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A two-item screening of maternal or infant perceived life threat during childbirth prospectively associated with childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms up to six months postpartum: two observational longitudinal studies.

Authors :
Gilbert, Leah
Sandoz, Vania
Deforges, Camille
Horsch, Antje
Source :
Frontiers in Psychiatry; 2024, p1-9, 9p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated prospective relationships between the perception of threat to one's own life or to that of one's infant during childbirth and maternal childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (CBPTSS) and probable childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) in a community and a community and an emergency cesarean section (ECS) sample. Methods: Study samples included 72 mothers from a community sample and 75 mothers after emergency cesarean section. Perceived maternal and infant life threat were assessed at =1 week postpartum. Maternal CB-PTSS and probable CB-PTSD were assessed with validated questionnaires up to 6 months postpartum. Covariates were extracted from hospital records. Secondary data analysis with logistic and linear regressions was performed. Results: Globally, mothers were significantly more likely to perceive their infant's life to be threatened, rather than their own. Both types of perceived threat were prospectively but differentially associated with maternal CB-PTSS and probable CB-PTSD at 4-6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Conclusion: The type of perceived threat differently influences maternal CBPTSS and probable CB-PTSD up to 6 months postpartum. These results may be the basis for the development of a short screening instrument after traumatic childbirth in clinical settings. Future studies need to assess the psychometric properties and acceptability of such a brief screening tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16640640
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
177212590
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1360189