Mental Health Of Mothers Research Articles

Attitudes of medical students towards abortion and their willingness to perform abortion: meta-analysis

Background and Objectives: This study evaluates the opinion of medical students about abortion and their willingness to perform the abortion. Methods: After a systematic review, meta-analyses of proportions were performed to achieve percent estimates of medical students’ opinions about abortion and willingness to perform the abortion. Results: 15 studies appraising 6341 medical students were included. Most medical students opined that abortion should be provided if the mother's life is threatened (89%), in case of rape (84%), if the mother's mental health is affected (79%), if the fetus is seriously defective (73%); and on mother’s request (37%). Medical students informed that they would perform abortion if the mother's life is threatened (87%); in case of rape (77%); if the fetus is seriously defective (78%); if the mother's mental health is threatened (65%); in case of teenage pregnancy (51%); on mother’s request (25%); and if court rules (19%). Religiosity was associated with significantly lower proabortion (favoring legalization of abortion) attitudes of medical students (OR: 0.10 [95% CI: 0.04, 0.24]; p<0.00001) but longer duration of medical education was associated with higher proabortion attitudes (OR: 1.75 [95% CI: 1.42, 2.14]; p<0.00001). Conclusion: Attitudes of medical students towards abortion are generally ambivalent where the majority opine that abortion should be performed under certain circumstances. Keywords: Abortion; medical students; attitudes; opinion.

Prevalence and predictors of common mental disorders among mothers of preterm babies at neonatal intensive care units in Ghana.

The impact of preterm babies' admission at the Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) on the mental health of mothers is a global challenge. However, the prevalence and predictors of Common Mental Disorders (CMDs) among this population remain underexplored. This study assessed the predictors of CMDs among mothers of preterm infants in the NICUs in the Upper East Region of Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted, targeting mothers of preterm babies in two hospitals in the Upper East Region. The Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used to collect data from 375 mothers of preterm babies admitted to the NICUs. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS version 20. The study found a prevalence of 40.9% for CMDs among mothers of preterm babies admitted to the two NICUs. The predictors of CMDs were unemployment (aOR 2.925, 95% CI 1.465, 5.840), lower levels of education (aOR 5.582, 95% CI 1.316, 23.670), antenatal anxiety (aOR 3.606, 95% CI 1.870, 6.952), and assisted delivery (aOR 2.144, 95% CI 1.083, 4.246). Conversely, urban residence (aOR 0.390, 95% CI 0.200, 0.760), age range between 25 and 31 (aOR 0.238, 95% CI 0.060, 0.953), and having a supportive partner (aOR 0.095, 95% CI 0.015, 0.593) emerged as protective factors. This study emphasizes the imperative of addressing maternal mental health within the NICU setting for preterm births.

The Effects of Laughter Therapy, Music Listening and Diary Keeping Given to Pregnant Women on Mental Health and Maternal Attachment Levels in Postpartum Period

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of laughter therapy, listening to music, and diary keeping interventions during pregnancy on the mother's mental health and the level of maternal attachment in the postpartum period. Material and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study. The study consisted of 50 pregnant women, 25 in intervention, and 25 in control groups. Interventions consisted of listening to music, laughter therapy and diary keeping for six weeks. Data were collected with the Beck Depression Inventory, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory, and Maternal Attachment Scale. Results: It was determined that the change in mental health of women in the intervention group over time was significant (p

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in mothers of autistic children and mothers of children with fragile X syndrome

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the mental health of American mothers and mothers of children with disabilities may have been disproportionately impacted. The present study characterized psychological well-being, social support, and caregiving responsibilities during the pandemic across mothers of children with autism, fragile X syndrome (FXS), and neurotypical children. MethodsParticipants were 54 mothers of children with FXS, 46 mothers of autistic children, and a control group of 80 mothers of neurotypical children. Mothers completed questionnaires on depressive and anxiety symptoms, perceived decline in psychological well-being due to the pandemic, pandemic-related changes in caregiving responsibilities, and levels of social support. ResultsOver half of the mothers of children with autism and over one-third of the mothers of children with FXS reported clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety, with rates significantly higher than the control mothers. Though all mothers reported a surge in caregiving responsibilities, mothers of children with FXS experienced greater increases in caregiving responsibilities and social support was lower in both disability groups. Caregiving responsibilities and social support were associated with psychological well-being due to the pandemic across all groups. ConclusionsFindings highlight the harsh impact of the pandemic on the mental health of mothers of children with FXS and autism. The staggering rate of clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms reported by these groups underscores the urgent need for improved access to psychological services and family-centered supports, with increased caregiving responsibilities and inadequate social support representing important risk factors for mental health problems.

Mental health in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study.

The increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has placed a significant emotional and psychological burden on mothers. We explored the association between the severity of ASD symptoms in children and the mental health of their mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study included 1,924 mothers of children with ASD, enrolled in a web-based cross-sectional survey over 85 consecutive days to gather clinical and sociodemographic data. The severity of ASD symptoms was obtained according to the children's age. Using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) scale, we found that 35.8 percent of mothers experienced both anxiety and depression. A high education level and a high family income reduced the chance of concurrent anxiety and depression. Conversely, unemployment, a child using psychiatric medication, and higher severity of ASD symptoms increased the chance. Notably, the severity of the ASD symptom was the sole predictor of maternal co-occurring anxiety and depression across all age groups (<3 years aOR = 2.04, 95%CI 1.07-3.89; 3-5 years aOR = 2.76, 95%CI 1.67-4.56; ≥ 6 years aOR = 1.61, 95%CI 1.04-2.50). Recognizing the challenges associated with ASD leads to greater acceptance and tailored interventions, ultimately improving the overall well-being of both individuals with ASD and their mothers.

Mental health in mothers and fathers of children with chronic disorders

ObjectiveThis study applied the Family Systems Illness Model to examine how child disorder severity influences mental health in mothers and fathers of children with chronic (mainly developmental) disorders (CD). MethodsWe measured parental mental health and perceived child disorder severity among 204 mothers and 125 fathers of 220 children with CD and compared the mental health scores with norms. We analyzed how much of the variance in parental mental health was explained by child disorder severity, including discrepancy between maternally and paternally perceived severity. ResultsCompared to norms, we found elevated mental health problems in both mothers (d = 0.45) and fathers (d = 0.20) of children with CD. Mothers had higher scores than fathers on both mental health problems (d = 0.63) and severity (d = 0.43). Perceived disorder severity was similarly associated with mental health problems for mothers (β = 0.23) and fathers (β = 0.34). Discrepancy between maternal and paternal perceived disorder severity did not influence parental mental health. ConclusionFindings suggest gender-specific challenges in parenting children with CD. Subjective perception of disorder severity plays a substantial role for parental mental health. InnovationThis comparative study of mothers and fathers contributes to a predominantly mother-focused field.

COVID-19, mother-teachers and teen suicide-personality disorder: Exploring the synergies and readying for contingencies in Indigenous-Christian contexts

The emergence of COVID-19 affected all facets of life. Lockdown restrictions, introduced in various countries, meant the majority of people had to stay home in the interests of social distancing. Schools and other learning institutions in Zimbabwe and elsewhere were closed and the phenomenon of home-schooling was introduced to ensure that learners do not lag behind. Home-schooling meant that in addition to the parenting role, parents- in particular mothers, had to become teachers. The impact of this sudden change of roles on the mental health of mothers and teen suicide, a form of borderline personality disorder, is yet to be studied. Is the growing scourge of teen suicide in Zimbabwe a result of COVID-19 inspired home-schooling experiences? Data solicited through face-to-face interviews and documents analyses and analysed through the lens of family systems theory seem to suggest that family disruptions and most mothers’ terrible experience with home-schooling was in part responsible for children’s (learners’) suicide ideation. To this end, we suggest that when teen education and child development catastrophe in the mould of COVID-19 occurs, manuals and toolkits on home-schooling should be developed to guide parents and children.

The experience of miscarriage and its impact on prenatal attachment during the following pregnancy: A mixed-methods study

BackgroundIn France, miscarriage affects nearly 200,000 women every year. This life event may generate negative effects on the mother-child relationship and the mother's mental health in the following pregnancy. ObjectivesTo investigate the influence of body satisfaction, partner support, resilience and previous experience of a miscarriage on prenatal attachment in pregnant women. DesignThis is a cross-sectional mixed-methods study. Women answered an online questionnaire in the period between November 2022 to April 2023. Participants267 French pregnant women who had previously experienced a miscarriage were recruited for this study. MeasurementsStudy outcomes included prenatal attachment, resilience, partner support, history of previous pregnancies and miscarriages, the current pregnancy, and questions relating to body experience. FindingsParticipants who reported a high investment in the current pregnancy, high partner support and a positive image of their body had higher levels of prenatal attachment. The experience of miscarriage also seems to influence prenatal attachment: pregnancy investment at the time of miscarriage had a positive influence, while medical experience had no significant impact. While the global resilience score was not related to prenatal attachment, sense of control was positively linked to prenatal attachment. Key conclusions and implications for practiceThese results highlight the importance of considering miscarriage as a perinatal loss with potential for long-lasting impact on women, which deserves particular attention from professionals. Enhancing partner support and helping women build a positive image of their pregnant body can also have a role in fostering prenatal attachment to the foetus.

Impact of Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex on Mental Health.

Objective: Postpartum mental health, significantly influences breastfeeding. Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) is defined as negative emotional reaction to milk ejection, such as unpleasant feelings, anger-irritability or a strange feeling in the stomach. This study investigates the impacts of D-MER on mothers experiencing negative emotions during breastfeeding. Method: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted between July 1 and September 30, 2023 among surveyed mothers with babies of ages 0-2 experiencing discomfort while breastfeeding. Mothers reached out through Instagram and Facebook and completed a semi-structured 45-question survey using a Google form. Results: Out of 141 mothers, 27.7% (n: 39) had D-MER findings. Common emotions included tension (48%), exhaustion (43%), intolerance (41%), hypersensitivity (35%), and restlessness (33%). Symptoms reported to begin within the first month of breastfeeding in 59% of D-MER cases. Nausea was reported in 30% of mothers. The most common conditions that increased the severity of D-MER symptoms were insomnia, stress and breast fullness. Sleeping or resting, being alone, doing something else, drinking cold water, listening to music and talking to mothers who had similar experiences helped the mothers relax. In cases with D-MER findings, about 17.9% considered stopping breastfeeding, with 7.7% stopping. The postpartum depression score was ≥13 in 59% of D-MER cases. Conclusion: D-MER, which can cause early cessation of breastfeeding, may also be associated with the mother's mental health problems. Raising awareness about D-MER and equipping health professionals on this subject are important in the continuity of breastfeeding.

919 granules improve postpartum depression through the regulation of abnormal peripheral blood IL-1β

Postpartum depression (PPD) has a significant impact on the physical and mental health of mothers, potentially leading to symptoms such as low mood, fatigue, and decreased appetite. It may also affect the healthy growth of the infant. The onset of PPD is closely related to abnormalities in inflammation and the immune system. PPD patients exhibit abnormalities in the proportion of peripheral blood immune cells, along with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines. Excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood can disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by activating astrocytes and reducing transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), allowing peripheral immune cells or cytokines to enter the brain and trigger inflammation, ultimately leading to the onset of depression. In addition, PPD lacks safe and effective treatment medications. In this study, we collected peripheral blood from both healthy postpartum women and those with PPD, conducted single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and used an in-house analytical tool scSTAR to reveal that PPD patients exhibit elevated proportions of peripheral blood cDC2 and Proliferation B cells, which are significantly correlated with IL-1β. Additionally, animal experiments were designed to validate that 919 granules can improve PPD by modulating the levels of peripheral blood IL-1β, providing a potential therapeutic mechanism for PPD treatment.

Early Parenting Interactions and First-Time Mothers' Postnatal Depression and Parental Competence.

Objectives: Schema Therapy, an approach that integrates cognitive-behavioural and attachment principles, helps us understand the impact of early interactions with caregivers on adult mental health. These early interactions can be assessed through Schema Therapy-informed tools; however, these tools have yet to be used with a postnatal population, which represents a period of vulnerability for new mothers. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the impact of positive and negative early parenting interactions on a first-time mother's mental health and her sense of competence during the postnatal period, using recently revised and newly developed Schema Therapy-informed tools. Design: This is a cross-sectional study. Method: First-time mothers (N = 220) participated in an online survey within 12 months post-birth. Participants completed the Positive Parenting Schema Inventory (PPSI), Young Parenting Inventory-Revised (YPI-R2), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) scale. The data were analysed using hierarchical multiple regression and mediational analysis. Results: Negative early interactions with mothers and fathers led to greater postnatal depressive symptomology, while positive early interactions with mothers led to fewer postnatal depressive symptoms. Mediation analyses revealed that postnatal depressive symptoms mediated early parenting interactions and participants' sense of parenting competence as a new mother. Conclusions: The protective effects of positive early interactions with caregivers can help first-time mothers' postnatal emotional adjustment and their sense of competence through diminished postnatal depressive symptoms. However, the enduring effects of negative early interactions with caregivers can contribute to a first-time mother's risk of developing postnatal depression and negatively affect her sense of parental competence.

Mental health of mothers with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder after distance learning measures during the COVID-19 pandemic

Mental health of mothers with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder after distance learning measures during the COVID-19 pandemic

Impact of the Mother's Mental Health and Socioeconomic Status on Prenatal Attachment in a Population-Based Sample of Expectant Romanian Women

Impact of the Mother's Mental Health and Socioeconomic Status on Prenatal Attachment in a Population-Based Sample of Expectant Romanian Women

Mental health, coping, and protective factors in mothers of children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Compared to the large body of maternal mental health research for other pediatric disorders, we know far less about the experience of mothers of children with 22q11DS. This study investigates the coping methods, protective factors, and mental health of this population. These findings might lead to better support for 22q11DS maternal mental health. An international sample of 71 mothers (M = 40.5 years) of children with 22q11DS (M = 9.2 years) was recruited and completed an online survey assessing maternal mental health (symptoms of depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, general stress, and alcohol consumption), coping methods, and mental health protective factors (social support, dyadic adjustment, parenting competence). Maternal ratings of child mental health symptoms were also obtained. Mothers' self-report revealed a high percentage who screened positive for elevated levels of general stress (69%), hazardous alcohol consumption (30.9%), traumatic stress (33.8%), anxiety (26.8%), and depression (26.8%). After controlling for demographic variables and child mental health symptoms, maternal self-reported maladaptive coping methods were positively associated with maternal symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and traumatic stress. Reducing maladaptive coping methods may be a promising intervention for improving mental health in mothers of children with 22q11DS.

PELATIHAN HYPNOBIRTHING BASIC UNTUK MANAJEMEN NYERI PERSALINAN PADA IBU HAMIL DI DESA TARAWEANG, KECAMATAN LABBAKKANG, KABUPATEN PANGKEP, PROPINSI SULAWESI SELATAN

Hypnosis, self-hypnosis, and hypnobirthing are techniques to overcome childbirth anxiety. Expectant mothers are taught to trust their bodies, regain confidence in their ability to give birth, and release tension and pain through deep relaxation, breathing, and visualization techniques. Despite the many relevant studies cited, hypnobirthing has not been an institutionally preferred option offered by childbirth service providers such as government health centers and hospitals, possibly due to a lack of written policy support. This option is available through private childbirth service providers or hypnobirthing practitioners who provide complementary therapies. The lack of comprehensive childbirth preparation (physical, mental, and social) among young mothers in Taraweang Village, Labbakkang Sub-district, Pangkep District This prompted us to present a new approach to childbirth by introducing the concept, benefits, and how to do self-hypnosis independently to increase awareness and readiness before birth. This activity was implemented on April 5, 2023, after a socialization process with the partners in March 2023. The activity, which involved 15 pregnant women from Taraweang Village, began with a screening process for labor readiness and the mother's mental health condition using a distress scale form. Then followed socialization and training, as well as a 60-minute hypnosis simulation using reclusiveness techniques to increase awareness and readiness for dealing with pain. The activity ended with a pre-test to assess the mother's reaction to the therapy results. Based on data analysis, we concluded that pregnant women who received 60 minutes of hypnobirthing relaxation therapy experienced a decrease in the distress scale. This activity is expected to be carried out independently at the mothers' homes using the knowledge that has been provided in the process of community partnership activities in 2023. This activity will be further developed and evaluated, especially to ensure the sustainability of the benefits felt by partners in subsequent activities.

Correlation Between Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy and Parental Acceptance by Primiparous Mothers.

Pregnancy and the transition to parenthood are periods in parents' lives that require tremendous adjustment. The physical and mental health of mothers during these periods is significantly associated with maternal acceptance. The present study aimed to evaluate the correlation between intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and parental acceptance by primiparous mothers in Isfahan, Iran. A cross-sectional descriptive and correlational study was conducted from September 2021 to February 2022 in Isfahan, Iran. The target population was primiparous mothers in the postpartum period referred to nine different health centers across Isfahan. The participants (n=308) completed three questionnaires, namely demographic, Tabrizi intimate partner violence screening, and parental acceptance questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS software (version 22.0). P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean score of total IPV was 40.45±28.94. Domestic violence during pregnancy was reported by 59 (19.2%) mothers. The most common types were psychological violence (74.4%), followed by financial abuse (35.1%), sexual violence (17.2%), and physical violence (14.9%). The mean score of parental acceptance was 115.77±12.58. There was a significant inverse correlation between parental acceptance and IPV score (r=-0.15, P=0.005). The number of siblings and birth order had a significant inverse correlation with parental acceptance (r=-0.13, P=0.002; r=-0.13, P=0.002, respectively). Moreover, the age difference between the mothers and their next siblings had a significant direct correlation with parental acceptance (r=0.12, P=0.003). Primiparous mothers subjected to IPV during pregnancy had lower parental acceptance after delivery.

Risk Factor For Early Breastfeeding Cessation

Introduction: early cessation of breastfeeding is still a common issue in many parts of the world). Several factors contributed to the cessation of breastfeeding due to the state of the mother's mental health during breastfeeding. This will have an impact on less optimal nutrition that the baby receives for his growth and development. Method: literature review using 2 databased PubMed and Google Scholar. Results: The risk factors for early weaning in breastfeeding mothers are barriers to breastfeeding, pumping and expressing breast milk, support and education, stress and mental health, cultural and social factors, perception of not getting enough breast milk. Conclusion: Identification and analysis of risk factors for early breastfeeding cessation is essential to address this problem effectively. The results of the identification of risk factors for early weaning in breastfeeding mothers are barriers to breastfeeding, pumping and expressing breast milk, support and education, stress and mental health, cultural and social factors, perception of not getting enough breast milk.

The Role of Midwives on Mother's Mental Health in the First 1000 Days of Life

The Role of Midwives on Mother's Mental Health in the First 1000 Days of Life

The association between maternal social support levels during pregnancy and child development at three years of age: the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

Social relationships are essential in maintaining the physical and mental health of mothers and their children. However, there is limited evidence on how social support provided to the mother during pregnancy could impact child development. Herein, we examined whether maternal social support levels during pregnancy was associated with the risk of developmental delay in 3-year-old children. Overall, 68,442 mother-child pairs completed questionnaires on maternal social support during pregnancy and development delay in 3-year-old children. The maternal social support level was evaluated using four items. The risk of development delay was evaluated using the Japanese version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 (ASQ-3) with five domains of communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression according to the quintiles of maternal social support levels after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Social support during pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of development delay at 3 years of age. Beneficial effects were detected in all domains of the ASQ-3 (p for trend <0.001). Multivariable ORs (95% CIs) for the highest versus lowest quartiles of maternal social support level were 0.57 (0.50-0.65) for communication, 0.49 (0.43-0.55) for gross motor delay, 0.58 (0.53-0.64) for fine motor delay, 0.56 (0.51-0.62) for problem-solving delay, and 0.52 (0.45-0.60) for personal social delay. The associations remained unchanged when stratified by maternal education level, paternal education level, living with children, household income, and postpartum depression. Maternal social support during pregnancy was inversely associated with the risk of developmental delay at 3 years of age.

Investigating the depression, anxiety, and stress-related factors in near-miss mothers.

Life-threatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth could have an impact on the physical and mental health of mothers. The present research aimed to investigate the factors related to depression, anxiety, and stress among mothers who have survived maternal near-miss situations. This is a descriptive-analytical study, and the data have been collected cross-sectionally. Near-miss mothers who had given birth within the past year were selected through the census method (having at least one criterion of the clinical, laboratory, and management standard of the World Health Organization). The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and a demographic questionnaire on personal, family, fertility, and care information were filled out by these mothers. One hundred fifty-four near-miss mothers were investigated. The findings indicated that lack of social support, domestic violence, and marital dissatisfaction leads to a significant increase in the mean score of depression among near-miss mothers. In addition, according to the findings, an unemployed spouse, low level of education, lack of social support, recent unintended pregnancy, high blood pressure, and bleeding during pregnancy result in a significant increase in the mean score of stress among near-miss mothers. The findings also showed that domestic violence, a history of infertility, heart disease, and bleeding complications significantly increase anxiety in near-miss mothers. Considering the high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in near-miss mothers, it is of utmost importance to pursue and check up on their mental health, as they are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. It is crucial to provide them support long after discharge to reintegrate these mothers into normal living as per the present study's findings.