1
|
Dikmen-Yildiz P. Father-to-infant attachment and its associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 39041295 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2024.2382214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The attachment between father and infant is essential to a child's later development and well-being; yet, hardly any research has examined father-to-infant attachment during the outbreak of COVID-19. This study, therefore, aims to examine psychological, interpersonal, and health-related factors associated with father-to-infant attachment at 3-12 months postpartum during the pandemic. METHOD An online cross-sectional study was conducted between June and December 2021. A total of 775 fathers with at least one child aged 3-12 months were recruited. Participants completed measures of depression, COVID-19-related distress, relationship satisfaction, social support and other health-related factors including COVID-19 diagnosis and hospitalisation. Data on psycho-socio-demographic, obstetric, and COVID-19-related characteristics were also collected. RESULTS Findings demonstrated that paternal depression (β = -.33, p < .001); relationship satisfaction (β = .19, p < .001); COVID-19-related psychological distress (β = -.14, p < .001) and social support (β = .13, p < .001) had a significant effect on father-to-infant attachment. Fathers who were multiparous, had COVID-19 diagnosis, and hospitalised due to COVID-19 were more likely to report poorer father-to-infant attachment. Paternal depression was the most influential factor on father-to-infant attachment, which attenuated the strength of the relationships between marital status, prematurity, history of trauma, sleep quality, and father-to-infant attachment once included into the analyses. No significant associations between educational level, employment, socioeconomic status, delivery mode, and father-to-infant attachment were observed. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the critical role of paternal psychological well-being in establishing healthy father-to-infant attachment and the relevance of having satisfied interpersonal relationships in promoting this early relationship particularly during crises such as COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Dikmen-Yildiz
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Kirklareli University, Kirklareli, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Price AMH, Measey MA, Hoq M, Rhodes A, Goldfeld S. Caregiver and Child Mental Health During 3 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023064658. [PMID: 38695088 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-064658] [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] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdowns (stay-at-home orders) had significant mental health consequences in 2020 to 2021 for caregivers and children. Little is known about "postlockdown" periods in 2022 to 2023. We investigated the mental health experiences of Australian families throughout the 3 years of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2023), by demographic characteristics and lockdown length. METHODS A total N = 12 408 caregivers (N = 20 339 children, aged 0-17 years) completed Australia's only representative, repeated, cross-sectional, National Child Health Poll across 6 waves (June 2020-April 2023). Caregivers reported mental health for themselves (Kessler-6, poor versus not) and each child (self-rated mental health, poor/fair versus good/very good/excellent), and perceived impacts of the pandemic on own/child mental health (negative versus none/positive). Binary logistic models were fitted to predict marginal probabilities of each mental health measure by state/territory group (proxy for lockdown length), over time, adjusted for potential demographic confounders. RESULTS Poor caregiver Kessler-6 was similar between genders but more common for sole caregivers, and those with a home language other than English and lower education. Poor/fair child self-rated mental health was similar between genders and increased with child age. Perceived negative impacts were more common for females and socially advantaged caregivers. Overall, negative mental health experiences increased with lockdown length, peaking with the height of lockdown in July 2021, before declining. CONCLUSIONS Negative mental health experiences of Australian caregivers and children decreased during postlockdown periods of 2022-2023; however, social gradients persisted. These data can inform more precise mental health policies that enable better use of limited mental health infrastructure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna M H Price
- Centre for Community Child Health
- Population Health
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Monsurul Hoq
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthea Rhodes
- Department of General Medicine, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Population Health
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharon Goldfeld
- Centre for Community Child Health
- Population Health
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jean-Dit-Pannel R, Belot RA, Mellier D, Robert L, Petersen C, Dinet B, Bréhat C, Koliouli F. Becoming a first-time father during the COVID-19 pandemic in France. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1376934. [PMID: 38690200 PMCID: PMC11060328 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1376934] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of fathers in Western societies has undergone significant change over time. However, their psychopathology remains largely misunderstood and difficult to identify. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of first-time fathers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-seven first-time French fathers were recruited for the study, which involved a narrative interview, the Rorschach projective test, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and a semi-structured interview. Narrative interviews revealed several challenges faced by these fathers, including the pressure of paternal responsibility, the need to be actively involved in the prenatal activities and caregiving (haptonomy, skin-to-skin contact), and concerns about the future of their couple and family as a triad. The Rorschach tests showed numerous perinatal responses and difficulties in identifying phallic representations among the fathers. Additionally, the EPDS scores indicated that 15% of fathers showed signs of depression, while 52% exhibited signs of anxiety. This study also examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated health context on creating the initial triad. Lastly, the case of one father is presented to illustrate the need for diagnostic tools to address the psychopathology of fathers, as narrative or semi-structured interviews have often fallen short of addressing this issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romuald Jean-Dit-Pannel
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and Human Sciences, University of Strasbourg, Besançon, France
| | - Rose-Angélique Belot
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and Human Sciences, University of Strasbourg, Besançon, France
| | - Denis Mellier
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and Human Sciences, University of Strasbourg, Besançon, France
| | - Laura Robert
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and Human Sciences, University of Strasbourg, Besançon, France
| | - Célia Petersen
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and Human Sciences, University of Strasbourg, Besançon, France
| | - Benoît Dinet
- Department of Family Medicine, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Cécile Bréhat
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and Human Sciences, University of Strasbourg, Besançon, France
| | - Flora Koliouli
- School of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Laboratory Psyché, University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abreu RWFD, Lima CRG, Verdério BN, Santos MMD, Dos Santos AN, Brugnaro BH, Rocha NACF. Association between environmental factors during the COVID-19 pandemic and functioning of infants with biological risk in the first year of life: Cross-sectional exploratory study. Early Hum Dev 2024; 191:105987. [PMID: 38520911 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.105987] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child development can be influenced by family and environmental factors, which changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it is important to explore how these factors are associated with the functioning of infants with biological risk in the first year of life. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate associations between family factors, home opportunities, caregiver perception of environmental support and barriers at home and environmental factors during the COVID-19 pandemic and gross motor skills and home participation in infants with biological risk in the first year of life. METHODS Fifty-six infants aged two to 12 months (M = 5.80 months; ±2.44) and their mothers performed remote assessments of gross motor skills using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS); participation and environment (phone call) by the Young Children's Participation and Environment Measure (YC-PEM); family factors (income, age and maternal education), home opportunities - The Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development - Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS) and environmental factors during the COVID-19 pandemic (social distancing, emotional and financial factors and physiotherapy) (online forms). Regression models were constructed, considering gross motor skills and home participation as outcome variables, with a 5 % significance level. RESULTS We found that older maternal age (p = 0.001), more home opportunities (p = 0.043), and less rigorous social distancing (as opposed to total social distancing [p = 0.045]) were significantly associated with better gross motor skills; and higher maternal education (p = 0.050) was associated with more involvement in home activities. CONCLUSION Family factors, home opportunities and social distancing were differently associated with the gross motor skills and home participation of infants with biological risk in the first year of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raissa Wanderley Ferraz de Abreu
- Infant Development Analysis Laboratory (LADI), Departament of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Camila Resende Gâmbaro Lima
- Infant Development Analysis Laboratory (LADI), Departament of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Bruna Nayara Verdério
- Infant Development Analysis Laboratory (LADI), Departament of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Martins Dos Santos
- Infant Development Analysis Laboratory (LADI), Departament of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Adriana Neves Dos Santos
- Infant Development Analysis Laboratory (LADI), Departament of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil; Departament of Health Science, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Araranguá, SC, Brazil.
| | - Beatriz Helena Brugnaro
- Infant Development Analysis Laboratory (LADI), Departament of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Nelci Adriana Cicuto Ferreira Rocha
- Infant Development Analysis Laboratory (LADI), Departament of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tesson S, Swinsburg D, Nielson-Jones C, Costa DSJ, Winlaw DS, Badawi N, Sholler GF, Butow PN, Kasparian NA. Mother-Infant Dyadic Synchrony and Interaction Patterns After Infant Cardiac Surgery. J Pediatr Psychol 2024; 49:13-26. [PMID: 37873696 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsad069] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parents and their infants with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) face relational challenges, including marked distress, early separations, and infant hospitalizations and medical procedures, yet the prevalence of parent-infant interaction difficulties remains unclear. Using a standardized observational paradigm, this study investigated mother-infant dyadic synchrony, interactional patterns, and associated predictors in mother-infant pairs affected by CHD, compared with typically-developing pairs. METHODS In this prospective, longitudinal cohort study, mothers and their infants requiring cardiac surgery before age 6-months (n=110 pairs) and an age- and sex-matched Australian community sample (n=85 pairs) participated in a filmed, free-play interaction at 6.9±1.0 months. Mother-infant dyadic synchrony, maternal and infant interactional patterns, and relational risk were assessed using the Child-Adult Relationship Experimental (CARE) Index. Maternal and infant predictors were assessed at 32 weeks gestation, 3- and 6-months postpartum. RESULTS Most mother-infant interactions were classified as "high risk" or "inept" (cardiac: 94%, control: 81%; p=.007). Dyadic synchrony (p<.001), maternal sensitivity (p=.001), and infant cooperativeness (p=.001) were lower for cardiac than control pairs. Higher maternal traumatic stress at 6-months postpartum predicted lower dyadic synchrony for mother-infant pairs affected by CHD (B=-.04, p=.03). Dyadic synchrony was higher among older infants in the total (B=.40, p=.003) but not cardiac sample (B=.24, p=.06). CONCLUSIONS Relational difficulties were almost universal among mother-infant pairs affected by CHD and were also high in the Australian community sample. Widespread education initiatives are recommended to increase awareness of heightened mother-infant relational risk in congenital heart care and well-child settings, alongside relationally-focused prevention and early intervention programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Tesson
- Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dianne Swinsburg
- Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claudia Nielson-Jones
- Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel S J Costa
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Australia
- Pain Management Research Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, Australia
| | - David S Winlaw
- Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, USA
| | - Nadia Badawi
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Australia
- Grace Centre for Newborn Care, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia
| | - Gary F Sholler
- Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Phyllis N Butow
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Australia
- Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Nadine A Kasparian
- Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, USA
- Heart and Mind Wellbeing Center, Heart Institute and Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Valla L, Haga SM, Garthus-Niegel S, Drozd F. Dropout or Drop-In Experiences in an Internet-Delivered Intervention to Prevent Depression and Enhance Subjective Well-Being During the Perinatal Period: Qualitative Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023; 6:e46982. [PMID: 38153796 PMCID: PMC10766164 DOI: 10.2196/46982] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The perinatal period is a vulnerable time when women are at increased risk of depression. "Mamma Mia" is a universal preventive internet-delivered intervention offered to pregnant women, with the primary goals of preventing the onset or worsening of depression and enhancing subjective well-being during the perinatal period. However, treatment dropout from internet-delivered interventions is often reported. Objective The study aim was to acquire an understanding of the different experiences among participants who dropped out of the Mamma Mia intervention during pregnancy, compared to participants who dropped out during the postpartum follow-up phase. Methods A total of 16 women from a larger randomized controlled trial (Mamma Mia) participated in individual semistructured interviews following a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats format. Of the 16 participants included, 8 (50%) women dropped out early from the intervention during pregnancy (pregnancy group), whereas 8 (50%) women dropped out later, after giving birth (postpartum follow-up group). Data were analyzed using the framework approach. Results The results showed that there were differences between the groups. In general, more participants in the postpartum follow-up group reported that the program was user-friendly. They became more aware of their own thoughts and feelings and perceived that the program had provided them with more new knowledge and practical information than participants in the pregnancy group. Participants in both groups suggested several opportunities for improving the program. Conclusions There were differences between women who dropped out of the intervention during pregnancy and the postpartum follow-up phase. The reported differences between groups should be further examined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth Valla
- Regional Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silje Marie Haga
- Regional Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Childhood and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Systems Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Filip Drozd
- Regional Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Salehi A, Zhang M, Kithulegoda N, Vigod S, Ivers N. Validation of the culturally adapted Edinburgh postpartum depression scale among east Asian, southeast Asian and south Asian populations: A scoping review. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2023; 32:1616-1635. [PMID: 37574716 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13202] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a widely used self-report instrument to screen for postpartum depression (PPD). Assessing the relevance of the EPDS as a screening tool for minority ethnic populations is pertinent for ensuring culturally appropriate care. This scoping review aimed to explore what is known about the cultural adaptations of the EPDS in antepartum and postpartum mothers and fathers in East Asian, Southeast Asian and South Asian populations, and to what extent these adaptations are able to accurately screen for postpartum depression symptoms among these cultural groups. The scoping review was guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The search strategy included databases of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL and Grey literature. Included studies were primary articles published in English language peer-reviewed journals that investigated the validation or cultural adaptation of the EPDS in mothers who were pregnant and/or had recently given birth, or fathers who were new parents, and were limited to the following cultural groups, whether living locally or abroad in a foreign country: East Asian, Southeast Asian or South Asian populations. Thirty-six of 2469 studies met criteria for inclusion. Twenty-one of 36 studies utilizing a culturally validated EPDS demonstrated a cut-off score lower than the original recommended cut-off. Important themes identified included the Role of Culture, Somatization of PPD, Method of Interview, and contrasting performance compared to other scales used to assess depression and/or anxiety. Accessibility to translated and validated EPDS and mindfulness of ethnically relevant EPDS cut-off scores are critical when using this tool among minority ethnic populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Salehi
- University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melody Zhang
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Simone Vigod
- University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Noah Ivers
- University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
González-Ortiz M, Castro P, Vergara-Barra P, Huerta P, Escudero C. COVID-19 on Pregnancy Outcomes, Mental Health and Placenta: Focus in Latin America. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:269-285. [PMID: 37466778 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many aspects of health and society worldwide. One vulnerable group that faced SARS-CoV-2 infection is pregnant women, who were considered to have potentiated risk factors. In physiological pregnancy, maternal systems have several changes and adaptations to support fetal development. These changes involve regulations of cardiovascular, respiratory, and immunologic systems, among others, which SARS-CoV-2 could severely alter. Furthermore, the systemic effects of viral infection could be associated with placental dysfunction and adverse pregnancy outcomes, which have been studied from the start of the pandemic to date. Additionally, pregnancy is a condition of more significant mental health vulnerability, especially when faced with highly stressful situations. In this chapter, we have collected information on the effect of COVID-19 on maternal mortality, the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in pregnancy, and the impact on pregnancy outcomes, maternal mental health, and placental function, with a particular focus on studies that consider the Latin American population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo González-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS), Chillán, Chile.
| | - Patricio Castro
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Pablo Vergara-Barra
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa de Neurociencias, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental (NEPSAM), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Patricia Huerta
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Carlos Escudero
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS), Chillán, Chile
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS), Chillán, Chile
| |
Collapse
|