Search

OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence and associated factors, and experience of women about screening for postnatal depression in Kuwait. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in which a sample 158 women who had recently attended obstetric clinics in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait was included. Data were collected during January 2021 to the last week of May 2021 using a validated questionnaire comprising of two parts, sociodemographic part also including questions about COVID-19, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The questionnaire was distributed through healthcare providers to the eligible women who had recently given birth in Kuwait. Women were also snowballed through those who answered the questionnaire. The statistical significance of observed differences between variables was analyzed using the Chi-squared test. RESULTS: Postnatal depression was found in 31 (19.6%), highly possible in 23 (14.6%), and probable in 52 (32.9%) women in our study. A large proportion of the women (105 or 66.5%) said that they were not aware of a screening process for postnatal depression, whereas only 5.7% said that they had been screened for it. In the sample, 97 (65.1%) women who were not screened had Postnatal depression (P

Objective: The goal of this study is to investigate the potential association between gestational anemia and antenatal depression in pregnant women. Methods: It is a case–control study consisting of 684 pregnant women under 18 years recruited in different tertiary care hospitals, in Lahore, between June 2023 and December 2023. Utilizing an online questionnaire, data collection encompassed demographics, dietary habits, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Pregnant women with antenatal hemoglobin (Hb) levels above and below 11.0 g/dL were categorized as a nonanemic and anemic group. Statistical analysis involved Chi-square tests to explore the relationships between gestational parameters and maternal factors. Findings: The depression scores of anemic and nonanemic pregnant women compare two groups of pregnant women based on their Hb levels: those with Hb

Perinatal depression often goes undetected and untreated in low- and middle-income countries like China. Reliable screening tools can improve this situation. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), two widely used tools, often exhibit inconsistent factor structures, leading to debates regarding their unidimensionality versus multidimensionality and casting doubts on their psychometric properties. Our study aimed to assess the utility of PHQ-9 and EPDS in Chinese perinatal women and to address the debate by employing the bifactor model and item response theory (IRT). We enrolled 2939 perinatal women from a maternity and infant health hospital serving all 16 districts of Shanghai. The bifactor model was used to examine the factor structure of PHQ-9 and EPDS, while IRT analysis evaluated the psychometric properties. The indices derived from the bifactor model indicated that both PHQ-9 and EPDS should be used as unidimensional measurements. All items in PHQ-9 and EPDS showed adequate discriminative ability and difficulty, but certain items require further refinement. PHQ-9 demonstrated better measurement precision at high levels of latent depression than EPDS. These findings might not generalize to perinatal women in impoverished areas. The absence of clinical diagnoses limited the exploration of sensitivity and specificity. PHQ-9 and EPDS are effective tools for detecting depression in Chinese perinatal women and should be used as unidimensional tools. Our study expands upon existing psychometric findings related to PHQ-9 and EPDS, offering valuable insights for their application in research and clinical settings. • PHQ-9 can screen for Chinese perinatal depression, but items 3 and 5 need improvement. • PHQ-9 and EPDS are unidimensional; group factors aren't independent enough to generate subdimension scores. • The item response theory metrics reveal that PHQ-9 showed better measurement precision at high latent trait levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress and negative mood in pregnancy have been linked to less favorable birth outcomes, but the mechanisms underlying this effect remain largely unknown. We examined associations between emotions in pregnancy, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, MCP-1, MIP-1β, TNF-α) and birth outcomes (gestational age at birth and birth weight) in a low-risk sample. At each trimester of pregnancy, participants (N = 74) completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Perceived Stress Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. They provided blood samples in the third trimester. Multivariate regression with a reduction of dimensionality (orthogonal projection to latent structures) was used to assess associations between maternal emotions, cytokine levels, and birth outcomes. We found significant positive associations between negative mood (depressive symptoms in the second and third trimesters and negative affect in the third trimester) and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels, and negative associations between maternal distress in the second and third trimesters and pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine ratios (IFN-γ/IL-10, TNF-α/IL-10 and IL-6/IL-10). Higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-17, and TNF-α were associated with younger gestational age at birth and lower birth weight. We did not control for relevant factors such as social support, health-related behaviors, or cortisol levels. Negative mood in mid- and late pregnancy may shift cytokine balance toward the anti-inflammatory cytokine dominance. Our results provide further evidence for the negative association between pro-inflammatory cytokines in late pregnancy and gestational age at birth/birth weight, which we observed even in a low-risk population. • Negative mood shifts cytokine balance to the anti-inflammatory cytokine dominance. • Negative mood predicted higher levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. • Negative mood predicted lower pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine ratios. • Higher IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-17, TNF-α levels predicted younger gestational age at birth. • Higher IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-17, TNF-α levels predicted lower birth weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of depression that affects new mothers within the first year after childbirth. PPD can negatively impact both the mother’s quality of life and the child’s development. Untreated PPD can lead to adverse outcomes, such as infant growth retardation, poor child survival, impaired development, and undernutrition. The burden of PPD is a significant public health concern, with a global prevalence increase of 18.4% from 2005 to 2015. Early detection and intervention of PPD can mitigate the severity and chronicity of symptoms. Aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PPD among mothers in an urban area of Kolkata and identify any influencing factors. Materials and Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional design, surveying 189 mothers within the postpartum period of 6 weeks to 1 year. Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale was used to identify possible PPD. Results: About 29% of the women had probable PPD, 19% had possible depression, and 15% had no depression. Factors associated with depression included low birth weight and primiparity, while financial independence served as a protective factor. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that low-birth-weight babies, marital conflict, lack of support at home, and primiparity had higher odds of depression, whereas financial independence was a protective factor. Age was not statistically significant. Conclusion: A high prevalence of PPD and significant associations with factors emphasized the importance of screening all mothers for PPD, providing medical care and counselling, and ensuring acceptance and support from partners, family, and society.

Background: Postpartum psychosis (PP) is a psychological emergency requiring rapid intervention, hospitalization and psychiatric management. However, PP has been neglected in the postpartum literature. Understanding the detrimental consequences of childhood trauma across mother's life span is crucial to prevent this serious condition. The study's objectives were to demonstrate the relationship between childhood trauma and postpartum psychotic experiences (PPEs) and to look over the mediating role of postnatal depression (PD) and anxiety (PA) in this relationship. Methods: This cross-sectional study, which enrolled 438 postpartum females 4–6 weeks after delivery (mean age: 31.23 ± 5.24 years), was carried out from September 2022 to June 2023. The Arabic validated versions of the Postpartum Psychotic Experiences Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale, and the Child Abuse Self Report Scale were used. Results: Both PD and PA partially mediated the correlation between psychological abuse and PPEs, and fully mediated the association between neglect and PPEs. Higher psychological abuse and neglect were significantly associated with higher PD (Beta = 1.11) and PA (Beta = 3.94), higher PD (Beta = 0.84) and PA (Beta = 0.26) were significantly associated with higher PPEs in both models, whereas greater child psychological abuse (Beta = 1.37) (but not neglect) was directly and strongly correlated with higher PPEs in all models. Conclusion: The significant mediating effect of PA and PD on the association between childhood adversities and PPEs among postpartum females may offer additional therapeutic avenues to help attenuate various postpartum mental health issues and their potential serious risks on both mother and child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between the frequency of eating ready-made meals (RMM) or eating out (EO) during pregnancy and postpartum depression remains unclear. We aimed to explore the association between the frequency of RMM or EO use during pregnancy and the incidence of postpartum depression. This study included 639 community-dwelling pregnant women who were recruited between 2019 and 2022. Data on the frequency of RMM and EO use, as well as sociodemographic, economic and lifestyle factors, were obtained using self-administered questionnaires. Data on dietary intake were obtained using a validated brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. Postpartum depression was assessed using the Japanese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The incidence of postpartum depression (EPDS score of ≥9) based on the frequency of RMM or EO use was analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis. After adjusting for potential confounders, there was limited evidence suggesting an association between consuming RMM 3 times/week or more and the likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression, with an adjusted OR (aOR) and 95 % CI (95 % CI) of 4·16 and 1·68–10·27 (P for trend = 0·017) compared with consuming RMM less than 1 time/week. There was no evidence for an association between consuming EO 3 times/week or more and postpartum depression (aOR: 1·20, 95 % CI: 0·14, 10·04 and P for trend = 0·283). Accordingly, the present study presented weak evidence of an association between RMM and postpartum depression. Further studies with large and diverse samples are needed to overcome any potential selection bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Design Methods Results Conclusions Impact Reporting Method Patient or Public Contribution To describe Syrian refugee women's experiences of the barriers to access mental health services for postpartum depression (PPD).A descriptive qualitative study was conducted.Fifteen purposefully selected Syrian refugee women who scored ≥10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale participated in the semi‐structured telephone interviews. Transcripts were coded verbatim and analysed thematically according to the dimensions of Levesque's model of patient‐centred access to healthcare. Data were collected between August 2022 and February 2023.Five themes with 14 subthemes were identified: (1) approachability covered lack of knowledge and misconceptions related to PPD and its treatment, lack of awareness of available psychosocial services and perceived need of mental health treatment; (2) acceptability comprised being a refugee, stigma of mental illness, cultural preferences of healthcare provider and language barrier; (3) availability and accommodation encompassed transportation barrier and location of the centre, no support for childcare and lack of time; (4) affordability included financial difficulties and health insurance coverage; (5) appropriateness comprised no screening for PPD and intermittent services with limited focus on mental health.The findings of this study reveal that Syrian refugee women experienced multi‐faceted complex barriers to access mental health services for PPD. It is important for health professionals, including nurses, and policymakers to address the cultural mental health needs of this population and establish strategies to protect their legal and health rights.Our study has important practice and policy implications for establishing strategies designed specifically for refugee mothers to mitigate their perceived barriers to PPD treatment and ultimately improve their mental health.The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research was used.No patient or public contribution. Participants were Syrian refugee women with PPD symptoms and contributed only to the interviews and member checking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the researchers of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of care given in line with Levine's conservation model in reducing the risk of postpartum depression. There were 56 participants in the experimental group and 56 participants in the control group. To reduce postpartum depression, a nursing care program was created by examining the theoretical structure of Levine's Conservation Model. Seven home visits were paid and a nursing care program was implemented. The first four home visits were paid once a week and the remaining three home visits were paid every 15 days. The women were given trainings on different subjects during each home visits. All the trainings were given in accordance with each conservation model. During the fourth home visit, the researcher who was a Pilates instructor taught the puerperae how to do Pilates exercises by demonstrating the exercises. It was determined that in the puerperae in the experimental group, sleep quality improved, that their postpartum fatigue decreased and energy increased, and that their risk of developing postpartum depression decreased. Holistic care given based on Levine's Conservation model improves symptoms of insomnia, fatigue and depression in postpartum women. Levine's Conservation model can be used in routine care to reduce physical, psychological and social problems experienced by women in the postpartum period. Highlights: • Nursing interventions can prevent the risk of developing postpartum depression by detecting women with postpartum depressive symptoms in the early period. • Holistic nursing care given for 3 months under the guidance of Levine's Conservation Model reduced the risk of developing depression by eliminating the insomnia and fatigue of the puerperal women. • Training on breastfeeding, hygiene, nutrition and pilates exercises given to women with postpartum depressive symptoms and keeping a diary relieved women psychologically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of postpartum depression has been linked to fluctuations in the levels of neurotransmitters in the human body, such as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (Norepinephrine, NE), and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Research has indicated that the antidepressant effect of esketamine are mediated by monoamine transmitters and neurotrophic factors. Therefore, we postulate that intravenous administration of esketamine in patients with postpartum depression may alter the serum concentrations of these neurotransmitters. Methods: Three hundred fifteen patients with postpartum depression were selected and divided into two groups based on randomized numerical expression: esketamine (E) group (0. 25 mg/kg esketamine) and control (C) group (a same volume of 0.9% saline), all the drugs were pumped for 40 min. After the end of drug pumping, all patients were continuously observed for 2 h. Changes in serum levels of 5-HT, DA, NE, BDNF were recorded before drug administration and on the 3rd day after drug administration. The scores of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were calculated before drug administration, and on the 3rd day and on the 30th day after drug administration. Dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and feeling of detachment occurred were recorded within 2 h after drug administration. Results: Before drug administration, the serum concentrations of 5-HT,DA,BDNF,NE in Group E and Group C were namely (0. 91 ± 0. 19 vs. 0. 98 ± 0. 21, P = 0. 181), (2. 38 ± 0. 35 vs. 2. 32 ± 0. 32, P = 0. 491), (3. 07 ± 0. 89 vs 3. 02 ± 0. 88, P = 0. 828), (39. 79 ± 7. 78 vs 41. 34 ± 10. 03, P = 0. 506). On the third day post-medication, the serum concentrations of 5-HT,DA,BDNF,NE in Group E and Group C were namely (1. 42 ± 0. 35 vs. 0. 96 ± 0. 24, P < 0. 001), (3. 99 ± 0. 17 vs. 2. 41 ± 0. 28, P < 0. 001),(5. 45 ± 0. 81 vs 3. 22 ± 0. 76, P < 0. 001),(44. 36 ± 9. 98 vs 40. 69 ± 11. 75, P = 0. 198). Before medication, the EPDS scores were (16. 15 ± 3. 02 vs 17. 85 ± 3. 89, P = 0. 064). on the third day after medication, the Group E had significantly reduced scores (12. 98 ± 2. 39 vs 16. 73 ± 3. 52, P < 0. 001). On the 30rd day after medication, EPDS scores between the two groups were (16. 34 ± 3. 43 vs 16. 91 ± 4. 02, p = 0. 203). Within 2 h of medication, the rate of adverse events was similar between the two groups. Conclusions: Small doses of esketamine can increase the serum concentration of 5-HT,DA,BDNF, and in the short term, decrease EPDS scores, and improve postpartum depressive symptoms. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300078343, 2023/12/05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To construct a postpartum depression risk prediction model for multi - ethnic population in Yunnan Province of China, and identify predictive factors. Methods Women who were 42 days and within 1 year after childbirth were screened, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS M 9) was used for postpartum depression. 52 influencing factors from economics, social psychology, obstetrics, neonatology, spouse and family dynamics and other characteristics were included in the survey. A random forest algorithm was employed to construct a predictive model for postnatal depression risk in the multi 一 ethnic population of Yunnan Province. The model was evaluated on test sets with accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Area Under Curve, AUC) to assess its performance. Results A total of 459 women were analyzed, with a postpartum depression detection rate of 11. 55%. Among them, the detection rates for Han, Zhuang and other ethnic minorities were 7. 56%, 13. 94% and 13.92%, respectively. The top 14 variables in terms of importance scores were: anxiety, history of previous negative emotions, marital relationship, family support level, physical and mental exhaustion in caring for newborns, pregnancy risk classification, mother - infant rooming - in, feeding mode, education level, spouse's education level, frequency of nighttime newborn care, ethnicity, parity and age. The accuracy was 92.74%, specificity was 95. 50%, sensitivity was 69.23%, positive predictive value was 64. 29%, negative predictive value was 96. 36%, and the AUC value was 0. 925, using Han, Zhuang, and other ethnic minorities as validation sets respectively. The model also demonstrated good stability. Conclusion The random forest algorithm 一 based postpartum depression risk prediction model for the multi 一 ethnic population in Yunnan performed well, which can be utilized to predict risk factors for postpartum depression among women in minority ethnic areas, thereby facilitating targeted intervention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Empirical evidence has demonstrated associations between pre-pregnancy obesity and perinatal maternal depressive symptoms. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid derived from dietary sources that is critical for fetal brain development. Pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with higher omega-3 intake, but a weaker association between dietary intake and respective maternal and cord blood omega-3 levels. Further, lower intake of omega-3 during pregnancy has been linked to higher depressive symptoms. Yet, prior studies have not examined the interactive effects of pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity (OWOB) and prenatal maternal mental health symptoms on infant cord blood omega-3 levels. Methods: Participants included 394 maternal-infant dyads from the NIH Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) - Safe Passage Study in South Dakota. A pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) > 25 was used to dichotomize participants as OWOB (54%) vs. non-OWOB (46%). Prenatal maternal depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and prenatal maternal anxiety symptoms were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). We implemented linear regression models to examine the interaction term between pre-pregnancy BMI category and prenatal maternal mental health symptoms on cord blood omega-3 levels. Secondary analyses were stratified by pre-pregnancy BMI category. Results: We observed a significant interaction between pre-pregnancy BMI category and prenatal maternal depressive symptoms with cord blood omega-3 (F(4,379) = 6.21, p <.0001, adj. R2 = 0.05). Stratified models revealed an association between prenatal maternal depressive symptoms with lower cord blood omega-3 levels only among individuals with pre-pregnancy OWOB (β = -0.06, 95% CI = -0.11, -0.02; F (2,208) = 4.00, p <.05, adj R2 = 0.03). No associations were observed among non-OWOB participants. Conclusions: Findings suggest maternal-placental transfer of omega-3 may represent one pathway by which maternal metabolic and mental health impacts infant development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the benefits of physical activity (PA) on mental well‐being are well established, the vulnerability of women during pregnancy and the postpartum period poses challenges in studying the effects of PA on postpartum depression (PPD). This study investigated the association between total and domain‐specific PA levels during pregnancy and postpartum depressive symptoms. The study included 105 healthy pregnant women whose PA status was evaluated by the Serbian version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire during Pregnancy (PPAQ‐SRB) and their postpartum mental health by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the independent relationship between PPAQ‐SRB scores and the prediction of the PPD symptom occurrence. Our analysis revealed that the development of PPD symptomatology was associated with a lower "Total PPAQ‐SRB score" (odds ratio (OR) 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.70–0.93]; p = 0.03) and "Total Activity score" (OR 0.82; 95% CI [0.71–0.93]; p = 0.03) as well as lower scores of light‐intensity PA (OR 0.81; 95% CI [0.69–0.96]; p = 0.013), moderate‐intensity PA (OR 0.82; 95% CI [0.71–0.94]; p = 0.005), "Household/care" (OR 0.85; 95% CI [0.73–0.98]; p = 0.028), and "Occupational" activities (OR 0.80; 95% CI [0.78–0.95]; p = 0.012). Lower levels of light‐to‐moderate‐intensity household and occupational activities appeared to increase the risk of PPD, indicating the importance of circumstances under which PA is performed. Hence, our findings indicate that PA during pregnancy can mitigate mood disorders in postpartum mothers. Moreover, reduced participation in light‐to‐moderate‐intensity household and occupational activities seemed to increase the risk of PPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusion Antenatal depression is the most prevalent pregnancy‐associated mental health disorder. Previous studies have identified several risk factors for antenatal depression, including partner support. However, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, many relationship dynamics changed. This study examined the extent to which relationship factors had an impact on antenatal depression in comparison with other well‐researched factors in the context of the pandemic.A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the P3 Cohort in Calgary, a longitudinal cohort study based in Alberta, Canada. Pregnant people (n = 872) completed self‐report questionnaires and validated scales about sociodemographic, psychological, and relationship characteristics. Antenatal depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of reported characteristics on antenatal depression. Tests of model fit were used to examine whether the inclusion of variables related to relationship quality improved model fit after accounting for other known risk factors.Overall, 18.23% of participants experienced antenatal depression. Relationship factors including relationship unhappiness (OR = 1.98 [95% CI: 1.06–3.69]), having an upsetting partner (OR = 2.00 [95% CI: 1.17–3.40]), and having a lower quality of relationships with close friends and family (OR = 1.76 [95% CI: 1.14–2.73]) were associated with antenatal depression; however, inclusion of these relationship factors did not improve model fit after accounting for other known predictors.Overall, relationship factors were not associated with antenatal depression during the pandemic after accounting for other known risk factors. Stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic may have overshadowed the impact of relationship factors, or relationship factors may have contributed to higher levels of stress and anxiety more generally within our sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse birth outcomes remain challenging public health problems in China. Increasing evidence indicated that prenatal depression and anxiety are associated with adverse birth outcomes, highlighting the importance and severity of prenatal depression and anxiety in China. The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to further exacerbate prenatal mental health problems and increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess and compare the impacts of prenatal mental health issues on birth outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ma'anshan, Anhui, China. Participants in this study were women who visited local maternal and child health hospitals in Ma'anshan, Anhui, China. Two independent sets of individual maternal data (npre-pamdemic = 1148; npandemic = 2249) were collected. Prenatal depression and anxiety were measured online using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Adverse birth outcomes were determined using hospital-recorded infant birth weight and gestational age at delivery. In this study, we found that the pandemic cohort had lower mean EPDS and GAD-7 scores than the pre-pandemic cohort. The prevalence of prenatal depression (14.5%) and anxiety (26.7%) among the pandemic cohort were lower than the pre-pandemic cohort (18.6% and 36.3%). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of adverse birth outcomes comparing the two cohorts. Prenatal depression was associated with small gestational age only in the pandemic cohort (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.00–1.19, p = 0.042). Overall, this study highlighted an association between prenatal depression and small for gestational age in Anhui, China. Addressing prenatal depression may thus be key in improving birth outcomes. Future studies could focus on potential causal relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this paper is to delve into the emotional and psychological challenges that fathers face as they navigate the complexities of having a preterm infant in the NICU and in an unprecedented sanitary context. Methods: We used three data collection methods such as interviews (narrative and the Clinical Interview for Parents of High-risk Infants-CLIP) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the cases. Results: The following analysis explores two individuals' personal experiences of becoming a first-time father during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic through a close examination of two superordinate themes: "A series of separations through the experienced COVID-19 restrictions" and "Moments of connection." The transition to fatherhood is essentially with a medicalized form of connection with their newborn and the perceived paternal identity. In terms of temporality, these fathers experienced a combination of concerns about their infants' long-term development and COVID-19 health concerns. Furthermore, they showed indications of phobic or hypochondriac tendencies using a psychoanalytic framework, along with an increased risk of postpartum depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Postpartum depression (PPD) represents a significant challenge to maternal and child health. Early screening for PPD is essential to ensure appropriate treatment and support. The present study aimed to assess whether maternal prepartum anaemia influences the likelihood of developing PPD within 3 days after delivery. Methods: In collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry, a prospective observational study was carried out at the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department of the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" in Naples. A total of 211 full-term pregnant women were enrolled, and their predelivery haemoglobin value was recorded. Women with gestational diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, intellectual disability, or pre-existing diagnosis of psychotic spectrum disorder were excluded. Participants provided written informed consent to fill out the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) 3 days after delivery. EPDS cut-off score of ≥ 10 was used to identify women at risk of developing PPD. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test, the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, and linear regression. Results: The participants were categorized into 2 groups based on EPDS scores: EPDS < 10 (176 patients) or EPDS ≥ 10 (35 patients). The two groups showed homogeneity in terms of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. The mean haemoglobin values of anaemic pregnant women in the EPDS ≤ 10 group (11.78 ± 1.39 g/dl) and the EPDS > 10 group (11.62 ± 1.27 g/dl) were not significantly different (p = 0.52). There was no significant correlation between the predelivery haemoglobin value and the EPDS postpartum score of < 10 or ≥ 10. The Wilcoxon Rank Sum test and the estimated coefficients of the linear regression model did not show any statistical relationship between continuous and binary haemoglobin values. Conclusions: Our study found that maternal prepartum anaemia did not negatively impact the likelihood of developing postpartum depressive symptoms, in the first 3 days after delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: It was reported that maternal-infant bonding failure predicts abusive parenting. Maternal-infant bonding is important to prevent child abuse. This study aimed to investigate the association between prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, cortisol, and oxytocin levels, and postnatal maternal–infant bonding. Methods: The participants completed a self-report prenatal questionnaire that included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in the second trimester. Blood and saliva were collected in the second trimester. Cortisol levels were measured in plasma, while oxytocin levels were measured in saliva. Postnatal questionnaires, including the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS), were administered at 2–5 days, 1 month, and 3 months postpartum. Multiple linear regression and generalized estimating equation (GEE) were conducted for analysis. Results: Sixty-six primiparas participated in the study. Prenatal depressive symptoms (EPDS ≥ 9) and anxiety (STAI-S ≥ 42) were observed in 21.2% and 28.8% of the participants, respectively. The median cortisol and oxytocin levels were 21.0 µg/dL and 30.4 pg/mL, respectively. Multivariate linear regression showed that postnatal social support, prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and salivary oxytocin levels predicted MIBS scores at 2–5 days postpartum. At 1 month postpartum, household income, history of miscarriage, postnatal social support, and prenatal anxiety predicted MIBS scores. At 3 months postpartum, only postnatal social support predicted MIBS scores. The results of GEE showed that prenatal anxiety, oxytocin levels, postpartum period, household income, and postpartum social support were associated with MIBS scores. Conclusion: Prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and lower salivary oxytocin levels were predicted to worsen maternal–infant bonding at 2–5 days postpartum. Prenatal anxiety was predicted to cause the same 1 month postpartum. Measuring prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and salivary oxytocin levels may render the assessment of the risk of maternal–infant bonding failure during the early postpartum period and intervene during pregnancy possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the association between partner support for women's antidepressant treatment and depressive symptoms in pregnant women, those planning pregnancy, and mothers who ever used antidepressants. Methods: We included 334 women (n=44 planners, n=182 pregnant, n=108 mothers) ever treated with antidepressants within the HEALTHx2 study, a web-based cross-sectional study conducted across Norway in June 2020 to June 2021. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and two questions of the Patient Health Questionnaire measured depressive symptoms, by degree of severity and for depressed mood, anxiety, and anhedonia sub-dimensions. Partner support was measured using one item from the Antidepressant Compliance Questionnaire. Association was estimated via unadjusted and adjusted linear and logistic regression models. Results: Being unsupported by the partner was associated with increased odds of reporting moderate-to-very-severe depressive symptoms in mothers (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 3.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–12.19) and pregnant women (aOR, 3.26; 95% CI, 0.95–11.14), relative to being supported. Pregnant women (adjusted mean difference (β), 0.76; 95% CI, 0.14–1.38) and mothers (β, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.23–1.64) with no support for their antidepressant treatment presented greater symptoms of anhedonia; for women planning pregnancy, this association emerged in relation to anxiety symptoms (β among non-users of antidepressant, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.04–4.13). Conclusions: Partner support for women's antidepressant treatment may play a key role in depressive symptoms severity and the subtypes of anhedonia and anxiety, among women planning pregnancy, pregnant women, and mothers. This highlights the importance of partner inclusion in the complex decision-making process for antidepressant treatment around the time of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The postpartum period is a critical phase in which postpartum women experience dynamic changes in their physiology, psychology, and family status. Objective: This study investigated the changes in women's quality of life (QoL) during the first, third, and sixth months of the postpartum period and their associated factors. Methods: A single-group repeated-measure design was used to collect data from 282 postpartum women recruited from a regional hospital in Taiwan. We used the brief World Health Organization Quality of Life scale, Social Support Scale, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess postpartum women's quality of life, social support, and postpartum depressive symptoms, respectively. The data were analyzed using trajectory analysis and generalized estimating equations. Results: The trajectory analysis indicated that postpartum women could be categorized into low, medium, and high QoL groups. Although the medium and high QoL groups maintained stable QoL levels, the low QoL group experienced a linear decrease in QoL over time. Moreover, the determinants of postpartum women's QoL were immigrant status, employment status, family type, social support, and postpartum depression. Conclusions: Health care providers should assess these determinants of postpartum QoL in perinatal women to identify those at risk of low postpartum quality of life. Early assessment and intervention by health care providers could significantly improve the health status of women after childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To describe the changes in moderate‐to‐late preterm infants' (MLPIs) growth during 12 months of corrected age (CA) and to examine the predictive role of NICU‐related stress, postpartum depression trajectory and family coping ability on the physical developmental trajectory of MLPIs. Design: A prospective longitudinal study. Methods: There were 237 mother–infant dyads with at least two follow‐up data records included. General characteristics and NICU‐related stress were recorded from medical records at baseline. Infants' physical growth was measured at 40 weeks, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months CA during outpatient follow‐up. Maternal postpartum depressive symptoms and family coping ability were assessed by questionnaires at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months CA and 1 month CA respectively. We investigated the modifiable factors inside and outside of NICU on the trajectories of physical growth in the first year in MLPIs, mainly by using latent growth curve models with time‐varying covariates. Results: The curved trajectories of weight, length and head circumference in the first year in MLPIs demonstrated gradually slowed growth rates and these infants were above the WHO growth standards for the same age and sex. The latent growth curve models indicated that more NICU‐related stress was negatively associated with the weight and length at 40 weeks CA, and family coping ability (parent–child relationship) at 1 month CA was associated with the growth rate of weight. Besides, more NICU‐related stress predicted faster length growth rate. The infants of mothers who were in the group of high‐level postpartum depression trajectory had a slower growth rate of head circumference. Conclusions: Our study identified the modifiable factors along the care continuum influencing the trajectory of MLPIs' physical growth. Nurses should receive more training about infant stress measurement and family‐centred care to work in partnership with parents so that MLPIs can reach their full developmental potential. Also, multidisciplinary interventions including stress reduction strategies, close psychological monitoring and education improving parent–infant relationships should be further developed to achieve optimizing growth in the first year of MLPIs. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: It is recommended that nurses pay attention to the long‐term physical growth status of MLPIs, and closely support their families. Quantifying NICU‐related stress and developing reduction strategies should be the priority for clinical staff during hospitalization. After discharge, persistent screening of depressive symptoms, psychological intervention and education about the parent–child relationship need to be included in the follow‐up visits. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. The study only included patients who were research participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What Is Known about the Subject?: One in five mothers and birthing parents are affected by postpartum depression (PPD), yet only a small proportion of those with PPD receive treatment.Given cost and accessibility barriers to treatment, brief therapies (e.g. 1 day) could help address PPD on a large scale, though understanding participants' unique experiences with this novel treatment will help guide its refinement and use. What this Paper Adds to Existing Knowledge?: This paper describes the experiences, perspectives and satisfaction of participants who attended a 1‐day workshop for PPD.Participants appreciate being taught practical techniques and the receipt of social support from facilitators and other attendees in the group setting, while some recommended further 'booster sessions' to enhance effectiveness. What Are the Implications for Practice?: One‐day CBT‐based workshops may be an effective, low‐intensity treatment option that provides helpful skills and builds social networks for individuals with PPD.Additional post‐workshop booster sessions may enhance participant satisfaction with this new treatment by providing a reinforcement of their learning and an opportunity to re‐connect with other birthing parents. Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to one in five mothers and birthing parents. Understanding their perceptions of therapeutic interventions is key to their effectiveness and scalability. Aim: The aim of the study was to understand participants' experiences attending an in‐person or online 1‐day cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)‐based workshop for PPD and compare their experiences participating in either modality. Method: This descriptive qualitative study was embedded in two separate randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of 1‐day CBT‐based workshops for PPD delivered in‐person or online. Responses were provided by 94 in‐person and 95 online participants about their experiences. Content analysis was used to code and categorize the data. Results: Participants appreciated learning skills to improve PPD symptoms and joining a community of individuals with shared experiences. Integrating practical coping techniques after the workshop was reported to be most useful, though some wanted additional post‐workshop support. Online participants identified additional barriers to workshop engagement. Discussion: Participants who attended either workshop found them to be valuable and effective. Participants valued psychoeducation, social connections and applying practical CBT techniques. Implications for Practice: One‐day CBT‐based workshops may be an accessible treatment option for individuals with PPD, providing new skills and social support, though some prefer to receive additional post‐workshop support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal / Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal (BAUN Health Sci J) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Insecure and disorganized attachment patterns in children are linked to poor health outcomes over the lifespan. Attachment patterns may be predicted by variables that influence the quality of children's interactions with their primary caregivers/parents (usually mothers) such as prenatal and postnatal exposures and the children's own behaviours in interactions. The purposes of this exploratory study were to examine: (1) prenatal predictors of children's attachment patterns, and (2) postnatal mediators and moderators of associations between prenatal predictors and children's attachment patterns, with adjustment for relevant covariates. Mother–child dyads (n = 214) from the longitudinal Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort were studied using valid and reliable measures. Hayes' mediation analysis was employed to determine direct and indirect effects. Mothers' prenatal cortisol levels directly predicted disorganized (versus organized) child attachment in unadjusted models. Children's passivity (in adjusted models) and compulsivity (in unadjusted and adjusted models) in parent-child interactions mediated the pathway between mothers' prenatal cortisol levels and children's disorganized attachment patterns. Serial mediation analyses revealed that mothers' cortisol levels predicted their children's cortisol levels, which predicted children's compulsivity, and, ultimately, disorganized attachment in both unadjusted and adjusted models. No predictors were correlated with children's insecure (versus secure) attachment. This exploratory research suggests that prenatal exposure to mothers' cortisol levels and children's behavioural contributions to parent–child interaction quality should be considered in the genesis of children's attachment patterns, especially disorganization. Interventions focused on parent-child interactions could also focus on addressing children's behavioral contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HOPE cohort is a Danish nationwide cohort with ongoing follow-up, holding information on postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms and diagnoses on 170,218 childbirths (142,795 unique mothers). These data have been linked with extensive register data on health and socioeconomic information on the mothers, their partners, parents, and children. This cohort profile aimed to provide an overview of the data collection and content, describe characteristics, and evaluate potential selection bias. PPD screenings, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, were collected from 67 of the 98 Danish municipalities, covering the period January 2015 to December 2021. This data was linked with register data on PPD diagnoses (identified through medication prescriptions and hospital contacts) as well as background information. Cohort characteristics were compared to the source population, defined as all childbirths by women residing in Denmark during the same period (452,207 childbirths). Potential selection bias was evaluated by comparing odds ratios of five well-established associations between the cohort and the source population. The HOPE cohort holds information on 170,218 childbirths (38% of the source population) involving 142,795 unique mothers. The HOPE cohort only differed slightly from the source population on most characteristics examined, but larger differences were observed on specific characteristics with an underrepresentation of the youngest and oldest age groups, women with more than three children or twins/triplets, and women born outside Denmark. Similar associations were identified across the two populations within the five well-established associations. There was no indication of selection bias on the five examined associations, and the HOPE cohort is representative of the source population on important perinatal characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAimsMethodsResultsConclusionAlthough the association between a history of infertility treatment and perinatal depression has been investigated, most research has been cross-sectional and has not used diagnostic assessment tools.This study investigates longitudinally the association between a history of infertility treatment and perinatal depression using WHO-Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 (WHO-CIDI 3.0) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).This study used data (N = 2,435) from the control group of a randomised controlled trial on a sample of pregnant women. Survival analysis was used to examine the influence of infertility treatment on perinatal depressive disorder evaluated by WHO-CIDI 3.0. The EPDS scores at four time points (T1 [baseline]: 18 ± 2 weeks gestation, T2: 32 weeks gestation, T3: 1 week postpartum, T4: 3 months postpartum) were analysed using generalised mixed model analysis.The risk of experiencing a major depressive episode evaluated by WHO-CIDI 3.0 did not significantly differ between women conceiving through infertility treatment and those conceiving spontaneously (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.64, p = 0.109). The longitudinal analysis demonstrated that EPDS scores significantly increased at T3 and T4 among women conceiving through infertility treatment compared with those conceiving spontaneously (adjusted estimates of fixed effect from T1 to T3: 1.17, p < 0.01; from T1 to T4: 0.71, p = 0.022).Women conceiving through infertility treatment were not found to have a higher risk of diagnosable perinatal depressive disorder than those conceiving naturally. However, a history of infertility treatment can marginally increase sub-clinical postpartum depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: New mothers and fathers are at risk of developing postnatal depressive problems. To understand how postnatal depressive symptoms unfold over time, analyses at the within-person level are necessary. Inspecting postnatal depressive problems at the symptom level provides a novel perspective, ultimately offering insight into which symptoms contribute to the elevation of other symptoms over time. Methods: Panel graphical vector-autoregression (GVAR) models were applied to analyze the within-person temporal and contemporaneous relations between depressive symptoms across the postnatal period in new mothers and fathers (at T1; Nmothers = 869, Nfathers = 579). Depressive symptoms were assessed at 6-, 12-, and 18-months postpartum, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Results: The results revealed that for mothers, sadness was a key symptom predicting symptom increases in multiple other depressive symptoms and itself (autoregressive effect) over time. Furthermore, anxiousness and feeling scared predicted each other across the postnatal period in mothers. For fathers, the most central predicting symptom in the overall network of symptoms was being anxious, while self-blame and being overwhelmed had strong self-maintaining roles in the fathers' symptomatology, indicating that these could be key features in fathers experiencing postnatal depressive problems. The pattern of symptoms that mothers and fathers experienced within the same time window (contemporaneous associations), shared many of the same characteristics compared to the temporal structure. Conclusions: This study suggests that across the postnatal period, from 6- to 18-months postpartum, depressive symptoms in mothers and fathers contribute differently to the pattern of depressive problems, highlighting sadness as a key feature in maternal symptomatology and anxiousness components in paternal symptomatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression and their associated risk factors throughout the pregnancy and postpartum process using a new screening for the early detection of mental health problems. Design: A prospective cross-sectional descriptive multicentred study. Participants were consecutively enrolled at ≥ 12 weeks' gestation and followed at three different time points: at 12–14 weeks of pregnancy, at 29–30 weeks of pregnancy, and 4–6 weeks postpartum. All women completed a mental screening at week 12–14 of pregnancy consisting of two questions from the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2) and the two Whooley questions. If this screening was positive, the woman completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Setting: Seven primary care centres coordinated by a Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department in the city of Terrassa (Barcelona) in northern Spain. Participants: Pregnant women (N = 335, age 18–45 years), in their first trimester of pregnancy, and receiving prenatal care in the public health system between July 2018 and July 2020. Findings: The most relevant factors associated with positive screening for antenatal depression or anxiety during pregnancy, that appear after the first trimester of pregnancy, are systematically repeated throughout the pregnancy, and are maintained in the postpartum period were: a history of previous depression, previous anxiety, abuse, and marital problems. In weeks 12–14 early risk factors for positive depression and anxiety screening and positive EPDS were: age, smoking, educational level, employment status, previous psychological/psychiatric history and treatment, suicide in the family environment, voluntary termination of pregnancy and current planned pregnancy, living with a partner and partner's income. In weeks 29–30 risk factors were: being a skilled worker, a history of previous depression or anxiety, and marital problems. In weeks 4–6 postpartum, risk factors were: age, a history of previous depression or anxiety or psychological/psychiatric treatment, type of treatment, having been mistreated, and marital problems. Conclusions: Early screening for anxiety and depression in pregnancy may enable the creation of more effective healthcare pathways, by acting long before mental health problems in pregnant women worsen or by preventing their onset. Assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms before and after childbirth and emotional support needs to be incorporated into routine practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is a common prenatal psychological complication. We aimed to investigate if maternal pre-pregnancy diet can impact prenatal depressive symptoms and the mediating role of pre-pregnancy BMI and inflammation. We used data (N 1141) from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition cohort study. We calculated Mediterranean diet adherence (MED) and dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores using data from pre-pregnancy FFQ. In the third-trimester, we assessed depressive symptoms using Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and inflammation through serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. BMI was calculated from self-reported pre-pregnancy weight. Race-stratified analyses (white and people of colour) were run. We observed no association between MED or DII tertiles and depressive symptoms. However, white participants in the MED tertile-3 had lower risk of depression (EPDS < 10) compared with tertile-1 (OR = 0·56, 95 % CI, 0·33, 0·95). White individuals in MED tertile-3 had lower BMI (MD = –1·08; 95 % CI, −1·77, −0·39) and CRP (MD = –0·53; 95 % CI, −0·95, −0·11) than tertile-1, and those in DII tertile-2 (MD = 0·44; 95 % CI, 0·03, 0·84) and tertile-3 (MD = 0·42; 95 % CI, 0·01, 0·83) had higher CRP than tertile-1. Among people of colour, neither MED nor DII was associated with BMI or CRP, but BMI was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (β = –0·25, 95 % CI, −0·43, −0·06). We found no association between diet and depressive symptoms through BMI or CRP, in either race. Pre-pregnancy diet might affect the risk of prenatal depression in a race-specific way. Further research is required to explore the racial differences in the association between maternal diet and prenatal depressive symptoms/depression risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). Methods: We systematically retrieved relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, EMBASE, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese Biological Medical Database, and the Wanfang database from their inception to November 2023. The outcomes measured were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores, adverse events (AEs), and the total response rate. The study aimed to estimate heterogeneity, publication bias, mean difference (MD), and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: This study included 12 RCTs with a total of 1364 participants (571 in the treatment group and 793 in the control group) for analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that EA did not significantly reduce HAMD (MD = 1.49, 95% CI = [−0.30, 3.27], P = 0.1, I² = 0%) and EPDS (MD = 1.12, 95% CI = [−1.62, 3.85], P = 0.42, I² = 32%) scores compared to sham EA among patients with PPD, resulting in low heterogeneity. In terms of the total response rate, the EA group exhibited superior results compared to the placebo group (RR = 1.77, 95% CI = [1.15, 2.74], P = 0.01, I² = 0%) and the sham EA group (RR = 1.2, 95% CI = [1.02, 4.4], P = 0.02, I² = 0%), with statistical significance and low heterogeneity. The incidence of AEs was lower, also with low heterogeneity (RR = 0.9, 95% CI = [0.57, 1.43], P = 0.66, I² = 12%). Conclusion: The current evidence indicates that the effectiveness and safety of EA in the treatment of PPD warrant affirmation. However, EA does not demonstrate superiority over sham EA in reducing HAMD and EPDS scores in patients with PPD. Due to the limited quantity and quality of current research, the above conclusion should be further validated through high-quality studies to confirm the effectiveness of EA in PPD management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify psychological, medical, and socioenvironmental risk factors for maternal postpartum depression (PPD) and severe psychological distress (SPD) at intensive care nursery discharge among mothers of very preterm infants. Study Design We studied 562 self-identified mothers of 641 infants born <30 weeks who were enrolled in the Neonatal Neurobehavior and Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants Study (NOVI) conducted in nine university-affiliated intensive care nurseries. Enrollment interviews collected socioenvironmental data, depression, and anxiety diagnoses prior to and during the study pregnancy. Standardized medical record reviews ascertained prenatal substance use, maternal and neonatal medical complications. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Brief Symptom Inventory were administered at nursery discharge to screen for PPD and SPD symptoms, respectively. Results Unadjusted analyses indicated mothers with positive screens for depression (n = 76, 13.5%) or severe distress (n = 102, 18.1%) had more prevalent prepregnancy/prenatal depression/anxiety, and their infants were born at younger gestational ages, with more prevalent bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and discharge after 40 weeks postmenstrual age. In multivariable analyses, prior depression or anxiety was associated with positive screens for PPD (risk ratio [RR]: 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–2.2) and severe distress (RR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.2). Mothers of male infants had more prevalent depression risk (RR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.4), and prenatal marijuana use was associated with severe distress risk (RR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–2.9). Socioenvironmental and obstetric adversities were not significant after accounting for prior depression/anxiety, marijuana use, and infant medical complications. Conclusion Among mothers of very preterm newborns, these multicenter findings extend others' previous work by identifying additional indicators of risk for PPD and SPD associated with a history of depression, anxiety, prenatal marijuana use, and severe neonatal illness. Findings could inform designs for continuous screening and targeted interventions for PPD and distress risk indicators from the preconception period onward. Key Points Preconceptional and prenatal screening for postpartum depression and severe distress may inform care. Prior depression, anxiety, and neonatal complications predicted severe distress and depression symptoms at NICU discharge. Readily identifiable risk factors warrant continuous NICU screening and targeted interventions to improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perinatal depression (PND) is underdiagnosed in the clinical setting. This study explores the role of obstetricians, and other primary care providers of maternal and child healthcare in detecting, screening, and referring women during the perinatal period identified as depressed, anxious, or exhibiting other symptoms of mental health disorders. Method: Information was gathered from obstetricians (n = 16), and other primary care providers (pediatricians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants) (n = 85), on identifying and supporting childbearing women with symptoms of perinatal depression using an online survey. Results: Statistical comparisons across participant groups were adjusted for years of practice in the profession. Statistically significant differences were noted. Obstetricians inquired more about the mother's social support network (p =.011) and addressed mothers that appeared sad, upset, or unhappy (p =.044) compared to other primary care providers. Other primary care providers were more likely to refer patients to mental health support services (p =.005), provide PND-related information in their waiting rooms (p =.008), and use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) (p =.027). There was also a significant difference in positively identifying eight symptoms of PND between provider groups. Obstetricians had higher rates of identifying the following symptoms: excessive crying (p <.001), feeling little or no attachment to the infant (p <.001), little feeling of enjoyment (p =.021), feelings of failure (p <.001), hopelessness (p <.001), agitation with self and infant (p <.001), fear of being alone with the infant (p =.011), and fear that these symptoms would last (p <.001). Conclusion: Although certain screening practices were performed well, especially by the obstetrician group, screening deficits were noted within each group, and screening practices differed between groups. Training offered to maternal child health primary care providers on addressing perinatal mental health disorders may help improve provider screening practices and detection of PND symptoms in perinatal women. PND screening that combines face-to-face open-ended interviews with standardized screening tools can enhance patient-provider communication, potentially improving PND detection rates and follow-up care in perinatal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infant neurodevelopment in the first years after birth is determined by multiple factors, including parental care and maternal mental wellbeing. In this study, we aim to assess the impact of persistent maternal depressive symptoms during the first 3 months postpartum on infant neurodevelopment at 6 months. Methods: Using a longitudinal cohort design, 1253 mother-infant pairs were followed up at 7, 45, and 90 days to assess postpartum depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); infants were followed up at 6 months to assess neuro-developmental status using the WHO's Infant and Young Child Development (IYCD) tool. A generalized linear regression model was used to assess the association between persistent postpartum depressive symptoms and infant neurodevelopmental delay at 6 months. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with a hospital as a random intercept was used to assess the persistent postpartum depressive symptoms with an IYCD score. Linear regression was used to compare the IYCD scores between exposure groups. Results: In the study population, 7.5% of mothers had persistent depressive symptoms, and 7.5% of infants had neurodevelopmental delay. Infants born to mothers with persistent depressive symptoms had a higher proportion of neurodevelopmental delay than infants born to women without persistent symptoms (48.6% vs 5.1%; p < 0.001). In the adjusted regression model, infants whose mothers had persistent depressive symptoms at 7, 45, and 90 days had a 5.21-fold increased risk of neurodevelopmental delay (aRR, 5.21; 95% CI, 3.17, 8.55). Mean scores in the motor domain (12.7 vs 15.2; p < 0.001) and language domain (6.4 vs 8.5; p < 0.001) were significant when a mother had persistent depression vs. no depression. Mean scores in the general behavioral domain (5.9 vs 10.4, p < 0.001) and the socio-emotional domain (15.4 vs 17.7; p < 0.001) were significantly different when a mother had persistent depression vs no persistent depression. Conclusions: Our results suggest that 6-month-old infants are at higher risk for neurodevelopment delays if their mother reports persistent symptoms of depression from 7 to 90 days postpartum. The neurodevelopmental delay can be observed in all functional domains. Preventive intervention to reduce maternal postpartum depression may reduce the impact on infant developmental delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, the incidence of depression during pregnancy has gradually increased, and the disorder of lipid metabolism in patients with depression is an important research direction. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the correlation between depression during pregnancy and metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: A total of 113 pregnant women diagnosed as depression during pregnancy from November 2019 to January 2022 were selected as the observation group. After excluding 3 cases, 110 cases were finally included. And 102 pregnant women who were not diagnosed as depression during pregnancy in the same period were selected as the control group. After excluding 2 cases, 100 cases were finally included for comparative study. The levels of various parameters, including serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), C-reactive protein (CRP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to evaluate the depression scores of postpartum women. Additionally, the correlation between EPDS scores and clinical indexes was assessed in patients with depression during pregnancy. Results: We observed that the body weight, EPDS score, the proportion of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the observation group exhibited significantly higher levels of TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, FPG, CRP, SBP, and DBP than the control group (p < 0.001). Pearson linear correlation analysis revealed that TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, FPG, CRP, SBP, and DBP levels were positively correlated with EPDS scores (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study indicates a specific correlation between MS and depression during pregnancy, and MS-related indicators are positively correlated with EPDS scores among these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of online questionnaires to assess common mental disorders such as perinatal anxiety has spread due to the proliferation of Internet-based psychological interventions and research. This study analyses the validity and reliability of the online version of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) in a sample of pregnant and postpartum Spanish women. Method: A total of 3082 pregnant (n = 1260) and postpartum (n = 1822) women were recruited via the Internet and underwent three follow-up evaluations during a six-month period. Results: A one-factor solution was assigned by Exploratory Factor Analysis and confirmed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis for both pregnant (CFI = 0.998; RMSEA = 0.035) and postpartum (CFI = 0.998; RMSEA = 0.038) women. The one-factor model showed strict invariance across groups. Validity was confirmed by assessing correlations between GAD-7, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the 10-item Posttraumatic Stress Disorder checklist at three time points. The reliability coefficient was .92 for the two groups. Conclusions: This study shows that the Spanish online GAD-7 version has good psychometric properties and can be used to assess anxiety symptoms during the perinatal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antenatal depression is of utmost concern to public health due to its potential to negatively impact both mother and child health. Less research has been done on it, and it is not receiving enough attention in the study area. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of antenatal depressive symptoms and its associated factors among pregnant mothers in Dessie City administration, Ethiopia. From March 1 to 30, 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 451 pregnant mothers in Dessie City Administration. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPND) was used to assess antenatal depression. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the determinants of depressive symptoms among the women. The proportion of antenatal depressive symptoms was 18.6% with 95% CI [15.1%, 22.2%]. Age greater than 30, monthly income less than 1,500 Ethiopian Birr, history of mental illness family member, a recent intimate partner violence history, death of a close family in recent year, and insomnia were significant factors affecting antenatal depression among pregnant mothers. Depression during pregnancy are high in the study area. Age >30 years, monthly income <1,500 Ethiopian Birr, history of mental illness in the family, experiencing recent intimate partner violence, death of a close family in recent year, and insomnia were independent predictors of depressive symptoms. Considering the integration of mental health services with maternal health care and providing attention to pregnant women during follow-up are recommended actions to reduce depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop a Portuguese-language version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) for clinical and research use in Portugal (PT-BSS-R). The factor structure, its invariance across depression levels, and the internal consistency of the PT-BSS-R were analysed. A sample of 1373 Portuguese-speaking postpartum women completed a sociodemographic and clinical form, the PT-BSS-R, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale through an online survey tool. Four competing models were tested through confirmatory factor analyses and bifactor model-based psychometric indices were calculated. The internal consistency and the divergent/convergent validity are analysed. The psychometric properties of PT-BSS-R were found to be generally excellent. Both the original correlated three-factor model and the bifactor model exhibited a good fit to the data. Results from the bifactor model support the use of both the BSS-R total score and the subscale scores. Exemplary invariance findings were observed between groups stratified on the basis of depression screening. PT-BSS-R has demonstrated both divergent and convergent validity as well as internal consistency. PT-BSS-R is a psychometrically robust measure of birth satisfaction appropriate for clinical and research use in Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to abrupt changes in maternity care, but the impact of these changes has not yet been deeply evaluated. This study aimed to assess the impact of the unexpected changes in maternity care due to the COVID-19 pandemic on postpartum mental health (depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder). A cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted in Spain during the second half of 2020. The eligibility criteria were women≥18 years with a child≤6 months. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Screener (GAD-7) and a subset of the PTSD checklist (PCL-5) were used to assess postpartum mental health. Information regarding sociodemographic characteristics and maternity care changes was collected, and multivariate regression models were used. Among 1781 participants, 29.3% and 33% had clinically significant depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. The most prevalent unexpected changes reported were related to the exclusion of supportive relatives during birth and postpartum. Changes reported during birth showed a minor association with PTSD symptomatology, and those that occurred during the postpartum period were associated with clinical depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms. The unexpected changes in maternity care due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those that occurred during the postpartum period, increased the risk of mental health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of prenatal depression and to determine the dyadic relationship between perceived stress, marital satisfaction, and prenatal depression in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their partners. GDM during pregnancy is a very stressful event for couples. However, previous studies have largely focused on pregnant women, with few including their partners. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou, China, from 30 July to 2 December 2021. Three hundred fourteen couples with GDM completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Locke–Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Dyadic analysis was conducted using the actor–partner interdependence mediation model. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 13.4% in pregnant women with GDM and 8.3% in their partners. Regarding the actor effects, perceived stress was positively associated with prenatal depression in pregnant women with GDM and their partners, respectively, and marital satisfaction acted as a mediating role. Regarding the partner effects, paternal perceived stress was negatively associated with maternal marital satisfaction, and maternal marital satisfaction mediated the association between paternal perceived stress and maternal prenatal depression. Dyadic effects of perceived stress, marital satisfaction, and prenatal depression exist in couples with GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study to determine the prevalence of mother postpartum depression and to examine the association between infant characteristics and postpartum depression in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was conducted in three government teaching hospitals in Jordan. A convenience sample of 188 mothers with hospitalized 188 infants in NICU was recruited. Questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data, which include Infant Demographic Data Questionnaire, Mother Demographic Data Questionnaire and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The study revealed that infant characteristics such as gestational age, medical condition classification, and birth weight are found to be significant factors that influence depression among mothers. Results: The results showed that mothers with infants admitted to NICU experience postpartum depression with a mean of 3.82 and median of 4.04. There were significant differences based on gestational age, birth weight, and classification of medical condition and mothers' postpartum depression. Conclusion: Knowing the relationship of certain infant's characteristics and postpartum depression can help to focus on relevant infant characteristics so that timely interventions to improve mothers' well-being can be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perinatal depression (PPD) presents a significant public health concern, often influenced by psychological and personality factors. This study investigated the impact of personality traits, particularly neuroticism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms on the severity of PPD. The primary aim was to quantify the contributions of these factors to the risk and severity of PPD to enhance early intervention strategies. A total of 47 pregnant women with depressive symptoms per DSM-5 criteria at "Pius Brinzeu" County Emergency Hospital in Timisoara, Romania, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, as well as 49 women without depressive symptoms as controls. Personality traits were assessed using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and OCD symptoms were measured using the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI). Depression severity was evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This set of questionnaires were administered antepartum and postpartum. The logistic regression analysis highlighted neuroticism as a significant predictor of PPD severity, with an increase in neuroticism associated with a higher risk of PPD (coefficient = 0.24, p < 0.001). Conversely, openness showed a protective effect (coefficient = −0.13, p = 0.009). Higher OCD symptomatology, particularly ordering and hoarding, were linked with increased depression scores. Specifically, the total OCI score significantly predicted the EPDS score (coefficient = 0.03, p = 0.003). Furthermore, significant increases in EPDS anxiety and depression scores were observed in the perinatal period, indicating worsening of symptoms (anxiety coefficient = 0.51; p < 0.001). The findings suggest that personality traits like neuroticism and OCD symptoms significantly contribute to the severity of PPD. Interventions targeting these specific traits could potentially mitigate the risk and severity of perinatal depression, underscoring the need for personalized treatment plans that consider these psychological dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• "Be a Mom" is an iCBT tool to manage PPD symptoms and boost postpartum flourishing. • "Be a Mom" is also effective in reducing early-onset symptoms of PPD in at-risk women. • Therapeutic improvements in at-risk women were maintained at a 4-month follow-up. • Higher depression scores at baseline were linked to greater symptom reduction. • Program completers reported a greater reduction in PPD symptoms than noncompleters. This study explored clinical and sociodemographic moderators of treatment response to "Be a Mom", an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) intervention, from baseline to postintervention, in women at high risk for postpartum depression (PPD). The study also assessed the stability of women's treatment gains from baseline to 4-months postintervention (follow-up). This open-label randomized controlled trial (RCT) involved a sample of 1,053 postpartum Portuguese women identified as being at high risk for PPD (i.e., having a score of 5.5 or higher on the Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised); participants were allocated to "Be a Mom" intervention group or a waiting-list control group, and completed self-report measures at baseline, postintervention, and a 4-month follow-up (554 women completed follow-up assessments). Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and flourishing/positive mental health was assessed with the Mental Health Continuum. Regression models and linear mixed models were used to examine moderators of treatment and the mid-term efficacy of the "Be a Mom" intervention, respectively. The results revealed that treatment completion, higher depression scores at baseline, and higher income levels were linked to greater symptom reduction and positive mental health enhancement. Moreover, the efficacy of the "Be a Mom" intervention was supported at the 4-month follow-up. The "Be a Mom" intervention appears to be an effective iCBT tool for reducing psychological distress and enhancing positive mental health in women at risk for PPD, with therapeutic improvements maintained over a 4-month period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy and motherhood are some of the most physically and mentally challenging periods in a woman's life. The aim of current study was to examine aspects of cognitive functions in pregnancy and motherhood that are controversial in the literature. The study included 30 healthy pregnant women aged between 18–40 years in their second and third trimesters, 30 healthy controls (nulliparous and non-pregnant women) and 30 healthy mothers matched with the pregnant women for age, handedness and education level. Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Trail Making, Stroop, Digit Span, Verbal Fluency and Rey Auditory and Verbal Learning Tests (RAVLT) were applied to all participants. The pregnant group showed significantly lower performance in trail making, digit span, verbal fluency as well as RAVLT compared to other two groups suggesting deficiencies in cognitive areas such as attention, set-shifting, planning, learning, language functions, semantic memory, working memory, encoding memory and retrieval. A trend toward increased function in response inhibition was observed in the mothers. Regression analyses revealed that pregnancy significantly decreased performance in verbal fluency, trail making, and RAVLT. Our findings from rigorously selected participants may help comprehend alterations in cognitive functioning during pregnancy and motherhood, as well as shed light on the contradictory literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prenatal and postnatal depression (PND) is associated with adverse outcomes for mother, fetus, and child. The aim of study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and hospital-based survey of 2305 pregnant women and post-partum women (18-48 years) that was registered in the Babol Pregnancy Mental Health Registry (BPMHR) database from June 2020 to March 2021. Two questionnaires, including demographics and depression, were analyzed in this study. Also, the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess the depressive symptoms. Independent t test and the analysis of variance were used to compare the means. Multiple logistic regressions were used to determine risk factors for depressive symptoms. Results: According to the EPDS scale, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 19.8% in the pregnant woman group in comparison with the postpartum period (11.6%). Risk factors for antenatal depressive symptoms were parity (women with parity ≥ 4 vs. 1 parity, ß=1.808, P=0.020), two groups of gestational age (gestational age ≤12 weeks vs. 28 weeks, ß=1.562 P=0.030) as well as (gestational age 21-27 weeks vs. 28 weeks (ß=1.586, P=0.033), and high-risk pregnancy (high-risk vs. low-risk pregnancy, ß=1.457, P=0.003). For postnatal depressive symptoms, none of the factors were a significant risk. Conclusion: Prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms should be screened, particularly for women in the first and second trimesters, with high parity, and those with a high-risk pregnancy, as recommended by the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Women with moderate-severe depressive symptoms in late pregnancy have lower placental QPRT and ACMSD expression. • Low expression of placental IDO and QPRT associates with increased IL-6 levels and QUIN/KYNA ratio in maternal plasma. • Interactions between placental enzyme expression and peripheral cytokine and metabolite patterns differ in depressed women. Perinatal depression (including antenatal-, postnatal-, and depression that spans both timepoints) is a prevalent disorder with high morbidity that affects both mother and child. Even though the full biological blueprints of perinatal depression remain incomplete, multiple studies indicate that, at least for antenatal depression, the disorder has an inflammatory component likely linked to a dysregulation of the enzymatic kynurenine pathway. The production of neuroactive metabolites in this pathway, including quinolinic acid (QUIN), is upregulated in the placenta due to the multiple immunological roles of the metabolites during pregnancy. Since neuroactive metabolites produced by the pathway also may affect mood by directly affecting glutamate neurotransmission, we sought to investigate whether the placental expression of kynurenine pathway enzymes controlling QUIN production was associated with both peripheral inflammation and depressive symptoms during pregnancy. 68 placentas obtained at birth were analyzed using qPCR to determine the expression of kynurenine pathway enzymes. Cytokines and metabolites were quantified in plasma using high-sensitivity electroluminescence and ultra-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) throughout pregnancy and the post-partum. Associations between these factors were assessed using robust linear regression with ranked enzymes. Low placental quinolinate phosphoribosyl transferase (QPRT), the enzyme responsible for degrading QUIN, was associated with higher IL-6 and higher QUIN/kynurenic acid ratios at the 3rd trimester. Moreover, women with severe depressive symptoms in the 3rd trimester had significantly lower placental expression of both QPRT and 2-amino-3-carboxymuconate-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD); impaired activity of these two enzymes leads to QUIN accumulation. Overall, our data support that a compromised placental environment, featuring low expression of critical kynurenine pathway enzymes is associated with increased levels of plasma cytokines and the dysregulated kynurenine metabolite pattern observed in depressed women during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postpartum anemia and iron deficiency are associated with postpartum depression. This study investigated the association between a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) without anemia (which implies early-stage iron deficiency) in early pregnancy and perinatal mental health outcomes. The fixed data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a Japanese nationwide birth cohort, were used. Perinatal mental health was assessed using the Kessler 6-item psychological distress scale (K6) in mid-pregnancy and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 1- and 6-months postpartum. Among the 3635 women with MCVs <85 fL in early pregnancy, the proportions of women with K6 scores ≥13 in mid-pregnancy and EPDS scores ≥9 at 1- and 6-months postpartum were 2.7 %, 12.8 %, and 9.9 %, respectively, compared with the 33,242 women with MCVs ≥85 fL at 1.9 %, 11.9 %, and 9.0 %, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression models showed that an MCV <85 in early pregnancy was associated with a K6 score ≥ 13 in mid-pregnancy and an EPDS score ≥ 9 at 1- and 6-months postpartum (adjusted odds ratio (95 % confidence interval): 1.48 (1.16–1.87), 1.14 (1.01–1.28), and 1.09 (0.95–1.24), respectively). Low MCV values do not necessarily represent iron deficiency. Ferritin, currently the best indicator of iron deficiency, was not measured in the JECS. This study results suggest that a low MCV without anemia in early pregnancy is associated with a slightly increased risk of perinatal mental health deterioration. • MCV in early pregnancy and perinatal mental health was examined in a large cohort. • Low MCV without anemia in early pregnancy slightly declines perinatal mental health. • Iron deficiency should be managed from preconception to ensure maternal mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is highly prevalent and plagues a significant proportion of parents. Postpartum depression also exerts various negative consequences on infant development and parent-infant relationships. Social support is identified as an important factor influencing many parental predictors, and may affect the development of PPD. Objective: This study aimed to investigate how perceived social support can indirectly influence PPD symptoms in parents at 6 months postpartum by influencing postpartum anxiety, parental satisfaction, and parental self-efficacy (PSE). Methods: A secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial was used with a cross-sectional exploratory design. A total of 400 Singaporean parents (200 couples) were included, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships between PPD and potential predictors. Results: Findings revealed a less adequate fit between the hypothesized model and the data collected. Social support was found to be a significant predictor of postpartum anxiety, PSE, and parental satisfaction. Postpartum anxiety was a significant predictor of PPD, but PSE and parental satisfaction were not. Conclusion: This study provides an overview of how different parental predictors may be associated with PPD among Asian parents. Postpartum anxiety significantly predicted PPD, but social support had negative effects on postpartum anxiety, parenting satisfaction, and PSE. The findings provide further insight into how parents at risk of PPD can be identified and demonstrated how social support might negatively impact parental outcomes. More qualitative research with Asian parents is needed to further explain these findings and inform the development of future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression in expectant fathers, its association with marital adjustment and health-promoting behaviors, as well as the mediating role of depression in the association between marital adjustment and health behaviors in men. In the summer of 2022, 200 expectant fathers were selected. The participants completed the questionnaires included demographic information, dyadic adjustment, depression, and health-promoting behaviors. The results showed that depression had a high prevalence (25%) in expectant fathers. Also, marital adjustment predicted 73% of health-promoting behaviors of the expectant fathers, both directly (58%) and indirectly through depression (15%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postnatal period is a vulnerable time for women, with 85% experiencing mood disturbances due to physical and emotional changes. Depression, being one such common occurrence is known to have large impact on morbidities of mother and child. Hence it is crucial to know the factors effecting post-partum depression (PPD). Aims: To assess the burden of postpartum depression and factors associated with it. Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in a private tertiary care hospital on women in their postnatal period (6 – 8 weeks). Data was collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaire, and depression was assessed using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: Around 34% had probable depression. Risk factors were found be: those having lower educational status, semi/unskilled occupation, non-nuclear family, lower SES, complications in present / past pregnancy, multiple gestation, unwanted pregnancy, pressure for female child, poor relationship with family members including husband’s absence during delivery. Conclusion: Prevalence of depression in postnatal women is high. Modifiable psychosocial factors have a close association with PPD, which constitute the potential factors of intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that pregnancy and postpartum are difficult periods in which women may have important changes and be exposed to some anxiety evoking stimulus. Stress elements during this period may increase the risk of postpartum depression for women with an insecure attachment style. In this study, the relations between attachment styles, affect regulation, and postpartum depression (PPD) is examined in postpartum women as compared to non-postpartum women. 215 Turkish women were recruited from pediatric units of hospitals, of whom 128 were in the postpartum period. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Difficulty of Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Close Relationship Scale-II. It was found that compared to the non-postpartum group, the postpartum group has shown effects of high levels of regulation difficulties in both anxious and avoidant attachment styles and depressive symptoms. However, anxious mothers were more likely to be associated with emotional dysregulation than avoidant mothers in both groups. Affect dysregulation between unsecured attachment and depression only has a partial mediator effect on the postpartum group, and no meaningful mediator effect has been observed in the comparison group. Overall, the results highlight some of the risk factors behind mothers’ postpartum depression symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]