Associations of Maternal Beliefs and Distress in Pregnancy and Postpartum With Breastfeeding Initiation and Early Cessation

Background: Breastfeeding plays an important role in both maternal and infant health and well-being. While researchers have examined the relationship between postpartum psychological distress and breastfeeding behaviors, few have investigated links between prenatal distress, postpartum distress, and breastfeeding behaviors over time. Research Aim: We aimed to determine if prenatal breastfeeding beliefs and psychological distress during and after pregnancy were associated with initiation and early cessation rates of breastfeeding. Methods: In our secondary data analysis, a nonexperimental longitudinal one-group design was used. We assessed pregnant women ( N = 70) during four perinatal visits (early, mid, and late pregnancy and 7-10 weeks postpartum). Participants completed self-report surveys about psychological distress and depressive symptoms at each visit, breastfeeding beliefs during the third visit, and breastfeeding behaviors at the postpartum visit. Results: Participants who breastfed for ⩾8 weeks had more positive beliefs about breastfeeding prior to delivery than participants with early cessation, who in turn had more positive beliefs than those who never initiated. Participants with early cessation reported heightened levels of pregnancy-specific distress in early pregnancy compared to those who continued breastfeeding or never initiated. Participants who continued breastfeeding for ⩾8 weeks reported less general anxiety and depressive symptoms in postpartum than those who discontinued or never initiated. Conclusions: Prenatal beliefs about breastfeeding, pregnancy-specific distress in early pregnancy, and general anxiety and depressive symptoms in postpartum are associated with breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Of clinical relevance, addressing prenatal and postpartum distress in the implementation of breastfeeding practice interventions could improve breastfeeding rates.

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Sleep Disordered Breathing Measures in Early Pregnancy Are Associated with Depressive Symptoms in Late Pregnancy

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11050858 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 858

Author(s):

Margaret H. Bublitz ◽

Meghan Sharp ◽

Taylor Freeburg ◽

Laura Sanapo ◽

Nicole R. Nugent ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Early Pregnancy ◽

Sleep Disordered Breathing ◽

Late Pregnancy ◽

Self Report ◽

Apnea Hypopnea Index ◽

Berlin Questionnaire ◽

Sleep Study ◽

Home Sleep Study ◽

Disordered Breathing

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and depression are both common complications of pregnancy and increase risk for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. SDB precedes onset of depression in non-pregnant adults; however, the longitudinal relationship has not been studied in pregnancy. The present research examined temporal associations between SDB and depressive symptoms in 175 pregnant women at risk for SDB (based on frequent snoring and obesity), but without an apnea hypopnea index of ≥5 events per hour at enrollment. Women completed a self-report assessments of depressive symptoms using PHQ-9 and in-home level III sleep apnea monitoring at approximately 12- and 32-weeks’ gestation. We also assessed the risk for SDB using the Berlin Questionnaire in early pregnancy. Results revealed that measures of SDB in early pregnancy as assessed by in-home sleep study, but not by self-reported SDB, predicted elevated depressive symptoms in late pregnancy. SDB in late pregnancy was not associated with depressive symptoms. To conclude, these findings suggest that SDB may increase the risk for elevated depressive symptoms as pregnancy progresses.

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‘Should I Stay, or Should I Go?’ Psychological Distress Predicts Career Change Ideation among Intensive Care Staff in Lithuania and the UK Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18052660 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 2660

Author(s):

Ieva Norkiene ◽

Lina Jovarauskaite ◽

Monika Kvedaraite ◽

Encarl Uppal ◽

Mandeep Kaur Phull ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Psychosocial Support ◽

Career Change ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Care Staff ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

The Uk

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on healthcare globally. Additional pressure created by coronavirus adversely affected the mental health and psychological well-being of healthcare workers, leading many to question their desire and willingness to continue working in healthcare. This study aimed to identify predictors for career change ideation among healthcare professionals in two countries; Lithuania and the United Kingdom amid the coronavirus pandemic. In total, 610 healthcare professionals from Lithuania and the UK (285 and 325, respectively) participated in a survey from May to August 2020. Psychological distress and psychological well-being were measured using the self-report scales “DASS-21” and “WHO-5”. Almost half of the sample (49.2%), 59.6% and 40.0% in Lithuanian and the UK, respectively, exhibited career change ideation, the country effect was significant (AOR = 2.21, p < 0.001). Stronger ideation to leave healthcare was predicted by higher levels of depression (AOR = 1.10, p = 0.005), stress (AOR = 1.10, p = 0.007), anxiety surrounding inadequate personal protective equipment (AOR = 2.27, p = 0.009), and lower psychological well-being scores (AOR = 1.10, p = 0.007). We conclude that psychosocial support must be provided for healthcare professionals to prevent burnout and loss of staff amid the pandemic.

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Procoagulant reactivity to laboratory acute mental stress in Africans and Caucasians, and its relation to depressive symptoms: The SABPA Study

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1160/th13-05-0383 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 977-986 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Mark Hamer ◽

Nico T. Malan ◽

Kobus Scheepers ◽

Muriel Meiring ◽

Leonè Malan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Stress Response ◽

Mental Stress ◽

Stress Reactivity ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Peripheral Resistance ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Questionnaire ◽

D Dimer

SummaryThe risk of cardiovascular disease is dramatically increasing in Africans (black). The prothrombotic stress response contributes to atherothrombotic disease and is modulated by depressive symptoms. We examined coagulation reactivity to acute mental stress and its relation to psychological well-being in Africans relative to Caucasians (white). A total of 102 African and 165 Caucasian school teachers underwent the Stroop Color-Word Conflict test. Circulating levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen, fibrinogen, and D-dimer were measured before and after the Stroop. Cardiovascular reactivity measures were also obtained. All participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the General Health Questionnaire-28 for the assessment of depressive symptoms and total psychological distress, respectively. After controlling for covariates, resting levels of VWF, fibrinogen, and D-dimer were higher in Africans than in Caucasians (all p-values ≤0.006). Depressive symptoms and psychological distress were not significantly associated with resting coagulation measures. Stress reactivity in VWF (p<0.001) and fibrinogen (p=0.016), but not in D-dimer (p=0.27), were decreased in Africans relative to Caucasians with Africans showing greater reactivity of total peripheral resistance (p=0.017). Depressive symptoms, but not general psychological distress, were associated with greater VWF increase (p=0.029) and greater fibrinogen decrease (p=0.030) in Africans relative to Caucasians. In conclusion, Africans showed greater hypercoagulability at rest but diminished procoagulant reactivity to acute mental stress when compared with Caucasians. Ethnic differences in the vascular adrenergic stress response might partially explain this finding. Depressive symptoms were associated with exaggerated VWF reactivity in Africans relative to Caucasians. The clinical implications of these findings for Africans need further study.

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Depressive symptoms in patients with epilepsy and clinically associated features in a single tertiary center

Neurological Sciences ◽

10.1007/s10072-021-05589-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mariacarolina Vacca ◽

Mariana Fernandes ◽

Matteo Spanetta ◽

Fabio Placidi ◽

Francesca Izzi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Clinical Features ◽

Item Analysis ◽

Well Being ◽

Adult Patients ◽

Self Report ◽

Depression Severity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Tertiary Center ◽

Patients With Epilepsy

AbstractAlthough depressive symptoms are the most common psychiatric comorbidity in epilepsy, they remain underestimated and untreated in a large proportion of patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate depression severity and related clinical features in people with epilepsy using a well-reliable self-report index of mood, the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). One-hundred seventeen adult patients with epilepsy were recruited from a tertiary epilepsy center and completed the BDI-II. A single-item analysis of the 21 questions of the BDI-II was computed and differences between women and men in each depressive symptom were evaluated. Correlation and regression analyses were used to identify clinical features associated with the severity of depression. Results showed gender differences in some items, with women reporting overall higher depression severity than men. The most common symptoms regarded domains of sleeping patterns, tiredness, and loss of energy. Regression evidence suggested that being female, having an epilepsy duration < 10 years, as well as being treated with psychotropic drugs and reporting generalized seizure, were associated with higher depression severity. Despite its cross-sectional nature, this study reinforces the importance of investigating and possibly treating depressive symptoms in adult patients with epilepsy, since they negatively impact well-being, daytime activities, and sleep. Further studies identifying pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for depression in epilepsy need to be planned.

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Moderation role of proactive coping between psychological place attachment and its mental health consequences in sojourners

Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association ◽

10.47391/jpma.02-336 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rida Muhammad Akbar ◽

Muhammad Naveed Riaz

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Place Attachment ◽

Well Being ◽

Place Identity ◽

Self Report ◽

Proactive Coping ◽

Preventive Coping ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

The Relationship

Objective The study also examined the moderating impact of proactive coping strategies in the relationship of psychological place attachment and mental health related outcomes in sojourners. Methods The study was based upon self-report measures including Psychological Place Attachment Scale, Proactive Coping Inventory, Warwick Edinburg Mental Well-being Scale and Kasler Psychological Distress Scale. Total 300 sojourners participated in the study. Participants Academic sojourners are students who stay in a place for a limited period of time. Data of sojourners (N = 300) was collected from Sargodha using four self-report measures. Results Data analysis through PROCSS 3.2 revealed that Proactive coping, preventive coping and reflective coping were significantly moderated the relationship between affective and psychological distress. Proactive coping and reflective coping were significantly moderated the relationship between affective bonding and mental wells-being. Proactive coping preventive coping and avoidance coping significantly moderated the relationship home meaning and psychological distress. Proactive coping was moderated the relationship between home meaning and psychological distress. Proactive coping and reflective coping were moderated the relationship between place identity and psychological distress. Proactive coping was moderated the relationship between place identity and mental well-being. Instrumental support seeking was moderating the relationship between place dependence and psychological distress. Preventive coping and reflective coping were moderated the relationship between psychological place attachment and psychological distress. Reflective coping, strategic planning and preventive coping were significantly moderated the relationship between psychological place attachment and mental well-being. Continuous...

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Associations Between Physical Fitness and Children’s Psychological Well-Being

Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology ◽

10.1123/jcsp.2014-0053 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 32-47 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Timothy LaVigne ◽

Betsy Hoza ◽

Alan L. Smith ◽

Erin K. Shoulberg ◽

William Bukowski

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Internalizing Symptoms ◽

Adaptive Functioning ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Athletic Competence ◽

Self Worth ◽

Teacher Reports

We examined the relation between physical fitness and psychological well-being in children ages 10–14 years (N = 222), and the potential moderation of this relation by sex. Participants completed a physical fitness assessment comprised of seven tasks and a diverse set of self-report well-being measures assessing depressive symptoms, loneliness, and competence. Peers reported on social status and teachers rated adaptive functioning, internalizing symptoms, and externalizing symptoms. Multiple regression analyses indicated a significant association between physical fitness and psychological well-being for both boys and girls. Higher levels of physical fitness were associated with lower levels of peer dyadic loneliness and fewer depressive symptoms; greater cognitive, social, and athletic competence; greater feelings of self-worth; and better teacher reports of adaptive functioning. An interaction between internalizing and sex indicated a significant and negative association between physical fitness and internalizing symptoms for males only. No other moderation effects by sex were observed. Results suggest that physical fitness is associated with a range of well-being indicators for both boys and girls in this age group.

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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.

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Trends of Perinatal Stress, Anxiety, and Depression and Their Prediction on Postpartum Depression

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18179307 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (17) ◽

pp. 9307

Author(s):

Ching-Yu Cheng ◽

Yu-Hua Chou ◽

Chia-Hao Chang ◽

Shwu-Ru Liou

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Postpartum Depression ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Late Pregnancy ◽

Estimating Equation ◽

Epidemiologic Studies ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽

Postpartum Stress ◽

Spearman’S Correlation

Perinatal stress, anxiety, and depression impacts not only women but also their child(ren). The purpose of this longitudinal study is to explore trends of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms from pregnancy to postpartum and understand predictions of stress and anxiety on postpartum depression. One-hundred-fifty-six women at 23–28 weeks gestation (T1), 147 at 32–36 weeks gestation (T2), 129 at over 36 weeks gestation (T3), and 83 at postpartum (T4) completed study surveys. The Perceived Stress Scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to measure stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. Descriptive statistics, Pearson and Spearman’s correlation, and Generalized Estimating Equation were applied to analyze the data. Results showed that levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms increased from 24 weeks gestation to postpartum, whereas stress levels decreased during pregnancy but increased in postpartum. Over half of women experienced anxiety symptoms, especially during late pregnancy and postpartum. Stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were inter-correlated. Notably, women at late pregnancy and postpartum were prone to stress, anxiety, and depression. Prenatal anxiety could predict postpartum depressive symptoms. Active assessment and management of stress, anxiety, and depression is needed and should begin from early pregnancy and continue until postpartum.

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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.

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Exploring mood variability in pregnancy and postpartum women

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/s0924-9338(11)72795-x ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 26 (S2) ◽

pp. 1090-1090

Author(s):

A. Bowen ◽

R. Bowen ◽

N. Muhajarine

Keyword(s):

Early Pregnancy ◽

Post Partum ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Late Pregnancy ◽

Postpartum Women ◽

Hormonal Changes ◽

Mood Variability ◽

Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽

Childbearing Women ◽

Irritable Mood

IntroductionEmotional and moody behaviour is often normalized in childbearing women. However, increased mood variability is associated with psychiatric problems (anxiety, depression, personality disorder), which are potentially deleterious to the health of the developing fetus and mother.PurposeTo increase understanding about mood variability in childbearing women.MethodDepression was measured using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Mood variability was calculated from twice-daily diary ratings of “depressed”, “fear”, and “irritable” mood for one week each in early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and postpartum.FindingsWe recruited 47 women. Depression, as measured by the EPDS, and fear mood variability decreased from early pregnancy to postpartum. Depressed and irritable mood variability also declined during pregnancy, but increased in post-partum. Increases in mood variability (depressed, irritable) from late pregnancy to postpartum predicted higher postpartum EPDS. Mood diaries were available from 30 non-parturient women for comparison. Pregnant and postpartum women had higher irritable but not depressed or fear mood variability.ConclusionMood, particularly anxiety, is variable over the course of pregnancy into early postpartum. This may be related to diminishing concerns about the pregnancy and baby's health after birth, sleep disruptions, or hormonal changes. Depressed mood variability is correlated with, but is distinct from depression as measured by the EPDS. We present results counter to the notion that all mood is amplified in childbearing women.

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