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Evans C. African american womens' experience of birth traum. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024; 42:731-740. [PMID: 36511429 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2022.2156988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study will seek to understand the lived experiences of birth trauma among African American women. BACKGROUND Racial discrimination affects society and individuals, both physically and mentally. Racial discrimination has the capacity to affect birth outcomes (Alhusen et al., 2016). Overall, adverse pregnancy outcomes in general have been found to be higher in African Americans than in Caucasians (Christian et al., 2012). Reducing disparities in birth outcomes has been said to be a national priority in the U.S for some time (Sage MacDorman, 2011); yet, the problem still exists, with no known decreases in reporting. One important initiative to decrease the risk of further problems is to understand the lived experiences of birth trauma and racism. METHODS This study used a descriptive phenomenological approach to understand the lived experiences of birth trauma among African American women. RESULTS There were six themes that consistently emerged from participants narratives: (1) feeling alone, (2) feeling misunderstood, (3) doubting oneself/feeling incapable, (4) loss of hope, (5) feeling angry, and (6) prompt to action. CONCLUSION Understanding the lived experiences of birth trauma can contribute to greater empathy and understanding. It may also contribute to changing policies and/or changes in responses. By seeking to understand the lived experiences of a minority population, the study may impact initiatives aimed at reducing disparities in birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Evans
- Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, USA
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Neda-Stepan O, Giurgi-Oncu C, Sălcudean A, Bernad E, Bernad BC, Enătescu VR. The Influence of Personality Traits on Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review Based on the NEO-FFI Scale. Diseases 2024; 12:82. [PMID: 38785737 PMCID: PMC11120481 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050082] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant global health concern with profound implications for mothers, families, and societies. This systematic review aims to synthesize current research findings to understand better how personality traits, as assessed by the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), contribute to the development and progression of PPD. Conducted in January 2024, this review searched major databases like PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus up to December 2023, focusing on the NEO-FFI's role in evaluating PPD. Following PRISMA guidelines, studies were selected based on strict criteria, including the exclusive use of NEO-FFI for personality assessment and a focus on postpartum women. A total of seven studies were included after a rigorous two-step screening process, and their data were qualitatively synthesized. The review covered a total of 4172 participants, with a prevalence of clinically significant postpartum depression symptoms ranging from 10.6% to 51.7%. Notably, Neuroticism emerged as a significant predictor of PPD, with odds ratios ranging from 1.07 (95% CI: 0.96-1.20) in some studies to as high as 1.87 (95% CI: 1.53-2.27) in others. In contrast, traits like Extraversion and Conscientiousness generally showed protective effects, with lower scores associated with reduced PPD risk. For instance, Extraversion scores correlated negatively with PPD risk (Beta = -0.171) in one study. However, the impact of other traits such as Openness and Agreeableness on PPD risk was less clear, with some studies indicating negligible effects. The review highlights Neuroticism as a consistent and significant predictor of PPD risk, with varying impacts from other personality traits. The findings suggest potential pathways for targeted interventions in maternal mental health care, emphasizing the need for comprehensive personality evaluations in prenatal and postnatal settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Neda-Stepan
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.N.-S.); (B.-C.B.)
- Department VIII—Neurosciences, Discipline of Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.G.-O.); (V.R.E.)
| | - Cătălina Giurgi-Oncu
- Department VIII—Neurosciences, Discipline of Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.G.-O.); (V.R.E.)
| | - Andreea Sălcudean
- Discipline of Sociobiology, Department of Ethics and Social Sciences, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Elena Bernad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Brenda-Cristiana Bernad
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.N.-S.); (B.-C.B.)
| | - Virgil Radu Enătescu
- Department VIII—Neurosciences, Discipline of Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.G.-O.); (V.R.E.)
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Childbirth, trauma and family relationships. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2157481. [PMID: 37052080 PMCID: PMC9848292 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2157481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Childbirth is a major life event with expected positive outcomes, yet for some women postnatal psychopathological symptoms may harm women's interpersonal relationships. We hypothesized that higher levels of postnatal depression, post-traumatic stress (PTSD) symptoms, and fear of childbirth would be associated with mother-baby bond disorders and relationship dissatisfaction in couples.Method: A cross-sectional self-report online questionnaire was used to survey partnered women who had delivered in the year prior to the study. We used a convenience sample of 228 women recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Childbirth experience, PTSD symptoms, attachment style, depression, mother-baby bond disorders, and couple relationship dissatisfaction were measured.Results: Women with higher PTSD and postnatal depression scores reported higher levels of mother-baby bond disorders-a relationship fully mediated by postnatal depression symptoms. Women who perceived childbirth as fearful or anxiety provoking had higher levels of PTSD and postnatal depression symptoms. Fearful and anxious birth perception was positively associated with mother-baby bond disorders-an association partly mediated by PTSD symptoms. Insecure attachment style was not found to be significantly associated with fearful or anxious perceptions of childbirth.Limitations: Women who have postnatal PTSD/depression are less inclined to participate in a study of this nature. Also, online surveys prevented the use of clinical diagnoses of PTSD and depression.Discussion and conclusions: Our results suggest that PTSD and postnatal depression affect women's mental health and family bonding. Women should be assessed for negative traumatic birth experiences, PTSD, and depression, to allow targeted observation for psychopathologies and therapeutic interventions.
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Asselmann E, Garthus-Niegel S, Martini J. How research on personality development can improve our understanding of perinatal adjustment. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023; 41:485-487. [PMID: 37783226 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2242148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Asselmann
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine, HMU Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Institute for Systems Medicine (ISM) and Faculty of Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Childhood and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Julia Martini
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden
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Ingrit BL, Cathryne J, Sihaloho SMJ, Quisessa A. Women's Childbirth Experiences During COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia. Rev Bras Enferm 2023; 76Suppl 1:e20220640. [PMID: 37820106 PMCID: PMC10561943 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2022-0640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Explore in depth the experiences of women giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. METHODS Qualitative research with a descriptive phenomenological. A total of 16 participants did not suffer from COVID-19 and gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in the community setting area. RESULTS There are five themes: 1: Feelings of anxiety and fear of giving birth in hospitals are experienced by women giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2. Screening for COVID and health protocols applied in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, 3. Support from husbands, families, and health workers is needed when giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, 4. Lack of family visits hours is an obstacle during childbirth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 5: Bonding attachment between mother and baby while at the hospital. CONCLUSION Optimal maternity nursing care and supporting health facilities and public policies will help mothers give birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joice Cathryne
- Universitas Pelita Harapan. Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang, Indonesia
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Van Leugenhaege L, Degraeve J, Jacquemyn Y, Mestdagh E, Kuipers YJ. Factors associated with the intention of pregnant women to give birth with epidural analgesia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:598. [PMID: 37608256 PMCID: PMC10463581 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05887-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Belgium most women receive epidural analgesia during labour. Although, it offers satisfactory pain relief during labour, the risk on a series of adverse advents has been reported. The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with the intention of pregnant women, anticipating a vaginal birth, of requesting epidural analgesia during labour. METHODS A cross-sectional study, using an online self-report questionnaire was performed, including socio-demographic and personal details. Associated factors were examined with the HEXACO-60 questionnaire, the Mental Health Inventory-5, the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale and the Labour Pain Relief Attitude Questionnaire for pregnant women. The level of intention to request epidural analgesia was based on two questions: Do you intend to ask for epidural analgesia (1) at the start of your labour; (2) at some point during labour? Data were collected predominantly during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Descriptive analysis and a multiple linear regression analysis were performed. RESULTS 949 nulliparous (45.9%) and multiparous (54.1%) pregnant women, living in Flanders (Dutch-speaking part of Belgium) anticipating a vaginal birth completed the questionnaires. Birth-related anxiety (ß 0.096, p < 0.001), the attitude that because of the impact of pregnancy on the body, asking for pain relief is normal (ß 0.397, p < 0.001) and feeling more self-confident during labour when having pain relief (ß 0.034, p < 0.001) show a significant positive relationship with the intention for intrapartum epidural analgesia. The length of the gestational period (ß - 0.056, p 0.015), having a midwife as the primary care giver during pregnancy (ß - 0.048, p 0.044), and considering the partner in decision-making about pain relief (ß - 0.112, p < 0.001) show a significant negative relationship with the intention level of epidural analgesia. The explained variability by the multiple regression model is 54%. CONCLUSIONS A discussion during pregnancy about the underlying reason for epidural analgesia allows maternity care providers and partners to support women with pain management that is in line with women's preferences. Because women's intentions vary during the gestational period, pain relief should be an issue of conversation throughout pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Van Leugenhaege
- Department of Health and Life Science, School of Midwifery, AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp, Noorderplaats 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Julie Degraeve
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Antwerp UZA, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Yves Jacquemyn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Antwerp UZA, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
- University of Antwerp, ASTARC and Global Health Institute GHI, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Eveline Mestdagh
- Department of Health and Life Science, School of Midwifery, AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp, Noorderplaats 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Yvonne J Kuipers
- Department of Health and Life Science, School of Midwifery, AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp, Noorderplaats 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, 9 Sighthill Court, Edinburgh, EH11 4BN, Scotland
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Leźnicka K, Pawlak M, Gasiorowska A, Jażdżewska A, Wilczyńska D, Godlewska P, Lubkowska A, Chudecka M, Maciejewska-Skrendo A, Santos-Rocha R, Szumilewicz A. Individual Characteristics and Pain Sensitivity during Pregnancy-A Cross-Sectional Study in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14151. [PMID: 36361034 PMCID: PMC9657085 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114151] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics and factors related to pain perception in pregnant women, such as optimism, personality traits, and fear of developing COVID-19 consequences. Sixty-six pregnant women aged 23 to 42 years participated in the study, and the comparison group consisted of n = 59 non-pregnant female students aged 19 to 23 years. Pressure pain threshold and pain tolerance were measured with an algometer. To assess psychological characteristics, the Life-Orientation Test-Revised was used to assess optimism, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale was used to assess COVID-19 anxiety, and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory was applied to assess personality traits in a five-factor model. The main results of the study showed that pain tolerance was significantly lower in both dominant and non-dominant hand pregnant women than in the comparison group. The studied pregnant women had higher scores for conscientiousness, fear of COVID-19, and optimism compared with the non-pregnant women. Regression analysis showed that the variability in pain perception among pregnant women could not be explained by individual differences in personality traits, optimism, and fear of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Leźnicka
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, K. Górskiego St. 1, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maciej Pawlak
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Poznan University of Physical Education, Królowej Jadwigi St. 27/39, 61-871 Poznań, Poland
| | - Agata Gasiorowska
- Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ostrowskiego 30b, 54-238 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Jażdżewska
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, K. Górskiego St. 1, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dominika Wilczyńska
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, K. Górskiego St. 1, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Paulina Godlewska
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, K. Górskiego St. 1, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Lubkowska
- Department of Functional Diagnostics and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University, 54 Żołnierska St., 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Monika Chudecka
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, University of Szczecin, 40B Piastów St., 71-065 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Maciejewska-Skrendo
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, K. Górskiego St. 1, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, University of Szczecin, 40B Piastów St., 71-065 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Rita Santos-Rocha
- ESDRM Sport Sciences School of Rio Maior, Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
- CIPER Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbona, Portugal
| | - Anna Szumilewicz
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, K. Górskiego St. 1, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
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Junge-Hoffmeister J, Bittner A, Garthus-Niegel S, Goeckenjan M, Martini J, Weidner K. Subjective Birth Experience Predicts Mother–Infant Bonding Difficulties in Women With Mental Disorders. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:812055. [PMID: 35479290 PMCID: PMC9035738 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.812055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The subjective experience of giving birth to a child varies considerably depending on psychological, medical, situational, relational, and other individual characteristics. In turn, it may have an impact on postpartum maternal mental health and family relationships, such as mother–infant bonding. The objective of the study was to evaluate the relevance of the subjective birth experience (SBE) for mother–infant bonding difficulties (BD) in women with mental disorders. Methods This study used data from N = 141 mothers who were treated for postpartum mental disorders in the mother–baby day unit of the Psychosomatic University Clinic in Dresden, Germany. Patients' mental status at admission and discharge was routinely examined using a diagnostic interview (SCID I) and standard psychometric questionnaires (e.g., EPDS, BSI, PBQ). Both, the SBE (assessed by Salmon's Item List, SIL) as well as medical complications (MC) were assessed retrospectively by self-report. The predictive value of SBE, MC, as well as psychopathological symptoms for mother–infant BD were evaluated using logistic regression analyses. Results About half of this clinical sample (47.2%) reported a negative SBE; 56.8% of all mothers presented with severe mother–infant BD toward the baby. Mothers with BD showed not only significantly more depressiveness (EPDS: M = 16.6 ± 5.6 vs. 14.4 ± 6.2*), anxiety (STAI: M = 57.2 ± 10.6 vs. 51.4 ± 10.6***), and general psychopathology (BSI-GSI: M = 1.4 ± 0.7 vs. 1.1 ± 0.6**) compared to women without BD, but also a significantly more negative SBE (SIL: M = 79.3 ± 16.2 vs. 61.3 ± 22.9***). Moreover, the SBE was the most powerful predictor for BD in univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses [OR = 0.96*** (95% CI 0.94–0.98) vs. OR = 0.96** (95% CI 0.93–0.98)], even when univariate significant predictors (e.g., current psychopathology and MC during birth) were controlled. Conclusions A negative SBE is strongly associated with mother–infant bonding in patients with postpartum mental disorders. It needs to get targeted within postpartum treatment, preferably in settings including both mother and child, to improve distorted mother–infant bonding processes and prevent long-term risks for the newborn. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of focusing on the specific needs of vulnerable women prior to and during birth (e.g., emotional safety, good communication, and support) as well as individual factors that might be predictive for a negative SBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Junge-Hoffmeister
- Department for Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Antje Bittner
- Department for Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Institute for Systems Medicine, Faculty of Human Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maren Goeckenjan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Martini
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kerstin Weidner
- Department for Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- *Correspondence: Kerstin Weidner
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Kanellopoulos D, Gourounti K. Tocophobia and Women's Desire for a Caesarean Section: a Systematic Review. MAEDICA 2022; 17:186-193. [PMID: 35733734 PMCID: PMC9168579 DOI: 10.26574/maedica.2022.17.1.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction:The rate of cesarean sections has been continuously increasing in most industrialized countries in recent years. It has been observed that the rate of cesarean sections has increased in the last thirty years and is now between 0.4 and 65%. A significant percentage of women, ranging from 1-20%, request a caesarean section without a medical indication. Aim:The aim of this study is to systematically review the available international literature concerning the phenomenon of tocophobia leading to woman`s desire for a caesarean section. Methods: The methodology followed, included an advanced search in various scientific databases and retrieval of the relevant quantitative studies. Results:We found a total of seven papers, all in English, which examined the correlation between tocophobia and women's desire for a caesarean section. Conclusions:One of the primary reasons behind women's desire to give birth through a caesarean delivery is the pathological fear associated with the labor process, known under the scientific term "tocophobia". According to the findings of this review, the prevalence of tocophobia ranged between 7-25% among primiparous women and 7.7-16.25% among multiparous ones. Approximately 7-18.6% of women with tocophobia asked for an elective cesarean section without any medical indication. Clinical treatment of tocophobia is required when the condition has a negative impact on the pregnant woman's quality of life and her bond with the embryo, as well as when it affects her decision regarding the method of childbirth.
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