scholarly journals Psychosocial factors associated with postpartum psychological distress during the Covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Ostacoli ◽  
Stefano Cosma ◽  
Federica Bevilacqua ◽  
Paola Berchialla ◽  
Marialuisa Bovetti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Trauma, natural and man-made catastrophic events can be predictors of postpartum psychological distress. In a public health response due to coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, the Italian government imposed a lockdown from March 9 to May 3. This extraordinary situation may have been challenging for maternal psychological health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms in women giving birth during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associations with quarantine measures, obstetrical factors, and relational attachment style. Methods Women who gave birth in a high-volume obstetric/gynaecological medical centre located in an epidemic area during the Covid-19 pandemic (March 8 to June 15) were asked to complete an online survey about their childbirth experience and the perceived effect of the pandemic. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) were administered to assess levels of postpartum depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and relational style of attachment, respectively. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify associations between quarantine measures, childbirth experience, attachment style, and EPDS and IES-R scores. Results The survey was completed by 163 women (response rate 60.8%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.2% (EPDS cut-off score ≥ 11) and the PTSS rate was 42.9% (IES-R cut-off score ≥ 24). Dismissive and fearful avoidant attachment styles were significantly associated with the risk of depression and PTSS, respectively. Perceived pain during birth was a risk factor for postpartum depression. Perceived support provided by healthcare staff was a protective factor against depression and PTSS. Another protective factor against PTSS was quiet on the ward due to the absence of hospital visitors. Conclusion This study reports a high prevalence of postpartum depressive and PTSS in women who gave birth during the Covid-19 pandemic. Postnatal psychological distress seemed to be associated more with the prenatal experience and other individual factors than with the pandemic hospital restrictions. Early detection during pregnancy of an insecure attachment style is fundamental to provide targeted preventive and therapeutic psychological interventions.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Ostacoli ◽  
Stefano Cosma ◽  
Federica Bevilacqua ◽  
Paola Berchialla ◽  
Marialuisa Bovetti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Trauma, natural and man-made catastrophic events can be predictors of postpartum psychological distress. In a public health response due to coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, the Italian government imposed a lockdown from March 9 to May 3. This extraordinary situation may have been challenging for maternal psychological health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms in women giving birth during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associations with quarantine measures, obstetrical factors, and relational attachment style. Methods Women who gave birth in a high-volume obstetric/gynaecological medical centre located in an epidemic area during the Covid-19 pandemic (March 8 to June 15) were asked to complete an online survey about their childbirth experience and the perceived effect of the pandemic. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) were administered to assess levels of postpartum depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and relational style of attachment, respectively. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify associations between quarantine measures, childbirth experience, attachment style, and EPDS and IES-R scores.Results The survey was completed by 163 women (response rate 60.8%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.2% (EPDS cut-off score ≥11) and the PTSS rate was 42.9% (IES-R cut-off score ≥24). Dismissive and fearful avoidant attachment styles were significantly associated with the risk of depression and PTSS, respectively. Perceived pain during birth was a risk factor for postpartum depression. Perceived support provided by healthcare staff was a protective factor against depression and PTSS. Another protective factor against PTSS was quiet on the ward due to the absence of hospital visitors. Conclusion This study reports a high prevalence of postpartum depressive and PTSS in women who gave birth during the Covid-19 pandemic. Postnatal psychological distress seemed to be associated more with the prenatal experience and other individual factors than with the pandemic hospital restrictions. Early detection during pregnancy of an insecure attachment style is fundamental to provide targeted preventive and therapeutic psychological interventions.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Ostacoli ◽  
Stefano Cosma ◽  
Federica Bevilacqua ◽  
Paola Berchialla ◽  
Marialuisa Bovetti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Trauma, natural and man-made catastrophic events can be predictors of postpartum psychological distress. In a public health response due to coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, the Italian government imposed a lockdown from March 9 to May 3. This extraordinary situation may have been challenging for maternal psychological health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms in women giving birth during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associations with quarantine measures, obstetrical factors, and relational attachment style. Methods Women who gave birth in a high-volume obstetric/gynaecological medical centre located in an epidemic area during the Covid-19 pandemic (March 8 to June 15) were asked to complete an online survey about their childbirth experience and the perceived effect of the pandemic. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) were administered to assess levels of postpartum depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and relational style of attachment, respectively. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify associations between quarantine measures, childbirth experience, attachment style, and EPDS and IES-R scores.Results The survey was completed by 163 women (response rate 60.8%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.2% (EPDS cut-off score ≥11) and the PTSS rate was 42.9% (IES-R cut-off score ≥24). Dismissive and fearful avoidant attachment styles were significantly associated with the risk of depression and PTSS, respectively. Perceived pain during birth was a risk factor for postpartum depression. Perceived support provided by healthcare staff was a protective factor against depression and PTSS. Another protective factor against PTSS was quiet on the ward due to the absence of hospital visitors. Conclusion This study reports a high prevalence of postpartum depressive and PTSS in women who gave birth during the Covid-19 pandemic. Postnatal psychological distress seemed to be associated more with the prenatal experience and other individual factors than with the pandemic hospital restrictions. Early detection during pregnancy of an insecure attachment style is fundamental to provide targeted preventive and therapeutic psychological interventions.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Ostacoli ◽  
Stefano Cosma ◽  
Federica Bevilacqua ◽  
Paola Berchialla ◽  
Marialuisa Bovetti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Trauma, natural and man-made catastrophic events can be predictors of postpartum psychological distress. In a public health response due to coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, the Italian government imposed a lockdown from March 9 to May 3. This extraordinary situation may have been challenging for maternal psychological health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms in women giving birth during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associations with quarantine measures, obstetrical factors, and relational attachment style. Methods Women who gave birth in a high-volume obstetric/gynaecological medical centre located in an epidemic area during the Covid-19 pandemic (March 8 to June 15) were asked to complete an online survey about their childbirth experience and the perceived effect of the pandemic. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) were administered to assess levels of postpartum depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and relational style of attachment, respectively. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify associations between quarantine measures, childbirth experience, attachment style, and EPDS and IES-R scores.Results The survey was completed by 163 women (response rate 60.8%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.2% (EPDS cut-off score ≥11) and the PTSS rate was 42.9% (IES-R cut-off score ≥24). Dismissive and fearful avoidant attachment styles were significantly associated with the risk of depression and PTSS, respectively. Perceived pain during delivery was a risk factor for postpartum depression. Perceived support provided by healthcare staff was a protective factor against depression and PTSS. Another protective factor against PTSS was quiet on the ward due to the absence of hospital visitors. Conclusion This study reports a high prevalence of postpartum depressive and PTSS in women who delivered during the Covid-19 pandemic. Postnatal psychological distress seemed to be associated more with the prenatal experience and other individual factors than with the pandemic hospital restrictions. Early detection during pregnancy of an insecure attachment style is fundamental to provide targeted preventive and therapeutic psychological interventions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 268-276
Author(s):  
Karen Emma Martin ◽  
Lisa Jane Wood

Background: This research examined the impact of a programme integrating therapeutic music and group discussions (Holyoake's DRUMBEAT programme) on disadvantaged adolescents’ mental wellbeing, psychological distress, post-traumatic stress symptoms and antisocial behaviour. Method: Students displaying antisocial behaviours in grades eight to ten at three socio-economically disadvantaged secondary schools in Perth, Western Australia were invited to participate in a 10-week DRUMBEAT programme (incorporating drumming with djembes, therapeutic discussions and a final performance). Eight DRUMBEAT programmes were held in 2014. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires measured mental wellbeing (Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), psychological distress (Kessler-5), post-traumatic stress symptoms (Abbreviated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist- Civilian Version) and antisocial behaviours (Adapted Self-Reported Delinquency Scale). Results: Of the 62 students completing DRUMBEAT, 41 completed pre- and post-questionnaires. Post-programme boys scored an average 7.6% higher mental wellbeing (WEMWBS) (p = .05), 19.3% lower post-traumatic stress symptoms (A PCL-C) (p = .05) and 23.9% lower antisocial behaviour (ARSDC) (p = .02). These changes were not evident for girls. No significant differences were detected for differences in psychological distress for either gender. Conclusion: This research highlights the potential of the DRUMBEAT programme as an effective, targeted strategy to reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms and antisocial behaviour and increase mental wellbeing in socio-economically disadvantaged adolescent boys.


Author(s):  
Olusola Ayandele ◽  
Cristian A. Ramos-Vera ◽  
Steven K. Iorfa ◽  
Catherine O. Chovwen ◽  
Peter O. Olapegba

Since COVID-19 currently has no proven cure but high morbidity and mortality; many people are living in fear of the virus along with other mental health challenges induced by the lockdowns and social distancing. Hence, this study aims to provide evidence on the co-occurrence and inter-relations between the fear of COVID-19, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and psychological distress in adherence to preventive health behavior among Nigerians. It also seeks to determine whether this process differs for men and women. The sample comprised 1,172 consenting young adults (mean age = 22.9 ± 6.6 years, 54.5% females) selected using a snowball sampling technique. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the mediation model of post-traumatic stress symptoms and psychological distress as parallel and serial mediators of the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and preventive health behavior. The indirect effect of the fear of COVID-19 on preventive health behavior across gender was tested using moderation analysis. Results showed that post-traumatic stress symptoms and psychological distress serially and fully, in causal order, mediated the association between the fear of COVID-19 and preventive health behavior, and gender moderated the mediation effects. The research provides evidence that the fear of COVID-19 could trigger preventive health behavior through post-traumatic stress symptoms but reduces it through psychological distress, whereas the fear of COVID-19 has a slightly more positive impact on preventive health behavior among men.


Author(s):  
Muhammad M. Haj-Yahia ◽  
Charles W. Greenbaum

This chapter investigates the relationship between prolonged exposure to political violence (EPV) and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among Palestinian adolescents. It also examines the moderating effect of participants’ age, gender, and parental socialization styles on the relationship between EPV and PTSS. A systematic cluster random sample of 2,934 Palestinian adolescents aged 14 to 19 years living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem responded to self-administered questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis showed a positive relationship between levels of EPV and of PTSS. Girls showed higher levels of PTSS than boys. Hostile and rejecting parenting styles, strict discipline, and negative evaluation from parents correlated positively with high PTSS, whereas intimate and loving parenting correlated with low levels of PTSS, supporting the hypotheses presented here. The chapter discusses the importance of intimate and loving parenting styles as a possible protective factor for mitigating the effects of political violence on children.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janelle Monique Morhun ◽  
N.M. Racine ◽  
G.M.T. Guilcher ◽  
L.M. Tomfohr-Madsen ◽  
F.S.M. Schulte

Background: The unique psychosocial needs of parents and caregivers of young children with cancer are poorly understood.  The aims of this study were to examine: 1) the health-related quality of life (HRQL), stress, and psychological distress in parents of young children (0-4 years) diagnosed with cancer, and 2) the associations between parent psychosocial functioning and child treatment characteristics. Methods: Parents (N= 35) with a child (19 males, 54.3%) aged 0-48 months (M= 31.06 months) who were on active cancer therapy were recruited. Parents completed questionnaires related to demographics, parent HRQL, parenting stress, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and parent psychological distress. Results: Parents reported clinically elevated parenting stress (5.88%), post-traumatic stress symptoms (18.18%), and psychological distress (21.87%). Compared to population norms, parents reported lower HRQL in the vitality (t= 5.37, p< .001), mental health (t= 4.02, p< .001), role limitation/emotional (t= 3.52, p< .001), and general health (t= 2.25, p= .025) domains. Number of days since diagnosis (β= -.35, p= .030), child surgery (β= .360, p= .023), and parent social functioning (β= -.40, p= .009) predicted parent psychological distress F(3,24)= 9.11, p< .001, R2 =.53. Conclusions: A subset of parents of young children on active cancer treatment experience clinically-elevated psychosocial symptoms. Having a child who undergoes surgery and having poor social connections put parents at risk of experiencing higher psychological distress. Supports that focus on preventing the emergence of clinically significant distress should focus on parents of young children with cancer who are most at risk of poor outcomes.


2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 460-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sho Takahashi ◽  
Jun Shigemura ◽  
Yoshitomo Takahashi ◽  
Soichiro Nomura ◽  
Aihide Yoshino ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveThe 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident was the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl. The Daiichi workers faced multiple stressors (workplace trauma, victim experiences, and public criticism deriving from their company’s post-disaster management). Literatures suggest the importance of workplace interpersonal support (WIS) in enhancing psychological health among disaster workers. We sought to elucidate the role of their demographics, disaster-related experiences, and post-traumatic stress symptoms on perceived WIS.MethodsWe analyzed self-report questionnaires of 885 workers 2-3 months post-disaster. We used sociodemographic and disaster exposure-related variables and post-traumatic stress symptoms (measured by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised) as independent variables. We asked whether WIS from colleagues, supervisors, or subordinates was perceived as helpful, and used yes or no responses as a dependent variable. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess correlates of WIS.ResultsOf the participants, one-third (34.7%) reported WIS. WIS was associated with younger age (20-28 years [vs 49-], adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.99-5.32), supervisory work status (aOR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.35-3.92), and discrimination or slur experience (aOR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.08-2.53).ConclusionsEducational programs focusing on WIS might be beneficial to promote psychological well-being among nuclear disaster workers, especially younger workers, supervisors, and workers with discrimination experiences. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:460–463)


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