Religiosity, Spirituality, and Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant Women

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua R. Mann ◽  
Robert E. McKeown ◽  
Janice Bacon ◽  
Roumen Vesselinov ◽  
Freda Bush

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.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnes Fredrick Massae ◽  
Margareta Larsson ◽  
Sebalda Leshabari ◽  
Columba Mbekenga ◽  
Andrea Barnabas Pembe ◽  
...  

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.


Author(s):  
Midori Matsushima ◽  
Hanna Horiguchi

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.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnes Massae ◽  
Agneta Svanberg ◽  
Margareta Larsson ◽  
Andrea Pembe ◽  
Sebalda Leshabari ◽  
...  

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.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256932
Author(s):  
Mohd Noor Norhayati ◽  
Ruhana Che Yusof ◽  
Mohd Yacob Azman

Background Healthcare providers are vulnerable in the fight against COVID-19 and may experience significant psychological and mental health consequences. This study aimed to compare the levels of depressive symptoms among frontline and non-frontline healthcare providers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in two government hospitals managing COVID-19-related cases in Kelantan, Malaysia from May to July 2020 to identify and compared depressive symptoms levels of frontline and non-frontline healthcare providers. Convenient sampling was applied in the selection of eligible participants and those diagnosed as having any psychiatric illnesses were excluded. The self-administered questionnaires for the Malay versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to measure depressive symptoms score and the Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey to measure social support score as an important confounder. A descriptive analysis, independent t-test and ANCOVA were performed using SPSS version 26. Results A total of 306 respondents from healthcare providers were recruited which 160 were frontline healthcare providers and 146 were non-frontline healthcare providers. The level of depressive symptoms (HADS score >8) was 27.5% for the frontline healthcare providers and 37.7% for the non-frontline healthcare providers. The mean depressive symptoms score for the non-frontline healthcare providers was 0.75 points higher than that of the frontline healthcare providers after adjusting for gender, duration of employment and social support. Conclusion Non-frontline healthcare providers are also experiencing psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic even though they do not have direct contact with COVID-19 patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-15
Author(s):  
Stepan Feduniw ◽  
◽  
Olga Płaza ◽  
Dominika Paździor ◽  
Katarzyna Kosińska-Kaczyńska ◽  
...  

Introduction. It was established that intragestational depression is a common disease, with the estimated average prevalence of 10–25% in all expectant mothers worldwide. Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of depressive symptoms in pregnant women in Poland and to identify which factors may be related to a higher risk of depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Material and methods. A prospective cross-sectional study was performed. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). 346 women were enrolled in the study. Results. 130 women (37.6%) scored 13 or more points and were considered as presenting with depressive symptoms. Independent risk factors of depressive symptoms during pregnancy including mood disorders diagnosed before the current pregnancy (aOR=2.68, 95%CI 1.37-5.22), mental disorders confirmed in family members (aOR=2.72, 95%CI 1.24-5.98), unhappiness in their current relationship (aOR=4.0, 95%CI 1.77-9.01), lack of support from family members (aOR=2.73, 95%CI 1.51-4.96) increased the risk of DS and good financial status decreased the risk of DS occurrence (aOR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.25-0.80). Conclusions. Pregnant women commonly report depressive symptoms. The evaluation of relations with the family members, socio-economic status, former depressive symptoms and possible prenatal depression are essential for proper screening of depression in pregnant women.


2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lívia Maria Santiago ◽  
Inês Echenique Mattos

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms among institutionalized elderly individuals and to analyze factors associated with this condition. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study involving 462 individuals aged 60 or older, residents in long stay institutions in four Brazilian municipalities. The dependent variable was assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Poisson’s regression was used to evaluate associations with co-variables. We investigated which variables were most relevant in terms of presence of depressive symptoms within the studied context through factor analysis. RESULTS Prevalence of depressive symptoms was 48.7%. The variables associated with depressive symptoms were: regular/bad/very bad self-rated health; comorbidities; hospitalizations; and lack of friends in the institution. Five components accounted for 49.2% of total variance of the sample: functioning, social support, sensory deficiency, institutionalization and health conditions. In the factor analysis, functionality and social support were the components which explained a large part of observed variance. CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of depressive symptoms, with significant variation in distribution, was observed. Such results emphasize the importance of health conditions and functioning for institutionalized older individuals developing depression. They also point to the importance of providing opportunities for interaction among institutionalized individuals.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asres Bedaso ◽  
Jon Adams ◽  
Wenbo Peng ◽  
David Sibbritt

Abstract Background Pregnancy is a time for women in which the need for social support is crucial. Social support reduces stressors and improves the emotional and physical well-being of pregnant women. Women receiving low social support during pregnancy are at risk of substances use, developing mental illness, and adverse birth outcomes. The current study aims to determine the prevalence and determinants of low social support during pregnancy among Australian women. Methods Data were obtained from the 1973–1978 cohort of Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) and those who report being pregnant (n = 493) were included in the current analyses. Social support was assessed using Medical Outcomes Study Social Support index (MOSS). A logistic regression model was applied to identify determinants of low social support, separately for each MOSS domain. Result The study found that 7.1% (n = 35) of pregnant women reported low social support. Significant determinants of low emotional support were non-partnered (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.27, 14.99), difficulty managing on available income (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.18, 8.32), experiencing depressive symptoms (AOR = 8.5, 95% CI: 3.29, 22.27) and anxiety symptoms (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.26, 7.03). Significant determinants of low affectionate support were suffering from depressive symptoms (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 1.59, 17.99), having anxiety symptoms (AOR: 6.9, 95% CI: 2.21, 22.11) and being moderately/very stressed (AOR: 3, 95% CI: 1.17, 7.89). Significant determinants of low tangible support were difficulty managing available income (AOR = 3, 95% CI: 1.29, 6.95), and being depressed (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.48, 5.34). Conclusion The study revealed that 7.1% of pregnant women reported low social support. Having a mental health problems, being stressed, being from low socio-economic status and being non-partnered were significant determinants of low social support during pregnancy. Maternal health professionals and policymakers can use this information to screen pregnant women at risk of receiving low social support and improve the level of support being provided.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. e12351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barnabas K. Natamba ◽  
Saurabh Mehta ◽  
Jane Achan ◽  
Rebecca J. Stoltzfus ◽  
Jeffrey K. Griffiths ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yushi Mo ◽  
Wenjie Gong ◽  
Joyce Wang ◽  
Xiaoqi Sheng ◽  
Dong R Xu

BACKGROUND Antenatal care smartphone apps are increasingly used by pregnant women, but studies on their use and impact are scarce. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the use of antenatal care apps in pregnant women and explores the association between the use of these apps and antenatal depression. METHODS This study used a convenient sample of pregnant women recruited from Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital in November 2015. The participants were surveyed for their demographic characteristics, use of antenatal care apps, and antenatal depression. Factors that influenced antenatal pregnancy were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS Of the 1304 pregnant women, 71.31% (930/1304) used antenatal care apps. Higher usage of apps was associated with urban residency, nonmigrant status, first pregnancy, planned pregnancy, having no previous children, and opportunity to communicate with peer pregnant women. The cutoff score of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was 10, and 46.11% (601/1304) of the pregnant women had depression. Logistic regression showed that depression was associated with the availability of disease-screening functions in the apps (odds ratio (OR) 1.78, 95% CI 1.03-3.06) and spending 30 minutes or more using the app (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.19-3.52). Using apps with social media features was a protective factor for antenatal depression (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12-0.89). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of the use of prenatal care apps in pregnant women is high. The functions and time spent on these apps are associated with the incidence of antenatal depression.


2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110001
Author(s):  
Esra’ O Taybeh

Background: The magnitude of postpartum depression in Jordan is under documented, and little is known about its potential sociodemographic and clinical correlates. Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors associated with postpartum depression among Jordanian mothers in the first 18 months after delivery. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from April to June 2020 in Jordan. A web-based survey was used for recruiting eligible participants. An Arabic version of the validated self-administered Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire was used to measure postpartum depression with a cut-off score of ⩾12 which indicates probable depression. Results: A total of 1,071 Jordanian women participated in the study. Of those, 567 women had postpartum depression (52.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that postpartum depression was significantly associated with marital conflict (OR: 4.91; 95% CI: 2.36–10.20), negative attitude from the pregnancy (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.45–0.99), unplanned pregnancies (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.16–2.60), lack of social support (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.12–3.32), time from last delivery (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98–1.00), insomnia (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.35–0.82), and depression during the pregnancy (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.33–0.78). Most of the participants (65.7%) sought social support to avoid, reduce, or treat postpartum depression. Conclusions: Postpartum depression among Jordanian women was the highest in comparison to that of women in other countries in the region. Therefore, screening for the presence of depressive symptoms should be implemented during regular pregnancy care visits. Social support should be encouraged in order to avoid, reduce, or treat postpartum depression.


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