The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Well-Being of Pregnant Women in Japan: Need for Economic and Social Policy Interventions

ABSTRACT Objective: This study explores the mental well-being of pregnant women in Japan during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: We collected 1777 responses from pregnant women through an online survey. Using the Japanese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), we calculated the percentage of pregnant women above the cutoff (≥ 13), and the factor scores of anhedonia, anxiety, and depression. Regression analyses were performed to identify factors and socioeconomic characteristics correlated with depressive symptoms. Results: The point prevalence of pregnant women with an EPDS score of ≥ 13 was 17%. The mean scores were 0.73, 3.68, and 1.82 for anhedonia, anxiety, and depression, respectively. The probability of becoming above the cutoff score positively correlated with the cancellation of planned informal support, higher perceived risk for infection of COVID-19, difficulties in household finances, and lack of social support. Moreover, being younger, less wealthy, unemployed, and without a partner showed a significantly higher possibility of having a score above the cutoff. Conclusions: The present study found a high percentage of pregnant women with depressive symptoms. Notably, COVID-19-related variables, including perceived risk for the infection, fear of decreasing economic wealth, and social support, were significantly associated with depressive symptoms.

Download Full-text

Religiosity, Spirituality, and Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant Women

The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine ◽

10.2190/pm.37.3.g ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 37 (3) ◽

pp. 301-313 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Joshua R. Mann ◽

Robert E. McKeown ◽

Janice Bacon ◽

Roumen Vesselinov ◽

Freda Bush

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Longitudinal Research ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cutoff Score ◽

Intermediate Step ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Religiosity And Spirituality

Objective: Depression during pregnancy has potential repercussions for both women and infants. Religious and spiritual characteristics may be associated with fewer depressive symptoms. This study examines the association between religiosity/spirituality and depressive symptoms in pregnant women. Method: Pregnant women in three southern obstetrics practices were included in a cross sectional study evaluating religiosity, spirituality, and depressive symptoms. Symptoms of depression were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The depression outcome was measured in two ways: the EPDS score as a continuous outcome, and a score at or above the recommended EPDS cutoff (> 14). A wide array of potential confounders was addressed. Special attention was given to the interplay between religiosity/spirituality, social support, and depressive symptoms. Results: The mean EPDS score was 9.8 out of a maximum possible score of 30. Twenty-eight women (8.1%) scored above the recommended EPDS cutoff score. Overall religiosity/spirituality was significantly associated with fewer depressive symptoms when controlling for significant covariates, but there was a significant interaction such that the association became weaker as social support increased. Social support did not appear to be an important mediator (intermediate step) in the pathway between religiosity/spirituality and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Religiosity and spirituality may help protect from depressive symptoms when social support is lacking. Longitudinal research is needed to assess the directionality of the observed relationships.

Download Full-text

Intergenerational Relationships, Social Support, and Psychological Well-Being Among Korean Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1608 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 498-498

Author(s):

Yooumi Lee ◽

Janet Wilmoth

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Living Arrangements ◽

Linear Models ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Adult Child ◽

Intergenerational Relationships ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Well Being

Abstract This study investigates whether intergenerational relationships and social support improve the psychological well-being of Korean older adults. We examine whether intergenerational relationships and social support directly influence psychological well-being and the extent to which they mediate the distressing consequences of life events such as declining health and recent widowhood. Using longitudinal data from the 2006 to 2016 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, we explore depression trajectories among individuals who are 60 or older with at least one living adult child at baseline. Specifically, we converted data from 5,383 older adults into a person-period file with 24,726 observations over a ten-year period. Then we estimated linear growth curve models of depression trajectories separately for men and women using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results from the hierarchical linear models indicate that declining health and recent widowhood are positively related to depressive symptoms. Satisfactory intergenerational relationships and social support in the form of personal interactions and proximate living arrangements with adult children decrease depressive symptoms of older parents, especially among women. We conclude that the psychological benefits of intergenerational relationships and social support are contingent upon the vulnerability of older adults and discuss the implications for public policy.

Download Full-text

Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Amongst Surgical Nurses During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-125116/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Chun-Xia Ren ◽

De-Cun Zhou ◽

Yin-Guang Fan ◽

Bao-Zhu Li ◽

Wan-Fei Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Influencing Factors ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Self Rating ◽

Surgical Nurses

Abstract BackgroundThe outbreak of novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has imposed an enormous physical and psychological pressure on people across the world. This study focused on evaluating the prevalence and influencing factors of anxiety and depression symptoms in surgical nurses during the epidemic in China. MethodA cross-sectional, multicenter quantitative study was conducted in Anhui province (China) from March 3, 2020 to March 19, 2020, with a questionnaire package which consisted of general information questionnaire，Zung's self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), Zung's self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and social support rating scale (SSRS). A total of 3600 surgical nurses participated in the survey by Wechat and QQ. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression models. ResultsA total of 3492 surgical nurses from 12tertiary hospitals and 12 secondary hospitals in one province of mainland China completed the survey. The prevalence rates of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms were 24.83% and 22.39%, respectively. The average level of anxiety and depression of surgical nurses were higher than that of the Chinese norm (P< 0.05).Levels of social support for surgical nurses were significantly negatively associated with the degree of anxiety (r = -0.630, P < 0.001) and depression (r = -0.578, P < 0.001). Fertility status (β = 1.469, P = 0.003), hospital (β = -0.611, P < 0.001), participation in care for COVID-19 patients (β = 2.229, P < 0.001), likelihood of being infected with COVID-19 (β = 1.146, P < 0.001), social support (β = -0.623, P < 0.001) were significantly influencing surgical nurses’ anxiety degree. Similarly, these characteristics were significantly associated with the odds of experiencing depression symptoms in surgical nurses. Divorce and widowed surgical nurses (β = -2.654, P < 0.001) were significantly more likely to experience depressive symptoms than single nurses. ConclusionIn this survey, we found that the surgical nurses had high anxiety and depression symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. The findings suggest that targeted psychological interventions to promote the mental health of surgical nurses with psychological problems need to be immediately implemented.

Download Full-text

Predictors of fear of childbirth and depressive symptoms among pregnant women: a cross-sectional survey in Pwani region, Tanzania

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-04169-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Agnes Fredrick Massae ◽

Margareta Larsson ◽

Sebalda Leshabari ◽

Columba Mbekenga ◽

Andrea Barnabas Pembe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Male Partner ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Obstetric Complications ◽

Fear Of Childbirth ◽

Perineal Tear ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pregnancy And Childbirth

Abstract Background Many women experience fear of childbirth (FoB) and depressive symptoms (DS) during pregnancy, but little is known about FoB among Tanzanian women. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of FoB and DS among pregnant women and determine predictors of each and both, focusing on sociodemographic and obstetric predictors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at six health facilities in two districts in Tanzania between 2018 and 2019. In total, 694 pregnant women with gestational age between 32 and 40 weeks and expecting vaginal delivery were consecutively recruited and assessed for FoB and DS. We collected data through interviews using 6 and 4-points Likert Scale of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire Version A and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, respectively. Women who scored ≥66 and ≥ 10 were categorised as having FoB and DS, respectively. We performed multivariable logistic regression to investigate the predictors of FoB and DS. Results The prevalence rates of FoB and DS among pregnant women were 15.1 and 17.7%, respectively. FoB and DS were more likely in women aged above 30 years [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 6.29, 95%CI 1.43–27.84] and in single mothers (AOR 2.57, 95%CI 1.14–5.78). Women with secondary education and above (AOR 0.22, 95%CI 0.05–0.99) and those who had given birth previously (AOR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09–0.87) were less likely to have FoB in combination with DS Women who had previous obstetric complications, and those who did not receive any social support from male partners in previous childbirth were more likely to have FoB and DS. FoB was strongly associated with DS (AOR 3.42, 95%CI 2.12–5.53). DS only was more common in women who had inadequate income (AOR 2.35, 95%CI 1.38–3.99) or had previously experienced a perineal tear (AOR 2.32, 95%CI 1.31–4.08). Conclusions Not having a formal education, having only primary education, being aged above 30 years, being single, being nulliparous, having experienced obstetric complications, and having a lack of social support from a male partner during previous pregnancy and childbirth were predictors of FoB and DS during pregnancy. FoB and DS were strongly associated with each other. It is vital to identify at-risk women early, to offer support during pregnancy and childbirth.

Download Full-text

When altruists cannot help: The influence of altruism on mental health during COVID-19 pandemic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-25715/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yi Feng ◽

Dan Dong ◽

Min Zong ◽

Zhizun Yang ◽

Zhihong Qiao

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Negative Affect ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Valuable Insight

Abstract Background The positive predictive effect of altruism on physical and psychological well-being has been extensively demonstrated in previous studies, but few studies have examined the effect of altruism on negative mental health outcomes when altruists cannot perform altruistic behaviors. This study explored the influence of altruism on negative affect and mental health (anxiety and depression) during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people self-isolated at home in China.Method: College students were recruited via a cross-sectional online survey during the outbreak of COVID-19 in China. Self-reported perceived risk, altruism, negative affect, anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured using the Self-Report Altruism Scale (SRA), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the 9-item PHQ depression scale (PHQ-9). A structural equation model was used to analyze the mediating and moderating effects on mental health.Results The final sample comprised 1346 Chinese participants (Mage = 19.76 ± 2.23 years, 73% female). Overall, the higher risk people perceived, the more negative affect they exhibited (β = 0.16, p < .001); thus, the more anxious and depressed they felt (β = 0.134, p < .001), but this relationship between risk perception and negative affect was moderated by altruism. Paradoxical to previous studies, the increase in negative affect associated with increased perceived risk was pronounced among individuals with high altruism ( t = 7.68, p < .001).Conclusions Individuals with high altruism exhibited more negative affect, indirectly increasing their anxiety and depressive symptoms. The findings enrich the theory of altruism and provide valuable insight into the influence of altruism on mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Download Full-text

Fear of Childbirth and Depressive Symptoms Among Pregnant Women: A Cross-sectional Survey in Tanzania

10.21203/rs.3.rs-124294/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Agnes Massae ◽

Agneta Svanberg ◽

Margareta Larsson ◽

Andrea Pembe ◽

Sebalda Leshabari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Male Partner ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Obstetric Complications ◽

Fear Of Childbirth ◽

Perineal Tear ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pregnancy And Childbirth

Abstract Background: Many women experience fear of childbirth (FoB) and depressive symptoms (DS) during pregnancy, but little is known about FoB among Tanzanian women. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of FoB and DS among pregnant women and determine predictors of each and both, focusing on sociodemographic and obstetric predictors.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at six health facilities in two districts in Tanzania between 2018 and 2019. In total, 694 pregnant women with gestational age between 32 and 40 weeks and expecting vaginal delivery were consecutively recruited and assessed for FoB and DS. We collected data through interviews using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire Version A and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. We performed multivariable logistic regression to investigate the predictors of FoB and DS. Results: The prevalence rates of FoB and DS among pregnant women were 15.1% and 17.7%, respectively. FoB and DS were more likely in women aged above 30 years (AOR 6.29, 95% CI 1.43–27.84) and in single mothers (AOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.14–5.78). Women with secondary education and above and those who had given birth previously were less likely to have FoB (AOR 0.22, 95%CI 0.05–0.99) and DS (AOR 0.27, 95% CI 0.01–0.87). Women who had previous obstetric complications, and those who did not receive any social support from male partners in previous childbirth were more likely to have FoB and DS. FoB was strongly associated with DS (AOR 3.42, 95% CI 21.20–5.53). DS only was more common in women who had inadequate income (AOR 2.35, 95% CI 1.38–3.99) or had previously experienced a perineal tear (AOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.31–4.08).Conclusions: Not having a formal education, having only primary education, being aged above 30 years, being single, being nulliparous, having experienced obstetric complications, and having a lack of social support from a male partner during previous pregnancy and childbirth were predictors of FoB and DS during pregnancy. FoB and DS were strongly associated with each other. It is vital to identify at-risk women early, to offer support during pregnancy and childbirth.

Download Full-text

0320 Psychological Correlates of Morningness/Eveningness in Latinx Pre-Adolescents

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsaa056.317 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. A121-A122

Author(s):

S T Nguyen-Rodriguez ◽

O M Buxton

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Self Report ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Average Score ◽

Depression Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Chronotype refers to a preference for morning hours (morningness) vs. evening hours (eveningness) when individuals tend to feel their best (e.g., higher energy levels). People may be classified at either end of this spectrum or along a continuum between these preferences. Among adolescents, eveningness is positively related to depression and anxiety, whereas morningness is negatively related to depression. However, less is known about the relationship of chronotype and psychological health in pre-teens and Latinx youth. The present study explored associations of morningness/eveningness with anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress among Latinx pre-adolescents in Southern California. Methods A purposive sample of 100 Latinx children, ages 10-12 years old, completed self-report surveys in their homes or a preferred location chosen by the parent. Measures included the Morningness/Eveningness Scale for Children (higher scores indicate morning preference), Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale (higher scores indicate higher anxiety, depression and stress, respectively). Associations were tested with Pearson correlations. Results The sample was 47% male with a mean±SD age of 10.9±0.8 years. Average score for morningness/eveningness was M=30.2±4.4 (range: 18-41), for anxiety symptoms was M=0.7±0.7 (range: 0-2.8), for depression symptoms was M=0.5±0.4 (range: 0-1.9) and for perceived stress was M=15.2±5.8 (range: 2-30). Greater morningness/eveningness scores, indicating more morningness, were associated with lower scores for anxiety symptoms (r=-.41, p<.001), depressive symptoms (r=-.36, p<.001) and perceived stress (r=-.33, p=.001). Conclusion As has been found for adolescents, higher morningness in Latinx pre-teens was related to less frequent anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as lower perceived stress. Youth experience a circadian phase delay during adolescence, shifting their preference toward eveningness, which may exacerbate stressors and negative mental health. Therefore, interventions to promote psychological well-being in pre-adolescents may help prevent worse psychological outcomes in Latinx children as they transition to adolescence. Support This work was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers UL1GM118979, TL4GM118980, and RL5GM118978.

Download Full-text

Changes in Depressive Symptoms During the Antenatal Period: A Cohort Study from Bangladesh

Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1177/0253717620954337 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 42 (6) ◽

pp. 519-524

Author(s):

Musammet Rasheda Begum ◽

Soma Chowdhury Biswas

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Family Income ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

First Trimester ◽

Antenatal Clinic ◽

Antenatal Depressive Symptoms ◽

Mean Differences

Background: Antenatal depressive symptoms adversely affect the health and well-being of women, babies, and their families. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and probable associated factors of depressivse symptoms. Methods: A prospective cohort approach was adopted, and 435 pregnant women were assessed longitudinally at an antenatal clinic in the first, second, and third trimesters. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to measure self-reported depressive symptoms. The multivariate approach of the general linear model was used to evaluate the mean differences of depression scores among the trimesters. To investigate the associated factors of depressive symptoms, generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to take into account the clustering effect. Results: More than half (58.13%) of the pregnant women had antenatal depressive symptoms in at least one trimester. Depressive symptoms decreased throughout the pregnancy; they were higher in the first trimester and declined toward the third trimester. Significant mean differences were found in depression scores among the three trimesters. GEE showed that trimester, education, family income, and body mass index (BMI) are significantly associated with antenatal depressive symptoms. Conclusions: First trimester is the most critical period for identification of depressive symptoms. At-risk women need to be treated. Proper education achievement, economic solvency, and adequate nutrition could reduce the depressive symptoms.

Download Full-text

Unrevealed Depression Involves Dysfunctional Coping Strategies in Crohn’s Disease Patients in Clinical Remission

Gastroenterology Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2016/7803262 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Caterina Viganò ◽

Roberta Calzolari ◽

Paola Marianna Marinaccio ◽

Cristina Bezzio ◽

Federica Furfaro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Clinical Remission ◽

Depressive Disorders ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Brief Cope ◽

Instrumental Social Support ◽

Emotional Social Support

Background and Aims. This study investigated the proportion of CD patients in clinical remission with clinical depression, and coping strategies in those with severe depressive disorders.Materials and Methods. One hundred consecutive CD patients in clinical remission were screened for anxiety and depression by using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and patients with depressive symptoms were further investigated by means of Cognitive Behavioural Assessment 2.0 and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Afterwards the coping strategies were assessed through the Brief-COPE questionnaire.Results. Twenty-one patients had anxious symptoms and 16 had depressive symptoms with or without anxiety. Seven of these patients (43.8%) showed significant depressive symptoms. Compared to patients without psychiatric disorders, these patients showed significant lower score in “positive reframing” (p: 0.017) and in “planning” (p: 0.046) and higher score in “use of instrumental social support” (p<0.001), in “denial” scale (p: 0.001), and in “use of emotional social support” (p: 0.003).Conclusions. Depressed CD patients in clinical remission may have dysfunctional coping strategies, meaning that they may not be able to implement functional strategies to manage at best stress related with their disease.

Download Full-text

When altruists cannot help: The influence of altruism on the mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-25715/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yi Feng ◽

Min Zong ◽

Zhizun Yang ◽

Wen Gu ◽

Dan Dong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Negative Affect ◽

University Students ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Valuable Insight

Abstract Background: The positive predictive effect of altruism on physical and psychological well-being has been extensively demonstrated in previous studies, but few studies have examined the effect of altruism on negative mental health outcomes when altruists cannot perform altruistic behaviours. This study explored the influence of altruism on negative affect and mental health (anxiety and depressive symptoms) during the COVID-19 pandemic while people self-isolated at home in China.Method: University students were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey during the outbreak of COVID-19 in China. Self-reported perceived risk, altruism, negative affect, anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured using the Self-Report Altruism Scale (SRA scale), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-9). A structural equation model was used to analyse the mediating and moderating effects on mental health. Results: The final sample comprised 1346 Chinese participants (Mage = 19.76 ± 2.23 years, 73% female). Overall, the higher the risk the participants perceived, the more negative affect they exhibited (β = 0.16, p < .001), and thus, the more anxious and depressed they felt (β = 0.134, p < .001); however, this relationship between risk perception and negative affect was moderated by altruism. In contrast to previous studies, the increase in negative affect associated with the increased perceived risk was pronounced among individuals with high altruism (t = 7.68, p < .001). Conclusions: Individuals with high altruism exhibited more negative affect than those with low altruism, which indirectly increased their anxiety and depressive symptoms. These findings enrich theories of altruism and provide valuable insight into the influence of altruism on mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Download Full-text