scholarly journals Maternal mental health and coping during the COVID‐19 lockdown in the UK: Data from the COVID‐19 New Mum Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 151 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Dib ◽  
Emeline Rougeaux ◽  
Adriana Vázquez‐Vázquez ◽  
Jonathan C. K. Wells ◽  
Mary Fewtrell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Coping

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on maternal mental health and coping in the UK: Data from the COVID-19 New Mum Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Dib ◽  
Emeline Rougeaux ◽  
Adriana Vázquez-Vázquez ◽  
Jonathan CK Wells ◽  
Mary Fewtrell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Household Chores ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact

Background: Depression and anxiety affect up to 20% of new and expectant mothers during the perinatal period; this rate may have increased due to COVID-19 and lockdown measures. This analysis aimed to assess how mothers are feeling and coping during lockdown, and to identify the potential pathways that can assist them. Methods: 1329 women living in the UK aged ≥18 years with an infant ≤12 months of age completed an anonymous online survey. Descriptive analysis of maternal mental health, coping, support received, activities undertaken and consequences of lockdown was conducted. Linear regression was used to predict maternal mental health and coping, using activities, support, and consequences of the lockdown as predictors, while adjusting for age, gestational age, ethnicity, income, marital status and number of children. Results: More than half of the participants reported feeling down (56%), lonely (59%), irritable (62%) and worried (71%), to some or high extent since lockdown began. Despite this, 70% felt able to cope with the situation. Support with her own health (95% CI .004, .235), contacting infant support groups (95% CI -.003, .252), and higher infant gestational age (95% CI .000, .063) predicted better mental health. Travelling for work (95% CI -.680, -.121), lockdown having a major impact on the ability to afford food (95% CI -1.202, -.177), and having an income lower than 30k (95% CI -.475, -.042) predicted poorer mental health. Support with her own health and more equal division of household chores were associated with better coping. Conclusion: During lockdown, a large proportion of new mothers experienced symptoms of poor mental health; mothers of infants with lower gestational age, with low income, and who are travelling to work were particularly at risk. However, greater support for maternal health and with household chores showed positive associations with maternal mental health and coping. These findings highlight the urgent need to assess maternal mental health, and to identify prevention strategies for mothers during different stages of lockdown.

scholarly journals Maternal mental health and childhood injury: evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Hope ◽  
Jessica Deighton ◽  
Nadia Micali ◽  
Catherine Law
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Millennium Cohort Study ◽  
Childhood Injury ◽  
Explanatory Factors ◽  
Uk Millennium Cohort Study ◽  
The Uk

ObjectiveWe assessed whether maternal mental health problems increased rates for child injury during the preschool years and mid-childhood, and the extent to which associations could be accounted for by a range of potential explanatory factors.DesignWe analysed the UK Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative sample with data collected throughout childhood. Multinomial regression was used to investigate whether two measures of maternal mental health (diagnosed depression/anxiety and psychological distress) were associated with subsequent childhood injury. Models adjusted for sociodemographics, parenting and child externalising behaviours.Main outcome measureMaternal report of unintentional injuries (none, 1, 2+) recorded at three data collection periods (3–5 years; 5–7 years; 7–11 years).ResultsThe analytic sample comprised n=9240 families who participated 3–11 years with complete data on exposures and outcomes (multiply imputing missing covariates). Exposure to maternal mental health problems was associated with increased rates of subsequent childhood injuries. Associations attenuated after adjustment for potential explanatory factors, although they remained elevated. For example, high maternal distress was associated with injuries 3–5 years (adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR): 1 injury=1.18, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.61; 2+ injuries=2.22, 95% CI 1.22 to 4.02); injuries 5–7 years (aRRR: 1 injury=1.31, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.76; 2+ injuries=1.84, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.09); and injuries 7–11 years (aRRR: 1 injury=1.03, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.31; 2+ injuries=1.33, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.81).ConclusionsChildren exposed to mothers with mental health problems had higher rates of childhood injury than those not exposed. If further investigation of this association suggests causality then it will be important to test measures that address mothers’ mental health issues with a view to reducing injuries among their children.

scholarly journals Mental health issues in pregnant women in Nepal

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 499-501
Author(s):  
Edwin Van Teijlingen ◽  
Padam Simkhada ◽  
Bhimsen Devkota ◽  
Padmadharini Fanning ◽  
Jillian Ireland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Change ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
New Mothers ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Area Of Concern ◽  
The Uk

Mental health of pregnant women and new mothers is a growing area of concern in both low- and high-income countries. Maternity services in the UK, for example, have focused more attention on maternal mental health. We recognise that pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period is a time of major psychological and social change for women.

scholarly journals Connection, constraint, and coping: A qualitative study of experiences of loneliness during the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0258344
Author(s):  
Phoebe E. McKenna-Plumley ◽  
Lisa Graham-Wisener ◽  
Emma Berry ◽  
Jenny M. Groarke
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Personal Relationships ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Foreseeable Future ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Coping

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated physical distancing which is expected to continue in some form for the foreseeable future. Physical distancing policies have increased reliance on digital forms of social connection and there are widespread concerns about social isolation and mental health in this context. This qualitative study sought to understand how loneliness was experienced during physical distancing in the initial national UK COVID-19 lockdown. Eight individuals who reported feeling lonely during the initial lockdown were interviewed in May 2020. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified: (1) Loss of in-person interaction causing loneliness, (2) Constrained freedom, (3) Challenging emotions, and (4) Coping with loneliness. The loss of in-person interaction contributed to feelings of loneliness and digital interaction was viewed as an insufficient alternative. Social freedom could be constrained by distancing policies and by social contacts, contributing to strained personal relationships and feelings of frustration as part of loneliness. Fluctuations in mood and difficult emotions were experienced alongside loneliness, and distraction and seeking reconnection were commonly reported methods of coping, although they were less accessible. These findings indicate that physical distancing measures can impact loneliness due to the limitations they impose on in-person social contact and the perceived insufficiency of digital contact as a substitute.

scholarly journals Migrant mothers' experiences of perinatal mental ill health in the UK and their expectations of healthcare

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-38
Author(s):  
Ranjana Das ◽  
Daniel Beszlag
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Ethnic Minority ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
The Uk

A large body of research has found that mothers from ethnic minority groups are at high risk of maternal mental health difficulties. This article presents a study of women from ethnic minority and migrant groups in the UK who experienced mental health difficulties in order to investigate obstacles they met in communicating their challenges with health professionals. Thirty qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed. The findings show that mental health is often a taboo in ethnic minority communities, and that a lack of stimulus and ability to communicate their struggles is one of the main drivers of mental ill-health. Support groups and social media create promising opportunities for combating the issue at hand, but social services, medication, NHS understaffing and insufficient attention paid to mothers by health professionals are the main obstacles met by participants in sourcing support. Research is concluded with recommendations regarding the findings.

scholarly journals Understanding pathways to inequalities in child mental health: a counterfactual mediation analysis in two national birth cohorts in the UK and Denmark

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e040056
Author(s):  
Eric TC Lai ◽  
Daniela K Schlüter ◽  
Theis Lange ◽  
Viviane Straatmann ◽  
Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Mediation Analysis ◽  
Child Mental Health ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Childhood Illness ◽  
Birth Cohorts ◽  
Perinatal Factors ◽  
The Uk

ObjectivesWe assessed social inequalities in child mental health problems (MHPs) and how they are mediated by perinatal factors, childhood illness and maternal mental health in two national birth cohorts.DesignLongitudinal cohort studySettingWe used data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study and the Danish National Birth Cohort.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe applied causal mediation analysis to longitudinal cohort data. Socioeconomic conditions (SECs) at birth were measured by maternal education. Our outcome was child MHPs measured by the Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire at age 11. We estimated natural direct, indirect and total effects (TEs) of SECs on MHPs. We calculated the proportion mediated (PM) via three blocks of mediators—perinatal factors (smoking/alcohol use during pregnancy, birth weight and gestational age), childhood illness and maternal mental health.ResultsAt age 11 years, 9% of children in the UK and 3.8% in Denmark had MHPs. Compared with high SECs, children in low SECs had a higher risk of MHPs (relative risk (RR)=4.3, 95% CI 3.3 to 5.5 in the UK, n=13 112; and RR=6.2, 95% CI 4.9 to 7.8 in Denmark, n=35 764). In the UK, perinatal factors mediated 10.2% (95% CI 4.5 to 15.9) of the TE, and adding maternal mental health tripled the PM to 32.2% (95% CI 25.4 to 39.1). In Denmark, perinatal factors mediated 16.5% (95% CI 11.9 to 21.1) of the TE, and including maternal mental health increased the PM to 16.9% (95% CI 11.2 to 22.6). Adding childhood illness made little difference in either country.ConclusionSocial inequalities in child mental health are partially explained by perinatal factors in the UK and Denmark. Maternal mental health partially explained inequalities in the UK but not in Denmark.

A Community Study of Preschool Behaviour Disorder in New Zealand

1995 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 454-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mani N. Pavuluri ◽  
Siu-Luen Luk ◽  
John Clarkson ◽  
Rob McGee
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Parent Report ◽  
Behaviour Disorder ◽  
Screening Measure ◽  
Social Adversity ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
The Uk

A two stage epidemiological study of 320 children aged between 2.5 and 5 years of age, from eight randomly selected preschool centres, was performed in order (1) to test the psychometrics of the Behaviour Check List (BCL), a parent report instrument for preschool children, (2) to estimate the prevalence, and (3) to describe the correlates of preschool behaviour disorder. After the initial screening using the BCL, the Hyperactivity Scale (HAS) and the Internalising Disorder Scale (IDS), parents were interviewed using the Behaviour Screening Questionnaire (BSQ); the children were examined using the Rutter and Graham's interview. Data was also collected on family functioning, maternal mental health, social adversity, development, physical health and perinatal history. The BCL was found to be a reliable and valid screening measure. A cut off point of 8+ was established for New Zealand preschoolers; this is lower than that in the UK sample, illustrating the importance of retesting the instruments in a different culture. The prevalence rate of behaviour problems based on clinical diagnosis was 22.5%. Results of logistic regression analysis showed that poor family functioning, poor maternal mental health and parental separation were associated significantly with behaviour disorder. This study emphasises the need to identify preschool behaviour disorder and associated risk factors to enable an early intervention.

An audit of maternal mental health assessments in the perinatal period using a new risk assessment document developed by a Scottish health board

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Susan McConachie ◽  
Ross Cheape
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Health Board ◽  
Free Text ◽  
The Uk

The UK and Scottish Governments are pledging investment for maternal and infant mental health services. Nurses taking on advanced nursing roles within these developing services need to be aware of the specific risks that pertain to the perinatal period. A plethora of professional reports and women's lived experience have identified a lack of understanding to their needs and poor communication between health professionals, highlighting the need for robust risk assessments. New documentation was developed by NHS Forth Valley, with an embedded risk assessment to be used by all mental health services. An audit of 50 cases in perinatal services using the new documentation was measured against the standards for risk assessment set by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Just under half of the women who were assessed did not have risks identified and for those who did, the majority of risks scored as low. The free text clinical notes of the risks on the new documentation identified specific risks to the mother, unborn child/infant and others.

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