Maternal mental health and partner delivered massage: a pilot study

Abstract Background Mental health problems place a significant burden on the health system and are an important public health issue. Many pregnant women experience anxiety and depression, which can negatively impact health outcomes for both mother and baby. Partner-delivered massage may provide a cost effective and accessible approach to support the mental wellbeing of pregnant women. Methods A feasibility randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare partner-delivered relaxation massage (intervention) with a self-directed stress management program (control), for pregnant women with mild anxiety. Women attended an initial workshop at 28-32 weeks gestation, followed by the completion of either the self-directed massage or stress management program. Qualitative feasibility and acceptability data (primary outcomes) were collected via online participant diaries and post-birth interviews. Anxiety, depression and stress symptoms (secondary outcomes) were assessed using the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results 14 women/partner dyads attended the partner- delivered massage group and 13 women attended the self-directed stress management group. Participants from both groups reported the programs were feasible and acceptable. Mean scores on all DASS-21 subscales significantly decreased over time in both the intervention and the control group. Conclusions The partner-delivered massage program was feasible and acceptable. Both programs decreased women's symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, with no significant between-group differences identified. An adequately powered, experimental study is needed to determine the effectiveness of partner-delivered relaxation massage. Key messages Many women experience anxiety and depression during pregnancy and this can have a negative impact on both mother and baby. Partner-delivered relaxation massage, at least once a week in the third trimester, may help reduce women’s symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress.

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Anxiety Depression and Burden among the Caregivers of Persons with Neurological Illness

Indian Journal of Psychiatric Social Work ◽

10.29120/ijpsw.2018.v9.i2.106 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 63

Author(s):

Anil Kumar Roy ◽

Nilesh Maruti Gujar ◽

Arif Ali ◽

Utpal Borah

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Hospital Anxiety ◽

Care Burden ◽

Neurological Illness ◽

Rehabilitation Sciences ◽

Anxiety Depression

Background: Studies have shown that caregivers of the persons with the neurological illness have high levels of psychological distress, depression and caregiverÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s burden. The aim of the study was to find out anxiety, depression and caregiverÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s burden among the caregivers of persons with neurological illness (PWNI). Method: Thirty caregivers of PWNI attending the Centre of Rehabilitation Sciences, LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam were selected using purposive sampling technique for the present study. Socio-demographic and clinical data sheet, Zarit Burden Interview Scale and The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used. Results: The results shown that in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, 26.6% of the caregivers' scores were in the abnormal range in the domain of depression. While in the domain of anxiety, 16.6% scored in the abnormal range. In Zarit Burden of Scale, 13.3% of the caregivers were having little or no burden, 26.6% of the caregivers were having mild to moderate level of burden, 20% were having moderate to severe burden and 30% were having a severe burden of care. Care burden has significant positive correlation with depression (r= .124, pÃ¢â€°Â¤ 0.01 and anxiety (r= .124, pÃ¢â€°Â¤ 0.05). Conclusion: Caregivers of PWNI have been found to be at higher risk of mental health problems and care burden. The importance of addressing the burden of caregivers involved in the care of PWNI need to be taken into consideration while providing treatment and rehabilitation of PWNI.Â Â Â Â Â Keywords: Anxiety, depression, burden, neurological illness

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Impact of the Coronavirus Lockdown on Older Adolescents Engaged in a School-Based Stress Management Program: Changes in Mental Health, Sleep, Social Support, and Routines

Children & Schools ◽

10.1093/cs/cdab006 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sara Schjølberg Marques ◽

Ruth Braidwood

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Stress Management ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Management Program ◽

Return To School ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

School Based ◽

Older Adolescents ◽

Stress Management Program

Abstract The mental health effects of the coronavirus pandemic are likely to be significant and sustained, especially for those who experience adversity or preexisting mental health difficulties. This article examines the experiences of older adolescents during the United Kingdom government’s “lockdown” period (April 2020 to June 2020) on mental health, social support, sleep, and routines using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Participants were enrolled in DISCOVER, a school-based stress management program, in London (N = 107; 72 percent Black, Asian, or minority ethnicity). The Coping with COVID-19 questionnaire was developed and administered online. Changes in mental health, sleep, and routines were reported during the lockdown period as well as increased worry about family members’ physical and mental health. Positive experiences of the lockdown period included improvements in quality of relationships and increased time to spend on hobbies. Participants reported the use of cognitive–behavioral therapy techniques for coping. Results have implications for supporting older adolescents during the pandemic, including on their return to school.

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Nationwide assessment of the mental health of UK Doctoral Researchers

10.31234/osf.io/cs73g ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Cassie M Hazell ◽

Jeremy Niven ◽

Laura Chapman ◽

Paul Roberts ◽

Sam Cartwright-Hatton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Academic Community ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Control Group ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Preventative Measures ◽

Common Mental Health Problems

Doctoral Researchers (DRs) are an important part of the academic community and, after graduating, make substantial social and economic contributions. Despite this importance, DR wellbeing has long been of concern. Recent studies have concluded that DRs may be particularly vulnerable to poor mental health problems, but direct comparisons of the prevalence of mental health problems between them and a control group is lacking. Here, by comparing DRs with educated working controls, we show that DRs report significantly greater anxiety and depression, and that this difference is not explained by a higher rate of pre-existing mental health problems. Moreover, most DRs perceive poor mental health as a ‘normal’ part of the PhD process. Thus, our findings suggest a hazardous impact of PhD study on mental health, with DRs being particularly at risk of developing common mental health problems. This provides an evidence-based mandate for universities and funders to reflect upon practices related to DR training and mental health. Our attention should now be directed towards understanding what factors may explain heightened anxiety and depression among DRs so as to inform preventative measures and interventions.

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Effectiveness of a Stress Management Program in Reducing Anxiety and Depression in Nursing Students

Journal of American College Health ◽

10.1080/07448481.1991.9936268 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 40 (3) ◽

pp. 125-129 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Noreen Johansson

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

Stress Management ◽

Management Program ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Stress Management Program

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Perception of Health Conditions and Test Availability as Predictors of Adults’ Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Study of Adults in Malaysia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17155498 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (15) ◽

pp. 5498 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Huiyang Dai ◽

Stephen X. Zhang ◽

Kim Hoe Looi ◽

Rui Su ◽

Jizhen Li

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Condition ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Survey Study ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Curvilinear Relationships ◽

Perception Of Health ◽

Anxiety Depression

Research identifying adults’ mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic relies solely on demographic predictors without examining adults’ health condition as a potential predictor. This study aims to examine individuals’ perception of health conditions and test availability as potential predictors of mental health—insomnia, anxiety, depression, and distress—during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey of 669 adults in Malaysia was conducted during 2–8 May 2020, six weeks after the Movement Control Order (MCO) was issued. We found adults’ perception of health conditions had curvilinear relationships (horizontally reversed J-shaped) with insomnia, anxiety, depression, and distress. Perceived test availability for COVID-19 also had curvilinear relationships (horizontally reversed J-shaped) with anxiety and depression. Younger adults reported worse mental health, but people from various religions and ethnic groups did not differ significantly in reported mental health. The results indicated that adults with worse health conditions had more mental health problems, and the worse degree deepened for unhealthy people. Perceived test availability negatively predicted anxiety and depression, especially for adults perceiving COVID-19 test unavailability. The significant predictions of perceived health condition and perceived COVID-19 test availability suggest a new direction for the literature to identify the psychiatric risk factors directly from health-related variables during a pandemic.

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Disaster mental health: A critical incident stress management program (CISM) to mitigate compassion fatigue

Journal of Emergency Management ◽

10.5055/jem.2009.0026 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 17

Author(s):

Norma S.C. Jones, DSW ◽

Kamilah Majied, PhD

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Stress Management ◽

Compassion Fatigue ◽

Peer Support ◽

Critical Incident ◽

Management Program ◽

Critical Incident Stress Management ◽

Critical Incident Stress ◽

Disaster Workers ◽

Stress Management Program

This article presents a critical incident stress management program (CISMP) that is designed to anticipate and mitigate the emotional impact of external and internal critical incidents upon individuals and groups who deliver disaster recovery services. This comprehensive program provides for immediate and sustained responses to assist disaster workers in effectively minimizing the emotional detriment of stressful incidents, resulting from interactions with disaster victims. Disaster workers have the potential to experience compassion fatigue as they listen to the disaster survivors’ stories of pain and losses, and work long work hours over extended work periods. The program is a structured, peer-driven, clinician-guided, and supported process designed to provide interventions to address disaster-related mental health issues. Emphasis is placed on individual peer support for immediate action, and specialized individual and group support, assessment, and referral is provided by a stress management clinician. Peer partners participate in a training program, which includes: (1) an overview of stress assessment and management; (2) critical/intervention orientation; (3) identification and utilization of peer support techniques; (4) event preplanning, event briefings, defusings, and debriefings; (5) protocol for responding to an incident; and (6) basic information on workplace violence.

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The effect of maternal-fetal attachment education on pregnant women’s mental health

Journal of Health Technology Assessment in Midwifery ◽

10.31101/jhtam.1043 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 50-58

Author(s):

Perwitasari Perwitasari ◽

Mohammad Hakimi ◽

Anjarwati Anjarwati

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Community Health Centers ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Control Group ◽

Women’S Mental Health ◽

Women's Mental Health ◽

Maternal Fetal Attachment ◽

Fetal Attachment

Physiological and psychological changes in pregnancy have a considerable effect on mother’s wellbeing. Hence, in this period pregnant women are vulnerable to develop mental health difficulties due to hormonal alterations and other external factors. Mental health problems during pregnancy may impact to child’s growth and psychological development. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) education on the scores of mental health disorders among pregnant women. This study was quasy-experimental. The sample were 55 pregnant women (28=control group, 27=experimental group) who registered in Community Health Centers. Participants were selected by consecutive sampling technique. Data collection tools were EPDS, SRQ, SSQ-6, and demographic questionnaire. These questionnaires were filled out by both groups as pre-test and two weeks later. The data were analyzed by paired and independent t-test in SPSS/20 with significant levels p0,05). This study indicated that maternal-fetal attachment education might contribute in improving pregnant women’s mental health. The future study should be tested in larger sample sizes with more than two weeks follow up to confirm these results.

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A study protocol for testing the feasibility of a randomised stepped wedge cluster design to investigate a Community Health Intervention through Musical Engagement (CHIME) for perinatal mental health in The Gambia

Pilot and Feasibility Studies ◽

10.1186/s40814-019-0515-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katie Rose M. Sanfilippo ◽

Bonnie McConnell ◽

Victoria Cornelius ◽

Buba Darboe ◽

Hajara B. Huma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Community Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Intervention ◽

The Gambia ◽

Perinatal Mental Health ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Stepped Wedge ◽

Musical Engagement

Abstract Background Perinatal mental health problems affect up to one in five women worldwide. Mental health problems in the perinatal period are a particular challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where they can be at least twice as frequent as in higher-income countries. It is thus of high priority to develop new low-cost, low-resource, non-stigmatising and culturally appropriate approaches to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression perinatally, for the benefit of both mother and child. Music-centred approaches may be particularly useful in The Gambia since a range of musical practices that specifically engage pregnant women and new mothers already exist. Methods This protocol is for a study to examine the feasibility of undertaking a stepped wedge trial to test how a Community Health Intervention through Musical Engagement (CHIME) could be beneficial in alleviating perinatal mental distress in The Gambia. In this study, we plan to recruit 120 pregnant women (n = 60 intervention, n = 60 control) at four antenatal clinics over two 6-week stepped sequences. Women in the intervention will participate in weekly group-singing sessions, led by local Kanyeleng singing groups, for 6 weeks. The control group will receive standard care. We will assess symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). The feasibility of the design will be assessed through recruitment, retention and attrition rates of participants, clinics' adherence to the schedule and completeness of data by site. Qualitative interviews and video and audio recordings will be used to evaluate the acceptability of the intervention. Discussion This feasibility trial will allow us to determine whether a larger trial with the same intervention and target group is feasible and acceptable in The Gambia. Trial registration Retrospectively registered (24/01/2019) with Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR): PACTR201901917619299.

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