1
|
Tartour AI, Chivese T, Eltayeb S, Elamin FM, Fthenou E, Seed Ahmed M, Babu GR. Prenatal psychological distress and 11β-HSD2 gene expression in human placentas: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107060. [PMID: 38677195 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107060] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta acts as a buffer to regulate the degree of fetal exposure to maternal cortisol through the 11-Beta Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase isoenzyme type 2 (11-β HSD2) enzyme. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of prenatal psychological distress (PPD) on placental 11-β HSD2 gene expression and explore the related mechanistic pathways involved in fetal neurodevelopment. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, APA PsycInfo®, and ProQuest Dissertations for observational studies assessing the association between PPD and 11-β HSD2 expression in human placentas. Adjusted regression coefficients (β) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled based on three contextual PPD exposure groups: prenatal depression, anxiety symptoms, and perceived stress. RESULTS Of 3159 retrieved records, sixteen longitudinal studies involving 1869 participants across seven countries were included. Overall, exposure to PPD disorders showed weak negative associations with the placental 11-β HSD2 gene expression as follows: prenatal depression (β -0.01, 95% CI 0.05-0.02, I2=0%), anxiety symptoms (β -0.02, 95% CI 0.06-0.01, I2=0%), and perceived stress (β -0.01 95% CI 0.06-0.04, I2=62.8%). Third-trimester PPD exposure was more frequently associated with lower placental 11-β HSD2 levels. PPD and placental 11-β HSD2 were associated with changes in cortisol reactivity and the development of adverse health outcomes in mothers and children. Female-offspring were more vulnerable to PPD exposures. CONCLUSION The study presents evidence of a modest role of prenatal psychological distress in regulating placental 11-β HSD2 gene expression. Future prospective cohorts utilizing larger sample sizes or advanced statistical methods to enhance the detection of small effect sizes should be planned. Additionally, controlling for key predictors such as the mother's ethnicity, trimester of PPD exposure, mode of delivery, and infant sex is crucial for valid exploration of PPD effects on fetal programming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angham Ibrahim Tartour
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Tawanda Chivese
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Safa Eltayeb
- Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fatima M Elamin
- Office of Research Ethics and Integrity, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eleni Fthenou
- Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammed Seed Ahmed
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Giridhara Rathnaiah Babu
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Platt IS, Pendl-Robinson EL, Dehus E, O'Neil SS, Vohra D, Kenny M, Pentenrieder L, Zivin K. Societal costs of untreated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in Vermont. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024; 27:585-594. [PMID: 38321244 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-024-01429-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To estimate the societal costs of untreated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) in Vermont for the 2018-2020 average annual birth cohort from conception through five years postpartum. METHODS We developed a cost analysis model to calculate the excess cases of outcomes attributed to PMADs in the state of Vermont. Then, we modeled the associated costs of each outcome incurred by birthing parents and their children, projected five years for birthing parents who do not achieve remission by the end of the first year postpartum. RESULTS We estimated that the total societal cost of untreated PMADs in Vermont could reach $48 million for an annual birth cohort from conception to five years postpartum, amounting to $35,910 in excess societal costs per birthing parent with an untreated PMAD and their child. CONCLUSION Our model provides evidence of the high costs of untreated PMADs for birthing parents and their children in Vermont. Our estimates for Vermont are slightly higher but comparable to national estimates, which are $35,500 per birthing parent-child pair, adjusted to 2021 US dollars. Investing in perinatal mental health prevention and treatment could improve health outcomes and reduce economic burden of PMADs on individuals, families, employers, and the state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel S Platt
- Mathematica, 1100 First Street, NE, 12th Floor, Washington, DC, 20002, USA.
| | | | - Eric Dehus
- Mathematica, 1100 First Street, NE, 12th Floor, Washington, DC, 20002, USA
| | - Sasigant So O'Neil
- Mathematica, 1100 First Street, NE, 12th Floor, Washington, DC, 20002, USA
| | - Divya Vohra
- Mathematica, 1100 First Street, NE, 12th Floor, Washington, DC, 20002, USA
| | - Michael Kenny
- Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT, 05402, USA
| | - Laura Pentenrieder
- Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT, 05402, USA
| | - Kara Zivin
- Mathematica, 1100 First Street, NE, 12th Floor, Washington, DC, 20002, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Macedo C, Monnerat J, Lucchetti B, Teixeira G, Mentzinger J, Rocha H, Medeiros R, Rocha N, de Souza D, Sampaio F, Gregorio B. Impact of maternal stress on metabolism and penile morphology in young offspring rats. Histol Histopathol 2024; 39:1009-1015. [PMID: 38221876 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to prolonged stress in pregnancy and/or lactation can lead to the future development of diseases. We aimed to study the effects of maternal stress on the biometry, metabolism, and penile morphology of young Wistar rats. Animals were divided into two experimental groups: Control Group (C) - pups from control mothers, without any intervention (n=5); and Chronic Stress Group (S) - pups from mothers who suffered variable stress in the third week of pregnancy (14th to 21st day; n=5). Food intake and body mass of the pups (n=10, in the C group and n=9 in the S group) were checked; at euthanasia (three months old), fat deposits and penis were removed. At birth and weaning, S animals were lighter than C animals, [-33.72% (p=0.0422) and -17.07% (p=0.0018)], respectively. However, the final body mass and body mass delta showed no differences. Food intake and fat deposits also did not differ. However, the S group was hyperglycemic at 30 and 60 days of life [+20.59% (p=0.0042) and +14.56% (p=0.0079), respectively], despite the glycemia measured at 90 days showing no difference between groups. Penile areas and surface densities of the corpora cavernosa components were similar between groups. The results indicate that maternal stress is an important metabolic programmer, which generates low birth weight and accelerated recovery of body mass after birth (catch-up). However, in an early analysis (90 days of life), exposure to gestational stress did not change the morphology of the offspring's penis in adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolinne Macedo
- Urogenital Research Unit, Biomedical Center, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana Monnerat
- Federal Fluminense University, Exercise Science Laboratory (LACE), Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Bianca Lucchetti
- Federal Fluminense University, Exercise Science Laboratory (LACE), Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Teixeira
- Federal Fluminense University, Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Juliana Mentzinger
- Federal Fluminense University, Exercise Science Laboratory (LACE), Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Helena Rocha
- Federal Fluminense University, Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Renata Medeiros
- Federal Fluminense University, Exercise Science Laboratory (LACE), Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Natália Rocha
- Federal Fluminense University, Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Diogo de Souza
- Urogenital Research Unit, Biomedical Center, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Francisco Sampaio
- Urogenital Research Unit, Biomedical Center, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bianca Gregorio
- Urogenital Research Unit, Biomedical Center, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Frennesson NF, Barnett J, Merouani Y, Attwood A, Zuccolo L, McQuire C. Analyzing Questions About Alcohol in Pregnancy Using Web-Based Forum Topics: Qualitative Content Analysis. JMIR INFODEMIOLOGY 2024; 4:e58056. [PMID: 38900536 PMCID: PMC11224699 DOI: 10.2196/58056] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure represents a substantial public health concern as it may lead to detrimental outcomes, including pregnancy complications and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Although UK national guidance recommends abstaining from alcohol if pregnant or planning a pregnancy, evidence suggests that confusion remains on this topic among members of the public, and little is known about what questions people have about consumption of alcohol in pregnancy outside of health care settings. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess what questions and topics are raised on alcohol in pregnancy on a web-based UK-based parenting forum and how these correspond to official public health guidelines with respect to 2 critical events: the implementation of the revised UK Chief Medical Officers' (CMO) low-risk drinking guidelines (2016) and the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (2020). METHODS All thread starts mentioning alcohol in the "Pregnancy" forum were collected from Mumsnet for the period 2002 to 2022 and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the number and proportion of thread starts for each topic over the whole study period and for the periods corresponding to the change in CMO guidance and the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS A total of 395 thread starts were analyzed, and key topics included "Asking for advice on whether it is safe to consume alcohol" or on "safe limits" and concerns about having consumed alcohol before being aware of a pregnancy. In addition, the Mumsnet thread starts included discussions and information seeking on "Research, guidelines, and official information about alcohol in pregnancy." Topics discussed on Mumsnet regarding alcohol in pregnancy remained broadly similar between 2002 and 2022, although thread starts disclosing prenatal alcohol use were more common before the introduction of the revised CMO guidance than in later periods. CONCLUSIONS Web-based discussions within a UK parenting forum indicated that users were often unclear on guidance and risks associated with prenatal alcohol use and that they used this platform to seek information and reassurance from peers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nessie Felicia Frennesson
- Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Barnett
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Youssouf Merouani
- Department of Economic History, School of Economics and Management, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Angela Attwood
- Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Luisa Zuccolo
- Health Data Science Centre, Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Cheryl McQuire
- Centre for Public Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nunes MA, Melnyk BM, Almeida S, Cardoso A, Vieira M. Psychometric Properties of the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale in Portuguese Pregnant Women. West J Nurs Res 2024; 46:428-435. [PMID: 38616562 PMCID: PMC11088217 DOI: 10.1177/01939459241245217] [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] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy provides a privileged and opportune moment to implement interventions promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and significantly improving perinatal outcomes. The Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale (HLBES) can be used to assess health promoting behaviors, such as diet, physical activity, and mental health. PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the HLBES in Portuguese pregnant women. METHODS A methodological study was conducted on a convenience sample of 192 pregnant women receiving prenatal care. After cross-cultural adaptation, an exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency assessment were carried out to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale. Data collected included the Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs Scale to assess the HLBES' criterion validity. RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation yielded 2 subscales that explained 45.23% of the total variance. The scale revealed an overall internal consistency of 0.78 and a good criterion validity with the Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs Scale (r = 0.65, P < .01). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the HLBES is an instrument for reporting healthy lifestyle behaviors in Portuguese pregnant women; however, further studies are recommended. This scale can be used to not only describe healthy lifestyle behaviors in pregnant women but also to determine the effects of health promoting interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Arminda Nunes
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for Evidence-based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sofia Almeida
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Margarida Vieira
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Borgert M, Melin A, Hollander AC, Rahman S. Prenatal maternal PTSD as a risk factor for offspring ADHD: A register-based Swedish cohort study of 553 766 children and their mothers. Eur Psychiatry 2024; 67:e22. [PMID: 38425211 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.21] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is highly heritable, though environmental factors also play a role. Prenatal maternal stress is suggested to be one such factor, including exposure to highly distressing events that could lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this study is to investigate whether prenatal maternal PTSD is associated with offspring ADHD. METHOD A register-based retrospective cohort study linking 553 766 children born in Sweden during 2006-2010 with their biological parents. Exposure: Prenatal PTSD. Outcome: Offspring ADHD. Logistic regression determined odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for ADHD in the offspring. Adjustments were made for potential covariates, including single parenthood and possible indicators of heredity measured as parental ADHD and maternal mental disorders other than PTSD. Subpopulations, excluding children with indicators of heredity, were investigated separately. RESULTS In the crude results, including all children, prenatal PTSD was associated with offspring ADHD (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.37-2.34). In children with indicators of heredity, the likelihood was partly explained by it. Among children without indicators of heredity, PTSD was associated with offspring ADHD (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.30-4.14), adjusted for confounders. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal maternal PTSD is associated with offspring ADHD regardless of indicators of heredity, such as parental ADHD or maternal mental disorder other than PTSD. The association is partly explained by heredity and socioeconomic factors. If replicated in other populations, preferably using a sibling design, maternal PTSD could be identified as a risk factor for ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Borgert
- Epidemiology of Psychiatric Conditions, Substance Use and Social Environment (EPiCSS), Department of Global Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amandah Melin
- Epidemiology of Psychiatric Conditions, Substance Use and Social Environment (EPiCSS), Department of Global Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna-Clara Hollander
- Epidemiology of Psychiatric Conditions, Substance Use and Social Environment (EPiCSS), Department of Global Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Syed Rahman
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Anyim R, Li S, Armstrong D, Spathis R, James GD, Little MA, Wander K. Predictors of milk cortisol in North American women. Am J Hum Biol 2024; 36:e23985. [PMID: 37712627 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23985] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Human milk content varies across mother-child dyads, environments, and populations. Among the hormones in milk is cortisol, a glucocorticoid; its impact on the breastfeeding child is unknown. Milk cortisol may constitute a signal to the child's developing physiology which can shape characteristics (e.g., growth, temperament) to prevailing environmental conditions. This exploratory study evaluated the maternal, breastfeeding, and infant characteristics associated with milk cortisol. METHODS We evaluated archived milk specimens for cortisol using enzyme immunoassay and employed an information-theoretic approach to assess associations between milk cortisol and participant characteristics with linear regression modeling. Because we employed secondary data, information for some variables likely to impact milk cortisol variation (e.g., time of day, socioeconomic status, maternal or infant body mass index, milk energy density) was unavailable. RESULTS Participants were 48 lactating mothers from upstate New York, aged 21-40 years. Milk cortisol ranged from 0.098 to 1.007 μg/dL. Child age ranged from 1 to 26 months. In linear regression employing best fit modeling criteria, milk cortisol increased with child age (B: 0.069; p: .000; a 7.1% increase in milk cortisol for each month of child age), while child symptoms of illness (B: -0.398; p: .057; a 33% decrease) and consumption of complementary foods (B: -.525; p: .020; a 41% decrease) were associated with lower milk cortisol. CONCLUSIONS We speculate that increasing milk cortisol with child age plays a role in signaling development (e.g., as increasing independence increases risk for injury and other negative health outcomes), independent of the maternal stressors we could capture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Anyim
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Shanita Li
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Armstrong
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Rita Spathis
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Gary D James
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Michael A Little
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Katherine Wander
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gimunová M, Paludo AC, Bernaciková M, Bienertova-Vasku J. The effect of space travel on human reproductive health: a systematic review. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:10. [PMID: 38238348 PMCID: PMC10796912 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00351-1] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
With increasing possibilities of multi-year missions in deep space, colonizing other planets, and space tourism, it is important to investigate the effects of space travel on human reproduction. This study aimed to systematically review and summarize the results of available literature on space travel, microgravity, and space radiation, or Earth-based spaceflight analogues impact on female and male reproductive functions in humans. This systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Space Biomedicine Systematic Review methods. The search was performed using three databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Medline Complete. During the database search, 364 studies were identified. After the study selection process, 16 studies were included in the review. Five studies included female participants, and the findings show an increased risk of thromboembolism in combined oral contraceptive users, decreased decidualization, functional insufficiency of corpus luteum, and decreased progesterone and LH levels related to space travel or its simulation. Male participants were included in 13 studies. In males, reproductive health considerations focused on the decrease in testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels, the ratio of male offspring, sperm motility, sperm vitality, and the increase in sperm DNA fragmentation related to space travel or its simulation. Results of this systematic review highlight the need to focus more on the astronaut's reproductive health in future research, as only 16 studies were found during the literature search, and many more research questions related to reproductive health in astronauts still need to be answered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gimunová
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Ana Carolina Paludo
- Department of Sport Performance and Exercise Testing, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Bernaciková
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Julie Bienertova-Vasku
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Balsam D, Bounds DT, Rahmani AM, Nyamathi A. Evaluating the Impact of an App-Delivered Mindfulness Meditation Program to Reduce Stress and Anxiety During Pregnancy: Pilot Longitudinal Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023; 6:e53933. [PMID: 38145479 PMCID: PMC10775027 DOI: 10.2196/53933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress and anxiety during pregnancy are extremely prevalent and are associated with numerous poor outcomes, among the most serious of which are increased rates of preterm birth and low birth weight infants. Research supports that while in-person mindfulness training is effective in reducing pregnancy stress and anxiety, there are barriers limiting accessibility. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper is to determine if mindfulness meditation training with the Headspace app is effective for stress and anxiety reduction during pregnancy. METHODS A longitudinal, single-arm trial was implemented with 20 pregnant women who were instructed to practice meditation via the Headspace app twice per day during the month-long trial. Validated scales were used to measure participant's levels of stress and anxiety pre- and postintervention. Physiological measures reflective of stress (heart rate variability and sleep) were collected via the Oura Ring. RESULTS Statistically significant reductions were found in self-reported levels of stress (P=.005), anxiety (P=.01), and pregnancy anxiety (P<.0001). Hierarchical linear modeling revealed a statistically significant reduction in the physiological data reflective of stress in 1 of 6 heart rate variability metrics, the low-frequency power band, which decreased by 13% (P=.006). A total of 65% of study participants (n=13) reported their sleep improved during the trial, and 95% (n=19) stated that learning mindfulness helped with other aspects of their lives. Participant retention was 100%, with 65% of participants (n=13) completing about two-thirds of the intervention, and 50% of participants (n=10) completing ≥95%. CONCLUSIONS This study found evidence to support the Headspace app as an effective intervention to aid in stress and anxiety reduction during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donna Balsam
- School of Nursing, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Dawn T Bounds
- Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Amir M Rahmani
- Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Adeline Nyamathi
- Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Di Nallo A, Köksal S. Job loss during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2259-2266. [PMID: 37758648 PMCID: PMC10628490 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead183] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the exposure to job loss during pregnancy increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth? SUMMARY ANSWER The experience of own or partner's job loss during the pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriageand stillbirth. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Prior research on the psycho-social aspect of pregnancy loss has investigated the contextual and the individual-level stressors. At the contextual level, natural disasters, air pollution, and economic downturns are associated with higher risk of pregnancy loss. At the individual level, intense working schedules and financial strain are linked with increased risk of pregnancy loss both at early and later stages of the gestation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This work draws on high-quality individual data of 'Understanding Society', a longitudinal survey that has interviewed a representative sample of households living in the UK annually since 2009. Approximately 40 000 households were recruited. The analyses use all the available survey waves (1-12, 2009-2022). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The final sample consisted of 8142 pregnancy episodes that contain complete informationon pregnancy outcome and date of conception. Ongoing pregnancies at the time of the interview were excluded from the final sample. The outcome variable indicated whether a pregnancy resulted in a live birth or a pregnancy loss whereas the exposure variable identified the women's or their partner's job loss because of redundancy or a dismissal. Logistic regression models were employed to estimate the relation between job loss during pregnancy and pregnancy loss. The models were adjusted for an array of socio-demographic and economic characteristics following a stepwise approach. Several sensitivity analyses complemented the main findings. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Baseline models controlling for women's demographic background and prior experience of miscarriage estimated an increased risk of pregnancy loss when women were exposed to their own or their partner's job loss during their pregnancy (odds ratio (OR) = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.99). When the models were adjusted for all socio-economic and partnership-related covariates the association remained robust (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.73). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION First, the pregnancy outcome and the date of conception were self-reported and may besubjected to recall and social desirability bias. Second, although we adjusted for an array socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported health, other contextual factors might be correlated with both job loss and pregnancy loss. Third, owing to the limited sample size, we could not assess if the main finding holds across different socio-economic strata. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS By showing that exposure to a job loss during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, we underline the relevance of pregnancy loss as a preventable public health matter. This result also calls for policy designthat enhances labour market protection and social security buffers for pregnant women and their partners. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The authors received the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: H2020 Excellent Science, H2020 European Research Council, Grant/Award Number: 694262 (project DisCont-Discontinuities in Household and Family Formation) and the Economic and Social Research Centre on Micro-Social Change (MiSoC). There are no conflicts of interest to declare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Di Nallo
- Dondena Centre for Research on Social Dynamics and Public Policy, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | - Selin Köksal
- Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Baas MAM, Stramrood CAI, Dijksman LM, Vanhommerig JW, de Jongh A, van Pampus MG. How safe is the treatment of pregnant women with fear of childbirth using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy? Obstetric outcomes of a multi-center randomized controlled trial. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2023; 102:1575-1585. [PMID: 37540081 PMCID: PMC10577619 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14628] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnant women with fear of childbirth display an elevated risk of a negative delivery experience, birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder, and adverse perinatal outcomes such as preterm birth, low birthweight, and postpartum depression. One of the therapies used to treat fear of childbirth is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. The purpose of the present study was to determine the obstetric safety and effectiveness of EMDR therapy applied to pregnant women with fear of childbirth. MATERIAL AND METHODS A randomized controlled trial (the OptiMUM-study) was conducted in two teaching hospitals and five community midwifery practices in the Netherlands (www.trialregister.nl, NTR5122). Pregnant women (n = 141) with a gestational age between 8 and 20 weeks and suffering from fear of childbirth (i.e. sum score on the Wijma Delivery Expectations Questionnaire ≥85) were randomly allocated to either EMDR therapy (n = 70) or care-as-usual (CAU) (n = 71). Outcomes were maternal and neonatal outcomes and patient satisfaction with pregnancy and childbirth. RESULTS A high percentage of cesarean sections (37.2%) were performed, which did not differ between groups. However, women in the EMDR therapy group proved seven times less likely to request an induction of labor without medical indication than women in the CAU group. There were no other significant differences between the groups in maternal or neonatal outcomes, satisfaction, or childbirth experience. CONCLUSIONS EMDR therapy during pregnancy does not adversely affect pregnancy or the fetus. Therefore, therapists should not be reluctant to treat pregnant women with fear of childbirth using EMDR therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A. M. Baas
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyOLVGAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMartini HospitalGroningenthe Netherlands
| | | | - Lea M. Dijksman
- Department of Quality and SafetySt. AntoniusziekenhuisNieuwegeinthe Netherlands
| | | | - Ad de Jongh
- Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA)University of Amsterdam and VU University AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- Institute of Health and SocietyUniversity of WorcesterWorcesterUK
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Buck KE, Dhaliwal SK, Dabelea D, Perng W. Association of maternal psychosocial stress with newborn body composition in the Healthy Start study. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2023; 14:576-583. [PMID: 37694587 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174423000223] [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] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Maternal psychosocial stress is associated with delivery of both small- and large-for-gestational-age newborns. Prior studies have relied on methods that do not capture fat mass (FM) vs. fat-free mass (FFM). We aimed to assess the relationship of maternal psychosocial stress, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), with newborn body composition. The sample included 604 mother/newborn pairs in the Healthy Start study. We used linear regression to examine associations of EPDS (>6.5 vs. ≤6.5) and PSS (>21 vs. ≤21) with newborn adiposity (FM and %FM measured by air displacement plethysmography [ADP], BMI-for-age, weight-for-length, and weight-for-age z-scores) and lean mass (FFM and length-for-age z-score). Average age of the women was 29.2 ± 6 y. Fifty-five percent of the women were white, 26.2% Hispanic, and 12.1% Black. Twenty-four percent of women had EPDS >6.5 and 18.1% had PSS >21. Mean ± SD birthweight was 3136 ± 437 g. After adjustment for confounders, EPDS >6.5 vs. ≤6.5 corresponded with 35.3 (95% CI: 6.6, 64.0) g lower offspring FM and 0.18 (-0.03, 0.39) units shorter length z-score. PSS was not associated with any neonatal outcomes. Maternal psychosocial stress is associated with delivery of shorter newborns with less FM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin E Buck
- Lifcourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Satvinder K Dhaliwal
- Lifcourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Lifcourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Wei Perng
- Lifcourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gailey S. Changes in Residential Greenspace and Birth Outcomes among Siblings: Differences by Maternal Race. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6790. [PMID: 37754649 PMCID: PMC10531468 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Growing research investigates the perinatal health benefits of greenspace in a mother's prenatal environment. However, evidence of associations between residential greenspace and birth outcomes remains mixed, limiting the relevance this work holds for urban policy and greening interventions. Past research relies predominantly on cross-sectional designs that are vulnerable to residential selection bias, and rarely tests effect modification by maternal race/ethnicity, which may contribute to heterogeneous findings. This study uses a rigorous, longitudinal sibling comparison design and maternal fixed effect analyses to test whether increases in maternal exposure to residential greenspace between pregnancies precede improved birth outcomes among non-Hispanic (NH) white (n = 247,285) and Black (n = 54,995) mothers (mean age = 28 years) who had at least two consecutive live births in California between 2005 and 2015. Results show that increases in residential greenspace correspond with higher birthweight (coef. = 75.49, 95% CI: 23.48, 127.50) among Black, but not white (coef. = -0.51, 95% CI: -22.90, 21.90), infants. Additional analyses suggest that prior evidence of perinatal benefits associated with residential greenspace among white mothers may arise from residential selection; no such bias is observed for Black mothers. Taken together, these findings support urban greening initiatives in historically under-resourced neighborhoods. Efforts to evenly distribute residential greenspace may reduce persistent racial disparities in birth outcomes, an important step towards promoting health equity across the life course.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Gailey
- Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Public Health, Michigan State University, Flint, MI 48502, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Misgina KH, Levine L, Boezen HM, Bezabih AM, van der Beek EM, Groen H. Influence of perinatal distress on adverse birth outcomes: A prospective study in the Tigray region, northern Ethiopia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287686. [PMID: 37440555 PMCID: PMC10343148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low-income countries, where socioeconomic adversities and perinatal distress are common, adverse birth outcomes are significant public health problems. In these settings, perinatal distress, i.e., high symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or stress during pregnancy, may be linked with adverse birth outcomes. However, few prospective studies have investigated the impact of perinatal distress on adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth (gestational age <37 weeks), low birth weight (<2.5 kg), and small for gestational age birth (birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age and sex). OBJECTIVES Our main objective was to assess the influence of perinatal distress on adverse birth outcomes. Secondly, to investigate if perinatal distress is an independent risk factor or a mediator in the pathway between socioeconomic adversity and adverse birth outcomes. METHODS In a prospective cohort study following 991 women from before 20 weeks of gestation until delivery in northern Ethiopia, we collected self-reported data on distress at a mean of 14.8 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.9) and 33.9 (SD = 1.1) weeks of gestation. Distress was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. To determine birth outcomes, gestational age was estimated from the last menstrual period, fundal palpation, and/or ultrasound, while birth weight was obtained from delivery records and measured within three days after birth for those delivered at home. Logistic regression and mediation analysis were employed to evaluate the impact of perinatal distress on adverse birth outcomes. RESULTS Perinatal anxiety (OR [95% CI] 1.08 [1.02, 1.13]), depression (1.07 [1.03, 1.11]), stress (1.14 [1.07, 1.22]), and total distress (1.15 [1.07, 1.23]) were all associated with low birth weight, and small for gestational age birth but none did with preterm birth. Mediation analysis demonstrated that perinatal distress was a mediator in the pathway between socioeconomic adversity and adverse birth outcomes. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that perinatal distress was linked with adverse birth outcomes and acted as a mediator between socioeconomic adversity and these outcomes. Our findings highlight the importance of screening women for distress and providing appropriate interventions, focusing on women experiencing socioeconomic adversity. Integrating mental health services into primary maternal care in low-income countries could be an effective approach to achieve this.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kebede Haile Misgina
- Department of Public Health, University of Aksum, Axum, Ethiopia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lindsay Levine
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - H. Marike Boezen
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eline M. van der Beek
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Groen
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
May AK, Wessels SH, Norris SA, Richter LM, Lombard Z, Pitman MM. Early predictors of sensory processing sensitivity in members of the Birth to Twenty Plus cohort. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2023.104370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
|
16
|
Koivu AM, Näsänen-Gilmore PK, Hunter PJ, Muthiani Y, Isojärvi J, Heimonen O, Bastola K, Csonka L, Ashorn P, Ashorn U. Antenatal interventions to address harmful behaviors and psychosocial risk factors in the prevention of low birth weight. Am J Clin Nutr 2023; 117 Suppl 2:S148-S159. [PMID: 37331761 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2022.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk factors related to the harmful behaviors, psychosocial wellbeing, and socio-economic circumstances in the lives of pregnant women can lead to adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW). OBJECTIVE This systematic search and review aims to provide a comparative evidence synthesis on the effect of eleven antenatal interventions targeted to address psychosocial risk factors on adverse birth outcomes. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and CINAHL Complete between March 2020 and May 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and reviews of RCTs of eleven antenatal interventions for pregnant females reporting LBW, preterm birth (PTB), small-for-gestational-age or stillbirth as outcomes. For interventions where randomization was either not feasible or unethical, we accepted non-randomized controlled studies. RESULTS Seven records contributed data to the quantitative estimates of the effect sizes and 23 contributed to narrative analysis. Psychosocial interventions for reducing smoking in pregnancy likely reduced the risk of LBW, and professionally provided psychosocial support for at-risk women possibly reduced the risk of PTB. Financial incentives or nicotine replacement therapy as smoking cessation aids, or virtually delivered psychosocial support did not appear to reduce the risk of adverse birth outcomes. The available evidence on these interventions was primarily from high-income countries. For other reviewed interventions (psychosocial interventions to reduce alcohol use, group based psychosocial support programs, intimate partner violence prevention interventions, antidepressant medication, and cash transfers) there was little evidence in any direction regarding the efficacy or the data was conflicting. CONCLUSIONS Professionally provided psychosocial support during pregnancy in general and specifically as a means to reduce smoking can potentially contribute to improved newborn health. The gaps in the investments for research and implementation of psychosocial interventions should be addressed to better meet the global targets in LBW reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annariina M Koivu
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Pieta K Näsänen-Gilmore
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, FI-00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Yvonne Muthiani
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jaana Isojärvi
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Otto Heimonen
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kalpana Bastola
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Leon Csonka
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Per Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Department of Paediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ulla Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yu HR, Tsai CC, Chan JYH, Lee WC, Wu KLH, Tain YL, Hsu TY, Cheng HH, Huang HC, Huang CH, Pan WH, Yeh YT. A Higher Abundance of Actinomyces spp. in the Gut Is Associated with Spontaneous Preterm Birth. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1171. [PMID: 37317145 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is a major challenge in pregnancy worldwide. Prematurity is the leading cause of death in infants and may result in severe complications. Nearly half of preterm births are spontaneous, but do not have recognizable causes. This study investigated whether the maternal gut microbiome and associated functional pathways might play a key role in spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). Two hundred eleven women carrying singleton pregnancies were enrolled in this mother-child cohort study. Fecal samples were freshly collected at 24-28 weeks of gestation before delivery, and the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was sequenced. Microbial diversity and composition, core microbiome, and associated functional pathways were then statistically analyzed. Demographic characteristics were collected using records from the Medical Birth Registry and questionnaires. The result showed that the gut microbiome of mothers with over-weight (BMI ≥ 24) before pregnancy have lower alpha diversity than those with normal BMI before pregnancy. A higher abundance of Actinomyces spp. was filtered out from the Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe), Spearman correlation, and random forest model, and was inversely correlated with gestational age in sPTB. The multivariate regression model showed that the odds ratio of premature delivery was 3.274 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.349; p = 0.010] in the group with over-weight before pregnancy with a cutoff Hit% > 0.022 for Actinomyces spp. The enrichment of Actinomyces spp. was negatively correlated with glycan biosynthesis and metabolism in sPTB by prediction from the Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) platform. Maternal gut microbiota showing a lower alpha diversity, increased abundance of Actinomyces spp., and dysregulated glycan metabolism may be associated with sPTB risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Ren Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chang Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Julie Y H Chan
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chia Lee
- Division of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Kay L H Wu
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - You-Lin Tain
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Te-Yao Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hsin Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chun Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsieh Huang
- Ph.D. Program in Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Kaohsiung 83130, Taiwan
- Aging and Disease Prevention Research Center, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung 83130, Taiwan
- BioMed Analysis Center, Fooyin University Hospital, Pingtung 92847, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Biotechnology, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung 83130, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Harn Pan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Tsung Yeh
- Ph.D. Program in Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Kaohsiung 83130, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ricci H, Nakiranda R, Malan L, Kruger HS, Visser M, Ricci C, Faber M, Smuts CM. Association between maternal postpartum depressive symptoms, socioeconomic factors, and birth outcomes with infant growth in South Africa. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5696. [PMID: 37029213 PMCID: PMC10080513 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32653-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal postpartum depressive symptoms, household demographic, socioeconomic, and infant characteristics with infant physical growth, and how these factors correlate to determine latent factors. This study was based on the baseline data of a 6-month randomised controlled trial aimed at providing an egg a day to infants aged 6 to 9-months from a low socioeconomic community in South Africa. Information collected on household demographic, socioeconomic, and infant characteristics was by face-to-face structured interviews, and trained assessors took anthropometric measurements. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess maternal postpartum depressive symptoms. The analysis was based on 428 mother-infant pairs. Total EPDS score and its subscales score were not associated with stunting or underweight risk. However, a three- to four-fold increased risk of stunting and underweight, respectively was observed for premature birth. Low birthweight was associated with an estimated six-fold increased risk of underweight and stunting. Being female was associated with about 50% reduced risk of stunting and underweight. In conclusion, more robust studies are needed to substantiate these findings, with more awareness creation on the consequences of LBW and prematurity on the physical growth of infants from resource-limited settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Ricci
- North-West University (Centre of Excellence for Nutrition), Potchefstroom, South Africa.
- North-West University (Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR)), Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Regina Nakiranda
- North-West University (Centre of Excellence for Nutrition), Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Linda Malan
- North-West University (Centre of Excellence for Nutrition), Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Herculina S Kruger
- North-West University (Centre of Excellence for Nutrition), Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Marina Visser
- North-West University (Centre of Excellence for Nutrition), Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Cristian Ricci
- North-West University (Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR)), Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Mieke Faber
- North-West University (Centre of Excellence for Nutrition), Potchefstroom, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit), Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Cornelius M Smuts
- North-West University (Centre of Excellence for Nutrition), Potchefstroom, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hipwell AE, Tung I, Sherlock P, Tang X, McKee K, McGrath M, Alshawabkeh A, Bastain T, Breton CV, Cowell W, Dabelea D, Duarte CS, Dunlop AL, Ferrera A, Herbstman JB, Hockett CW, Karagas MR, Keenan K, Krafty RT, Monk C, Nozadi SS, O'Connor TG, Oken E, Osmundson SS, Schantz S, Wright R, Comstock SS. Impact of sedentary behavior and emotional support on prenatal psychological distress and birth outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychol Med 2023; 53:1-14. [PMID: 36883203 PMCID: PMC10485176 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723000314] [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] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Abstract. BACKGROUND Studies have reported mixed findings regarding the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on pregnant women and birth outcomes. This study used a quasi-experimental design to account for potential confounding by sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS Data were drawn from 16 prenatal cohorts participating in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. Women exposed to the pandemic (delivered between 12 March 2020 and 30 May 2021) (n = 501) were propensity-score matched on maternal age, race and ethnicity, and child assigned sex at birth with 501 women who delivered before 11 March 2020. Participants reported on perceived stress, depressive symptoms, sedentary behavior, and emotional support during pregnancy. Infant gestational age (GA) at birth and birthweight were gathered from medical record abstraction or maternal report. RESULTS After adjusting for propensity matching and covariates (maternal education, public assistance, employment status, prepregnancy body mass index), results showed a small effect of pandemic exposure on shorter GA at birth, but no effect on birthweight adjusted for GA. Women who were pregnant during the pandemic reported higher levels of prenatal stress and depressive symptoms, but neither mediated the association between pandemic exposure and GA. Sedentary behavior and emotional support were each associated with prenatal stress and depressive symptoms in opposite directions, but no moderation effects were revealed. CONCLUSIONS There was no strong evidence for an association between pandemic exposure and adverse birth outcomes. Furthermore, results highlight the importance of reducing maternal sedentary behavior and encouraging emotional support for optimizing maternal health regardless of pandemic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison E. Hipwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Irene Tung
- Department of Psychology, California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA, USA
| | - Phillip Sherlock
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiaodan Tang
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kim McKee
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Monica McGrath
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Tracy Bastain
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carrie V. Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Whitney Cowell
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Anne L. Dunlop
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Assiamira Ferrera
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Julie B. Herbstman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christine W. Hockett
- Department of Pediatrics, Avera Research Institute, South Dakota School of Medicine, Vermillion, SD, USA
| | - Margaret R. Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Kate Keenan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Robert T. Krafty
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Catherine Monk
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sara S. Nozadi
- Community Environmental Health Program, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Thomas G. O'Connor
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Emily Oken
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah S. Osmundson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Susan Schantz
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Sarah S. Comstock
- Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
The global burden of perinatal common mental health disorders and substance use among migrant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Public Health 2023; 8:e203-e216. [PMID: 36841561 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(22)00342-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are one billion migrants globally, of whom 82 million are forced migrants. Pregnant migrants face pre-migration stressors such as conflict, transit stressors including poverty, and post-migration stressors including navigating the immigration system; these stressors can make them vulnerable to mental illness. We aimed to assess the global prevalence of and risk factors for perinatal mental health disorders or substance use among women who are migrants. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched OVID MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, Global Health, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published from database inception until July 8, 2022. Cohort, cross-sectional, and interventional studies with prevalence data for any mental illness in pregnancy or the postnatal period (ie, up to a year after delivery) or substance use in pregnancy were included. The primary outcome was the prevalence of perinatal common mental health disorders among women who are migrants, globally. Data for study quality and risk factors were also extracted. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates, when appropriate. Sensitivity analyses were conducted according to study quality, sample representativeness, and method of outcome assessment. Risk factor data were synthesised narratively. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021226291. FINDINGS 18 650 studies were retrieved, of which 135 studies comprising data from 621 995 participants met the inclusion criteria. 123 (91%) of 135 studies were conducted in high-income host countries. Five (4%) of 135 studies were interventional, 40 (30%) were cohort, and 90 (66%) were cross-sectional. The most common regions of origin of participants were South America, the Middle East, and north Africa. Only 26 studies presented disaggregated data for forced migrants or economic migrants. The pooled prevalence of perinatal depressive disorders was 24·2% (range 0·5-95·5%; I2 98·8%; τ2 0·01) among all women who are migrants, 32·5% (1·5-81·6; 98·7%; 0·01) among forced migrants, and 13·7% (4·7-35·1; 91·5%; 0·01) among economic migrants (p<0·001). The pooled prevalence of perinatal anxiety disorders was 19·6% (range 1·2-53·1; I2 96·8%; τ2 0·01) among all migrants. The pooled prevalence of perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among all migrant women was 8·9% (range 3·2-33·3; I2 97·4%; τ2 0·18). The pooled prevalence of perinatal PTSD among forced migrants was 17·1% (range 6·5-44·3; I2 96·6%; τ2 0·32). Key risk factors for perinatal depression were being a recently arrived immigrant (ie, approximately within the past year), having poor social support, and having a poor relationship with one's partner. INTERPRETATION One in four women who are migrants and who are pregnant or post partum experience perinatal depression, one in five perinatal anxiety, and one in 11 perinatal PTSD. The burden of perinatal mental illness appears higher among women who are forced migrants compared with women who are economic migrants. To our knowledge, we have provided the first pooled estimate of perinatal depression and PTSD among women who are forced migrants. Interpreting the prevalence estimate should be observed with caution due to the very wide range found within the included studies. Additionally, 66% of studies were cross-sectional representing low quality evidence. These findings highlight the need for community-based routine perinatal mental health screening for migrant communities, and access to interventions that are culturally sensitive, particularly for forced migrants who might experience a higher burden of disease than economic migrants. FUNDING UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR); March of Dimes European Preterm Birth Research Centre, Imperial College; Imperial College NIHR Biomedical Research Centre; and Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford.
Collapse
|
21
|
Bandyopadhyay A, Jones H, Parker M, Marchant E, Evans J, Todd C, Rahman MA, Healy J, Win TL, Rowe B, Moore S, Jones A, Brophy S. Weighting of risk factors for low birth weight: a linked routine data cohort study in Wales, UK. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e063836. [PMID: 36764720 PMCID: PMC9923297 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Globally, 20 million children are born with a birth weight below 2500 g every year, which is considered as a low birthweight (LBW) baby. This study investigates the contribution of modifiable risk factors in a nationally representative Welsh e-cohort of children and their mothers to inform opportunities to reduce LBW prevalence. DESIGN A longitudinal cohort study based on anonymously linked, routinely collected multiple administrative data sets. PARTICIPANTS The cohort, (N=693 377) comprising of children born between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2018 in Wales, was selected from the National Community Child Health Database. OUTCOME MEASURES The risk factors associated with a binary LBW (outcome) variable were investigated with multivariable logistic regression (MLR) and decision tree (DT) models. RESULTS The MLR model showed that non-singleton children had the highest risk of LBW (adjusted OR 21.74 (95% CI 21.09 to 22.40)), followed by pregnancy interval less than 1 year (2.92 (95% CI 2.70 to 3.15)), maternal physical and mental health conditions including diabetes (2.03 (1.81 to 2.28)), anaemia (1.26 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.36)), depression (1.58 (95% CI 1.43 to 1.75)), serious mental illness (1.46 (95% CI 1.04 to 2.05)), anxiety (1.22 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.38)) and use of antidepressant medication during pregnancy (1.92 (95% CI 1.20 to 3.07)). Additional maternal risk factors include smoking (1.80 (95% CI 1.76 to 1.84)), alcohol-related hospital admission (1.60 (95% CI 1.30 to 1.97)), substance misuse (1.35 (95% CI 1.29 to 1.41)) and evidence of domestic abuse (1.98 (95% CI 1.39 to 2.81)). Living in less deprived area has lower risk of LBW (0.70 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.72)). The most important risk factors from the DT models include maternal factors such as smoking, maternal weight, substance misuse record, maternal age along with deprivation-Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation score, pregnancy interval and birth order of the child. CONCLUSION Resources to reduce the prevalence of LBW should focus on improving maternal health, reducing preterm births, increasing awareness of what is a sufficient pregnancy interval, and to provide adequate support for mothers' mental health and well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Bandyopadhyay
- National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, West Glamorgan, UK
| | - Hope Jones
- National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, West Glamorgan, UK
| | - Michael Parker
- National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, West Glamorgan, UK
| | - Emily Marchant
- National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, West Glamorgan, UK
| | - Julie Evans
- Keir Hardie University Health Park, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Charlotte Todd
- Keir Hardie University Health Park, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Muhammad A Rahman
- Cardiff School of Technologies, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus, Cardiff, UK
| | - James Healy
- National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, West Glamorgan, UK
- Office for National Statistics, Government Buildings, Cardiff Road, Duffryn, Newport, UK
| | - Tint Lwin Win
- National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, West Glamorgan, UK
| | - Ben Rowe
- National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Mental Health and Age, London, UK
| | - Simon Moore
- Violence Research Group, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Security, Crime, Intelligence Institute, Cardiff University, SPARK, Maindy Road, Cardiff, UK
| | - Angela Jones
- Keir Hardie University Health Park, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sinead Brophy
- National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, West Glamorgan, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cortisol reactivity and negative affect among preterm infants at 12 months during a mother-infant interaction task. Infant Behav Dev 2023; 70:101784. [PMID: 36401957 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2022.101784] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate correlates of preterm (PT) infant's cortisol reactivity and the association to infant negative affect, during a mother-infant interaction procedure. Participants included 48 infants born prematurely (gestational age < 37 weeks) and their mothers, assessed when infants were 12 months old corrected for prematurity. The examined variables comprised both neonatal and environmental dimensions including maternal interactive behavior. Infant negative affect and maternal interactive behavior were assessed with a standardized mother-infant interaction task. A baseline infant saliva sample was collected before the interaction began, and a second sample after the interaction episodes ended. Results revealed that decrease of infant's cortisol concentration was significantly associated with the exposure to more sensitive, and less intrusive maternal behaviors. However, once controlled for neonatal risk, family SES and maternal psychological distress, the associations were rendered non-significant. Although the association between cortisol reactivity and negative affect trended toward significance, maternal intrusiveness was the only significant predictor of observed infant negative affect. Findings suggest the importance of primary relational experiences on PT infants' early regulatory competencies.
Collapse
|
23
|
Margerison CE, Bruckner TA, MacCallum-Bridges C, Catalano R, Casey JA, Gemmill A. Exposure to the early COVID-19 pandemic and early, moderate and overall preterm births in the United States: A conception cohort approach. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2023; 37:104-112. [PMID: 35830303 PMCID: PMC9350314 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The United States (US) data suggest fewer-than-expected preterm births in 2020, but no study has examined the impact of exposure to the early COVID-19 pandemic at different points in gestation on preterm birth. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine-among cohorts exposed to the early COVID-19 pandemic-whether observed counts of overall, early and moderately preterm birth fell outside the expected range. METHODS We used de-identified, cross-sectional, national birth certificate data from 2014 to 2020. We used month and year of birth and gestational age to estimate month of conception for birth. We calculated the count of overall (<37 weeks gestation), early (<33 weeks gestation) and moderately (33 to <37 weeks gestation) preterm birth by month of conception. We employed time series methods to estimate expected counts of preterm birth for exposed conception cohorts and identified cohorts for whom the observed counts of preterm birth fell outside the 95% detection interval of the expected value. RESULTS Among the 23,731,146 births in our study, the mean prevalence of preterm birth among monthly conception cohorts was 9.7 per 100 live births. Gestations conceived in July, August or December of 2019-that is exposed to the early COVID-19 pandemic in the first or third trimester-yielded approximately 3245 fewer moderately preterm and 3627 fewer overall preterm births than the expected values for moderate and overall preterm. Gestations conceived in August and October of 2019-that is exposed to the early COVID-19 pandemic in the late second to third trimester-produced approximately 498 fewer early preterm births than the expected count for early preterm. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to the early COVID-19 pandemic may have promoted longer gestation among close-to-term pregnancies, reduced risk of later preterm delivery among gestations exposed in the first trimester or induced selective loss of gestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim A. Bruckner
- Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, and the Center for Population, Inequality, and Policy, University of California, Irvine
| | | | - Ralph Catalano
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Joan A. Casey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health
| | - Alison Gemmill
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Banda PDNP, Amarasinghe GS, Agampodi SB. Determinants of birthweight in rural Sri Lanka; a cohort study. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:40. [PMID: 36690991 PMCID: PMC9869565 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03830-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying determinants of birthweight among disadvantaged communities is critical to further reducing the inequitable burden of perinatal health issues in low-and-middle income settings. Therefore, we adopted a bio-psycho-social approach to identify the determinants of birthweight in a mother-infant cohort from a rural setting in Sri Lanka, a lower-middle-income country. METHODS All third-trimester pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy registered for the national antenatal care programme at Ipalogama health division in 2017 were invited for a prospective cohort study. Data was collected using a self-completed questionnaire and data extraction from health records. The mother-infant cohort was followed up until one month after delivery. A principal component analysis was performed using economic, social, and psychological variables, and two composite variables were achieved. Care from husband and household members, perceived wellbeing, frequency of abuse, and affect during the third trimester strongly loaded to the variable 'psychosocial wellbeing'. Monthly income, husband's education level, and use of biomass fuel strongly loaded to the variable 'socioeconomic status'. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to predict factors associated with birthweight. Maternal age, parity, baby's sex, and gestational period at pregnancy registration were entered at the first step. BMI, psychosocial wellbeing, socioeconomic status, hypertensive disorders, and gestational/chronic diabetes were entered at step two. Preterm birth was entered at step three. RESULTS 532 women were recruited, and 495 were retained at the postpartum follow-up. 421 (74.8%) had reported being abused at least once during the preceding month. Birthweight was approximately normally distributed (mean 2912 g, SD 456.6 g). Low birthweight was present in 72 (14.6%, 95% CI 11.7,17.9), and 46 (9.3%, 95% CI 7.0,12.1) had birthweights > 3500 g. The regression model explained 13.2% of the variance in birthweight. Preterm birth, maternal BMI, and mid-pregnancy psychosocial wellbeing could explain 6.9%(p < 0.001), 3.9(p < 0.001), and 1.2%(p = 0.02) of unique variance, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In a setting where a large proportion of pregnant women suffer 'abuse' in their homes, psychosocial wellbeing during pregnancy was an important determinant of birthweight of babies. Expanding routine maternal care services, especially at the primary care level, to cater to the psychosocial issues of pregnant women would help reduce inequities in perinatal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gayani Shashikala Amarasinghe
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka.
| | - Suneth Buddhika Agampodi
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saiyapura, Sri Lanka
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mohammadi S, Shojaei K, Maraghi E, Motaghi Z. Explaining the Psychological Distress of Women with High-Risk Pregnancies in Iran: A Qualitative Study. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY RESEARCH 2022; 27:560-566. [PMID: 36712296 PMCID: PMC9881562 DOI: 10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_321_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Psychological Distress (PD) is one of the most common mental disorders during pregnancy and involves stress, anxiety, and depression. According to the literature, High-Risk Pregnancy' (HRP) is a major physiological risk factor associated with PD during pregnancy. The main purpose of this study was to explore the perception and experience of women with HRP who, based on standard questionnaires, had moderate-to-severe stress and anxiety scores. Materials and Methods This qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis from December 2020 to June 2021. To this aim, 16 women with HRP were purposefully selected from Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, with maximum diversity. In-depth, semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted to collect the data. The MAXQDA software was used for data analysis. Results Data analysis led to the extraction of two main categories and nine subcategories. "Disrupted peace" and "inefficient adaptation to the situation" were the two extracted categories. The former included the five subcategories of concerns about pregnancy complications, concerns about the parenting process, concerns about the couple's relationship, fear of Covid-19, and occupation-related stress. The latter included the three subcategories of unpleasant feelings, current pregnancy experiences, and previous pregnancy experiences. Conclusions This study highlighted a wide range of psychosocial factors involved in the PD of women with HRP. These findings can be used to design appropriate prevention strategies to manage the mental health problems of these women in order to turn their pregnancy into a pleasurable experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Solmaz Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Kobra Shojaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Elham Maraghi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Zahra Motaghi
- Reproductive Health Department, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran,Address for correspondence: Dr. Zahra Motaghi, Reproductive Health Department, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Maternal childhood trauma is associated with offspring body size during the first year of life. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19619. [PMID: 36380091 PMCID: PMC9666509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23740-6] [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: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal childhood trauma (MCT) is an important factor affecting offspring size at birth. Whether the effect of MCT persists during the subsequent development remains unclear. We present the results of a semi-longitudinal investigation examining the physical growth of infants born to mothers with high (HCT) and low (LCT) childhood trauma during the first year of life. One hundred healthy mother-infant dyads were included based on following criteria: exclusive breastfeeding, birth on term with appropriate weight for gestational age. MCT was assessed using the Early Life Stress Questionnaire. The weight, length, and head circumference of the infant were taken at birth, 5 and 12 months postpartum. Separate MANCOVA models were run for infant size at each age. We found an association between MCT and infant size at 5 and 12 months. The children of mothers with HCT had higher weight and greater head circumference than the children of mothers with LCT. These results suggest that MCT might contribute to developmental programming of offspring growth during the first year of life. From an evolutionary perspective, the larger size of HCT mother's offspring might represent an adaptation to potentially harsh environmental conditions. This effect might be mediated by epigenetic changes to DNA and altered breast milk composition.
Collapse
|
27
|
Margawati A, Syauqy A, Utami A, Hananingtyas A, Zaimatussoleha C. Anxiety among Pregnant Women in Rural-Urban Area Indonesia during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Semarang, Indonesia. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.10937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: About 10% of pregnant women in the world experience emotional changes. Changes that occur during the pandemic, can increase anxiety, including in pregnant women. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with anxiety levels in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Semarang, Indonesia.
METHODS: This study was an observational study with a cross-sectional design. The sampling technique was cluster sampling. The research subjects were 238 pregnant women. The research variables included the mother’s characteristics, hemoglobin, knowledge related to nutrition and COVID-19, and anxiety. Anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRSA) questionnaire. Data analysis used a multivariate logistic regression test.
RESULTS: This study showed that 20.2% of subjects had mild to moderate to severe anxiety levels. The results of the multivariate analysis, subjects with low COVID-19 knowledge had higher odds of anxiety levels (OR 2.407; 95% CI: 1.202 – 4.820; p-value 0.042), and subjects with gravida in the first time or ≥ fourth times had higher odds of anxiety levels (OR 2.366; 95% CI 1.199 – 4.670; p-value 0.013).
CONCLUSION: Pregnant women with low COVID-19 knowledge and gravida for the first time or ≥ fourth times were found associated with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in Semarang, Indonesia.
Collapse
|
28
|
Gonzalez-Nahm S, Marchesoni J, Maity A, Maguire RL, House JS, Tucker R, Atkinson T, Murphy SK, Hoyo C. Maternal Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Its Associations with Maternal Prenatal Stressors and Child Growth. Curr Dev Nutr 2022; 6:nzac146. [PMID: 36406812 PMCID: PMC9665863 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzac146] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Psychosocial and physiologic stressors, such as depression and obesity, during pregnancy can have negative consequences, such as increased systemic inflammation, contributing to chronic disease for both mothers and their unborn children. These conditions disproportionately affect racial/ethnic minorities. The effects of recommended dietary patterns in mitigating the effects of these stressors remain understudied. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the relations between maternal Mediterranean diet adherence (MDA) and maternal and offspring outcomes during the first decade of life in African Americans, Hispanics, and Whites. Methods This study included 929 mother-child dyads from the NEST (Newborn Epigenetics STudy), a prospective cohort study. FFQs were used to estimate MDA in pregnant women. Weight and height were measured in children between birth and age 8 y. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations between maternal MDA, inflammatory cytokines, and pregnancy and postnatal outcomes. Results More than 55% of White women reported high MDA during the periconceptional period compared with 22% of Hispanic and 18% of African American women (P < 0.05). Higher MDA was associated with lower likelihood of depressive mood (β = -0.45; 95% CI: -0.90, -0.18; P = 0.02) and prepregnancy obesity (β = -0.29; 95% CI: -0.57, -0.0002; P = 0.05). Higher MDA was also associated with lower body size at birth, which was maintained to ages 3-5 and 6-8 y-this association was most apparent in White children (3-5 y: β = -2.9, P = 0.02; 6-8 y: β = -3.99, P = 0.01). Conclusions If replicated in larger studies, our data suggest that MDA provides a potent avenue by which effects of prenatal stressors on maternal and fetal outcomes can be mitigated to reduce ethnic disparities in childhood obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gonzalez-Nahm
- Department of Nutrition, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Joddy Marchesoni
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Arnab Maity
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Rachel L Maguire
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - John S House
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rachel Tucker
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Tamara Atkinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Peterson AK, Eckel SP, Habre R, Yang T, Faham D, Amin M, Grubbs BH, Farzan SF, Kannan K, Robinson M, Lerner D, Al-Marayati LA, Walker DK, Grant EG, Breton CV, Bastain TM. Detected prenatal perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure is associated with decreased fetal head biometric parameters in participants experiencing higher perceived stress during pregnancy in the MADRES cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANCES 2022; 9:100286. [PMID: 36507367 PMCID: PMC9731234 DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2022.100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous synthetic chemicals with long half-lives and are known to cross the placenta during pregnancy. We examined the influence of maternal PFAS levels on in utero fetal growth trajectories and assessed whether maternal stress modified these associations. METHODS Blood serum concentrations of five PFAS (PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA, PFDA) were measured in 335 prenatal specimens (mean gestational age (GA): 21±9 weeks) in the MADRES cohort. Fetal growth outcomes (head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), and estimated fetal weight (EFW)) were abstracted from ultrasound medical records and measured at the 3rd trimester study visit (N = 833 scans, GA range 10-42 weeks, mean 2.4 scans/participant). Adjusted linear mixed models with a GA quadratic growth curve were used for each PFAS exposure and growth outcome. PFOS and PFHxS were modeled continuously (100% sample detection), while PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA were modeled categorically (57-70% sample detection). Scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) measured in pregnancy were dichotomized at the median (<13 vs. ≥ 13) in stratified models. RESULTS Participants were on average 29±6 years old and predominately Hispanic (76%). Median serum concentrations of PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA and PFDA were 1.34, 1.10, 0.07, 0.12, and 0.04 ng/mL, respectively. Participants with detected PFOA concentrations had fetuses with -2.5 mm (95% CI -4.2, -0.8) smaller HC and-0.7 mm (95% CI -1.3, -0.2) smaller BPD on average for a fixed GA than those without detected PFOA concentrations. In models stratified by PSS level, the effects of PFOA on fetal growth parameters were stronger and only significant in participants with higher stress levels (HC: β= -3.5, 95% CI -5.8, -1.4; BPD: β = -0.8, 95% CI -1.6, -1.1). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal PFOA exposure adversely impacted fetal head biometric parameters in participants experiencing higher stress during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia K. Peterson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Sandrah P. Eckel
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Rima Habre
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Tingyu Yang
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Dema Faham
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Monica Amin
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Brendan H. Grubbs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Shohreh F. Farzan
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, 145 East 32 Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Morgan Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, 145 East 32 Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Deborah Lerner
- Eisner Health, 1530 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
| | - Laila A. Al-Marayati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Daphne K. Walker
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Ave # 2315, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Edward G. Grant
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Ave # 2315, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Carrie V. Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Theresa M. Bastain
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Eick SM, Geiger SD, Alshawabkeh A, Aung M, Barrett E, Bush NR, Cordero JF, Ferguson KK, Meeker JD, Milne GL, Nguyen RHN, Padula AM, Sathyanarayana S, Welch BM, Schantz SL, Woodruff TJ, Morello-Frosch R. Associations between social, biologic, and behavioral factors and biomarkers of oxidative stress during pregnancy: Findings from four ECHO cohorts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 835:155596. [PMID: 35490822 PMCID: PMC9177811 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower socioeconomic status (SES) and elevated psychosocial stress are known contributors to adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, biological mechanisms linking these factors to adverse pregnancy outcomes are not well-characterized. Oxidative stress may be an important, yet understudied mechanistic pathway. We used a pooled study design to examine biological, behavioral, and social factors as predictors of prenatal oxidative stress biomarkers. METHODS Leveraging four pregnancy cohorts from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program spanning multiple geographic regions across the United States (U.S.) (N = 2082), we measured biomarkers of oxidative stress in urine samples at up to three time points during pregnancy, including 8-isoprostane-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoPGF2α), its major metabolite, 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-F2t-isoprostane, and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). Maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, marital/partnered status, parity, and smoking status were included as biological and behavioral factors while race/ethnicity, maternal education, and stressful life events were considered social factors. We examined associations between each individual biological, behavioral, and social factor with oxidative stress biomarkers using multivariable-adjusted linear mixed models. RESULTS Numerous biological, behavioral, and social factors were associated with elevated levels of 8-isoPGF2α, its major metabolite, and PGF2α. Pregnant people who were current smokers relative to non-smokers or had less than a high school education relative to a college degree had 11.04% (95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.97%, 25.77%) and 9.13% (95% CI = -1.02%, 20.32%) higher levels of 8-isoPGF2α, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Oxidative stress biomarkers are elevated among pregnant people with higher socioeconomic disadvantage and may represent one pathway linking biological, behavioral, and social factors to adverse pregnancy and child health outcomes, which should be explored in future work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Eick
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Sarah Dee Geiger
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Akram Alshawabkeh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Max Aung
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily Barrett
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - José F Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30606, USA
| | - Kelly K Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ginger L Milne
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ruby H N Nguyen
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
| | - Amy M Padula
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Barrett M Welch
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Susan L Schantz
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management and School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Monk C, Dimidjian S, Galinsky E, Gregory KD, Hoffman MC, Howell EA, Miller ES, Osborne C, Rogers CE, Saxbe DE, D'Alton ME. The Transition to Parenthood in Obstetrics: Enhancing Prenatal Care for Two Generation Impact. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2022; 4:100678. [PMID: 35728782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Obstetrics, the specialty overseeing infant and parent health before birth, could be expanded to address the inter-related areas of parents' prenatal impact on children's brain development and their own psychosocial needs during a time of immense change and neuroplasticity. Obstetrics is primed for the shift that is happening in pediatrics, which is moving from its traditional focus on physical health to a coordinated, whole child, two or multi-generation approach. Pediatric care now includes developmental screening, parenting education, parent coaching, access to developmental specialists, brain-building caregiving skills, linkages to community resources, and tiered interventions with psychologists. Drawing on decades of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease research highlighting the prenatal beginnings of future health and new studies on the transition to parenthood describing adult development from pregnancy to early postpartum, we propose that, similar to pediatrics, the integration of education and intervention strategies into the prenatal care ecosystem should be tested for its potential to improve child cognitive and social-emotional development and parental mental health. Pediatric care programs can serve as models of change for the systematic development, testing and, incorporation of new content into prenatal care as universal, first-tier treatment as well as evidenced-based, triaged interventions according to level of need. To promote optimal beginnings for the whole family, we propose an augmented prenatal care ecosystem that aligns with, and could build on, current major efforts to enhance perinatal care individualization through consideration of medical, social, and structural determinants of health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Monk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY.
| | - Sona Dimidjian
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University Colorado, Boulder
| | | | | | - M Camille Hoffman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Elizabeth A Howell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Emily S Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Cynthia Osborne
- Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Cynthia E Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Darby E Saxbe
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Mary E D'Alton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Price JT, Sebastião YV, Vwalika B, Cole SR, Mbewe FM, Phiri WM, Freeman BL, Kasaro MP, Peterson M, Rouse DJ, Stringer EM, Stringer JSA. Risk of Adverse Birth Outcomes in Two Cohorts of Pregnant Women With HIV in Zambia. Epidemiology 2022; 33:422-430. [PMID: 35067569 PMCID: PMC9516482 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001465] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A trial of progesterone to prevent preterm birth among HIV-infected Zambian women [Improving Pregnancy Outcomes with Progesterone (IPOP)] found no treatment effect, but the risk of the primary outcome was among the lowest ever documented in women with HIV. In this secondary analysis, we compare the risks of preterm birth (<37 weeks), stillbirth, and a composite primary outcome comprising the two in IPOP versus an observational pregnancy cohort [Zambian Preterm Birth Prevention Study (ZAPPS)] in Zambia, to evaluate reasons for the low risk in IPOP. METHODS Both studies enrolled women before 24 gestational weeks, during August 2015-September 2017 (ZAPPS) and February 2018-January 2020 (IPOP). We used linear probability and log-binomial regression to estimate risk differences and risk ratios (RR), before and after restriction and standardization with inverse probability weights. RESULTS The unadjusted risk of composite outcome was 18% in ZAPPS (N = 1450) and 9% in IPOP (N = 791) (RR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.6, 2.6). After restricting and standardizing the ZAPPS cohort to the distribution of IPOP baseline characteristics, the risk remained higher in ZAPPS (RR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.0, 2.4). The lower risk of preterm/stillbirth in IPOP was only partially explained by measured risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Possible benefits in IPOP of additional monetary reimbursement, more frequent visits, and group-based care warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan T Price
- From the Division of Global Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
- University of North Carolina Global Projects Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Yuri V Sebastião
- From the Division of Global Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bellington Vwalika
- From the Division of Global Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Stephen R Cole
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Felistas M Mbewe
- University of North Carolina Global Projects Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Bethany L Freeman
- From the Division of Global Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Margaret P Kasaro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
- University of North Carolina Global Projects Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Marc Peterson
- From the Division of Global Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dwight J Rouse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Stringer
- From the Division of Global Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey S A Stringer
- From the Division of Global Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Crowe S, Sarma K. Coping with Covid-19: stress, control and coping among pregnant women in Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:274. [PMID: 35365093 PMCID: PMC8972984 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of the current study is to investigate the relationship between perceived control, coping and psychological distress among pregnant women in Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is hypothesised that lower levels of perceived control, greater use of avoidant coping and greater Covid-19 related pregnancy concern will be associated with psychological distress. In addition, it is hypothesised that the relationship between Covid-19 related pregnancy concern and psychological distress will be moderated by perceived control and avoidant coping. Method The study is cross-sectional, utilizing an online questionnaire, which was completed by 761 women in January 2021. The questionnaire includes measures of perceived control, coping style, perceived stress, anxiety and depression. Results Correlation analyses found that lower levels of perceived control were associated with higher levels of avoidant coping and psychological distress. There was also a significant positive relationship between avoidant coping and psychological distress. Using multiple regression, perceived control, avoidant coping and Covid-19 related pregnancy concern were found to predict 51% of the variance in psychological distress. However, in the moderation analysis, perceived control and avoidant coping were not found to moderate the relationship between Covid-19 related pregnancy concern and psychological distress. Conclusion The results from this study suggest that pregnant women in Ireland are experiencing increased levels of psychological distress during the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings also suggest that perceptions of control and avoidant coping are associated with psychological distress in this group and could be used as intervention targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Crowe
- National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Kiran Sarma
- National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bizuayehu HM, Harris ML, Chojenta C, Forder PM, Loxton D. Biopsychosocial factors influencing the occurrence and recurrence of preterm singleton births among Australian women: a prospective cohort study. Midwifery 2022; 110:103334. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
35
|
Lundholm C, Rejnö G, Brew B, Smew AI, Saltvedt S, Almqvist C. Associations Between Maternal Distress, Cortisol Levels, and Perinatal Outcomes. Psychosom Med 2022; 84:288-296. [PMID: 35067648 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stress during pregnancy may decrease gestational age at birth and birth size. We aimed to investigate the associations between maternal subjective stress measures, salivary cortisol, and perinatal outcomes. METHODS A cohort of pregnant women (n = 1693) was recruited from eight antenatal care clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. Questionnaires on subjective distress (perceived stress, worry, depression symptoms, sleep quality) and saliva samples for cortisol measurement (morning and evening) were collected in early and late pregnancy. Perinatal outcomes were birth weight, birth length, gestational age, and birth weight for gestational age. We used linear regression to estimate associations adjusted for maternal characteristics. RESULTS All associations between subjective distress and cortisol levels were close to null and nonsignificant, for example, exp(β) = 1.001 (95% confidence interval = 0.995 to 1.006) for the morning cortisol level and perceived stress in early pregnancy. Likewise, most associations between distress (subjective and cortisol) and perinatal outcomes were weak and not statistically significant, for example, β = 1.95 (95% confidence interval = -4.16 to 8.06) for perceived stress in early pregnancy and birth weight. An exception was a statistically significant association between birth weight for gestational age and depression symptoms in early pregnancy, with somewhat higher weight with more symptoms (β = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.13). The results were similar for stress in early and late pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS We found no association between subjective distress and cortisol measures irrespective of when in pregnancy the measures were taken. Furthermore, we found no evidence for a longitudinal association between psychological measures of stress or cortisol with lower birth weight, birth weight for gestational age, or gestational age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Lundholm
- From the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Lundholm, Rejnö, Brew, Smew, Almqvist), Karolinska Institutet; Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit (Rejnö), Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden; National Perinatal Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health and School of Women and Children's Health (Brew), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Department of Women's and Children's Health (Saltvedt), Karolinska Institutet; Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit (Saltvedt) and Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital (Almqvist), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kang SJ, Yang MJ. Factors influencing pregnancy stress in pregnant women in Korea: a cross-sectional study. KOREAN JOURNAL OF WOMEN HEALTH NURSING 2022; 28:27-37. [PMID: 36312048 PMCID: PMC9334213 DOI: 10.4069/kjwhn.2022.02.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
37
|
Kazemi A, Dadkhah A. Changes in prenatal depression and anxiety levels in low risk pregnancy among Iranian women: A prospective study. Asia Pac Psychiatry 2022; 14:e12419. [PMID: 32875714 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increasing of depression and anxiety in high risk pregnancy is well known but there is limited information on the changes of psychological symptoms in low risk pregnancies and the aim of the study was evaluation depression and anxiety changes in pregnant women with high risk pregnancy. METHODS This prospective study was performed on 256 pregnant women at the beginning of the first trimester of pregnancy. Inclusion criteria included the absence of pre-pregnancy depression and anxiety and poor pregnancy history. Exclusion criteria were the incidence of pregnancy complications. The level of their depression and anxiety at the time of entering the study were completed by self-report using the DASS questionnaire at 9-10, 11-12, 24-25, and 33-35 weeks of pregnancy. RESULTS The results of the study indicated that the effect of time on the level of perinatal depression and anxiety was significant (P < .001). These findings showed that the level of depression increased significantly from 9 to 24 weeks of pregnancy and decreased in the 32-34 weeks, but did not reach the level of depression at 9 weeks of pregnancy. Also, the anxiety level increased significantly from the onset of pregnancy to the 24 weeks gestation but did not change during the second and third trimesters. CONCLUSION The results of the study showed that the level of depression and anxiety of women in low risk pregnancies increase during pregnancy and psychological health screenings in the second trimester of pregnancy should be performed in pregnant women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Kazemi
- Reproductive Health Department, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Aazam Dadkhah
- Reproductive Health Department, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hardcastle K, Ford K, Bellis MA. Maternal adverse childhood experiences and their association with preterm birth: secondary analysis of data from universal health visiting. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:129. [PMID: 35172776 PMCID: PMC8848970 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04454-z] [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: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Being born before full gestation can have short-term and life-long health implications, yet it remains difficult to determine the risk of preterm birth among expectant mothers. Across different health settings, increasing attention is given to the health and behavioural consequences of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as child abuse or neglect, or exposure to harmful household environments (e.g. in which caregivers abuse alcohol), and the potential value of understanding these hidden harms when supporting individuals and families. A large international evidence base describes the association between childhood adversity and early years outcomes for mothers and children. However, the relationship between maternal ACEs and preterm birth has received far less attention. Methods Secondary analysis was carried out on anonymised cross-sectional data from health visiting services in south and west Wales that had previously captured information on mothers’ ACEs during routine contacts. Demographic data and information on mothers’ health were extracted from the Healthy Child Wales Programme. Results Half of all mothers sampled had experienced at least one ACE, with a history of ACEs more common among younger, white British mothers and those residing in deprived areas. Preterm birth was significantly independently associated with retrospective reports of childhood sexual abuse (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19–12.32, p = 0.025), neglect (AOR = 7.60, 95%CI = 1.81–31.97, p = 0.006) and overall ACE exposure (AOR = 2.67, 95%CI = 1.14–6.23, p = 0.024), with one in ten mothers (10.0%) who experienced ≥4 ACEs having preterm birth. Sub-analyses revealed a more pronounced relationship among mothers with no known chronic health conditions, with those with ≥4 ACEs and no known chronic condition four times more likely to give birth preterm (AOR = 3.89, 95%CI = 1.40–10.80, p = 0.009). Conclusions Findings highlight the importance of the entire maternal experience. The experience of childhood adversity can have a lasting impact into and beyond the prenatal period, potentially increasing the risk of preterm birth, even among otherwise healthy women. Increasing our understanding of the potential perinatal outcomes associated with ACEs can help to inform how maternity services and partners offer trauma-sensitive support to mitigate some of the risks of early parturition, as well as target intergenerational cycles of adversity and poor health. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04454-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Hardcastle
- Policy and International Health, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-being, Public Health Wales, Wrexham Technology Park, Wrexham, LL13 7YP, UK
| | - Kat Ford
- Public Health Collaborating Unit, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Bangor University, Wrexham Technology Park, Wrexham, LL13 7YP, UK.
| | - Mark A Bellis
- Policy and International Health, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-being, Public Health Wales, Wrexham Technology Park, Wrexham, LL13 7YP, UK.,Public Health Collaborating Unit, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Bangor University, Wrexham Technology Park, Wrexham, LL13 7YP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Family Income and Low Birth Weight in Term Infants: a Nationwide Study in Israel. Matern Child Health J 2022; 26:1820-1832. [PMID: 35129767 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-022-03379-5] [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: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the influence of income on Low Birth Weight (LBW), taking into account other socio-economic measurements. METHODS This retrospective cohort study is based on the Israel National Insurance Institute (NII) database. The study population included 58,454 women who gave birth between 2008 and 2013 to 85,605 infants. Only singleton births at term (gestational age in weeks = 37 and later) were included. Logistic regression models with a Generalized Estimating Equation approach were used in order to assess the independent effect of income and Socio-Economic Regional Index (SERI), maternal age, family status, population group and occupational status on LBW. In addition, sibling analysis was conducted to assess the influence of a change in income on birth weight (BW) among 21,998 women. RESULTS Lower income was associated with higher odds of LBW (odds ratio (OR) = 1.266; 95% CI:1.115-1.437. Immigrants from Ethiopia, Bedouins from the Negev, the youngest, the oldest, and single mothers had higher odds for LBW newborns. Compared to women whose income quartile had not changed between the most recent and the first births, for women who experienced a deterioration of three and two quartiles in family income, significantly lower birth weight was observed at the time point with lower income: 103 g (p = .049) and 71 g (p = .008), respectively. Improvement in income revealed an almost linear increase in birth weight. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE In an effort to prevent LBW associated mortality and diseases, interventions should be focused first of all on women from population groups who are disadvantaged.
Collapse
|
40
|
Rougeaux E, Dib S, Vázquez-Vázquez A, Fewtrell MS, Wells JCK. Socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on new mothers and associations with psychosocial wellbeing: Findings from the UK COVID-19 New Mum online observational study (May 2020-June 2021). PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000576. [PMID: 36962443 PMCID: PMC10021723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Studies have reported unequal socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions in the UK, despite support packages. It is unclear how women with young children, a vulnerable group economically and psychosocially, havebeen impacted by income and employment pandemic changes, and how this is associated with psychosocial wellbeing. Using the UK COVID-19 New Mum online survey of women with children <12 months (28th May 2020-26th June 2021; N = 3430), which asked about pandemic impact on their i.ability to pay for rent, food, and essentials expenses separately, ii. employment (and/or partner's), and iii.past week mood, feelings and activities, we explored associations of i. & maternal age, household structure and income, i. & ii., and i. & iii. using logistic (odd ratios), multivariate (relative risk ratios/RRR), and linear (coefficients) regression respectively, and associated p-values. Overall, 30-40% of women reported any impact on ability to pay for expenses. Household earning <£20,000/yr had 6/4/7 times the odds of reporting an impact on food/rent/essentials (vs. > = £45,000/yr; p<0.001). Expenses impacts were associated with greater risk of partner business stopped/shut down (RRR:27.6/9.8/14.5 for rent/food/essentials [p<0.001 vs. no impact on employment]) or being made unemployed (RRR:15.2/9.5/13.5 [p<0.001]). A greater expenses impact was associated with higher (unhealthy) maternal psychosocial wellbeing score (coef:0.9/1.4/1.3 for moderate-major impact on rent/food/essentials vs. no impact [p<0.001]). The pandemic increased financial insecurity and associated poorer psychosocial wellbeing in new mothers. This is concerning given their pre-existing greater risk of poorer mental health and the implications for breastfeeding and child health and development. These findings reflect highlight the need for the UK government to assess shortfalls of implemented pandemic support policies and the provision of catch-up and better support for vulnerable groups such as new mothers, to avoid increasing socio-economic inequalities and the burden of poor maternal mental health and subsequent negative impacts on child wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emeline Rougeaux
- Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, Population, Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Dib
- Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, Population, Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adriana Vázquez-Vázquez
- Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, Population, Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary S Fewtrell
- Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, Population, Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan C K Wells
- Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, Population, Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Esser MS, Johnson TS. An Adaptation of the Skin Safety Model to Guide Diaper Dermatitis Research in the NICU. Neonatal Netw 2022; 41:38-44. [PMID: 35105793 DOI: 10.1891/11-t-747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Diaper dermatitis is an ever-present condition among infants. Little is known about the prevalence among infants in the NICU. This article presents an adaptation of the skin safety model (SSM) for the infant in the NICU. The concepts of the model were extracted, defined, and integrated into an adapted SSM model to provide a focus on the infant with diaper dermatitis in the intensive care setting. It is essential to include all factors of the infant's clinical characteristics and hospital experience in the modeling to accurately predict risk of skin vulnerability in this infant population.
Collapse
|
42
|
Catalano R, Bruckner T, Casey JA, Gemmill A, Margerison C, Hartig T. Twinning during the pandemic: Evidence of selection in utero. Evol Med Public Health 2021; 9:374-382. [PMID: 34858596 PMCID: PMC8634460 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives The suspicion that a population stressor as profound as the COVID-19 pandemic would increase preterm birth among cohorts in gestation at its outset has not been supported by data collected in 2020. An evolutionary perspective on this circumstance suggests that natural selection in utero, induced by the onset of the pandemic, caused pregnancies that would otherwise have produced a preterm birth to end early in gestation as spontaneous abortions. We test this possibility using the odds of a live-born twin among male births in Norway as an indicator of the depth of selection in birth cohorts. Methodology We apply Box–Jenkins methods to 50 pre-pandemic months to estimate counterfactuals for the nine birth cohorts in gestation in March 2020 when the first deaths attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in Norway. We use Alwan and Roberts outlier detection methods to discover any sequence of outlying values in the odds of a live-born twin among male births in exposed birth cohorts. Results We find a downward level shift of 27% in the monthly odds of a twin among male births beginning in May and persisting through the remainder of 2020. Conclusions and implications Consistent with evolutionary theory and selection in utero, birth cohorts exposed in utero to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic yielded fewer male twins than expected. Lay Summary Our finding of fewer than expected male twin births during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic provides more evidence that evolution continues to affect the characteristics and health of contemporary populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Catalano
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Tim Bruckner
- Program in Public Health and Center for Population, Inequality and Policy, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Joan A Casey
- Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison Gemmill
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Claire Margerison
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wali A. Reflections on
Stress and Resilience
Twenty Years Later. TRANSFORMING ANTHROPOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/traa.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alaka Wali
- Curator of North American Anthropology The Field Museum Chicago IL 60605
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Li J, Du Y, Liu Y, Du J, Zhang R, Qu P, Yan H, Wang D, Dang S. Maternal exposure to life events during pregnancy and congenital heart disease in offspring: a case-control study in a Chinese population. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:677. [PMID: 34615495 PMCID: PMC8496089 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04154-0] [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: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have suggested that maternal stress could increase the risk of some adverse pregnancy outcomes, but evidence on congenital heart disease (CHD) is limited. We aimed to explore the association between maternal exposure to life events during pregnancy and CHD in offspring. Methods The data was based on an unmatched case-control study about CHD conducted in Shaanxi province of China from 2014 to 2016. We included 2280 subjects, 699 in the case group and 1581 in the control group. The cases were infants or fetuses diagnosed with CHD, and the controls were infants without any birth defects. The life events were assessed by the Life Events Scale for Pregnant Women, and were divided into positive and negative events for synchronous analysis. A directed acyclic graph was drawn to screen the confounders. Logistic regression was employed to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for the effects of life events on CHD. Results After controlling for the potential confounders, the pregnant women experiencing the positive events during pregnancy had lower risk of CHD in offspring than those without positive events (OR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.30 ~ 0.48). The risk of CHD in offspring could increase by 62% among the pregnant women experiencing the negative events compared to those without (OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.29 ~ 2.03). Both effects showed a certain dose-response association. Besides, the positive events could weaken the risk impact of negative events on CHD. Conclusion It may suggest that maternal exposure to negative life events could increase the risk of CHD in offspring, while experiencing positive events could play a potential protective role. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-04154-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yujiao Du
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yini Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jiaoyang Du
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ruo Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Pengfei Qu
- Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Duolao Wang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Shaonong Dang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Maternal depressive symptoms and stress during pregnancy as predictors of gestational age at birth and standardized body mass index from birth up to 2 years of age. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:635. [PMID: 34537004 PMCID: PMC8449913 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04111-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While depressive symptoms and stress during pregnancy are known to affect gestational age and weight at birth, evidence on their impact on child anthropometric development in the long term remains limited, showing inconsistent effects. Importantly, previous research indicated a substantially stronger impact of categorically rather than dimensionally assessed mental health problems on birth outcomes and child development. Methods The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to assess depressive symptoms and stress during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy dimensionally and categorically, with scores ≥10 indicating clinical significance. Gestational age at birth and BMI-SDS from birth up to 2 years of age were examined as dependent variables. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the prediction of birth outcomes and child anthropometry by mental health problems while controlling for multiple maternal and child characteristics in 322 mother-child dyads. Results Dimensionally assessed mental health problems did not significantly predict birth outcomes. While categorical depressive symptoms significantly predicted a higher child BMI-SDS, categorical stress significantly predicted a lower gestational age at birth. Neither categorical nor dimensional mental health problems significantly predicted child BMI-SDS at 6, 12, and 24 months postpartum. Conclusions Depressive symptoms and stress during pregnancy seem to differentially affect birth outcomes, and only if clinically relevant. The results implicate the importance to timely treat pregnant women that are greatly affected by mental health problems to potentially reduce adverse birth outcomes.
Collapse
|
46
|
Giacobbi P, Symons Downs D, Haggerty T, Pidhorskyi S, Long DL, Clemmer M, Steinman SA, Olfert MD, Kinnamon K, Rao N, Staggs H, Adjeroh D. Feasibility and Acceptability of Guided Imagery to Sequentially Address Multiple Health Behaviors During Pregnancy. J Midwifery Womens Health 2021; 66:664-670. [PMID: 34510697 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13251] [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: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnancy presents health challenges related to well-being, physical activity, dietary regulation, and body image. There is evidence to support the use of guided imagery to address these concerns during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the use and short-term outcomes of a multiple-behavior guided imagery intervention delivered through a mobile health (mHealth) application for pregnant women. METHODS A single-arm, 5-week feasibility trial was conducted, and participants were instructed to listen to an audio file every day for 35 days on an mHealth application. Measurements included ongoing assessments of the participants' use of the guided imagery audio files and pre- and post-test measures of depression, anxiety, stress, physical activity, food cravings, and body image. Postintervention qualitative interviews were conducted to assess whether participants would continue to use guided imagery. RESULTS Fifty-eight participants (mean age, 28.5 years) were enrolled from January to June of 2018. Cloud analytics data showed an average of 4.96 audio downloads per week with the Sleep and Relaxation file being the most widely used (mean weekly usage, 5.67) and reported favorite during follow-up interviews. Paired-sample t tests from pre- to post-test showed significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress, increased physical activity, and sedentary behavior along with some changes in body image. DISCUSSION Future scalable guided imagery interventions are justified to test for efficacy. Guided imagery may also be delivered in person by health care providers or by using widely available technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Giacobbi
- Department of Sport Sciences, College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Danielle Symons Downs
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Development, Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Health and Human Development, Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania
| | - Treah Haggerty
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Stanislav Pidhorskyi
- Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - D Leann Long
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Melanie Clemmer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Shari A Steinman
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Melissa D Olfert
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Kelsey Kinnamon
- Department of Sport Sciences, College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Neel Rao
- Department of Sport Sciences, College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Hannah Staggs
- Department of Sport Sciences, College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Donald Adjeroh
- Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Gailey S, Knudsen ES, Mortensen LH, Bruckner TA. Birth outcomes following unexpected job loss: a matched-sibling design. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 51:858-869. [PMID: 34508593 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyab180] [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: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research documents social and economic antecedents of adverse birth outcomes, which may include involuntary job loss. Previous work on job loss and adverse birth outcomes, however, lacks high-quality individual data on, and variation in, plausibly exogenous job loss during pregnancy and therefore cannot rule out strong confounding. METHODS We analysed unique linked registries in Denmark, from 1980 to 2017, to examine whether a father's involuntary job loss during his spouse's pregnancy increases the risk of a low-weight (i.e. <2500 grams) and/or preterm (i.e. <37 weeks of gestational age) birth. We applied a matched-sibling design to 743 574 sibling pairs. RESULTS Results indicate an increased risk of a low-weight birth among infants exposed in utero to fathers' unexpected job loss [odds ratio (OR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.75]. Sex-specific analyses show that this result holds for males (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.53) but not females (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.91). We find no relation with preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS Findings support the inference that a father's unexpected job loss adversely affects the course of pregnancy, especially among males exposed in utero.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Gailey
- Minnesota Population Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Elias Stapput Knudsen
- Department of Technology, Management, and Economics, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laust H Mortensen
- Denmark Statistics, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tim A Bruckner
- Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.,Center for Population, Inequality, and Policy, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Chuard C, Chuard‐Keller P. Baby bonus in Switzerland: Effects on fertility, newborn health, and birth-scheduling. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2021; 30:2092-2123. [PMID: 34076325 PMCID: PMC8453695 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper studies the effect of birth allowances (so-called baby bonus) on fertility, newborn health, and birth-scheduling in Switzerland. Switzerland provides an optimal quasi-experiment: 11 out of 26 cantons introduced a baby bonus during the last 50 years at different points in time. To identify the effect of changes in the baby bonus, we employ an event study with control groups using several administrative data sets on births, stillbirths, and infant deaths in Switzerland from 1969 to 2017. While there is no evidence for birth-scheduling, we find, however, a sizable but only temporary increase in the fertility rate of 5.5% and a permanent but diminishing increase in the birth weight of 2.8%. The latter effect is particularly strong at the lower end of the birth weight distribution. Furthermore, we document substantial heterogeneity by citizenship of mothers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Chuard‐Keller
- University of St. GallenSwiss Institute for Empirical Economic ResearchSt. GallenSwitzerland
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ulaganeethi R, Dorairajan G, Ramaswamy G, Thekkur P, Olickal JJ, Rajkumari N, Kumar Saya G. 'I was scared I will end up in another abortion': a mixed-methods study assessing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the antenatal care of pregnant women in Puducherry, South India. Fam Pract 2021; 38:i23-i29. [PMID: 34169960 PMCID: PMC8344696 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a mitigation measure for COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown was implemented in India for a period of 2 months (24 March-31 May 2020). Disruption in antenatal care (ANC) provisions during lockdown is expected due to diversion of public health facilities on pandemic. OBJECTIVE To assess the proportion of pregnant women who had not completed the ideal number of antenatal visits, availability of iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements and challenges in availing health services during the period of lockdown. METHODS A concurrent mixed-methods study was conducted among pregnant women in Puducherry, India. Information on obstetric characteristics and details regarding antenatal visits were collected through telephonic interviews. In-depth interviews were conducted to understand the perceived challenges in availing health services during the lockdown period. RESULTS Out of 150 pregnant women, 62 [41.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 33.6-49.3] did not complete the ideal number of visits and 61 (40.7%, 95% CI 32.7-49.0) developed health problems. Out of 44 women who received medical care for health problems, 11 (25%) used teleconsultation. Of all the women, 13 (8.7%, 95% CI 4.9-14.0) had not taken the IFA supplements as prescribed by the health provider. Economic hardship, restricted mobility, lack of information about the health system changes and psychological stress due to the fear of COVID were the challenges in accessing care. CONCLUSIONS Two out of five pregnant women did not complete the ideal number of visits and developed health problems during the lockdown period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Revathi Ulaganeethi
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Gowri Dorairajan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Gomathi Ramaswamy
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, All India Institute of medical Sciences, Bibinagar, Hyderabad, India
| | - Pruthu Thekkur
- Centre for Operational Research, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
| | - Jeby Jose Olickal
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Nonika Rajkumari
- Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Ganesh Kumar Saya
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Carvalho K, Kheyfets A, Lawrence B, Moky A, Harris L, Abouhala S, Amutah-Onukagha N. Examining the Role of Psychosocial Influences on Black Maternal Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Matern Child Health J 2021; 26:764-769. [PMID: 34417954 PMCID: PMC8379571 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-021-03181-9] [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] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Due to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color, racial disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity are likely to increase. However, neighborhood and social support factors have yet to be discussed as potential mechanisms by which COVID-19 can exacerbate racial disparities. Methods We examined literature on the role of neighborhood factors and social support on maternal health outcomes and provided analytical perspective on the potential impacts of COVID-19 on Black birthing people. Results Even prior to the pandemic, Black individuals were disproportionately impacted by psychosocial stress. However, the compounding effect of pre-existing and current pandemic psychosocial stressors may be a mechanism by which racial disparities are exacerbated and result in higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in Black women. Conclusion We recommend continued monitoring of data related to racial disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity throughout the pandemic. Given that Black women may be disproportionately impacted by psychosocial stress, it is necessary for leadership structures and communities to recognize the potential for worsening disparities and intervene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keri Carvalho
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue MV 252, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| | - Anna Kheyfets
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue MV 252, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Blessing Lawrence
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue MV 252, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Alison Moky
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue MV 252, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Lauren Harris
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue MV 252, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Siwaar Abouhala
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue MV 252, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue MV 252, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| |
Collapse
|