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Fottrell AK, Curtis MA, Weeks FH. Ambient Air Pollution, Housing Context, and Birth Outcomes Among Wisconsin Mothers. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:1386-1394. [PMID: 38847990 PMCID: PMC11269423 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-024-03941-3] [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] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the association between air pollution exposure and housing context during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes. METHODS We linked air pollution data from the Environmental Protection Agency and housing data from the American Community Survey with birth records from Wisconsin counties over a 9-year period. We calculated average daily pregnancy exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone and modeled its relationship to preterm birth, low birthweight and NICU admission, adjusting for individual characteristics and housing context. RESULTS Ozone exposure and housing cost-burden had substantive and statistically significant negative associations with birthweight and gestational age, and positive associations with NICU admission, while a poor-quality housing environment had a significant negative effect on weeks of gestation. Fine particulate matter exposure had a negligible correlation with these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE An additional tenth of one part-per-million daily average exposure to ozone is associated with a 33 g decrease in birthweight. This decrease in birthweight is about the same size as the association of gestational diabetes (32 g), larger than the association of chronic hypertension (22 g), and about 40% the size of the effect of smoking during pregnancy on birthweight (84 g). Given the magnitudes of the associations with atmospheric ozone and adverse birth outcomes, reducing atmospheric ozone should be a public health priority. Inclusion of controls for housing cost-burden and poor-quality housing reduces the magnitude of the association with mothers who identify as Black, suggesting the importance of these structural factors in understanding adverse birth outcomes by race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Fottrell
- L. Douglas Wilder School of Public of Government and Public Affairs, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1808 Gordon Ave., Richmond, VA, 23224, USA.
| | - Marah A Curtis
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1350 University Ave, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Fiona H Weeks
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Center for Demography and Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 610 Walnut St., Madison, WI, 53704, USA
- Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, USA
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Martín-Vázquez C, Urchaga-Litago JD, García-Fernández R, Calvo-Ayuso N, Quiroga-Sánchez E, Liébana-Presa C. Quality of life and social support during pregnancy in Spanish population. A longitudinal study. Midwifery 2024; 137:104119. [PMID: 39067374 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104119] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quality of life and social support during pregnancy are two variables influencing the health of pregnants and neonates. The documented impact of these variables on mental health, specifically the risk of depression, is notable. AIM To investigate the evolution of quality of life and social support at the beginning and end of pregnancy in pregnant women, and to examine the relationship between these variables. METHODS The proposed longitudinal study includes 188 pregnants from a northern region of Spain. Participants were selected through consecutive sampling from September 2021 to April 2023. Quality of life and social support will be assessed in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy using the SF-36 questionnaire and MOS-SSS questionnaire, respectively. FINDINGS The questionnaires show strong internal consistency (α = 0.91 and 0.97). Quality of life changes during pregnancy, declining in the physical component and rising in the mental component towards the end. Primiparous women have higher quality of life. Depression risk is 29.8 % in the 1st trimester, dropping to 22.9 % in the 3rd trimester. Social support decreases in the 3rd trimester, particularly among unmarried women. Significant positive correlations exist between quality of life and social support. CONCLUSION This study emphasizes notable variations in quality of life and social support during pregnancy, impacting the health of pregnant individuals and neonates. Proposing standardization in monitoring these factors during prenatal check-ups aims to improve the physical and mental health of pregnant individuals and newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rubén García-Fernández
- Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR). Nursing School of Lisbon. Lisbon. Portugal; SALBIS Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, León, Spain.
| | - Natalia Calvo-Ayuso
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, León, Spain.
| | - Enedina Quiroga-Sánchez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, León, Spain; SALBIS Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, León, Spain.
| | - Cristina Liébana-Presa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, León, Spain; SALBIS Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, León, Spain.
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3
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Li S, Cushing LJ, Nianogo RA, Liu J, Connolly R, Yu Y, Jerrett M, Ritz B. Contributions of neighborhood physical and social environments to racial and ethnic disparities in birth outcomes in California: A mediation analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 260:119578. [PMID: 38986802 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racially minoritized populations experience higher rates of adverse birth outcomes than White populations in the U.S. We estimated the mediating effect of neighborhood social and physical environments on disparities in adverse birth outcomes in California. METHOD We used birthing parent's residential address for California live birth records from 2019 to estimate census block group Area Deprivation Index and census tract level measures of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5), drinking water contamination, tree canopy coverage, as a measure of greenspace, potential heat vulnerability, and noise. We performed mediation analysis to assess whether neighborhood factors explain racial/ethnic disparities in preterm birth (PTB) and term-birth low birth weight (TLBW) comparing Black, Latinx, and Asian with White births after controlling for individual-level factors. RESULTS Black, Latinx, and Asian parents had PTB rates that were 67%, 36%, and 11% higher, and TLBW rates that were 150%, 38%, and 81% higher than Whites. Neighborhood deprivation contributed 7% (95% CI: 3%, 11%) to the Black-White and 9% (95% CI: 6%, 12%) to the Latinx-White disparity in PTB, and 8% (95% CI: 3%, 12%) of the Black-White and 9% (95% CI: 5%, 15%) of the Latinx-White disparity in TLBW. Drinking water contamination contributed 2% (95% CI: 1%, 4%) to the Latinx-White disparity in PTB. Lack of greenspace accounted for 7% (95% CI: 2%, 10%) of the Latinx-White PTB disparity and 7% (95% CI: 3%, 12%) of the Asian-White PTB disparity. PM2.5 contributed 11% (95% CI: 5%, 18%), drinking water contamination contributed 3% (95% CI: 1%, 7%), and potential heat vulnerability contributed 2% (95% CI: 1%, 3%) to the Latinx-White TLBW disparity. Lack of green space contributed 3% (95% CI: 1%, 6%) to the Asian-White TLBW disparity. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests social environments explain portions of Black/Latinx-White disparities while physical environments explain Latinx/Asian-White disparities in PTB and TLBW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Li
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lara J Cushing
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Roch A Nianogo
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Liu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Connolly
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yu Yu
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Center for Health Policy Research, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael Jerrett
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Beate Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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4
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Mehta-Lee SS, Echevarria GC, Brubaker SG, Yaghoubian Y, Long SE, Dolin CD. The Association between Psychosocial Stressors and Gestational Weight Gain: Analysis of the National Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Results from 2012 to 2015. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:1250-1257. [PMID: 38427279 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-024-03923-5] [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] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Both psychosocial stress and gestational weight gain are independently associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Studies of the association between psychosocial stress and gestational weight gain (GWG) have yielded mixed results. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between psychosocial stress and GWG in a large population-based cohort. METHODS Data from the nationally representative Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Phase 7 questionnaire 2012-2015 was utilized. Maternal psychosocial stress was assessed through response to questions designed to examine four domains of psychosocial stress (i.e., traumatic, financial, emotional, partner-related) three months prior to or during pregnancy. GWG was categorized using pre-pregnancy BMI and total GWG into inadequate, adequate, or excessive according to the Institute of Medicine's GWG guidelines. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between psychosocial stressors and adequacy of GWG. Analyses took into account complex survey design. RESULTS All respondents who delivered ≥ 37 weeks gestation with GWG information available were included in the analysis (n = 119,183). After adjusting for confounders, patients who reported financial stress were more likely to experience excessive versus adequate GWG (RRR 1.09 [95%CI: 1.02-1.17]). Exposure to any of the stressor groups did not significantly increase the risk of inadequate GWG. CONCLUSIONS This large, population-based study revealed that among pregnant people in the US, exposure to financial stress is associated with higher risk of excessive GWG. Understanding the role stress plays in GWG will help to inform initiatives targeting this important aspect of prenatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi S Mehta-Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Health/NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ghislaine C Echevarria
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai West, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sara G Brubaker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Health/NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yasaman Yaghoubian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra, NorthwellHempstead, USA
| | - Sara E Long
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Environmental Pediatrics, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cara D Dolin
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Reproductive Biology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Mirzaei A, Hiller BC, Stelzer IA, Thiele K, Tan Y, Becker M. Computational Approaches for Connecting Maternal Stress to Preterm Birth. Clin Perinatol 2024; 51:345-360. [PMID: 38705645 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.02.003] [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: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Multiple studies have hinted at a complex connection between maternal stress and preterm birth (PTB). This article describes the potential of computational methods to provide new insights into this relationship. For this, we outline existing approaches for stress assessments and various data modalities available for profiling stress responses, and review studies that sought either to establish a connection between stress and PTB or to predict PTB based on stress-related factors. Finally, we summarize the challenges of computational methods, highlighting potential future research directions within this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Mirzaei
- Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Institute for Visual and Analytic Computing, Universität Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 22, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Bjarne C Hiller
- Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Institute for Visual and Analytic Computing, Universität Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 22, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Ina A Stelzer
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, GPL/CMM-West, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kristin Thiele
- Division for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yuqi Tan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CSSR3220, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Martin Becker
- Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Institute for Visual and Analytic Computing, Universität Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 22, 18059 Rostock, Germany.
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Bergeron J, Avraam D, Calas L, Fraser W, Harris JR, Heude B, Mandhane P, Moraes TJ, Muckle G, Nader J, Séguin JR, Simons E, Subbarao P, Swertz MA, Tough S, Turvey SE, Fortier I, Rod NH, Andersen AMN. Stress and anxiety during pregnancy and length of gestation: a federated study using data from five Canadian and European birth cohorts. Eur J Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s10654-024-01126-4. [PMID: 38805076 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-024-01126-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
While its etiology is not fully elucidated, preterm birth represents a major public health concern as it is the leading cause of child mortality and morbidity. Stress is one of the most common perinatal conditions and may increase the risk of preterm birth. In this paper we aimed to investigate the association of maternal perceived stress and anxiety with length of gestation. We used harmonized data from five birth cohorts from Canada, France, and Norway. A total of 5297 pregnancies of singletons were included in the analysis of perceived stress and gestational duration, and 55,775 pregnancies for anxiety. Federated analyses were performed through the DataSHIELD platform using Cox regression models within intervals of gestational age. The models were fit for each cohort separately, and the cohort-specific results were combined using random effects study-level meta-analysis. Moderate and high levels of perceived stress during pregnancy were associated with a shorter length of gestation in the very/moderately preterm interval [moderate: hazard ratio (HR) 1.92 (95%CI 0.83, 4.48); high: 2.04 (95%CI 0.77, 5.37)], albeit not statistically significant. No association was found for the other intervals. Anxiety was associated with gestational duration in the very/moderately preterm interval [1.66 (95%CI 1.32, 2.08)], and in the early term interval [1.15 (95%CI 1.08, 1.23)]. Our findings suggest that perceived stress and anxiety are associated with an increased risk of earlier birth, but only in the earliest gestational ages. We also found an association in the early term period for anxiety, but the result was only driven by the largest cohort, which collected information the latest in pregnancy. This raised a potential issue of reverse causality as anxiety later in pregnancy could be due to concerns about early signs of a possible preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bergeron
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Demetris Avraam
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lucinda Calas
- Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - William Fraser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrook, Canada
| | - Jennifer R Harris
- Centre for Fertility and Health, The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Barbara Heude
- Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Piush Mandhane
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Theo J Moraes
- Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gina Muckle
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Johanna Nader
- Centre for Fertility and Health, The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jean R Séguin
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal and CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elinor Simons
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Padmaja Subbarao
- Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Morris A Swertz
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Tough
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Stuart E Turvey
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Isabel Fortier
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Naja Hulvej Rod
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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7
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Salm Ward TC, Abu Zahra T, Payjapoh C, Oladebo T. Experiences of birthing people during the COVID-19 pandemic: Analysis of comments from the 2020 Wisconsin Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). Birth 2024. [PMID: 38798170 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12836] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on the US population, with birthing people having special clinical needs. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a population-based surveillance system for monitoring birthing people's experiences. Comment data from the PRAMS survey can provide further insight into birthing people's experiences. This study aims to use PRAMS data to describe pandemic-related experiences in a representative sample of birthing people in Wisconsin to help inform future emergency preparedness planning. METHODS This study analyzed 2020 Wisconsin PRAMS data for births in March or later. Content analysis of pandemic-related comment data was conducted, and quantitative data on demographic characteristics and pandemic-related experiences were examined. RESULTS Findings from 1406 respondents indicated that many birthing people were affected by the pandemic, including changes in healthcare visits and employment. One hundred respondents commented on pandemic-related experiences; four interrelated themes emerged from content analysis: changed nature and quality of healthcare, limited social support, increased anxiety, stress, or fear, and employment or financial burden. Most comments discussed negative impacts; some expressed positive aspects. DISCUSSION Findings suggest opportunities for improving support for birthing people during public health emergencies, for example, through developing healthcare policies and public health guidelines that prioritize the protective mechanisms of social support for birthing people, identifying additional and immediately accessible policy protections to support birthing and postpartum people (e.g., insurance and paid leave) during public health emergencies, and implementing additional screening and support to help address increased mental health needs during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trina C Salm Ward
- Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tuleen Abu Zahra
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Chuthamas Payjapoh
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tinuola Oladebo
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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McKee KS, Tang X, Tung I, Wu G, Alshawabkeh AN, Arizaga JA, Bastain TM, Brennan PA, Breton CV, Camargo CA, Cioffi CC, Cordero JF, Dabelea D, Deutsch AR, Duarte CS, Dunlop AL, Elliott AJ, Ferrara A, Karagas MR, Lester B, McEvoy CT, Meeker J, Neiderhiser JM, Herbstman J, Trasande L, O’Connor TG, Hipwell AE, Comstock SS. Perinatal Outcomes during versus Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Role of Maternal Depression and Perceived Stress: A Report from the ECHO Program. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e1404-e1420. [PMID: 36781160 PMCID: PMC11195909 DOI: 10.1055/a-2033-5610] [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] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on perinatal outcomes while accounting for maternal depression or perceived stress and to describe COVID-specific stressors, including changes in prenatal care, across specific time periods of the pandemic. STUDY DESIGN Data of dyads from 41 cohorts from the National Institutes of Health Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Program (N = 2,983) were used to compare birth outcomes before and during the pandemic (n = 2,355), and a partially overlapping sample (n = 1,490) responded to a COVID-19 questionnaire. Psychosocial stress was defined using prenatal screening for depression and perceived stress. Propensity-score matching and general estimating equations with robust variance estimation were used to estimate the pandemic's effect on birth outcomes. RESULTS Symptoms of depression and perceived stress during pregnancy were similar prior to and during the pandemic, with nearly 40% of participants reporting mild to severe stress, and 24% reporting mild depression to severe depression. Gestations were shorter during the pandemic (B = - 0.33 weeks, p = 0.025), and depression was significantly associated with shortened gestation (B = - 0.02 weeks, p = 0.015) after adjustment. Birth weights were similar (B = - 28.14 g, p = 0.568), but infants born during the pandemic had slightly larger birth weights for gestational age at delivery than those born before the pandemic (B = 0.15 z-score units, p = 0.041). More women who gave birth early in the pandemic reported being moderately or extremely distressed about changes to their prenatal care and delivery (45%) compared with those who delivered later in the pandemic. A majority (72%) reported somewhat to extremely negative views of the impact of COVID-19 on their life. CONCLUSION In this national cohort, we detected no effect of COVID-19 on prenatal depression or perceived stress. However, experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic in pregnancy was associated with decreases in gestational age at birth, as well as distress about changes in prenatal care early in the pandemic. KEY POINTS · COVID-19 was associated with shortened gestations.. · Depression was associated with shortened gestations.. · However, stress during the pandemic remained unchanged.. · Most women reported negative impacts of the pandemic..
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly S. McKee
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Xiaodan Tang
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Irene Tung
- Department of Psychology, California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson, California
| | - Guojing Wu
- Department of Epidemology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Akram N. Alshawabkeh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jessica A. Arizaga
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Theresa M. Bastain
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Carrie V. Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Carlos A. Camargo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Jose F. Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Athens, Georgia
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Department of Epidemiology, Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Arielle R. Deutsch
- Department of Pediatrics, Avera Research Institute, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
| | | | - Anne L. Dunlop
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Amy J. Elliott
- Department of Pediatrics, Avera Research Institute, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
| | - Assiamira Ferrara
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Margaret R. Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Barry Lester
- Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Cindy T. McEvoy
- Department of Pediatrics, MCR Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - John Meeker
- University of Michigan, Environmental Health Sciences, Global Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jenae M. Neiderhiser
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Julie Herbstman
- Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences, New York, New York
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University, New York
- Department of Environmental Medicine, and Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine and New York University School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York
| | - Thomas G. O’Connor
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Alison E. Hipwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah S. Comstock
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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9
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Katlaps I, Ghafari-Saravi A, Mandelbaum A, Packer CH, Doshi U, Garg B, Caughey AB, Valent AM. Adverse Perinatal and Neonatal Outcomes among Adolescent Pregnancies in the United States. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2495-e2504. [PMID: 37399846 DOI: 10.1055/a-2121-7698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite a downward trend in recent years, adolescent pregnancies in the United States remain higher than any other western country. Adolescent pregnancies have been inconsistently associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between adolescent pregnancies and adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes in the United States. STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study of singleton births in the United States from 2014 to 2020 using national vital statistics data. Perinatal outcomes included gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preterm delivery <37 weeks (preterm birth [PTB]), cesarean delivery (CD), chorioamnionitis, small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), and neonatal composite outcome. Chi-square tests were used to compare outcomes among adolescent (13-19 years) versus adult (20-29 years) pregnancies. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine association of adolescent pregnancies with perinatal outcomes. For each outcome, we utilized three models: unadjusted logistic regression, adjusted for demographics, and adjusted for demographics and medical comorbidities. Similar analyses were used to compare younger (13-17 years) and older (18-19 years) adolescent pregnancies to adults. RESULTS In a cohort of 14,014,078 pregnancies, we found that adolescents were at an increased risk of PTB (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.12, 99% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-1.13) and SGA (aOR: 1.02, 99% CI: 1.01-1.03) compared with adult pregnancies. We also found that multiparous adolescents with a prior history of CD were at an increased risk of CD, compared with adults. For all other outcomes, adult pregnancies were at higher risk for adverse outcomes in the adjusted models. When comparing birth outcomes among adolescents, we found that older adolescents are at an increased risk of PTB, whereas younger adolescents are at an increased risk of both PTB and SGA. CONCLUSION After adjusting for confounders, our study demonstrates adolescents have an increased risk of PTB and SGA, compared with adults. KEY POINTS · Adolescents as a whole subgroup have an increased risk of PTB and SGA compared with adults.. · Younger adolescents have a risk of PTB and SGA, whereas older adolescents have a risk of PTB only.. · Adverse birth outcomes in adults are gestational diabetes, chorioamnionitis, LGA, and worse neonatal composite score..
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Katlaps
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Afsoon Ghafari-Saravi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Ava Mandelbaum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Claire H Packer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Uma Doshi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Bharti Garg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Aaron B Caughey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Amy M Valent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Liepinaitienė A, Čirbaitė G, Stepanova J, Jotautis V, Dėdelė A. Women's experiences of childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania. Eur J Midwifery 2024; 8:EJM-8-17. [PMID: 38660618 PMCID: PMC11040597 DOI: 10.18332/ejm/185750] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Childbirth experiences depend on environmental factors, the provision of qualified medical and non-medical care, and the woman's psychological well-being. Stress experienced during pregnancy and childbirth affects a woman's psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to determine the care of women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania. METHODS This qualitative study used an interview method to reveal women's childbirth experiences during and before the pandemic in Lithuania. The data obtained during the interview were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Interviews were taken from 15 women who gave birth at least twice, i.e. the first time until March 2020 (but not earlier than March 2019) and gave birth again during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 - January 2021). RESULTS A total of 15 women participanted in the interviews. The experience of childbirth before the COVID-19 pandemic was seen as largely positive by women, but childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic was mentioned as more complex and negative because of the challenges posed by the pandemic, but easier for other reasons not affected by the pandemic. The results of our study show that a higher proportion of women were satisfied with delivery care in hospitals, were happy, and praised the work of midwives and other staff, which mainly contributed to a positive experience. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic posed particular challenges to women's childbirth experiences, and not enough attention was paid to mental health. The stress that was exacerbated during the pandemic period had a profound impact on the pregnant woman in Lithuania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Liepinaitienė
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Faculty of Medicine, Kauno Kolegija Higher Education Institution, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Gabija Čirbaitė
- Faculty of Medicine, Kauno Kolegija Higher Education Institution, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Julijana Stepanova
- Faculty of Medicine, Kauno Kolegija Higher Education Institution, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vaidas Jotautis
- Faculty of Medicine, Kauno Kolegija Higher Education Institution, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Audrius Dėdelė
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
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Ravi M, Lathan EC, Wallace S, Hinojosa CA, Jones D, Villalobos J, Karra S, Powers A, Michopoulos V. Indirect effect of negative evaluations of therapy on the association between racial stress and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in pregnant Black persons. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA : THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY 2024; 16:382-389. [PMID: 37824259 PMCID: PMC10842040 DOI: 10.1037/tra0001593] [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] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Black pregnant individuals are at disproportionate risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to other groups. A wealth of literature suggests racial stress contributes to this inequity, but cultural and structural mechanisms, such as perceived barriers to mental health treatment, underlying the relationship between racial stress and PTSD symptoms remain understudied. Negative evaluations of psychotherapy and stigma represent potential mechanisms, though no previous studies have examined these associations. To address this gap, we tested an indirect effect of racial stress on PTSD symptoms through perceived barriers to mental health treatment in pregnant Black individuals. METHOD Mediation analyses were used to assess an indirect relationship between racial stress and PTSD symptoms through perceived barriers to mental health treatment. RESULTS At the bivariate level, racial stress was significantly associated with PTSD symptoms (r = .20, p = .03) and negative evaluations of therapy (r = .22, p = .02), but not with stigma (r = .140, p = .147). Negative evaluations of therapy were also associated with PTSD symptoms (r = .43, p < .001). There was an indirect effect of racial stress on PTSD symptoms through a negative evaluation of therapy, β = .08, SE = 0.04, CI [0.01, 0.18]. More specifically, racial stress was associated with a more negative evaluation of therapy, which was in turn associated with more PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight the need for accessible and culturally competent mental health care for pregnant Black individuals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghna Ravi
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Emma C. Lathan
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Shimarith Wallace
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Cecilia A. Hinojosa
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Dominique Jones
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Jamie Villalobos
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Sriya Karra
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Abigail Powers
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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12
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Mínguez-Alarcón L, Williams PL, Souter I, Ford JB, Hauser R, Chavarro JE. Women's preconception psychological stress and birth outcomes in a fertility clinic: the EARTH study. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1293255. [PMID: 38379838 PMCID: PMC10877713 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1293255] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The epidemiologic literature on women's perceived stress in relation to perinatal outcomes has been inconclusive and does not consider the preconception window of exposure. Objective To evaluate whether women's preconception perceived stress is related to live birth, gestational age, and birthweight in a cohort receiving fertility treatment. Methods This observational study included women seeking fertility care at the Massachusetts General Hospital (2004-2019). During preconception, women provided information on their psychological stress using the short version of the validated Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS-4). We used regression models to evaluate the associations of stress with live birth (N = 768 attempting to conceive) and perinatal outcomes (N = 413 live births) while adjusting for confounders. Stratified analyses by mode of conception [natural, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and IVF (in vitro fertilization)] and selected socioeconomic factors (race, education, and income) were also conducted. Results Higher psychological stress was negatively associated with the overall probability of live birth (adjusted RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92, 0.98), particularly among women conceiving using IVF. However, we found no association between women's psychological stress and gestational age and birth weight in the overall analyses and also stratified by mode of conception. Similarly, we observed no differences in women's psychological stress with any of the measured outcomes by socioeconomic factors. Discussion These results highlight the importance of considering the preconception window and mode of conception when evaluating the relationship between women's preconception stress and live birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Paige L. Williams
- Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Irene Souter
- Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jennifer B. Ford
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Russ Hauser
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jorge E. Chavarro
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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13
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Tallman PS, Salmon-Mulanovich G, Archdeacon N, Kothadia A, Lopez Flores L, Castañeda K, Collins S, Rusyidi B, Cole S. "Gender-Based Water Violence": Cross-Cultural Evidence for Severe Harm Associated With Water Insecurity for Women and Girls. Violence Against Women 2024:10778012241230323. [PMID: 38311938 DOI: 10.1177/10778012241230323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
We examined how study participants in Indonesia and Peru viewed the relationship between water insecurity and women's health via thematic analysis of interviews and focus groups. Participants reported that water insecurity led to vaginal infections, miscarriage, premature births, uterine prolapse, poor nutrition, restricted economic opportunities, and intergenerational cycles of poverty. Participants in both countries stated that extreme burdens associated with water insecurity should be categorized as violence. Based on these findings, we developed the concept of "gender-based water violence," defined as the spectrum of stressors associated with water insecurity that are so severe as to threaten human health and well-being, particularly that of women and girls.
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Tinsae T, Shumet S, Azale T, Salelew E, Demilew D, Lema A, Nakie G, Andualem F, Srahbzu M, Amare T, Getinet W. Exposure to stress-full life events and help-seeking behaviors among reproductive-age women in Northwest Ethiopia: Community-based cross-sectional study. J Affect Disord 2024; 346:310-316. [PMID: 37972661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.11.011] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stressful life events are a significant public health issue worldwide. Despite its mental, psychological, and social problems, important questions about the prevalence and risk factors remained unanswered. Therefore, this study aimed to show major life events and help-seeking behaviors among women in the reproductive-age group. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted using a multistage cluster sampling technique to get a total of 845 study participants from March 20 to April 29, 2021. Exposure to stressful life events and help-seeking behavior was collected using Women's Exposure to the Stressful Life Events Test, and General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHQ) respectively. Data were cleaned, coded, and entered into EPI-Info version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS The prevalence of stressful life events and help-seeking behaviors was 47.9 % and 38.7 % respectively. Reproductive-age women with poor social support (AOR = 2.392, 95 % CI: 1.422, 4.026), moderate social support (AOR = 1.861, 95 % CI: 1.341, 2.583), husband alcohol users (AOR = 1.496, 95 % CI: 1.027, 2.178), husband chat users (AOR = 2.962, 95 % CI: 1.140, 7.696), and having ever suicidal attempt (AOR = 8.702, CI: 1.719, 44.049), were positively associated with stressful life events. CONCLUSION Nearly half of reproductive-age women had stressful life events. Thus, it is important to give serious attention to addressing those identified factors to increase public awareness, especially among husbands, their families, and elected authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Techilo Tinsae
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, Ethiopia.
| | - Shegaye Shumet
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, Ethiopia
| | - Telake Azale
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Public Health, Ethiopia
| | - Endalamaw Salelew
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, Ethiopia
| | - Demeke Demilew
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, Ethiopia
| | - Alemu Lema
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, Ethiopia
| | - Girum Nakie
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, Ethiopia
| | - Fantahun Andualem
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, Ethiopia
| | - Mengesha Srahbzu
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, Ethiopia
| | - Tadele Amare
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, Ethiopia
| | - Wondale Getinet
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, Ethiopia
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Lee KS, Song IS, Kim ES, Kim J, Jung S, Nam S, Ahn KH. Machine learning analysis with population data for the associations of preterm birth with temporomandibular disorder and gastrointestinal diseases. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296329. [PMID: 38165877 PMCID: PMC10760735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296329] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This study employs machine learning analysis with population data for the associations of preterm birth (PTB) with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and gastrointestinal diseases. The source of the population-based retrospective cohort was Korea National Health Insurance claims for 489,893 primiparous women with delivery at the age of 25-40 in 2017. The dependent variable was PTB in 2017. Twenty-one predictors were included, i.e., demographic, socioeconomic, disease and medication information during 2002-2016. Random forest variable importance was derived for finding important predictors of PTB and evaluating its associations with the predictors including TMD and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) values were calculated to analyze the directions of these associations. The random forest with oversampling registered a much higher area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve compared to logistic regression with oversampling, i.e., 79.3% vs. 53.1%. According to random forest variable importance values and rankings, PTB has strong associations with low socioeconomic status, GERD, age, infertility, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, TMD, salivary gland disease, hypertension, tricyclic antidepressant and benzodiazepine. In terms of max SHAP values, these associations were positive, e.g., low socioeconomic status (0.29), age (0.21), GERD (0.27) and TMD (0.23). The inclusion of low socioeconomic status, age, GERD or TMD into the random forest will increase the probability of PTB by 0.29, 0.21, 0.27 or 0.23. A cutting-edge approach of explainable artificial intelligence highlights the strong associations of preterm birth with temporomandibular disorder, gastrointestinal diseases and antidepressant medication. Close surveillance is needed for pregnant women regarding these multiple risks at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Sig Lee
- AI Center, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - In-Seok Song
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Sun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jisu Kim
- AI Center, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Statistics, Korea University College of Political Science and Economics, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sohee Jung
- AI Center, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Statistics, Korea University College of Political Science and Economics, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sunwoo Nam
- AI Center, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki Hoon Ahn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Ticona DM, Huanco D, Ticona-Rendón MB. Impact of unplanned pregnancy on neonatal outcomes: findings of new high-risk newborns in Peru. Int Health 2024; 16:52-60. [PMID: 36942842 PMCID: PMC10759294 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad018] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unplanned pregnancy is a significant public health problem, especially in low- to middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to determine the neonatal outcomes associated with unplanned pregnancy in a public hospital in southern Peru. METHODS A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from June to August 2021 among 306 mothers and their newborns selected by convenience sampling. After obtaining informed consent, mothers were surveyed during their postpartum hospitalization about their pregnancy intentions. Unintended pregnancy was considered when it was mistimed or unwanted. Neonatal outcomes were assessed by reviewing medical records prior to discharge, evaluating the presence of low birth weight, insufficient birth weight, prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and neonatal mortality. Association was measured in terms of prevalence ratio (PR) and beta coefficient and respective 95% CIs, crude and adjusted for variables that obtained a value of p<0.20 in the crude model (maternal age, education and parity). RESULTS The overall unplanned pregnancies rate was 65%, of which 40.5% were mistimed pregnancies and 24.5% unwanted pregnancies. Unplanned and mistimed pregnancies were significantly associated with insufficient birth weight [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR)=2.14; 95% CI 1.01 to 4.56 and aPR=2.43; 95% CI 1.09 to 5.39, respectively] and unwanted pregnancies were significantly associated with preterm birth (aPR=3.49; 95% CI 1.01 to 12.11). Furthermore, adjusted analysis showed that birth weight and gestational age were lower in unplanned, mistimed and unwanted pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS Unplanned pregnancy was associated with lower birth weight and shorter gestational age of newborns. These data collected in a public hospital in a developing country may have significant implications today. If pregnancy intention is not included as a neonatal risk factor, insufficient birth weight and preterm birth could increase because a higher proportion of births will be unplanned.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Huanco
- Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann, Faculty of Health Sciences, 23003, Tacna, Peru
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Țieranu ML, Iovoaica-Rămescu C, Preda A, Zorilă GL, Drocaș I, Istrate-Ofițeru AM, Drăgușin RC, Iliescu DG. Hospitalizations for Obstetrical Conditions During and After the Covid-19 Pandemic. CURRENT HEALTH SCIENCES JOURNAL 2024; 50:36-44. [PMID: 38846479 PMCID: PMC11151953 DOI: 10.12865/chsj.50.01.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the Covid-19 pandemic there have been a drastic decrease in hospitalizations for non-Covid conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trend in hospitalizations for obstetrical conditions during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS For this study there we used electronical data base in order to search for all the obstetrical patients that were hospitalized in a tertiary maternity, Clinical Emergency County Hospital Craiova, during the pre-pandemic period (between March - December 2019), during pandemics (2020 March - December, 2021 March - December) and post pandemics (2022 March - December). RESULTS The total number of hospitalizations during 2020 dropped by 28% compared to the pre-pandemic year - 2019, and further by 30% in 2021, and by 26% in 2022. In terms of day admissions, a decreasing trend can be observed, with a total of 3230 admissions, from which, 208 in 2020 showing a decrease of 93%, 695 in 2021 with a decrease of 78% and 941 in 2022 with a decrease of 70% compared to 2019.We experienced a significant increase of vaginal birth rate during the pandemic (2020-2021) of 24% that can be attributed to the unavailability of many surrounding low-risk birth units during the pandemic. CONCLUSION The obstetrical conditions hospitalizations dramatically dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not yet recovered to the pre-pandemic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Loredana Țieranu
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 20039 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Cătălina Iovoaica-Rămescu
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 20039 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Agnesa Preda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - George-Lucian Zorilă
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ileana Drocaș
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Anca-Maria Istrate-Ofițeru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Histology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Research Centre for Microscopic Morphology and Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Roxana Cristina Drăgușin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Dominic-Gabriel Iliescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Khajehei M. Endorphins, Sexuality, and Reproduction. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 35:397-433. [PMID: 38874734 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45493-6_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Beta-endorphin is secreted from the hypothalamus and pituitary in both mother and newborn. The placenta produces numerous pituitary hormones from the third month of pregnancy, one of which is βE. It has been suggested that βE has a role in the appetitive and precopulatory phase of sexual behavior in animals. An increase in endorphin levels during sexual activity in humans may contribute to attachment and bonding between partners, but contradictory reports in the literature question the association between sexuality and βE levels. The level of βE also increases during pregnancy, rises in early labor, peaks in late labor, and drops in the postpartum period. This fluctuation provides natural analgesia, raises the pain threshold, decreases the sensation of pain, or suppresses pain, and decreases fear levels during labor and birth. Beta-endorphin also protects the fetus from hypoxia during labor and birth and potential neural damage by aiding blood flow to the brain under hypoxic conditions. It has been suggested that a variety of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic complementary therapies, when used in pregnancy, labor, and birth, activate the opioid receptors in the CNS and alter the sensation of pain during labor and birth, affect the mother-child attachment and affect sexual function. These studies report contradictory results that will be discussed in this chapter.
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Welch BM, Keil AP, Buckley JP, Engel SM, James-Todd T, Zota AR, Alshawabkeh AN, Barrett ES, Bloom MS, Bush NR, Cordero JF, Dabelea D, Eskenazi B, Lanphear BP, Padmanabhan V, Sathyanarayana S, Swan SH, Aalborg J, Baird DD, Binder AM, Bradman A, Braun JM, Calafat AM, Cantonwine DE, Christenbury KE, Factor-Litvak P, Harley KG, Hauser R, Herbstman JB, Hertz-Picciotto I, Holland N, Jukic AMZ, McElrath TF, Meeker JD, Messerlian C, Michels KB, Newman RB, Nguyen RH, O’Brien KM, Rauh VA, Redmon B, Rich DQ, Rosen EM, Schmidt RJ, Sparks AE, Starling AP, Wang C, Watkins DJ, Weinberg CR, Weinberger B, Wenzel AG, Wilcox AJ, Yolton K, Zhang Y, Ferguson KK. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Phthalate Exposure and Preterm Birth: A Pooled Study of Sixteen U.S. Cohorts. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:127015. [PMID: 38117586 PMCID: PMC10732302 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalate exposures are ubiquitous during pregnancy and may contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in preterm birth. OBJECTIVES We investigated race and ethnicity in the relationship between biomarkers of phthalate exposure and preterm birth by examining: a) how hypothetical reductions in racial and ethnic disparities in phthalate metabolites might reduce the probability of preterm birth; and b) exposure-response models stratified by race and ethnicity. METHODS We pooled individual-level data on 6,045 pregnancies from 16 U.S. cohorts. We investigated covariate-adjusted differences in nine urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations by race and ethnicity [non-Hispanic White (White, 43%), non-Hispanic Black (Black, 13%), Hispanic/Latina (38%), and Asian/Pacific Islander (3%)]. Using g-computation, we estimated changes in the probability of preterm birth under hypothetical interventions to eliminate disparities in levels of urinary phthalate metabolites by proportionally lowering average concentrations in Black and Hispanic/Latina participants to be approximately equal to the averages in White participants. We also used race and ethnicity-stratified logistic regression to characterize associations between phthalate metabolites and preterm birth. RESULTS In comparison with concentrations among White participants, adjusted mean phthalate metabolite concentrations were consistently higher among Black and Hispanic/Latina participants by 23%-148% and 4%-94%, respectively. Asian/Pacific Islander participants had metabolite levels that were similar to those of White participants. Hypothetical interventions to reduce disparities in metabolite mixtures were associated with lower probabilities of preterm birth for Black [13% relative reduction; 95% confidence interval (CI): - 34 % , 8.6%] and Hispanic/Latina (9% relative reduction; 95% CI: - 19 % , 0.8%) participants. Odds ratios for preterm birth in association with phthalate metabolites demonstrated heterogeneity by race and ethnicity for two individual metabolites (mono-n-butyl and monoisobutyl phthalate), with positive associations that were larger in magnitude observed among Black or Hispanic/Latina participants. CONCLUSIONS Phthalate metabolite concentrations differed substantially by race and ethnicity. Our results show hypothetical interventions to reduce population-level racial and ethnic disparities in biomarkers of phthalate exposure could potentially reduce the probability of preterm birth. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12831.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barrett M. Welch
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | | | - Jessie P. Buckley
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie M. Engel
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ami R. Zota
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Emily S. Barrett
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Nicole R. Bush
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Dana Dabelea
- University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | | | | | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shanna H. Swan
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jenny Aalborg
- University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Donna D. Baird
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Asa Bradman
- University of California, Merced, Merced, California, USA
| | | | - Antonia M. Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Kate E. Christenbury
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., a DLH Holdings Company, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kim G. Harley
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julie B. Herbstman
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Nina Holland
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Anne Marie Z. Jukic
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - John D. Meeker
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karin B. Michels
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Institute for Prevention and Cancer Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roger B. Newman
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ruby H.N. Nguyen
- University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Katie M. O’Brien
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Virginia A. Rauh
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bruce Redmon
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David Q. Rich
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Emma M. Rosen
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Anne P. Starling
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor, UCLA Medical Center, West Carson, California, USA
| | - Deborah J. Watkins
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Clarice R. Weinberg
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Barry Weinberger
- Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York, Northwell Health, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Abby G. Wenzel
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Allen J. Wilcox
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kelly K. Ferguson
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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20
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Eaves LA, Keil AP, Jukic AM, Dhingra R, Brooks JL, Manuck TA, Rager JE, Fry RC. Toxic metal mixtures in private well water and increased risk for preterm birth in North Carolina. Environ Health 2023; 22:69. [PMID: 37845729 PMCID: PMC10577978 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01021-7] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to metals in private well water may increase the risk of preterm birth (PTB) (delivery < 37 weeks' gestation). In this study, we estimated associations between arsenic, manganese, lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, and zinc concentrations in private well water and PTB incidence in North Carolina (NC). METHODS Birth certificates from 2003-2015 (n = 1,329,071) were obtained and pregnancies were assigned exposure using the mean concentration and the percentage of tests above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for the census tract of each individuals' residence at the time of delivery using the NCWELL database (117,960 well water tests from 1998-2019). We evaluated associations between single metals and PTB using adjusted logistic regression models. Metals mixtures were assessed using quantile-based g-computation. RESULTS Compared with those in other census tracts, individuals residing in tracts where > 25% of tests exceeded the MCL for lead (aOR 1.10, 95%CI 1.02,1.18) or cadmium (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00,1.23) had an increased odds of PTB. Conversely, those residing in areas with > 25% MCL for zinc (aOR 0.77 (95% CI: 0.56,1.02) and copper (aOR 0.53 (95% CI: 0.13,1.34)) had a reduced odds of PTB. A quartile increase in the concentrations of a mixture of lead, cadmium, and chromium was associated with a small increased odds for PTB (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03). This metal mixture effect was most pronounced among American Indian individuals (aOR per quartile increase in all metals: 1.19 (95% CI 1.06,1.34)). CONCLUSIONS In a large study population of over one million births, lead and cadmium were found to increase the risk of PTB individually and in a mixture, with additional mixtures-related impacts estimated from co-exposure with chromium. This study highlights critical racial and ethnic health disparities in relation to private well water thereby emphasizing the urgent need for improved private well water quality to protect vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 166A Rosenau Hall, CB #7431, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alexander P Keil
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anne Marie Jukic
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Radhika Dhingra
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 166A Rosenau Hall, CB #7431, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Jada L Brooks
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tracy A Manuck
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julia E Rager
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 166A Rosenau Hall, CB #7431, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 166A Rosenau Hall, CB #7431, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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21
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Yamamoto SS, Premji SS, Saini V, McDonald SW, Jhangri GS. Investigating associations between maternal stress, smoking and adverse birth outcomes: evidence from the All Our Families cohort. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:710. [PMID: 37794335 PMCID: PMC10548639 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06029-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Independently, active maternal and environmental tobacco smoke exposure and maternal stress have been linked to an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. An understudied relationship is the potential for interactive effects between these risk factors. METHODS Data was obtained from the All Our Families cohort, a study of 3,388 pregnant women < 25 weeks gestation recruited from those receiving prenatal care in Calgary, Canada between May 2008 and December 2010. We investigated the joint effects of active maternal smoking, total smoke exposure (active maternal smoking plus environmental tobacco smoke) and prenatal stress (Perceived Stress Scale, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), measured at two time points (< 25 weeks and 34-36 weeks gestation), on preterm birth and low birth weight. RESULTS A marginally significant association was observed with the interaction active maternal smoking and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores in relation to low birth weight, after imputation (aOR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.00-1.03, p = 0.06). No significant joint effects of maternal stress and either active maternal smoking or total smoke exposure with preterm birth were observed. Active maternal smoking, total smoke exposure, Perceived Stress Scores, and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores were independently associated with preterm birth and/or low birth weight. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate the role of independent effects of smoking and stress in terms of preterm birth and low birthweight. However, the etiology of preterm birth and low birth weight is complex and multifactorial. Further investigations of potential interactive effects may be useful in helping to identify women experiencing vulnerability and inform the development of targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby S Yamamoto
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87th Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - Shahirose S Premji
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, 92 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Vineet Saini
- Alberta Health Services, Department of Research and Innovation, Provincial Population and Public Health, 10030 - 107 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3E4, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Sheila W McDonald
- Alberta Health Services, Department of Research and Innovation, Provincial Population and Public Health, 10030 - 107 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3E4, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Gian S Jhangri
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87th Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
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22
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Yang J, Qu Y, Zhan Y, Ma H, Li X, Man D, Wu H, Huang P, Ma L, Jiang Y. Trajectories of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and risk of premature birth: A multicenter and prospective cohort study. Psychiatry Res 2023; 326:115284. [PMID: 37302355 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115284] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies only assessed the association between depressive symptoms and risk of preterm birth (PTB) at a time-point during pregnancy, resulting in inconsistent or contradictory results. Therefore, we aimed to explore the associations between the trajectories of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and risk of PTB. In total, 7732 pregnant women were included in 24 hospitals from 15 provinces of China. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to evaluate depressive symptoms in the first, second, and third trimesters. Associations between depressive symptoms and risk of PTB were performed by group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM), propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), and logistic regression. GBTM identified five trajectories: compared with persistently low-stable trajectory of depressive symptoms, women with moderate-stable (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02-1.76), high-falling (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.11-2.21), moderate-rising (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.06-2.04), and high-stable trajectory of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.16-3.28) had an increased risk of PTB. In addition, the associations between trajectories of depressive symptoms and risk of PTB were most significant in multiparous women with a history of PTB. There was no difference in the risk of early-moderate PTB among different trajectories of depressive symptoms and only the risk of late PTB was different among different trajectories. In conclusion, the depressive symptoms of pregnant women were not constant during pregnancy, and different trajectories of depressive symptoms were associated with different risks of PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichun Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Yimin Qu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yongle Zhan
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Haihui Ma
- Department of Obstetrics, Tongzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, 101149, China
| | - Xiaoxiu Li
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Dongguan, 523125, China
| | - Dongmei Man
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, 272007, China
| | - Hongguo Wu
- Department of Perinatal Health, Jiaxian Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiaxian, 467199, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Nutrition, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Liangkun Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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23
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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.
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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
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24
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Yin W, Ludvigsson JF, Åden U, Risnes K, Persson M, Reichenberg A, Silverman ME, Kajantie E, Sandin S. Paternal and maternal psychiatric history and risk of preterm and early term birth: A nationwide study using Swedish registers. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004256. [PMID: 37471291 PMCID: PMC10358938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with psychiatric diagnoses are at increased risk of preterm birth (PTB), with potential life-long impact on offspring health. Less is known about the risk of PTB in offspring of fathers with psychiatric diagnoses, and for couples where both parents were diagnosed. In a nationwide birth cohort, we examined the association between psychiatric history in fathers, mothers, and both parents and gestational age. METHODS AND FINDINGS We included all infants live-born to Nordic parents in 1997 to 2016 in Sweden. Psychiatric diagnoses were obtained from the National Patient Register. Data on gestational age were retrieved from the Medical Birth Register. Associations between parental psychiatric history and PTB were quantified by relative risk (RR) and two-sided 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from log-binomial regressions, by psychiatric disorders overall and by diagnostic categories. We extended the analysis beyond PTB by calculating risks over the whole distribution of gestational age, including "early term" (37 to 38 weeks). Among the 1,488,920 infants born throughout the study period, 1,268,507 were born to parents without a psychiatric diagnosis, of whom 73,094 (5.8%) were born preterm. 4,597 of 73,500 (6.3%) infants were born preterm to fathers with a psychiatric diagnosis, 8,917 of 122,611 (7.3%) infants were born preterm to mothers with a pscyhiatric diagnosis, and 2,026 of 24,302 (8.3%) infants were born preterm to both parents with a pscyhiatric diagnosis. We observed a shift towards earlier gestational age in offspring of parents with psychiatric history. The risks of PTB associated with paternal and maternal psychiatric diagnoses were similar for different psychiatric disorders. The risks for PTB were estimated at RR 1.12 (95% CI [1.08, 1.15] p < 0.001) for paternal diagnoses, at RR 1.31 (95% CI [1.28, 1.34] p < 0.001) for maternal diagnoses, and at RR 1.52 (95% CI [1.46, 1.59] p < 0.001) when both parents were diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder, compared to when neither parent had a psychiatric diagnosis. Stress-related disorders were associated with the highest risks of PTB with corresponding RRs estimated at 1.23 (95% CI [1.16, 1.31] p < 0.001) for a psychiatry history in fathers, at 1.47 (95% CI [1.42, 1.53] p < 0.001) for mothers, and at 1.90 (95% CI [1.64, 2.20] p < 0.001) for both parents. The risks for early term were similar to PTB. Co-occurring diagnoses from different diagnostic categories increased risk; for fathers: RR 1.10 (95% CI [1.07, 1.13] p < 0.001), 1.15 (95% CI [1.09, 1.21] p < 0.001), and 1.33 (95% CI [1.23, 1.43] p < 0.001), for diagnoses in 1, 2, and ≥3 categories; for mothers: RR 1.25 (95% CI [1.22, 1.28] p < 0.001), 1.39 (95% CI [1.34, 1.44] p < 0.001) and 1.65 (95% CI [1.56, 1.74] p < 0.001). Despite the large sample size, statistical precision was limited in subgroups, mainly where both parents had specific psychiatric subtypes. Pathophysiology and genetics underlying different psychiatric diagnoses can be heterogeneous. CONCLUSIONS Paternal and maternal psychiatric history were associated with a shift to earlier gestational age and increased risk of births before full term. The risk consistently increased when fathers had a positive history of different psychiatric disorders, increased further when mothers were diagnosed and was highest when both parents were diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyao Yin
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jonas F Ludvigsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Åden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kari Risnes
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
- Children's Clinic, St Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martina Persson
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Epidemiological Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Division of Pediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sachsska Childrens' and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Abraham Reichenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- Seaver Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael E Silverman
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Eero Kajantie
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
- Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki and Oulu, Finland
- Clinical Medicine Research Unit, MRC Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sven Sandin
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- Seaver Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
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25
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Redhunt AM, Ledyard R, Collier ARY, Hacker MR, Burris HH. Resilience as a potential modifier of racial inequities in preterm birth. Ann Epidemiol 2023; 83:54-59.e1. [PMID: 37088321 PMCID: PMC10330189 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.04.010] [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: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the US, preterm birth (PTB) is 55% more common among Black compared to White individuals and psychosocial stressors may contribute. Resilience is associated with improved health outcomes; whether it modifies PTB inequity is unknown. We hypothesized high resilience would reduce inequities in PTB risk. METHODS This study analyzes data from 535 pregnancies among Black (n = 101, 19%) and White (n = 434, 81%) participants from a prospective cohort. Participants completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. We calculated risk ratios (RR) stratified by resilience tertiles to test for effect measure modification. RESULTS Among those in the lowest resilience tertile, there were six (20.7%) PTBs among Black and seven (4.9%) among White participants (RR: 4.26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.53, 11.81). Among those in the highest resilience tertile, there were 8 (18.2%) PTBs among Black and 14 (9.5%) among White participants (RR: 1.92; 95% CI: 0.87, 4.24. The adjusted Black:White RR was 2.00 (95% CI 0.47, 8.64) in the lowest and 3.49 (95% CI 1.52, 8.01) in the highest tertile. CONCLUSIONS Black-White PTB inequity did not differ among resilience strata and remained significant in the highest tertile. Our findings suggest that high resilience is inadequate to overcome Black:White racial inequity in PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson M Redhunt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Department of Medical Education, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA; Department of Medical Education, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME
| | - Rachel Ledyard
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Ai-Ris Y Collier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Michele R Hacker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Heather H Burris
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
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26
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Mínguez-Alarcón L, Williams PL, Souter I, Ford JB, Hauser R, Chavarro JE. Perceived stress and markers of ovarian reserve among subfertile women. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:956-964. [PMID: 37085427 PMCID: PMC10247401 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.01.024] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is self-reported psychological stress associated with markers of ovarian reserve among subfertile women? DESIGN Observational study of women (n = 520) seeking fertility care at the Massachusetts General Hospital who enrolled in the Environment and Reproductive Health study between 2005 and 2019. Women completed the short version of the validated PSS4, which assesses psychological stress. Ovarian reserve markers included AFC and circulating serum levels of day-3 FSH, with AMH assessed in a subset of participants (n = 185). RESULTS Higher total PSS4 scores were negatively associated with AFC and serum AMH levels. Analyses adjusted for age, BMI, race, smoking, education, physical activity and type of infertility diagnosis. Women in the second and third tertiles of stress had lower AFC (13.3, 95% CI 12.7 to 13.8; and 13.5, 95% CI 13.0 to 14.1) compared with women in the lowest tertile of psychological stress score (14.3, 95% CI 13.8 to 14.9, both P < 0.05). Women in the second and third tertiles of total PSS4 scores also had lower mean serum AMH compared with women in the lowest tertile (2.99, 95% CI 2.24 to 3.74), and (2.99 95% CI 2.22 to 3.76) versus (3.94 95% CI 3.23 to 4.64). These associations varied by several socioeconomic factors, and were observed among women who were younger, belonging to minority races, with a college degree or with annual household income less than $100,000. CONCLUSIONS Higher perceived stress was negatively associated with AFC and serum AMH levels. These associations varied by several socioeconomic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Departments of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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Hartman S, Belsky J, Pluess M. Prenatal programming of environmental sensitivity. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:161. [PMID: 37164986 PMCID: PMC10172185 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02461-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
According to several theories, people differ in their sensitivity to environmental influences with some more susceptible than others to both supportive and adverse contextual conditions. Such differences in environmental sensitivity have a genetic basis but are also shaped by environmental factors. Herein we narratively build on our previous work proposing that prenatal experiences contribute to the development of environmental sensitivity. This hypothesis of prenatal programming of postnatal plasticity has considerable empirical support. After presenting illustrative animal and human evidence consistent with this claim, we discuss a range of biological mechanisms likely involved in the pathway from prenatal stress exposure to postnatal environmental sensitivity. We also consider work suggesting that genetic differences, gender, as well as the timing, duration and intensity of prenatal exposures may moderate the effects of prenatal programming on postnatal environmental susceptibility or sensitivity. Before concluding, we highlight "unknowns in the prenatal programming of environmental sensitivity" and their practical implications. Ultimately, we conclude that prenatal stress does not necessarily predispose individuals to problematical development, but rather increases sensitivity to both adverse and supportive postnatal contexts. Thus, prenatal stress may actually foster positive development if paired with supportive and caring postnatal environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hartman
- Department of Human Eology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jay Belsky
- Department of Human Eology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Michael Pluess
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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Hunter PJ, Awoyemi T, Ayede AI, Chico RM, David AL, Dewey KG, Duggan CP, Gravett M, Prendergast AJ, Ramakrishnan U, Ashorn P, Klein N. Biological and pathological mechanisms leading to the birth of a small vulnerable newborn. Lancet 2023; 401:1720-1732. [PMID: 37167990 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00573-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The pathway to a thriving newborn begins before conception and continues in utero with a healthy placenta and the right balance of nutrients and growth factors that are timed and sequenced alongside hormonal suppression of labour until a mature infant is ready for birth. Optimal nutrition that includes adequate quantities of quality protein, energy, essential fats, and an extensive range of vitamins and minerals not only supports fetal growth but could also prevent preterm birth by supporting the immune system and alleviating oxidative stress. Infection, illness, undernourishment, and harmful environmental exposures can alter this trajectory leading to an infant who is too small due to either poor growth during pregnancy or preterm birth. Systemic inflammation suppresses fetal growth by interfering with growth hormone and its regulation of insulin-like growth factors. Evidence supports the prevention and treatment of several maternal infections during pregnancy to improve newborn health. However, microbes, such as Ureaplasma species, which are able to ascend the cervix and cause membrane rupture and chorioamnionitis, require new strategies for detection and treatment. The surge in fetal cortisol late in pregnancy is essential to parturition at the right time, but acute or chronically high maternal cortisol levels caused by psychological or physical stress could also trigger labour onset prematurely. In every pathway to the small vulnerable newborn, there is a possibility to modify the course of pregnancy by supporting improved nutrition, protection against infection, holistic maternal wellness, and healthy environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia J Hunter
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Adejumoke I Ayede
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - R Matthew Chico
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anna L David
- UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kathryn G Dewey
- Department of Nutrition, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christopher P Duggan
- Department of Nutrition and Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Gravett
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Zvitambo Institute for Maternal & Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Per Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nigel Klein
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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29
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Raffa BJ, Swartz JJ, Ranapurwala SI, Zhao C, Cholera R. Immigration Policy and the Health of Latina Mothers and Their Infants. J Immigr Minor Health 2023:10.1007/s10903-023-01476-3. [PMID: 37020058 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-023-01476-3] [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: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Restrictive immigration policies may adversely affect the health of Latina mothers and their infants. We hypothesized that undocumented Latina mothers and their US born children would have worse birth outcomes and healthcare utilization following the November 2016 election. We used a controlled interrupted time series to estimate the impact of the 2016 presidential election on low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, maternal depression, well child visit attendance, cancelled visits, and emergency department (ED) visits among infants born to Latina mothers on emergency Medicaid, a proxy for undocumented immigration status. There was a 5.8% (95% CI: -0.99%, 12.5%) increase in LBW and 4.6% (95% CI: -1.8%, 10.9%) increase in preterm births immediately after the 2016 election compared to controls. While these findings were not statistically significant at p < 0.05, the majority of our data suggest worsened birth outcomes among undocumented Latina mothers after the election, consistent with larger prior studies. There was no difference in well child or ED visits. While restrictive policies may have contributed to worse birth outcomes among undocumented Latina mothers, our findings suggest that Latino families still attend infants' scheduled visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany J Raffa
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Jonas J Swartz
- Division of Women's Community and Population Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Shabbar I Ranapurwala
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Congwen Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rushina Cholera
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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30
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Thomas MP, Ammann G, Onyebeke C, Gomez TK, Lobis S, Li W, Huynh M. Birth equity on the front lines: Impact of a community-based doula program in Brooklyn, NY. Birth 2023; 50:138-150. [PMID: 36625505 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed whether participation in Healthy Start Brooklyn's By My Side Birth Support Program-a maternal-health program providing community-based doula support during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the early postpartum period-was associated with improved birth outcomes. By My Side takes a strength-based approach that aligns with the doula principles of respecting the client's autonomy, providing culturally appropriate care without judgment or conditions, and promoting informed decision making. METHODS Using a matched cohort design, birth certificate records for By My Side participants from 2010 through 2017 (n = 603) were each matched to three controls who also lived in the program area (n = 1809). Controls were matched on maternal age, race/ethnicity, education level, and trimester of prenatal-care initiation, using the simple random sampling method. The sample was restricted to singleton births. The odds of preterm birth, low birthweight, and cesarean birth were estimated, using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS By My Side participants had lower odds of having a preterm birth (5.6% vs 11.9%, P < .0001) or a low-birthweight baby (5.8% vs 9.7%, P = .0031) than controls. There was no statistically significant difference in the odds of cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION Participation in the By My Side Birth Support Program was associated with lower odds of preterm birth and low birthweight for participants, who were predominantly Black and Hispanic. Investing in doula services is an important way to address birth inequities among higher risk populations such as birthing people of color and those living in poverty. It could also help shape a new vision of the maternal-health system, placing the needs and well-being of birthing people at the center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Powel Thomas
- Healthy Start Brooklyn, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Gabriela Ammann
- By My Side Birth Support Program, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Chinelo Onyebeke
- Statistical Analysis and Reporting Unit, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tanya K Gomez
- Office of the First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Equity Officer, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Samantha Lobis
- Formerly with New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Wenhui Li
- Statistical Analysis and Reporting Unit, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mary Huynh
- Office of Vital Statistics, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
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31
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Flatt S, Velez MP. The cost of preterm birth and cesarean section as a result of infertility and its treatment: A review. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 86:102304. [PMID: 36681599 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102304] [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: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Infertility, irrespective of receipt of fertility treatment, is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including cesarean section (CS) and preterm birth (PTB). These complications are associated with significant physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial costs to individuals, healthcare systems, and society at large. Although multiple pregnancy is one of the most significant contributors to the elevated CS and PTB rates in women receiving fertility treatment, singleton pregnancy is also at an increased risk of these outcomes. Single embryo transfer policies through publicly funded in vitro fertilization programs have demonstrated beneficial health outcomes and cost savings. Low-dose aspirin prophylaxis may be considered for PTB reduction in patients with infertility. Finally, upstream prevention strategies such as lifestyle modification and social policies to address the underlying needs for fertility treatment may also beneficially impact both CS and PTB rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Flatt
- Queen's University, School of Medicine, Kingston, K7L 3L4, Canada
| | - Maria P Velez
- Queen's University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kingston, K7L 2V7, Canada.
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32
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Bergeron J, Cederkvist L, Fortier I, Rod NH, Andersen PK, Andersen AMN. Maternal stress during pregnancy and gestational duration: A cohort study from the Danish National Birth Cohort. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2023; 37:45-56. [PMID: 35934879 PMCID: PMC10087198 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12918] [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: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is one of the most important contributors to neonatal mortality and morbidity. Experiencing stress during pregnancy may increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth. This association has been observed in previous studies, but differences in measures used limit comparability. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to investigate the association between two measures of maternal stress during pregnancy, life stress and emotional distress, and gestation duration. METHODS Women recruited in the Danish National Birth Cohort from 1996 to 2002, who provided information on their stress level during pregnancy and expecting a singleton baby, were included in the study. We assessed the associations between the level of life stress and emotional distress in quartiles, both collected at 31 weeks of pregnancy on average, and the rate of giving birth using Cox regression within intervals of the gestational period. RESULTS A total of 80,991 pregnancies were included. Women reporting moderate or high levels of life stress vs no stress had a higher rate of giving birth earlier within all intervals of gestational age (e.g. high level: 27-33 weeks: hazard ratio (HR) 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04, 1.84; 34-36 weeks: 1.10, 95% CI 0.97, 1.25; 37-38 weeks: 1.21, 95% CI 1.15, 1.28). These associations between life stress and preterm birth were mainly driven by pregnancy worries. For emotional distress, a high level of distress was associated with shorter length of gestation in the preterm (27-33 weeks: 1.38, 95% CI 1.02, 1.86; 34-36 weeks: 1.05, 95% CI 0.91, 1.19) and early term (1.11, 95% CI 1.04, 1.17) intervals. CONCLUSIONS Emotional distress and life stress were shown to be associated with gestational age at birth, with pregnancy-related stress being the single stressor driving the association. This suggests that reverse causality may, at least in parts, explain the earlier findings of stress as a risk factor for preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bergeron
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Luise Cederkvist
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Isabel Fortier
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Naja Hulvej Rod
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Kragh Andersen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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33
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Blebu BE, Kuppermann M, Coleman-Phox K, Karasek D, Lessard L, Chambers BD. A qualitative exploration of experiences accessing community and social services among pregnant low-income people of color during the COVID-19 pandemic. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231156792. [PMID: 36939097 PMCID: PMC9988620 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231156792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased social and economic stressors among pregnant individuals. While community and social services have been available to mitigate stressors in pregnancy (e.g. food insecurity and financial hardship) and reduce the risk of adverse maternal outcomes, it is unclear how the pandemic impacted access to these resources, particularly in communities of color with lower incomes. OBJECTIVE To examine the experiences accessing community and social service resources during the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant people of color with low incomes. DESIGN Participants for this COVID-related qualitative study were recruited from two sources-a prospective comparative effectiveness study of two models of enhanced prenatal care and the California Black Infant Health Program between August and November of 2020. METHODS We conducted 62 interviews with Medicaid-eligible participants in California's Central Valley. During their interviews, study participants were asked to share their pregnancy-related experiences, including how they felt the pandemic had affected those experiences. RESULTS We identified two broad themes: challenges with accessing community and social service resources during the pandemic and opportunities for improving access to these resources. Sub-themes related to challenges experienced included difficulty with remote access, convoluted enrollment processes for community and social services, and problems specific to accessing COVID-19 resources (e.g. testing). Sub-themes related to opportunities to improve access included leveraging instrumental support from perinatal staff and informational (e.g. practical) support from other community programs and pregnant peers. Participant recommendations included leveraging opportunities to improve client experiences through increased transparency and better patient-provider communication. CONCLUSION This study highlights some important trends that emerged with the rollout of remote service delivery for social services among a vulnerable population. Many participants were able to leverage support through other programs and perinatal staff. These individuals identified additional opportunities to improve client experiences that can inform the future implementation of support services for pregnant people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette E Blebu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor—UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Miriam Kuppermann
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly Coleman-Phox
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Deborah Karasek
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Lessard
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Brittany D Chambers
- Department of Human Ecology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Jahn JL, Wallace M, Theall KP, Hardeman RR. Neighborhood Proactive Policing and Racial Inequities in Preterm Birth in New Orleans, 2018‒2019. Am J Public Health 2023; 113:S21-S28. [PMID: 36696607 PMCID: PMC9877384 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2022.307079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. To measure neighborhood exposure to proactive policing as a manifestation of structural racism and its association with preterm birth. Methods. We linked all birth records in New Orleans, Louisiana (n = 9102), with annual census tract rates of proactive police stops using data from the New Orleans Police Department (2018-2019). We fit multilevel Poisson models predicting preterm birth across quintiles of stop rates, controlling for several individual- and tract-level covariates. Results. Nearly 20% of Black versus 8% of White birthing people lived in neighborhoods with the highest rates of proactive police stops. Fully adjusted models among Black birthing people suggest the prevalence of preterm birth in the neighborhoods with the highest proactive policing rates was 1.41 times that of neighborhoods with the lowest rates (95% confidence interval = 1.04, 1.93), but associations among White birthing people were not statistically significant. Conclusions. Taken together with previous research, high rates of proactive policing likely contribute to Black‒White inequities in reproductive health. Public Health Implications. Proactive policing is widely implemented to deter violence, but alternative strategies without police should be considered to prevent potential adverse health consequences. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(S1):S21-S28. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307079).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaquelyn L Jahn
- Jaquelyn L. Jahn is with The Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements, and Population Health Equity at Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA. Maeve Wallace and Katherine P. Theall are with the Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Science and the Mary Amelia Center for Women's Health Equity Research at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA. Rachel R. Hardeman is with the Division of Health Policy and Management, the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, as well as the Minnesota Population Center, Minneapolis
| | - Maeve Wallace
- Jaquelyn L. Jahn is with The Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements, and Population Health Equity at Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA. Maeve Wallace and Katherine P. Theall are with the Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Science and the Mary Amelia Center for Women's Health Equity Research at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA. Rachel R. Hardeman is with the Division of Health Policy and Management, the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, as well as the Minnesota Population Center, Minneapolis
| | - Katherine P Theall
- Jaquelyn L. Jahn is with The Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements, and Population Health Equity at Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA. Maeve Wallace and Katherine P. Theall are with the Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Science and the Mary Amelia Center for Women's Health Equity Research at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA. Rachel R. Hardeman is with the Division of Health Policy and Management, the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, as well as the Minnesota Population Center, Minneapolis
| | - Rachel R Hardeman
- Jaquelyn L. Jahn is with The Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements, and Population Health Equity at Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA. Maeve Wallace and Katherine P. Theall are with the Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Science and the Mary Amelia Center for Women's Health Equity Research at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA. Rachel R. Hardeman is with the Division of Health Policy and Management, the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, as well as the Minnesota Population Center, Minneapolis
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35
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Chasekwa B, Ntozini R, Church JA, Majo FD, Tavengwa N, Mutasa B, Noble C, Koyratty N, Maluccio JA, Prendergast AJ, Humphrey JH, Smith LE. Prevalence, risk factors and short-term consequences of adverse birth outcomes in Zimbabwean pregnant women: a secondary analysis of a cluster-randomized trial. Int J Epidemiol 2022; 51:1785-1799. [PMID: 34875052 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyab248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, 15 million children are born preterm each year and 10.7 million are born at term but with low birthweight (<2500 g). METHODS The Sanitation Hygiene Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) cluster-randomized trial enrolled 5280 pregnant women between 22 November 2012 and 27 March 2015 to test the impact of improved water supply, sanitation and hygiene, and improved infant feeding, on child growth and anaemia. We conducted a secondary analysis to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, size small for gestational age (SGA), low birthweight (LBW), perinatal mortality, and neonatal mortality, and to estimate the effects of adverse birth outcomes on infant survival and growth. RESULTS The prevalence of adverse birth outcomes was: miscarriage: 5.0% [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.4, 5.7]; stillbirth: 2.3% (95% CI 1.9, 2.7); preterm birth: 18.2% (95% CI 16.9, 19.5); SGA: 16.1% (95% CI 15.0, 17.3); LBW: 9.8% (95% CI 9.0, 10.7); and neonatal mortality: 31.4/1000 live births (95% CI 26.7, 36.5). Modifiable risk factors included maternal HIV infection, anaemia, lack of antenatal care and non-institutional delivery. Preterm infants had higher neonatal mortality [risk ratio (RR): 6.1 (95% CI 4.0, 9.2)], post-neonatal infant mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 2.1 (95% CI 1.1, 4.1)] and stunting at 18 months of age [RR: 1.5 (95% CI 1.4, 1.7)] than term infants; 56% of stillbirths and 57% of neonatal deaths were among preterm births. CONCLUSIONS Neonatal mortality and stillbirth are high in Zimbabwe and appear to be driven by high preterm birth. Interventions for primary prevention of preterm birth and strengthened management of preterm labour and ill and small neonates are required to reduce neonatal mortality in Zimbabwe and other African countries with similar profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Chasekwa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Robert Ntozini
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - James A Church
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Florence D Majo
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Naume Tavengwa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Batsirai Mutasa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Christie Noble
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Nadia Koyratty
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - John A Maluccio
- Department of Economics, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, USA
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jean H Humphrey
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Laura E Smith
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Simoncic V, Deguen S, Enaux C, Vandentorren S, Kihal-Talantikite W. A Comprehensive Review on Social Inequalities and Pregnancy Outcome-Identification of Relevant Pathways and Mechanisms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192416592. [PMID: 36554473 PMCID: PMC9779203 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Scientific literature tends to support the idea that the pregnancy and health status of fetuses and newborns can be affected by maternal, parental, and contextual characteristics. In addition, a growing body of evidence reports that social determinants, measured at individual and/or aggregated level(s), play a crucial role in fetal and newborn health. Numerous studies have found social factors (including maternal age and education, marital status, pregnancy intention, and socioeconomic status) to be linked to poor birth outcomes. Several have also suggested that beyond individual and contextual social characteristics, living environment and conditions (or "neighborhood") emerge as important determinants in health inequalities, particularly for pregnant women. Using a comprehensive review, we present a conceptual framework based on the work of both the Commission on Social Determinants of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), aimed at describing the various pathways through which social characteristics can affect both pregnancy and fetal health, with a focus on the structural social determinants (such as socioeconomic and political context) that influence social position, as well as on intermediary determinants. We also suggest that social position may influence more specific intermediary health determinants; individuals may, on the basis of their social position, experience differences in environmental exposure and vulnerability to health-compromising living conditions. Our model highlights the fact that adverse birth outcomes, which inevitably lead to health inequity, may, in turn, affect the individual social position. In order to address both the inequalities that begin in utero and the disparities observed at birth, it is important for interventions to target various unhealthy behaviors and psychosocial conditions in early pregnancy. Health policy must, then, support: (i) midwifery availability and accessibility and (ii) enhanced multidisciplinary support for deprived pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Simoncic
- LIVE UMR 7362 CNRS (Laboratoire Image Ville Environnement), University of Strasbourg, 67100 Strasbourg, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Séverine Deguen
- Equipe PHARes Population Health Translational Research, Inserm CIC 1401, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Boedeaux, France
| | - Christophe Enaux
- LIVE UMR 7362 CNRS (Laboratoire Image Ville Environnement), University of Strasbourg, 67100 Strasbourg, France
| | - Stéphanie Vandentorren
- Equipe PHARes Population Health Translational Research, Inserm CIC 1401, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Boedeaux, France
- Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, 94410 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Wahida Kihal-Talantikite
- LIVE UMR 7362 CNRS (Laboratoire Image Ville Environnement), University of Strasbourg, 67100 Strasbourg, France
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Psychological Distress, Stressful Life Events and Social Disadvantage in Pregnant Indigenous Australian Women Residing in Rural and Remote NSW: a Longitudinal Cohort Study. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2022; 9:2197-2207. [PMID: 34595675 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-021-01159-5] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy can be a stressful time for many women. Australian Indigenous women of childbearing age (18-44 years) have been found to experience high or very high rates of psychological distress. However, few studies have examined the burden of or any associations between stressful life events, social disadvantage and psychological distress for pregnant Indigenous women in Australia. METHODS Two hundred sixty-one rural and remote women, pregnant with an Indigenous infant, from New South Wales in Australia were invited to provide data regarding social disadvantage then complete the Kessler-10 and Stressful Life Events surveys via self-report during each trimester of their pregnancy. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlations, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to determine the burden of and any associations between the variables of interest. RESULTS High rates of psychological distress were reported by participants with 16.9% scoring severe distress levels during their pregnancy. Participants also reported high rates of stressful life events with almost 25% experiencing the death of a family member or friend, almost 14% living in overcrowded accommodation, 11% having someone close to them jailed and 8% experience separation from their partner, during their pregnancies. Distress was associated with numerous stressful life events (e.g. witnessing violence, a family member in jail and overcrowding) and one aspect of social disadvantage (smoking status). CONCLUSIONS Immediate attention needs to focus on the development of interventions to address the high levels of psychological distress and provide appropriate support services during periods of major life events for pregnant Australian Indigenous women.
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O'Connor A, Shand AW, Schneuer FJ, Nassar N, Austin MP. Assessing the relationship between psychosocial risk and pregnancy outcomes using the perinatal integrated psychosocial assessment (PIPA) tool. Birth 2022; 49:648-660. [PMID: 35233836 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12631] [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: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Perinatal Integrated Psychosocial Assessment (PIPA) tool screens for anxiety, depression, and psychosocial factors in pregnancy. We aimed to assess the association between PIPA-determined psychosocial risk and obstetric and neonatal outcomes. METHODS Cohort study of all pregnant women who gave birth at ≥20 weeks of gestation in 2017-2019 at a tertiary maternity hospital in, Sydney, Australia. Women completed PIPA at their first antenatal visit and were assigned a PIPA risk category. At-risk women were reviewed and referred for support. The association between PIPA risk category and obstetric and neonatal outcomes was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for sociodemographic and pregnancy factors. RESULTS In all, 5969 women completed PIPA; 71.4% were assessed no/low risk, 17.5% medium risk, and 11.1% medium-high/high risk. Compared with no/low-risk women, medium-high/high-risk women were more likely to remain in hospital for >72 hours (aOR 1.47 [95% CI 1.33-1.64]); to not be breastfeeding at discharge (aOR 1.77 [95% CI 1.20-2.61]); to have their infants experience birth complications (aOR 1.24 [95% CI 1.03-1.50]); and to be admitted to the NICU (aOR 1.63 [95% CI 1.26-2.11]). There was a modest increase in odds of cesarean birth (aOR 1.12 [95% CI 1.00-1.27]), and no association with preterm birth or low birthweight. The risk of adverse outcomes disappeared for medium-high/high-risk women referred for support. CONCLUSIONS The PIPA tool identified one in 10 women at high psychosocial risk with increased risk of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Adverse outcomes were attenuated for high-risk women who were referred for extra support, suggesting that psychosocial review and referral for high-risk women may reduce the risk of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne O'Connor
- Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Antonia W Shand
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Child Population and Translational Health Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Francisco J Schneuer
- Child Population and Translational Health Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasha Nassar
- Child Population and Translational Health Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Financial Markets Foundation for Children, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marie-Paule Austin
- Perinatal & Women's Mental Health, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Perinatal & Women's Mental Health Unit, St John of God Burwood Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Väisänen H, Remes H, Martikainen P. Perinatal health among migrant women: A longitudinal register study in Finland 2000-17. SSM Popul Health 2022; 20:101298. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Bedaso A, Adams J, Peng W, Xu F, Sibbritt D. An examination of the association between marital status and prenatal mental disorders using linked health administrative data. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:735. [PMID: 36182904 PMCID: PMC9526285 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05045-8] [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: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background International research shows marital status impacts the mental health of pregnant women, with prenatal depression and anxiety being higher among non-partnered women. However, there have been few studies examining the relationship between marital status and prenatal mental disorders among Australian women. Methods This is a population-based retrospective cohort study using linked data from the New South Wales (NSW) Perinatal Data Collection (PDC) and Admitted Patients Data Collection (APDC). The cohort consists of a total of 598,599 pregnant women with 865,349 admissions. Identification of pregnant women for mental disorders was conducted using the 10th version International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM). A binary logistic regression model was used to estimate the relationship between marital status and prenatal mental disorder after adjusting for confounders. Results Of the included pregnant women, 241 (0.04%), 107 (0.02%) and 4359 (0.5%) were diagnosed with depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and self-harm, respectively. Non-partnered pregnant women had a higher likelihood of depressive disorder (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.75; 95% CI: 2.04, 3.70) and anxiety disorder (AOR = 3.16, 95% CI: 2.03, 4.91), compared with partnered women. Furthermore, the likelihood of experiencing self-harm was two times higher among non-partnered pregnant women (AOR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.82, 2.20) than partnered pregnant women. Conclusions Non-partnered marital status has a significant positive association with prenatal depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and self-harm. This suggests it would be highly beneficial for maternal health care professionals to screen non-partnered pregnant women for prenatal mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and self-harm. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-05045-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asres Bedaso
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia. .,Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jon Adams
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Wenbo Peng
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Fenglian Xu
- Data Analysis & Surgical Outcomes Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Sibbritt
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
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Hendrix YMGA, Sier MAT, Baas MAM, van Pampus MG. Therapist perceptions of treating posttraumatic stress disorder in pregnancy: The VIP Study. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1420-1431. [PMID: 35535472 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22842] [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] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
There is no consensus on the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during pregnancy, and therapists' views on the matter are largely unknown. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore therapist beliefs and experiences regarding PTSD treatment during pregnancy. Participants were therapists (N = 301) with experience treating PTSD who completed an online survey. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of therapists who were experienced in treating PTSD symptoms during pregnancy; secondary outcome measures assessed preferred treatments for the general and pregnant populations, perceived reluctance to treat PTSD in pregnancy, and perceived effects and adverse events attributed to treatment for pregnant women and fetuses. The majority of participants (n = 246, 81.7%) had experience with treating PTSD during pregnancy. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing was the preferred treatment for both the general and the pregnant populations. Almost half of the sample (48.8%) reported hearing that PTSD treatment in pregnancy could be harmful; 30.5% of therapists were reluctant to treat pregnant women with PTSD. Most therapists observed a clinically relevant posttreatment reduction of PTSD symptoms in pregnant women. Perceived adverse maternal and fetal events attributed to treatment were reported by 8.4% and 1.4% of therapists, respectively. Despite reluctance, most therapists reported treating PTSD during pregnancy. The results show that although therapists often reported hearing that treating PTSD during pregnancy was harmful, only a small percentage reported perceived adverse events, and treatment was often viewed as effective. These findings implicate a more positive view on the treatment of PTSD in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Misha A T Sier
- Department of Surgery, Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Melanie A M Baas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Martini Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maria G van Pampus
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Oaks BM, Adu-Afarwuah S, Ashorn P, Lartey A, Laugero KD, Okronipa H, Stewart CP, Dewey KG. Increased risk of preterm delivery with high cortisol during pregnancy is modified by fetal sex: a cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:727. [PMID: 36151538 PMCID: PMC9502964 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05061-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies show an association between maternal plasma and salivary cortisol and preterm birth but have been primarily conducted in high-income countries. It is unknown whether salivary cortisol is a risk factor for preterm birth in Ghana. Our objective was to determine whether maternal salivary cortisol during pregnancy was associated with pregnancy duration and preterm delivery in Ghana. Methods We conducted a cohort study of 783 pregnant women in Ghana. We measured salivary cortisol at baseline (mean 16 wk), 28 wk., and 36 wk. gestation. Pregnancy duration was determined primarily by ultrasound. We used adjusted linear regression models to examine the association between cortisol and pregnancy duration and Poisson regression models to determine the risk of preterm delivery among women with high cortisol at baseline or 28 wk. gestation. Results Mean pregnancy duration was 39.4 ± 1.8 wk. and 6.6% had a preterm delivery. Mean maternal cortisol increased throughout pregnancy, from 4.9 ± 2.7 nmol/L at baseline (16 wk) to 6.4 ± 3.2 nmol/L at 28 wk. and 7.9 ± 3.0 nmol/L at 36 wk. gestation. In adjusted analyses, higher cortisol concentrations at baseline (β = − 0.39, p = .002) and 28 wk. (β = − 0.49, p = .001), but not 36 wk. (β = − 0.23, p = .084) were associated with a shorter pregnancy duration. Women with high cortisol at baseline (> 6.3 nmol/L) had an increased relative risk of preterm delivery (RR (95% CI): 1.96 (1.13, 3.40)), but the association between high cortisol at 28 wk. and preterm delivery was not significant. There was a significant interaction with fetal sex (p-for-interaction = 0.037): among women carrying male fetuses, high cortisol at baseline increased the risk of preterm delivery threefold (3.18 (1.51, 6.71)) while there was no association (1.17 (0.50, 2.74)) among women carrying female fetuses. Conclusion Higher maternal cortisol is associated with a shorter pregnancy duration and an increased risk of preterm delivery. Subgroup analysis by fetal sex revealed that this association is evident primarily among women carrying male fetuses. Future studies of cortisol and preterm delivery should include consideration of fetal sex as a potential effect modifier. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-05061-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brietta M Oaks
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA.
| | - Seth Adu-Afarwuah
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Per Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anna Lartey
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kevin D Laugero
- USDA Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, CA, USA.,Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Harriet Okronipa
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | | | - Kathryn G Dewey
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Gondwe T, Chapman DA. Measuring psychosocial stress during pregnancy: a multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis across race/ethnicity among Medicaid-covered pregnant women in the United States. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 43:285-291. [PMID: 33455504 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2020.1867846] [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] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differential experiences of psychosocial stress during pregnancy may contribute to racial inequities in adverse pregnancy outcomes in the US. Valid and unbiased measurement scales are needed to assess the effect of psychosocial stress on pregnancy outcomes, however, the numerous modified scales implemented to measure stress are not always validated. METHODS The construct validity and measurement invariance of maternal stress among Medicaid-covered pregnant women (N = 1,632) were examined. Model fit estimates of three confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models were compared to determine the appropriate measurement structure. Multiple-group CFA assessed measurement invariance across Black or African American women (51.7%) and women of all other races. RESULTS Robust estimates of model fit supported a hierarchical CFA model composed of four latent domains of stress. Standardized factor loadings of three of these latent domains-external stress, perceived stress, and enhancers of stress- indicated positive correlations with a second-order latent factor for overall maternal stress, whereas the fourth domain, buffers of stress, had a negative association. Multiple-group CFA demonstrated strong measurement invariance. CONCLUSIONS Among Medicaid-covered pregnant women, measures for psychosocial stress were unbiased across two subgroups of maternal race/ethnicity. These findings support the construct validity of overall maternal stress underlying the common variability among four latent domains of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamala Gondwe
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Derek A Chapman
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
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Burgess A, Breman RB, Roane LA, Dada S, Bradley D, Burcher P. Impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy worry in the United States. Birth 2022; 49:420-429. [PMID: 34997646 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several recent studies confirm that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in pregnant persons around world. In this study, we aimed to uncover the impact of COVID-19 on worry during pregnancy. METHODS This study used a cross-sectional descriptive research design. A link to a survey was emailed to users of the Ovia Pregnancy app. Participants (N = 253) completed the survey, which included the Cambridge Worry in Pregnancy Scale, and answered several free text questions. The free-text questions were included to capture worries not listed on the scale and to allow participants the opportunity to more clearly describe COVID-19-related worries. Descriptive statistics were reported, and content analysis performed to determine themes. RESULTS Overall, respondents reported they were quite or very worried about having their partner with them at birth (31.7%, n = 80), giving birth (28.2%; n = 71), and something being wrong with the baby (27.3%; n = 69). Results on worries also differed by participants' race, parity, and trimester. When comparing White to other racial groups, other racial groups had statistically significantly higher median scores for questions on worries about employment (P = .001), going to the hospital (P = .002), and internal examinations (P = .03). Content analysis revealed isolation, loss of support, anxiety/stress, and grief as major themes. DISCUSSION The worry, isolation, loss of support, anxiety, and grief reported by pregnant persons during the COVID-19 pandemic may impact maternal pre- and postnatal mental health and are not borne equally. Birthing persons of color appear disproportionately impacted. Prenatally, maternity care providers should assess for worry and provide individualized education and resources to pregnant patients, centering individuals and communities made most vulnerable by structural inequality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriane Burgess
- Women and Children Service Line, WellSpan Health, York, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Lynnee A Roane
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sophia Dada
- University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Dani Bradley
- Clinical Affairs, Ovia Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul Burcher
- WellSpan York Hospital, York, Pennsylvania, USA.,Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.,Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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45
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McHale P, Maudsley G, Pennington A, Schlüter DK, Barr B, Paranjothy S, Taylor-Robinson D. Mediators of socioeconomic inequalities in preterm birth: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1134. [PMID: 35668387 PMCID: PMC9172189 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13438-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of preterm birth are substantial with significant inequalities. Understanding the role of risk factors on the pathway from maternal socioeconomic status (SES) to preterm birth can help inform interventions and policy. This study therefore aimed to identify mediators of the relationship between maternal SES and preterm birth, assess the strength of evidence, and evaluate the quality of methods used to assess mediation. METHODS Using Scopus, Medline OVID, "Medline In Process & Other Non-Indexed Citation", PsycINFO, and Social Science Citation Index (via Web of Science), search terms combined variations on mediation, socioeconomic status, and preterm birth. Citation and advanced Google searches supplemented this. Inclusion criteria guided screening and selection of observational studies Jan-2000 to July-2020. The metric extracted was the proportion of socioeconomic inequality in preterm birth explained by each mediator (e.g. 'proportion eliminated'). Included studies were narratively synthesised. RESULTS Of 22 studies included, over one-half used cohort design. Most studies had potential measurement bias for mediators, and only two studies fully adjusted for key confounders. Eighteen studies found significant socioeconomic inequalities in preterm birth. Studies assessed six groups of potential mediators: maternal smoking; maternal mental health; maternal physical health (including body mass index (BMI)); maternal lifestyle (including alcohol consumption); healthcare; and working and environmental conditions. There was high confidence of smoking during pregnancy (most frequently examined mediator) and maternal physical health mediating inequalities in preterm birth. Significant residual inequalities frequently remained. Difference-of-coefficients between models was the most common mediation analysis approach, only six studies assessed exposure-mediator interaction, and only two considered causal assumptions. CONCLUSIONS The substantial socioeconomic inequalities in preterm birth are only partly explained by six groups of mediators that have been studied, particularly maternal smoking in pregnancy. There is, however, a large residual direct effect of SES evident in most studies. Despite the mediation analysis approaches used limiting our ability to make causal inference, these findings highlight potential ways of intervening to reduce such inequalities. A focus on modifiable socioeconomic determinants, such as reducing poverty and educational inequality, is probably necessary to address inequalities in preterm birth, alongside action on mediating pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip McHale
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England.
| | - Gillian Maudsley
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
| | - Andy Pennington
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
| | - Daniela K Schlüter
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
| | - Ben Barr
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
| | - Shantini Paranjothy
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Aberdeen Health Data Science Research Centre, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - David Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
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Li M, Wood CE, Keller-Wood M. Chronic maternal hypercortisolemia models stress-induced adverse birth outcome and altered cardiac function in newborn lambs. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 323:R193-R203. [PMID: 35670476 PMCID: PMC9291417 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00041.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Maternal stress in pregnancy is thought to be a contributing factor in adverse pregnancy outcome, including stillbirth and prematurity. Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that chronic elevation in maternal cortisol concentration in ewes (by maternal infusion of 1 mg·kg-1·day-1) during the late gestion increased the incidence of stillbirth and altered fetal heart rate and blood pressure at birth. We designed the current study to test the effect of chronically elevated maternal cortisol on fetal cardiac adaption from in utero life to ex utero life. The combined risk of stillbirth or prematurity was significantly greater in the pregnancies with maternal hypercortisolemia: in this cohort, 40% of the lambs of cortisol-infused ewes died in utero or at birth compared to 25% of lambs of control ewes, and 24% of lambs of cortisol-infused ewes were born preterm, whereas no lamb was born preterm in the control group. Compared to control lambs, the lambs of cortisol-infused ewes born at full term exhibited a significant increase in mean aortic pressure just prior to birth, and a significant decrease in mean aortic pressure that was evident during the first 9 hours after birth. The QT interval was decreased prior to birth and increased immediately after birth in the newborns of cortisol-treated ewes compared to control lambs. These findings suggest that an excess in utero corticosteroid exposure adversely affects fetal cardiac adaptation to extrauterine life and that chronic maternal stress or hypersecretion of corticosteroids may contribute to adverse obstetric outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchen Li
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Charles E Wood
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Maureen Keller-Wood
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainsville, FL, United States
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Konrádyová N, Rimárová K, Diabelková J, Urdzík P, Dorko E, Andraščíková Š. Potential differences in occurrence of preterm births according to quality of relationship between mothers and fathers of the children. Cent Eur J Public Health 2022; 30:S63-S67. [PMID: 35841228 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a7242] [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: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Premature birth is a serious pregnancy complication that is affected by many biological as well as psychosocial factors. Several studies have shown that a mother's positive relationship with her child's father reduces the mother's stress, anxiety and depression during pregnancy, promotes a healthier mother's lifestyle and thus has a positive effect on pregnancy as such. This research was therefore aimed at identifying possible differences in the incidence of premature births in mothers depending on the quality of the relationship with the father of their child. METHODS The research involved 210 mothers after childbirth in the period from October 2020 to September 2021. A questionnaire aimed at obtaining descriptive data about the mother and her child and a questionnaire aimed at determining the quality of the relationship - Quality of Relationship Inventory (QRI) were distributed. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine differences between groups. RESULTS Of 210 children, 44 (21%) were born prematurely, 154 (73.3%) mothers were married and 176 (83.8%) lived with the father of their child in the same household. The results showed that the degree of quality of the mother's relationship with the child's father is approximately the same for mothers who gave birth prematurely and for those who gave birth at term, so there were no differences in this factor between the two groups of mothers. CONCLUSION The results of other researchers have shown the positive impact of partners on pregnancy and the overall well-being of the mothers. However, our research has not confirmed the positive effect of the quality of the relationship between mother and father of her child on reducing the incidence of premature births. Further research is needed to clarify how specifically and whether the quality of the relationship between parents can affect the incidence of premature births at all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Konrádyová
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Kvetoslava Rimárová
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Jana Diabelková
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Peter Urdzík
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Kosice, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Erik Dorko
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Štefánia Andraščíková
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Care, University of Presov, Presov, Slovak Republic
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Canada's Colonial Genocide of Indigenous Peoples: A Review of the Psychosocial and Neurobiological Processes Linking Trauma and Intergenerational Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116455. [PMID: 35682038 PMCID: PMC9179992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The policies and actions that were enacted to colonize Indigenous Peoples in Canada have been described as constituting cultural genocide. When one considers the long-term consequences from the perspective of the social and environmental determinants of health framework, the impacts of such policies on the physical and mental health of Indigenous Peoples go well beyond cultural loss. This paper addresses the impacts of key historical and current Canadian federal policies in relation to the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples. Far from constituting a mere lesson in history, the connections between colonialist policies and actions on present-day outcomes are evaluated in terms of transgenerational and intergenerational transmission processes, including psychosocial, developmental, environmental, and neurobiological mechanisms and trauma responses. In addition, while colonialist policies have created adverse living conditions for Indigenous Peoples, resilience and the perseverance of many aspects of culture may be maintained through intergenerational processes.
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49
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Cusick JA, Wellman CL, Demas GE. Maternal stress and the maternal microbiome have sex-specific effects on offspring development and aggressive behavior in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). Horm Behav 2022; 141:105146. [PMID: 35276524 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiome, a community of commensal, symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses, interacts with many physiological systems to affect behavior. Prenatal experiences, including exposure to maternal stress and different maternal microbiomes, are important sources of organismal variation that can affect offspring development. These physiological systems do not act in isolation and can have long-term effects on offspring development and behavior. Here we investigated the interactive effects of maternal stress and manipulations of the maternal microbiome on offspring development and social behavior using Siberian hamsters, Phodopus sungorus. We exposed pregnant females to either a social stressor, antibiotics, both the social stressor and antibiotics, or no treatment (i.e., control) over the duration of their pregnancy and quantified male and female offspring growth, gut microbiome composition and diversity, stress-induced cortisol concentrations, and social behavior. Maternal antibiotic exposure altered the gut microbial communities of male and female offspring. Maternal treatment also had sex-specific effects on aspects of offspring development and aggressive behavior. Female offspring produced by stressed mothers were more aggressive than other female offspring. Female, but not male, offspring produced by mothers exposed to the combined treatment displayed low levels of aggression, suggesting that alteration of the maternal microbiome attenuated the effects of prenatal stress in a sex-specific manner. Maternal treatment did not affect non-aggressive behavior in offspring. Collectively, our study offers insight into how maternal systems can interact to affect offspring in sex-specific ways and highlights the important role of the maternal microbiome in mediating offspring development and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Cusick
- Department of Biology, Utah Valley University, United States of America; Department of Biology, Indiana University, United States of America; Animal Behavior Program, Indiana University, United States of America.
| | - Cara L Wellman
- Animal Behavior Program, Indiana University, United States of America; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, United States of America; Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, United States of America
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, United States of America; Animal Behavior Program, Indiana University, United States of America; Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, United States of America
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50
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Vladic Stjernholm Y, Vladic T, Marchini G. Progesterone Gel and Placebo Prolonged Pregnancy More Effectively Than Intravenous Tocolysis Alone in Women with Preterm Labor. Gels 2022; 8:272. [PMID: 35621570 PMCID: PMC9141710 DOI: 10.3390/gels8050272] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of progesterone gel compared to placebo in prolonging pregnancy among women with preterm labor. Methods: A randomized controlled trial in Sweden in 2009−18. Women with early preterm labor were randomized to daily doses of progesterone gel 90 mg (n = 28) or placebo (n = 30) after standard intravenous tocolytics. Women with intravenous tocolytics alone (n = 29) served as controls. Results: The median latency to delivery was 68 (range 28−88) days with progesterone and 72 (range 9−90) days with placebo (p = 0.84), compared to 1 (range 1−2) day in the control group (progesterone and placebo vs. control p < 0.001). The rate of preterm birth before 34 weeks was 32% after progesterone and 37 % after placebo (p = 0.32) compared to 100 % in the control group (p < 0.001, respectively). The composite neonatal morbidity (p = 0.65) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (p = 0.12) were comparable between the progesterone and placebo groups and lower in these groups compared with neonates in the control group (p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Progesterone gel and placebo were equally effective in prolonging pregnancy among women with early preterm labor, and both treatments were more effective than standard intravenous tocolysis alone. We hypothesize that the acidic placebo gel reinforced the biochemical barrier at the uterine cervix, which counteracts ascending pathogen invasion and subsequent inflammation, and thereby prevented preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylva Vladic Stjernholm
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Akademiska Stråket 14, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Tomislav Vladic
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Akademiska Stråket 14, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Giovanna Marchini
- Neonatal Unit, Astrid Lindgren’s Children’s Hospital, Eugeniavägen 23, 171 64 Solna, Sweden;
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