexts. The Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework was used to guide a scoping review of published articles in PsycINFO, Scopus, Sociological Abstracts, and PubMed databases. Twenty-one measures of anxiety were used across the 52 articles identified in the search. Most measures used were self-report. Inconsistencies in standardized screening tools and cutoff scores were observed across studies. Further, measures to assess anxiety varied among studies focused on WLWH. Based on the results from this review, there is a need for consistent, valid measures of anxiety to advance research and clinical practice to support the well-being of WLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan C Jones
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Blvd, 35294-1210, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Jun Y Byun
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Blvd, 35294-1210, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rebecca Billings
- UAB Libraries, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Allison Shorten
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Blvd, 35294-1210, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Mirjam-Colette Kempf
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Blvd, 35294-1210, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - David E Vance
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Blvd, 35294-1210, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Frank Puga
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Blvd, 35294-1210, Birmingham, AL, USA
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14
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Knowledge and Perception of Risk in Pregnancy and Childbirth among Women in Low-Income Communities in Accra. WOMEN 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/women2040035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Perception and knowledge of risk factors for pregnancy influence health behaviors during pregnancy and childbirth. We used a descriptive qualitative study to examine the perception and knowledge of risk factors in pregnancy and childbirth in low-income urban women in Ghana. Over the course of three-months, 12 focus group discussions and six individual interviews were conducted with 90 participants selected from six communities in the study area. Data were analyzed using inductive-thematic content analysis. Findings revealed that participants had knowledge of some risk factors, although some had superstitious beliefs. Participants viewed pregnancy as an exciting and unique experience, but also challenging, with a host of medical and psychological risks. Pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., diabetes), lack of physical activity, poverty, poor nutrition, and lack of social support were identified as conditions that could lead to negative pregnancy outcomes. Superstitious beliefs such as exposure to “evil eye” during pregnancy, as well as curses and spells, were also identified as risk factors for pregnancy complications. This research has implications for policies and programs to improve pregnancy outcomes for low-income women in Ghana. Thus, we recommend social and economic support programs as well as health education to change misperceptions about pregnancy risk and to support other efforts being made to improve maternal health outcomes.
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15
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Mudra S, Göbel A, Möhler E, Stuhrmann LY, Schulte-Markwort M, Arck P, Hecher K, Diemert A. Behavioral Inhibition in the Second Year of Life Is Predicted by Prenatal Maternal Anxiety, Overprotective Parenting and Infant Temperament in Early Infancy. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:844291. [PMID: 35722567 PMCID: PMC9203734 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.844291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Behavioral inhibition, characterized by shyness, fear and avoidance of novel stimuli, has been linked with internalizing personality traits in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood, and particularly later social anxiety disorder. Little is known about the relevance of potential prenatal precursors and early predictors for the development of inhibited behavior, such as infant vulnerability and family risk factors like parental anxiety and overprotection. Pregnancy-related anxiety has been associated with both infant temperament and maternal overprotective parenting. Thus, the aim of this study was investigating the predictive relevance of prenatal pregnancy-related anxiety for behavioral inhibition in toddlerhood, by considering the mediating role of maternal overprotection and infant distress to novelty. Materials and Methods As part of a longitudinal pregnancy cohort, behavioral inhibition at 24 months postpartum was assessed in N = 170 mother-child pairs. Maternal pregnancy-related anxiety was examined in the third trimester of pregnancy, and maternal overprotection and infant distress to novelty at 12 months postpartum. Results Mediation analysis with two parallel mediators showed that the significant direct effect of pregnancy-related anxiety on child behavioral inhibition was fully mediated by infant distress to novelty p < 0.001 and maternal overprotection (p < 0.05). The included variables explained 26% of variance in behavioral inhibition. A subsequent explorative mediation analysis with serial mediators further showed a significant positive association between distress to novelty and maternal overprotective parenting (p < 0.05). Conclusion Results indicate a predictive relevance of both infant and maternal factors for the development of behavioral inhibition in toddlerhood. Mothers who perceived more pregnancy-related anxiety showed more overprotective parenting and had infants with more distress to novelty. Further, mothers being more overprotective reported their child to be more inhibited in toddlerhood. Our findings also indicate the stability of reported infant distress to novelty as one aspect of later behavioral inhibition. Addressing specific forms of parental anxiety from pregnancy on and in interaction with child-related variables seems to be a promising approach for future studies and clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Mudra
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ariane Göbel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eva Möhler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Saarland University Medical Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lydia Yao Stuhrmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schulte-Markwort
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Arck
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anke Diemert
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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