What employers need to know about psychological health during pregnancy and the postpartum period

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to examine how Turkish women were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the postpartum period in terms of postpartum support and anxiety variables. Methods The study was conducted with 130 women who gave birth during the COVID-19 period. Data were collected online using a personal information form, Postpartum Support Scale and Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale. Descriptive statistics were used, with Kruskal–Wallis and regression analysis performed. Results All postpartum women stated that they were affected negatively by COVID-19. The most common issues described were feeling alone (25.51%), having economic difficulties (15.5%) and experiencing difficulties accessing health services (21.7%). The mean Postpartum Support Scale score was 102.43 ± 27.67, while the mean Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale score was 188.07 ± 96.71. COVID-19 exposure level had a significant effect on postpartum-specific anxiety (p=0.00). The variables of having a problem during pregnancy (p=0.006), having a baby willingly (p=0.007), and partner’s educational status significantly predicted the degree of being affected by COVID-19 (p=0.025). The degree to which COVID-19 affected the women was determined by having problems during pregnancy, having a baby willingly, and a highly educated partner. Conclusions These variables may inform a resource to empower postpartum women during COVID-19. Healthcare systems need to be organised considering pandemic conditions to provide increased postpartum support, evaluate psychological health, deliver healthcare services, and consider pregnancy periods.

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Postpartum Depression and its Associated Factors: A Community-based Study in Nepal

Journal of Nepal Health Research Council ◽

10.33314/jnhrc.v0i0.1635 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 200-205

Author(s):

Anisha Chalise ◽

Tulsi Ram Bhandari

Keyword(s):

Postpartum Depression ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Postpartum Period ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Economic Status ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Family Care ◽

Postpartum Women ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Postpartum depression is a type of mental disorder associated with childbirth during pregnancy or within the first postpartum year. It is reported as a common psychological health problem affecting 10-15% of women worldwide. The duration of postpartum depression frequently depends on its severity and the time of initiation of treatment. This study assessed depression and its associated factors among postpartum period women of Godavari municipality, Lalitpur, Nepal.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using Edinburg Postpartum Depression Scale among 195 mothers who were within six months of the postpartum period. The chi-square and logistic regression were applied to establish the association between postpartum depression and associated factors. Results: Out of the total 195 postpartum women, 37(19%) women suffered from depression and out of those women 2.1% had suicidal thoughts. Among the associated factors, education, occupation, the intent of pregnancy, family support and pregnancy-related problems/complications were found to be significantly associated with Postpartum depression (p<0.05). Conclusions: Nearly one-fifth postpartum women suffered from some type of depression. It is one of the public health concerns which directly or indirectly corresponds to the socio-economic condition of the women. The improved education and economic status of women, intention of pregnancy, family care and support during pregnancy and the postpartum period and early diagnosis and management of health problems could reduce the magnitude of the postpartum depression. Keywords: Associated factors of postpartum depression; edinburg postpartum depression scale; Nepal; postpartum depression.

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The impact of migration on women’s mental health in the postpartum period

Revista de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/s1518-8787.2016050005617 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 50 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Lígia Moreira Almeida ◽

Cristina Costa-Santos ◽

José Peixoto Caldas ◽

Sónia Dias ◽

Diogo Ayres-de-Campos

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Postpartum Depression ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Postpartum Period ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the influence of I mmigration on the psychological health of women after childbirth. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, immigrant and Portuguese-native women delivering in the four public hospitals of the metropolitan area of Porto, Portugal, were contacted by telephone between February and December 2012 during the first postpartum month to schedule a home visit and fill in a questionnaire. Most immigrant (76.1%) and Portuguese mothers (80.0%) agreed to participate and with the visits, thus a total of 89 immigrants and 188 Portuguese women were included in the study. The questionnaire included the application of four validated scales: Mental Health Inventory-5, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Scale of Satisfaction with Social Support. Statistical analysis included t-test and Chi-square or Fisher’s test, and logistic regression models. RESULTS Immigrants had an increased risk of postpartum depression (OR = 6.444, 95%CI 1.858–22.344), and of low satisfaction with social support (OR = 6.118, 95%CI 1.991–18.798). We did not perceive any associations between migrant state, perceived stress, and impoverished mental health. CONCLUSIONS Immigrant mothers have increased vulnerabilities in the postpartum period, resulting in an increased risk of postpartum depression and lesser satisfaction with the received social support.

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Assessing the effectiveness of mindfulness-based programs on mental health during pregnancy and early motherhood - a randomized control trial

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-019-2503-4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Wan-Lin Pan ◽

Chiung-Wen Chang ◽

Shin-Ming Chen ◽

Meei-Ling Gau

Keyword(s):

Psychological Health ◽

Postpartum Period ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Mindfulness Meditation ◽

Comparison Group ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Early Motherhood ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background The process of entering motherhood is highly stressful for women, with 15–85% of new mothers experiencing postpartum blues or depression. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting program in improving psychological health during the postpartum period. Methods This research was a randomized controlled trial with single blinding. Recruitment began after the participating hospital granted formal approval. A total of 74 women between 13 and 28-weeks gestation were allocated either to the intervention group or to the comparison group. The intervention program included a series of eight, 3-h classes held once weekly and 1 day of 7-h silent meditation. Psychological health was assessed at baseline and 3-months postpartum. Results Significant differences in stress and depression were observed in both groups over time. Stress scores and depression scores were significantly better in the intervention group than in the comparison group at 3-months postpartum (F = 7.19, p = .009 and F = 7.36, p = .008, respectively). No significant difference between the groups was identified for mindfulness scores at 3-months postpartum. Conclusions The intervention program effectively reduced postpartum self-perceived stress and depression, suggesting that this program provides acceptable and long-term benefits to women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The teaching and practice of mindfulness meditation and parenting education during pregnancy may help reduce stress and depression in pregnant women as they transition into parenthood. Trial registration The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier for this study is: NCT03185910. The study was retrospectively registered on 14 June 2017.

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Assessment of Cognitive-Communicative Disorders of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Sustained in Combat

Perspectives on Neurophysiology and Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders ◽

10.1044/nnsld19.2.47 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 47-57 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Christine Parrish ◽

Carole Roth ◽

Brooke Roberts ◽

Gail Davie

Keyword(s):

Traumatic Brain Injury ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Communication Disorders ◽

Service Members ◽

Patient Questionnaire ◽

Speech Language Pathologists ◽

Test Protocol ◽

Communication Deficits

Abstract Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is recognized as the signature injury of the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet there remains limited understanding of the persisting cognitive deficits of mTBI sustained in combat. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have traditionally been responsible for evaluating and treating the cognitive-communication disorders following severe brain injuries. The evaluation instruments historically used are insensitive to the subtle deficits found in individuals with mTBI. Objectives: Based on the limited literature and clinical evidence describing traditional and current tests for measuring cognitive-communication deficits (CCD) of TBI, the strengths and weaknesses of the instruments are discussed relative to their use with mTBI. It is necessary to understand the nature and severity of CCD associated with mTBI for treatment planning and goal setting. Yet, the complexity of mTBI sustained in combat, which often co-occurs with PTSD and other psychological health and physiological issues, creates a clinical challenge for speech-language pathologists worldwide. The purpose of the paper is to explore methods for substantiating the nature and severity of CCD described by service members returning from combat. Methods: To better understand the nature of the functional cognitive-communication deficits described by service members returning from combat, a patient questionnaire and a test protocol were designed and administered to over 200 patients. Preliminary impressions are described addressing the nature of the deficits and the challenges faced in differentiating the etiologies of the CCD. Conclusions: Speech-language pathologists are challenged with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating the cognitive-communication deficits of mTBI resulting from combat-related injuries. Assessments that are sensitive to the functional deficits of mTBI are recommended. An interdisciplinary rehabilitation model is essential for differentially diagnosing the consequences of mTBI, PTSD, and other psychological and physical health concerns.

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Development and Psychometric Evaluation of a Revised Sense of Coherence Scale

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759/a000323 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 206-215 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Rahel Bachem ◽

Andreas Maercker

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Growth ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Sense Of Coherence ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Psychometric Evaluation ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Structure Stability ◽

Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽

Reliability Factor ◽

Two Samples

Abstract. The present study introduces a revised Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale, a new conceptualization and operationalization of the resilience indicator SOC. It outlines the scale development and aims for testing its reliability, factor structure, and validity. Literature on Antonovsky’s SOC (SOC-A) was critically reviewed to identify needs for improving the scale. The scale was investigated in two samples. Sample 1 consisted of 334 bereaved participants, Sample 2 of 157 healthy controls. The revised SOC Scale, SOC-A, and theoretically relevant questionnaires were applied. Explorative and confirmatory factor analyses established a three-factor structure in both samples. The revised SOC Scale showed significant but discriminative associations with related constructs, including self-efficacy, posttraumatic growth, and neuroticism. The revised measure was significantly associated with psychological health indicators, including persistent grief, depression, and anxiety, but not to the extent as the previous SOC-A. Stability over time was sufficient. The study provides psychometric support for the revised SOC conceptualization and scale. It has several advantages over the previous SOC-A scale (unique variance, distinct factor structure, stability). The scale could be used for clinical and health psychological testing or research into the growing field of studies on resilience over the life span.

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