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Gusak N, Kendall S, Nizalova O. Exploring prevalence and factors associated with postpartum depression among Ukrainian women. Eur J Midwifery 2024; 8:EJM-8-35. [PMID: 38957354 PMCID: PMC11218278 DOI: 10.18332/ejm/188800] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Postpartum depression negatively impacts maternal mental health and child development. The high prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in low and lower middle-income countries raises questions about its predictors. This study examines the association between PPD and breastfeeding experience, child death, unresolved pregnancy, forced displacement, COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, marital, and financial status among Ukrainian women. METHODS This online study recruited 1634 Ukrainian mothers of children aged 0-5 years through non-governmental organizations providing services to them. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with a cut-off of ≥13, was used to assess depressive symptoms in the postpartum period. Independent t-tests, chi-squared tests, one-way ANOVA, non-parametric correlations, and logistic regression tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 39.0% (n=1631). There was a positive association between EPDS scores and breastfeeding difficulties, pandemic lockdown, and financial difficulties. We did not find an association between PPD symptoms and unresolved pregnancy, death of a child, being affected by COVID-19, and forced displacement. We found that EPDS scores for women who did not experience forced displacement (n=1528) were significantly higher compared to displaced mothers (n=74). CONCLUSIONS The present study of Ukrainian women shows that women experienced depressive symptoms influenced by various factors including breastfeeding difficulties, pandemic lockdown, and financial difficulties. There is a need for additional research into such factors as unresolved pregnancy, the death of a child, being affected by COVID-19, and forced displacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliia Gusak
- School of Social Work, National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Sally Kendall
- Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Olena Nizalova
- Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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Hsu HW, Huang JP, Au HK, Lin CL, Chen YY, Chien LC, Chao HJ, Lo YC, Lin WY, Chen YH. Impact of miscarriage and termination of pregnancy on subsequent pregnancies: A longitudinal study of maternal and paternal depression, anxiety and eudaimonia. J Affect Disord 2024; 354:544-552. [PMID: 38479500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.054] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although miscarriage and termination of pregnancy affect maternal mental illnesses on subsequent pregnancies, their effects on the positive mental health (e.g., eudaimonia) of both first-time and multi-time parents have received minimal attention, especially for fathers. This longitudinal study examines the effects of experiences of miscarriage and termination on parental well-being in subsequent pregnancies from prenatal to postpartum years, while simultaneously considering parity. METHODS Pregnant women and their partners were recruited during early prenatal visits in Taiwan from 2011 to 2022 and were followed up from mid-pregnancy to 1 year postpartum. Six waves of self-reported assessments were employed. RESULTS Of 1813 women, 11.3 % and 14.7 % had experiences of miscarriage and termination, respectively. Compared with the group without experiences of miscarriage or termination, experiences of miscarriage were associated with increased risks of paternal depression (adjusted odds ratio = 1.6, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.13-2.27), higher levels of anxiety (adjusted β = 1.83, 95 % CI = 0.21-3.46), and lower eudaimonia scores (adjusted β = -1.09, 95 % CI = -1.99 to -0.19) from the prenatal to postpartum years, particularly among multiparous individuals. Additionally, experiences of termination were associated with increased risks of depression in their partner. LIMITATIONS The experiences of miscarriage and TOP were self-reported and limited in acquiring more detailed information through questioning. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the decreased well-being of men whose partners have undergone termination of pregnancy or experienced miscarriage, and stress the importance of interventions aimed at preventing adverse consequences among these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh-Wen Hsu
- Master Program in Applied Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Pei Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Heng-Kien Au
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Li Lin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Taipei City Hospital, Heping Fuyou Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yung Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Chu Chien
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing Jasmine Chao
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Lo
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Ph.D Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Techonology, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yi Lin
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center of Health Equity, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Adeleye KK, Ogungbe O, Chutiyami M, Iradukunda F. Pregnancy loss among Muslim women: A narrative review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES ADVANCES 2024; 6:100205. [PMID: 38827821 PMCID: PMC11141144 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2024.100205] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Diversity in spirituality, religion, and cultural norms among women leads to varying attitudes, grieving processes, and coping mechanisms after a pregnancy loss. Despite this, there is a limited understanding of grief, coping mechanisms, and mental health outcomes following pregnancy loss among Muslim women. Objectives This study aims to examine the impact of religion, spirituality, and faith communities on the psychological health of Muslim women during pregnancy loss. Method We systematically searched six databases with the key concepts, 'pregnancy loss' and 'Muslim women,' in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, and Academic Search. The search strategy was developed in line with the PCOT framework: Population - Muslim Women with "pregnancy loss," "miscarriage," "stillbirth, Context - "religion," faith, "spirituality," "faith communities," Outcome - "religious practices," perception, coping mechanism, "psychological health."Studies were screened, their quality appraised, and narratively sized in line with the review aim. The review protocol was registered at Open Science Framework (OSF): https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/52QTA. Result Findings from the reviewed articles addressed the following themes: (a) Overwhelming Grief and Loss, (b) social isolation and stigmatization, (c) impact on mental health, and (d) trust in divine destiny. Islamic beliefs were strongly featured in how Muslim women processed pregnancy loss. Concepts such as tawakkul and yaqeen (trusting and certainty) were used to interpret pregnancy loss, with many women acknowledging that their Islamic faith eased the sorrow of pregnancy loss, facilitated acceptance, and strengthened their Islamic belief system. Conclusion This review revealed that there is limited information on Muslim women's experience of pregnancy loss. Professionals helping Muslim women dealing with the grief of pregnancy loss need to be aware that spirituality and faith communities play a major role in shaping their coping mechanisms. Future studies on the development of culturally congruent bereavement care models and supportive interventions for Muslim women facing pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijat K. Adeleye
- Elaine Marieb College of Nursing University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
| | - Oluwabunmi Ogungbe
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Muhammad Chutiyami
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Favorite Iradukunda
- Elaine Marieb College of Nursing University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
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Combellick JL, Esmaeili A, Johnson AM, Haskell SG, Phibbs CS, Manzo L, Miller LJ. Perinatal mental health and pregnancy-associated mortality: opportunities for change. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024; 27:417-424. [PMID: 38172275 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-023-01404-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Perinatal mental health conditions have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including maternal death. This quality improvement project analyzed pregnancy-associated death among veterans with mental health conditions in order to identify opportunities to improve healthcare and reduce maternal deaths. Pregnancy-associated deaths among veterans using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) maternity care benefits between fiscal year 2011 and 2020 were identified from national VHA databases. Deaths among individuals with active mental health conditions underwent individual chart review using a standardized abstraction template adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thirty-two pregnancy-associated deaths were identified among 39,720 paid deliveries with 81% (n = 26) occurring among individuals with an active perinatal mental health condition. In the perinatal mental health cohort, most deaths (n = 16, 62%) occurred in the late postpartum period and 42% (n = 11) were due to suicide, homicide, or overdose. Opportunities to improve care included addressing (1) racial disparities, (2) mental health effects of perinatal loss, (3) late postpartum vulnerability, (4) lack of psychotropic medication continuity, (5) mental health conditions in intimate partners, (6) child custody loss, (7) lack of patient education or stigmatizing patient education, and (8) missed opportunities for addressing reproductive health concerns in mental health contexts. Pregnancy-associated deaths related to active perinatal mental health conditions can be reduced. Mental healthcare clinicians, clinical teams, and healthcare systems have opportunities to improve care for individuals with perinatal mental health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan L Combellick
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Office of Women's Health, 810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20420, USA.
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
- School of Nursing, Yale University, 400 West Campus Drive, Orange, CT, 06477, USA.
| | - Aryan Esmaeili
- Health Economics Resource Center (HERC), Palo Alto VA Medical Center, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Amanda M Johnson
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Office of Women's Health, 810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20420, USA
| | - Sally G Haskell
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Office of Women's Health, 810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20420, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
- School of Medicine, Yale University, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Ciaran S Phibbs
- Health Economics Resource Center (HERC), Palo Alto VA Medical Center, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, CA, 94025, USA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, 453 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Laura Manzo
- School of Nursing, Yale University, 400 West Campus Drive, Orange, CT, 06477, USA
- US Army, AMEDD Student Detachment, 187th Medical Battalion, Joint Base San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78234, USA
| | - Laura J Miller
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Women's Mental Health, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, 810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20420, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University, 2160 South First Avenue, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
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Reardon DC. Postpartum psychiatric episodes study missed effects of prior pregnancy losses. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2023. [PMID: 38148270 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
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Riddle JN, Hopkins T, Yeaton-Massey A, Hellberg S. No Baby to Bring Home: Perinatal Loss, Infertility, and Mental Illness-Overview and Recommendations for Care. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:747-757. [PMID: 37878138 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01469-x] [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] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Update readers on the state of the research on mental health, perinatal loss, and infertility with a focus on providing a comprehensive overview to empower clinicians in treating this population. RECENT FINDINGS Rates of psychiatric illness are increased in people that experience perinatal loss and infertility. The research remains largely below the clear need for focused screening, prevention, and treatment. Clinicians and researchers need to remain attuned to the impact of perinatal loss and infertility on the mental health of patients and families. Screening, referral, and expanded therapeutic and psychiatric resources are imperative to improving the well-being of these patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia N Riddle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, USA.
| | - Tiffany Hopkins
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Amanda Yeaton-Massey
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Samantha Hellberg
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Reardon DC, Rafferty KA, Longbons T. The Effects of Abortion Decision Rightness and Decision Type on Women's Satisfaction and Mental Health. Cureus 2023; 15:e38882. [PMID: 37303450 PMCID: PMC10257365 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38882] [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] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A case series report based on the Turnaway Study has previously concluded that 99% of women with a history of abortion will continue to affirm satisfaction with their decisions to abort. Those findings have been called into question due to a low participation rate (31%) and reliance on a single yes/no assessment of decision satisfaction. Aim To utilize more sensitive scales in assessing decision satisfaction and the associated mental health outcomes women attribute to their abortions. Method A retrospective survey was completed by 1,000 females, aged 41-45, living in the United States. The survey instrument included 11 visual analog scales for respondents to rate their personal preferences and outcomes they attributed to their abortion decisions. A categorical question allowed women to identify if their abortions were wanted and consistent with their own values and preferences, inconsistent with their values and preferences, unwanted, or coerced. Linear regression models were tested to identify which of three decision scales best predicted positive or negative emotions, effects on mental health, emotional attachment, personal preferences, moral conflict, and other factors relevant to an assessment of satisfaction with a decision to abort. Results Of 226 women reporting a history of abortion, 33% identified it as wanted, 43% as accepted but inconsistent with their values and preferences, and 24% as unwanted or coerced. Only wanted abortions were associated with positive emotions or mental health gains. All other groups attributed more negative emotions and mental health outcomes to their abortions. Sixty percent reported they would have preferred to give birth if they had received more support from others or had more financial security. Conclusions Perceived pressure to abort is strongly associated with women attributing more negative mental health outcomes to their abortions. The one-third of women for whom abortion is wanted and consistent with their values and preferences are most likely over-represented in studies initiated at abortion clinics. More research is needed to understand better the experience of the two-thirds of women for whom abortion is unwanted, coerced, or otherwise inconsistent with their own values and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Reardon
- Research, Elliot Institute, St. Peters, USA
- Research, Charlotte Lozier Institute, Arlington, USA
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Buskmiller C, Grauerholz KR, Bute J, Brann M, Fredenburg M, Refuerzo JS. Validation of a Brief Measure for Complicated Grief Specific to Reproductive Loss. Cureus 2023; 15:e37884. [PMID: 37214013 PMCID: PMC10199718 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37884] [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] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Complicated grief reactions follow some pregnancy outcomes, like miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, infant death, selective reduction, or termination of pregnancy. Stigma can delay treatment and worsen outcomes. Screening tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale detect complicated grief poorly, and specific tools for prolonged or complicated grief after a reproductive loss are cumbersome. In this study, a five-item questionnaire to detect complicated grief after reproductive loss of any type was designed and preliminary validated. Methods A questionnaire patterned after the extensively validated Brief Grief Questionnaire (BGQ) was created by a group of physicians and lay advocates to employ non-traumatic but specific language related to grief after miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, infant death, selective reduction, or termination of pregnancy. One hundred and forty women at a large academic center were recruited in person and via social media to validate the questionnaire with well-studied instruments for anxiety (7-item Panic Disorder Severity Scale, PDSS), trauma (22-item Impact of Events Scale), and reproductive grief and depressive symptoms (33-item Perinatal Grief Scale [PGS]). Results The response rate was 74.9%. Of the 140 participants, 18 (12.8%) experienced their loss during high-risk pregnancies, and 65 (46.4%) were recruited via social media. Seventy-one (51%) respondents had a score > 4, a positive screen for the BGQ. On average, women experienced their loss 2 years prior to participation (IQR 1-5 years). Cronbach's alpha was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.69-0.83). The goodness of fit indices of the model met Fornell and Larker criteria (RMSEA = 0.167, CFI = 0.89, SRMR = 0.06). The AVE was 0.42 and the CR 0.78. Conclusions This investigator-created screening tool is internally consistent and meets preliminary criteria for discriminant validity. This tool can be refined prior to testing for sensitivity and specificity in screening for complicated grief after a reproductive loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Buskmiller
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Bute
- Communication, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianpolis, USA
| | - Maria Brann
- Communication Studies, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, USA
| | | | - Jerrie S Refuerzo
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, USA
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Cuenca D. Pregnancy loss: Consequences for mental health. Front Glob Womens Health 2023; 3:1032212. [PMID: 36817872 PMCID: PMC9937061 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.1032212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy loss, in all its forms (miscarriage, abortion, and fetal death), is one of the most common adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the psychological impact of such loss is often underestimated. The individual response to this outcome may vary between women-and could be influenced by age, race, culture, or religious beliefs-but most experience anxiety, stress, and symptoms of depression. Because pregnancy loss is not uncommon, health providers are used to dealing with this diagnosis, however the correct management of the process of diagnosis, information-gathering, and treatment can greatly ameliorate the adverse mental consequences for these women. The aim of this review is to examine the different types of pregnancy loss, and consider how each can influence the mental health of the women affected and their partners-in both the short- and long-term; to review the risk factors with the aim of identifying the women who may be at risk of consequential mental health problems; and to provide some advice for health providers to help these women better cope with pregnancy loss. Finally, we provide some points for health providers to follow in order to aid the management of a pregnancy loss, particularly for spontaneous, induced, or recurrent miscarriage, or stillbirth.
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Studnicki J, Longbons T, Reardon DC, Fisher JW, Harrison DJ, Skop I, Cirucci CA, Craver C, Tsulukidze M, Ras Z. The Enduring Association of a First Pregnancy Abortion with Subsequent Pregnancy Outcomes: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. Health Serv Res Manag Epidemiol 2022; 9:23333928221130942. [PMID: 36246345 PMCID: PMC9554127 DOI: 10.1177/23333928221130942] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multiple abortions are consistently associated with adverse health consequences. Prior abortion is a known risk factor for another abortion. Objective To determine the persistence of the association of a first-pregnancy abortion with the likelihood of subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Methods Data was extracted for a study population of 5453 continuously eligible Medicaid beneficiaries in states which funded and reported elective abortions 1999-2015. Women age 16 in 1999 were organized into three cohorts based upon the first pregnancy outcome: abortion, birth, natural loss. Results Women in the abortion cohort are more likely than those in the birth cohort to experience another abortion rather than a birth or natural loss, and less likely to experience a live birth rather than an abortion or natural loss, for every subsequent pregnancy. The tendency toward abortion (OR 2.99, CL 2.02-4.43) and away from birth (OR 0.49, CL 0.39-0.63) peaks at the sixth pregnancy, but persists throughout the reproductive period ages 16-32. The pattern is reversed, but similarly consistent, for women in the birth cohort. They remain likelier to have another birth rather than an abortion or natural loss in subsequent pregnancies. Compared to the birth cohort, the abortion cohort had 1.35 times as many pregnancies: 4.31 times the abortions, 1.53 times the natural losses, but only 0.52 times the births. They were 4.3 and 5.0 times as likely to have 2-plus and 3-plus abortions, but only 0.47 times and 0.31 times as likely to have 2-plus and 3-plus births. Of the abortion cohort, 37.1% had no births. By contrast, 73.6% of the birth cohort had no abortions. Conclusion The first-pregnancy abortion maintains a strong and persistent association with the likelihood of another abortion in subsequent pregnancies, enabling a cascade of adverse events associated with multiple abortions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Studnicki
- Charlotte Lozier Institute, Arlington, VA, USA,James Studnicki, Charlotte Lozier Institute, 2800 Shirlington Rd., Ste. 1200, Arlington, VA, 22206, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Donna J. Harrison
- American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Eau Claire, MI, USA
| | - Ingrid Skop
- Charlotte Lozier Institute, Arlington, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Maka Tsulukidze
- Department of Health Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, USA
| | - Zbigniew Ras
- Computer Science Department, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
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Chichester M, Tepner L, Côté-Arsenault D. Nursing Care of Childbearing Families After Previous Perinatal Loss. Nurs Womens Health 2022; 26:379-388. [PMID: 36065093 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.07.011] [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: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nurses who care for childbearing families facilitate the family's adaptation to the arrival of a newborn through assessment of physical, emotional, and psychological needs. After experiencing a perinatal loss, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death, a woman's perception of pregnancy and of her sense of control in becoming a mother can include fear and anxiety, and she may have significantly different needs than a pregnant woman who has not experienced perinatal loss. In this article, we provide evidence-based information and recommendations for maternal-child nurses caring for childbearing families who are preparing to welcome a new baby (sometimes called a "rainbow baby") after a previous perinatal loss.
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Miranda AR, Cortez MV, Scotta AV, Soria EA. COVID-19-related stress in postpartum women from Argentina during the second wave in 2021: Identification of impairing and protective factors. Midwifery 2022; 108:103290. [PMID: 35235890 PMCID: PMC8860463 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective Postpartum women are a vulnerable population to pandemic stressors that challenge their psychological well-being. Thus, reliable and valid instruments are necessary to measure pandemic-related stress and to identify risk and protective factors. This work aimed to assess psychometric properties of the COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Stress Scale (PSS-10-C) and associations of maternal pandemic stress with demographic, reproductive and pandemic factors of Argentinian postpartum women during the second COVID-19 wave. Design An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to June 2021. Setting Online recruitment of postpartum women was carried out during the second wave of COVID-19 in Argentina. This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and had the corresponding ethical approval. Participants This study was performed on 300 women, aged 18–49 years, up to 12 months postpartum in Argentina. Measurements and findings Stress was assessed with PSS-10-C, with a sociodemographic questionnaire being used to collect demographic, reproductive and pandemic variables. Statistical analysis included psychometric procedures, structural equation modeling, and multiple regressions. PSS-10-C was a reliable and structurally valid instrument with two subscales, with entire scale, Stress and Coping subscales scoring 17.31 (6.52), 9.70 (4.61) and 7.61 (2.77), respectively. History of mood disorders, pregnancy loss, and unhealthy child during the pandemic predisposed to increased stress (β > 0.10, p < 0.05), whereas having work and practicing breastfeeding promoted coping to face it (β < -0.13, p < 0.05). This situation was impaired by mood changes, loss of happiness, economic changes, fear of contracting COVID-19 -own or by a loved one- (β > 0.11, p < 0.05). Key conclusions The study highlighted the vulnerability of postpartum women's mental health in the pandemic context, with PSS-10-C being a useful instrument for clinicians and researchers to assess perceived stress. Targeting interventions toward women at higher risk can be highly beneficial for maternal and child health.
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Reardon DC, Craver C. Intervals and Outcomes of First and Second Pregnancies in Low-Income Women: A Record-Linkage Longitudinal Prospective Cohort Study. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e931596. [PMID: 34168106 PMCID: PMC8240602 DOI: 10.12659/msm.931596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The number of pregnancies and interval between pregnancies can have significant impact on a woman’s reproductive, psychological, and general health. Exposure to multiple reproductive losses is especially associated with higher rates of negative outcomes. Material/Methods Medical records from 1999–2012 for all Medicaid beneficiaries born after 1982 in the 17 states that provide coverage for all reproductive services (N=2 162 600) were examined to identify the timing of subsequent pregnancies and their outcomes within 3 years of a first known pregnancy. Results One year after their first pregnancy outcomes, 22.6%, 17.8%, and 11.7% of women who had an induced abortion, a natural loss, or a birth, respectively, conceived at least 1 additional pregnancy. By the second year, the percentage of repeat pregnancies rose to 37.5% after an abortion, 25.6% after a natural loss, and 23.1% after a birth. Graphing the weekly conception rates revealed that women who had abortions and natural losses showed similar patterns of rapid repeat pregnancy, with the rate of second conception spiking quickly within 3 to 4 months after the first pregnancy outcome. Conclusions These findings support the clinical evidence that pregnancy loss may contribute to rapid repeat pregnancies and may better inform interventions to reduce rapid repeat pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Reardon
- Department of Research, Elliot Institute, St. Peters, MO, USA
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