Social Support For Women Research Articles

MENSTRÜEL SEMPTOM YAŞAMA DURUMU İLE AİLEDE MENSTRÜEL SEMPTOM ÖYKÜSÜ VE ALGILADIKLARI SOSYAL DESTEK İLŞKİLİ Mİ: KESİTSEL ÇALIŞMA

This study aims to determine the relationship between menstrual symptom experience, the presence of menstrual symptoms in the family, and perceived social support in women of reproductive age. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with women aged 18–49 living in XXX on online platforms between April 1 and June 30, 2022. Participants were invited to the study through social media platforms. The women 942 constituted the sample of the research. The mean age of the women who participated in the study was 28.45±6.75 years. Of the participating women, 80.1% reported that they had regular menstruation and 71.1% had a family history of menstrual symptoms. The mean total scores of the Menstruation Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS) were 63.02±16.07 and 66.97±14.95, respectively. The results of the study showed a strong relationship between experiencing menstrual symptoms and a history of menstrual symptoms in the family. There was a low-level significant relationship between experiencing menstrual symptoms and social support. Accordingly, it is recommended to conduct more studies on the relationship between social support and menstrual symptoms using an increased sample size and prospective methods.

The Effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy on Rumination, Self-concept, and Perceived Social Support in Women with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Background: Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is an evolving therapeutic approach that has shown promise in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the impact of MCT on rumination, self-concept, and perceived social support (PSS) in women diagnosed with GAD. Methods: The current quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of women diagnosed with GAD in Tehran in 2022. The research sample comprised 36 women with GAD, selected through purposive sampling and allocated into an experimental group (n=18) and a control group (n=18). The experimental group underwent ten 90-minute sessions of MCT, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected through questionnaires to assess GAD symptoms, rumination, self-concept, and PSS. The collected data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) via SPSS version 24. Results: The findings indicated that MCT led to a significant decrease in rumination from 53.61±3.25 to 48.94±3.45 (P<0.001) and an increase in self-concept from 70.55±2.87 to 74.16±2.74 (P<0.001) among women diagnosed with GAD. Additionally, the dimensions of PSS were significantly enhanced: support from significant others increased from 15.72±1.34 to 18.50±1.20 (P<0.001), family support increased from 17.78±1.22 to 20.50±1.91 (P<0.001), and support from friends increased from 16.22±1.74 to 19.01±1.30 (P<0.001). Conclusion: The findings from this study underscore the potential of MCT as a tailored intervention for enhancing well-being and reducing anxiety in individuals diagnosed with GAD, highlighting its relevance for clinical practice and future research endeavors.

Social support networks of incarcerated women with opioid use disorder: Differences associated with jail-based substance use treatment

IntroductionSocial support is a critical factor for women's engagement with substance use treatment and recovery, particularly for women with criminal-legal system involvement. However, less is known about the social support networks of incarcerated women, particularly as a function of service engagement. Thus, this paper aims to describe the structure, composition, and function of social support networks of women with opioid use disorder (OUD) incarcerated in jails; and compare network differences between women receiving jail-based substance use treatment and non-treatment participants. MethodsAs part of a larger clinical trial under the NIDA-funded Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN), staff conducted an egocentric social network inventory with women who were randomly selected from eight jails in Kentucky, screened for OUD, and consented (N = 445). Women were asked to name people (alters) who provided them with support in the past 90 days and respond to questions about alters who were named. Bivariate comparisons examined differences in social networks among women who were currently receiving jail-based treatment (29.9 %, n = 133) and those who were incarcerated, but not receiving treatment (70.1 %, n = 312). ResultsOn average, women's social support networks consisted of 2.4 alters (range 1–9). Compared to women with OUD who were not receiving treatment, those in treatment were significantly more likely to name at least one alter who was in recovery (57.9 % vs. 43.9 %, p = .007) and less likely to name a partner (21.8 % vs. 37.8 %, p = .001) or someone who had recently used opioids (9.8 % vs. 24.7 %, p < .001). On average, women in treatment also felt significantly closer to their alters (4.70 vs. 4.55 out of 5, p = .021) and rated alters as fulfilling more types of social support functions (5.54 vs. 5.18 out of 6, p < .001) and recovery support functions (2.83 vs. 2.70 out of 3, p = .016). ConclusionResults suggest that women participating in jail-based substance use treatment reported more positive social support network attributes, including network function and composition. Future research should assess longitudinal changes in networks and associated differences in recovery outcomes as women are released to the community.

Young women's social support networks during pregnancy in Soweto, South Africa.

Although studies from high-income countries have examined social support during pregnancy, it remains unclear what type of support is received by expectant mothers from low- and middle-income country settings. To explore young women's social support networks during pregnancy in Soweto, South Africa. This study was undertaken in an academic hospital based in the Southwestern Townships (Soweto), Johannesburg, in Gauteng province, South Africa. An exploratory descriptive qualitative approach was employed. Eighteen (18) young pregnant women were recruited using a purposive sampling approach. In-depth interviews were conducted, and data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Analysis of the data resulted in the development of two superordinate themes namely; (1) relationships during pregnancy and (2) network involvement. Involvement of the various social networks contributed greatly to the young women having a greater sense of potential parental efficacy and increased acceptance of their pregnancies. Pregnant women who receive sufficient social support from immediate networks have increased potential to embrace and give attention to pregnancy-related changes. Focusing on less-examined characteristics that could enhance pregnant women's health could help in the reduction of deaths that arise because of pregnancy complications and contribute in globally accelerating increased accessibility to adequate reproductive health.Contribution: This study's findings emphasise the necessity for policymakers and healthcare providers to educate the broader community about the importance of partner, family and peer support to minimise risks that may affect pregnancy care and wellbeing of mothers.

Social Support and Spousal Relationship Quality Improves Responsiveness among Anxious Mothers.

Maternal responsiveness, a mother's ability to consistently identify infant cues and then act on them, is critical for healthy child development. A woman's social support and spousal relationship may affect responsiveness to an infant, especially among mothers with anxiety. We assessed how social support and spousal relationship quality is associated with responsiveness among anxious mothers, and if postpartum depression (PPD) moderated these associations. Cross-sectional data were collected from 2019 to 2022 in a public hospital in Pakistan from 701 women at six-weeks postpartum. Eligible women had at least mild anxiety in early- to mid- pregnancy. Linear regression analyses assessed if spousal relationship quality and social support from family and friends were associated with maternal responsiveness, measured using the Maternal Infant Responsiveness Instrument. Interaction terms were used to examine if PPD moderated these associations. Spousal relationship quality (B = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.48, 3.50) and social support (B = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.31, 1.83) were positively related to maternal responsiveness to the infant. Emotional support from a spouse was positively associated with responsiveness (B = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.12, 2.03 depressed; B = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.34, 4.58 non-depressed), and conflict with the spouse was negatively associated with responsiveness (B=-1.02, 95% CI: -1.94, -0.09 depressed; B=-2.87, 95% CI: -4.36, -1.37 non-depressed). However, social support was related to responsiveness only in non-depressed women (B = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.14, 4.07). While spousal relationships and social support enhance maternal responsiveness, for depressed women, spousal relationships were particularly critical. In considering maternal-infant interventions to improve child development outcomes, our study indicates the importance of supportive relationships that foster effective responsiveness.

The impact of interpersonal traumas in Portuguese women’s psychological wellbeing: predictors of depression and post traumatic stress symptoms

ABSTRACT The impact of child abuse history and adult rape on 302 Portuguese women’s emotional wellbeing was examined as well as the role of emotional regulation and social support in women’s resiliency. A cross-sectional study design was used with retrospective self-report of interpersonal traumas. Women who reported a history of interpersonal trauma also reported more depression and post-traumatic stress (PTSD) symptoms, and more difficulties in emotional regulation than those who reported no abuse history. Hierarchical linear regression showed that reporting a history of child abuse and lower perceived social support predicted depression symptoms. Having lower yearly income, reporting a history of child abuse, cumulative trauma, and lower perceived social support predicted PTSD symptoms. Social support and specific emotional regulation strategies such as cognitive reappraisal may be important constructs to be included in intervention programmes to promote resilience, decrease depression and PTSD symptoms and to buffer the cumulative impact of interpersonal traumas. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT Our results underline the need for long-term support, screening, and evidence-based follow-up care among women who were abused during childhood and that have cumulative trauma instances. A second implication addresses the role of perceived social support as a resiliency factor. Social support interventions that are effective at reducing psychological distress should be implemented in women who have been exposed to abuse. We can also speculate that addressing emotion regulation difficulties (e.g. teaching distress tolerance, awareness of emotions, emotional labelling, acceptance of strong emotions, strategies to manage strong emotions, among others) may be important for treatment purposes.

Systematic Review: Risk Factors of Anxiety, Depressiveness, and (Lack of) Social Support in Women and Men Prior to Assisted Reproduction.

This review provides a systematic overview of the state of knowledge to date of psychosocial risk factors with a focus on anxiety, depressiveness, and (lack of) social support among involuntarily childless women and men prior to assisted reproduction. The databases PubMed, PubPsych, PsycINFO-Ebsco, and Web of Science were searched for relevant publications in English or German, and finally a total of 20 publications were included in the systematic review. Of these, 18 studies focused on depressiveness, 15 studies focused on anxiety, and 9 studies focused on social support. Half of the studies included both men and women, while the other half included only women. Due to the large heterogeneity of the study results as well as limitations, no clear conclusions can be drawn regarding a difference between the risk profiles of men and women with an unfulfilled desire to have children. However, it has been shown that infertile couples or women experience higher levels of stress in the form of depressiveness and anxiety compared to fertile participants. Furthermore, it was found that social support, regardless of gender difference, within the couple and from family and friends may be associated with a lower risk for depressiveness and anxiety.

Social support and emotional wellbeing among women living with bacterial vaginosis in new york city

Abstract Background Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a common pathological vaginal condition in women and is disproportionately higher among Black (33%) and Hispanic women (31%) than among non-Hispanic White (23%) or Asian women (11%). BV can have highly distressing impacts on women, yet the role of social support has received limited attention. This paper aimed to explore women's experiences of social support for BV. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with women (n = 41) aged 18 years or older and who had a BV diagnosis in the past year. Interviews examined women's infection history and symptoms, BV management approaches, the impact of BV on women's lives, and BV clinical care experiences. Qualitative data were analyzed with an a priori coding framework based on key domains, followed by open-coding to uncover emergent themes. Results The majority of participants were Non-Hispanic Black/African American (63.4%). Nearly a quarter (22.0%) of participants identified as lesbian or bisexual or reported having sex with a woman in the past year. Most women with BV expressed feelings of shame. Many women noted a lack of social support, particularly from sexual partners, which might lead to relationship mistrust and blame for the infection. Sexual partners’ inadequate knowledge of BV resulted in women's reluctance to discuss their diagnosis and avoidance of sexual activities. Supportive partners or friends helped women recognize BV infection and seek treatment earlier, provided emotional support and reduced feelings of isolation. In addition, women reported receiving greater support and care from sexual health clinics than from other healthcare settings. Conclusions The study highlights the importance of social support in women's experiences of BV. Findings imply that enhancing sexual partners’ understanding of BV, fostering open-dialogues among women, and promoting empathetic healthcare systems can potentially improve women's emotional well-being and overall BV experiences. Key messages • The study highlights the importance of social support in women’s experiences of BV. • Enhancing sexual partners’ understanding of BV, fostering open-dialogues among women, and promoting empathetic healthcare systems can potentially improve women’s overall BV experiences.

An Exploration of the Social Support of Women in Sex Work in Cúcuta, Colombia

Social support for women in sex work is essential for their overall health and well-being. In the city of Cúcuta, Colombia, both domestic Colombian and migrant Venezuelan women utilize the sex industry to obtain an income. However, with limited resources in this area and little prior research about the current supports, this study explores the social support accessed and received, the social support desired, and identifies the formal social support available to women in sex work in Cúcuta, Colombia. To conduct this research, 28 interviews were conducted: 10 with Colombian women in sex work, 12 with Venezuelan women in sex work, and 6 with professionals representing various social service organizations. Findings indicated that most of the women relied on informal support, yet many women also expressed a desire for formal social support services, specifically related to health care, food, and housing assistance. Nonetheless, gaps persist in the availability of desired formal services This research demonstrates the importance of service providers working with women in sex work directly to understand their lived experiences, while also demonstrating self-determination and empowerment. Further research is needed to measure the implementation efficacy of formal services and the barriers to access for women in sex work.

SAT349 Participant Experiences of a Web-based Lifestyle Intervention for Postpartum Women With Recent Preeclampsia

Abstract Disclosure: C.E. Horn: None. J.M. Dias: None. G. Skurnik: None. A. Roche: None. J.J. Stuart: None. E. Tsigas: None. J.W. Rich-Edwards: None. E.W. Seely: None. Title Participant Experiences of a Web-based Lifestyle Intervention for Postpartum Women with Recent Preeclampsia. Introduction Patients with a history of preeclampsia have increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) postpartum compared to their normotensive counterparts. The postpartum period following a preeclamptic pregnancy is a unique window of opportunity to implement lifestyle changes targeted at reducing future maternal CVD. Mobile, web-based health interventions can be leveraged to overcome many challenges of the postpartum period in this high-risk population. Here, we describe key findings of qualitative interviews conducted to gather feedback regarding a web-based lifestyle intervention to reduce cardiovascular risk in women with recent preeclampsia. Study Design A qualitative study was conducted with 21 women from the Heart Health for Moms (HH4M) study, a prospective, 9-month randomized controlled trial conducted nationwide to test the effectiveness of an online intervention to improve lifestyle for 151 women with recent preeclampsia (Clinical Trail Registration #NCT02147626). Within two months of completing HH4M, women were invited to participate in structured, phone-based interviews regarding their experiences in the study. Interviews were conducted until saturation was reached (n=21). Two investigators independently analyzed and coded interview transcripts for repeated concepts and themes. Results Four prominent themes emerged including: 1) the motivation for participating in research; 2) inadequate continuity of care postpartum and physician education regarding future risks; 3) importance of social support; and 4) the motivation provided by accountability. Overall, women chose to participate in the study to learn about preeclampsia risk and help themselves and others affected by preeclampsia. Many women were unaware of the link between preeclampsia and CVD prior to study participation and attributed this to inadequate clinical provider education or counseling as well as gaps in continuity of care from the pregnancy to the postpartum period. Participants reported positive impacts on their social support networks, including increased confidence to build community, the involvement of family and friends in healthy lifestyle behaviors, and a sense of connection to other participants. Women emphasized that interactions with the lifestyle coach made them feel accountable which was an important motivator. Conclusion HH4M provided accountability, motivation, and social support for women with recent preeclampsia to adopt healthy lifestyle habits in the postpartum period. Study participant feedback may inform the creation and dissemination of web or app-based interventions to educate, support, and empower women with recent preeclampsia. Presentation Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Relationship Between Violence Against Women, Social Support, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The objectives of this study were to measure the prevalence of mental distress and to explore the relationship between violence against women (VAW), social support, self-esteem, and mental distress in women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire-guided, cross-sectional, interview-based study was conducted with 1,932 women, in primary healthcare centers. Around 29% reported moderate to severe distress levels, whereas 40% of women reported lifetime exposure to at least one type of violence. Linear regression analysis found that VAW was positively associated with mental distress with a unit increase associated with a 0.13 (0.58, 1.15) increase in distress level, whereas, for both social support and self-esteem, a unit increase in violence was associated with -0.23 (-0.47, -0.32) and -0.22 (-0.49, -0.33) unit decrease in the mental distress. Structural equation modeling found that violence had direct significant negative effects on social support (β = -.156, p < .001) and self-esteem (β = -.135, p < .001). Both social support (β = -.266, p < .001) and self-esteem (β = -.183, p < .001) had direct significant negative effects on distress. VAW exerted a direct significant positive effect on distress (β = .171, p < .001) as well as an indirect effect (β = .068, p < .001). Both social support (β = .044, p < .001) and self-esteem (β = .025, p < .001) were significant mediators of the effect of violence on mental distress. VAW can lead to mental distress and low self-esteem. Identification, counseling, and social support for women are important to improve their self-confidence and reduce the adverse effects of violence.

Identification of Factors Affecting Self-Efficacy in Women with Spontaneous Pregnancy Loss.

Pregnancy loss is a difficult situation that can affect a woman's physical and psychological health, and thus requires appropriate management and support. An individual's sense of self-efficacy is an important factor in the process of coping with a problem. Therefore, an analysis of self-efficacy in women after spontaneous pregnancy loss is warranted, so as to establish its association with social support, socio-demographic variables, quality of care, and specific behaviors of the medical staff. The cross-sectional study was performed in a group of 610 patients hospitalized due to spontaneous pregnancy loss in hospitals in Lublin (Poland). The study used a diagnostic survey with questionnaires: Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), and a standardized interview questionnaire. Post-pregnancy loss patients rated partner support highest (M = 9.25), while the best-rated category of social support was perceived available instrumental support (M = 3.78). In relation to medical personnel, the quality of care provided by midwives was rated the highest (M = 4.57). The study demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) association between the selected socio-demographic factors and the specific types and sources of support on the one hand, and generalized self-efficacy on the other, in the patients after pregnancy loss who were studied. Socio-demographic factors that affected self-efficacy in the respondents included their relationship status and socio-economic standing. Self-efficacy is positively correlated with social support in women after pregnancy loss.

Evaluation of Resilience and Social Support in Women with Breast Cancer

Evaluation of Resilience and Social Support in Women with Breast Cancer

Experiences of HIV/AIDS women in planning their pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: HIV/AIDS has become a public health problem in many countries along with the increasing number of reported cases and the high mortality rate due to the HIV virus. The HIV virus can infect pregnant women, where pregnant women are at high risk of transmitting the virus to their babies. Transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child can be prevented by planning a pregnancy for HIV/AIDS women who want to get pregnant through the PMTCT (Prevention Mother to Child Transmission) program. In the midst of implementing the PMTCT program, the government is faced with the COVID-19 pandemic which causes the public to be advised to postpone pregnancy until the pandemic ends and counseling or consultation regarding family planning is done via telephone. The study aimed to determine the experiences of HIV/AIDS women in planning their pregnancies during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: This research is a Qualitative research with a phenomenological approach which was conducted in March-April 2022 at the Victory Plus Foundation Yogyakarta. Data collection using in-depth interviews. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Participants in this study were women with HIV/AIDS who were pregnant during the Covid-19 pandemic and women with HIV/AIDS who had given birth with a maximum age of 6 months. Results: Researchers found 4 themes, which are the experience of women when diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, planning for pregnancy during the Covid-19 pandemic, the condition of pregnancy for women with HIV/AIDS, and social support for women with HIV/AIDS during pregnancy. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that some women with HIV/AIDS plan their pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic by discussing with their husbands, regularly taking ARVs, using the Calendar application to calculate the fertile period, and checking viral load and CD4 levels.

Determinants of health-seeking behaviors among middle-aged women in Vietnam's rural-urban transition setting.

The purpose of this study is to identify the health status and healthcare utilization factors associated with middle-aged women in the rapid urbanization context of Vietnam. A cross-sectional study with a systematic random sampling technique was conducted in Hung Yen city. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 362 middle-aged women. The collected data included socioeconomic characteristics, health issues, health service utilization, and social support for women in both urban and rural areas. Multivariate regression models were used to determine factors associated with health service utilization and the number of inpatient/outpatient visits. Among 362 participants, the main chronic diseases were diabetes (12.8%), cardiovascular diseases (11.3%), and migraines (9.5%). The proportion of using inpatient and outpatient services among middle-aged women was relatively high (35.8 and 61%, respectively). Women having more support from family and friends were less likely to seek healthcare. Living in rural areas significantly increased the number of inpatient treatments. Regarding health service utilization, the percentage of people using outpatient treatment services accounted for 61.0%, while using inpatient treatment services was reported as 35.8%. The average number of outpatient and inpatient visits per participant were 1.3 and 0.9, respectively. This study revealed a relatively high rate of using healthcare services among women at midlife in a rapidly industrializing city in Vietnam. Screening programs should be implemented for early detection and treatment of chronic diseases in middle-aged women, especially for diabetes. Communication strategies should be adapted to raise awareness of rural women about regular health checkups, and counseling services of healthcare providers should be strongly reinforced. Lifestyle interventions and health promotion programs involving social support should be implemented to improve wellbeing and healthcare-seeking behaviors among middle-aged women.

The Posttraumatic Impact of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Both Women and Men.

Introduction Recurrent pregnancy loss is usually associated with significant psychological distress for both partners of the couple. It may act as a traumatic experience resulting in a posttraumatic stress disorder. The object of this study is to examine the posttraumatic impact of recurrent pregnancy loss on men and women and their interdependencies. Methods Cross-sectional study. All couples referred to the special unit for recurrent pregnancy loss between March 2019 and October 2020 were asked to participate with a sample size of 105 couples and 17 women. They were invited to complete a questionnaire package estimating the prevalence of posttraumatic stress, with anxiety, depression, lack of social support and dysfunctional coping strategies as contributing risk factors. Couple data were analysed with the Actor Partner Interdependence Model, taking the couple as a dyad. Results The response rate was 82.3 percent, with posttraumatic stress being measured in 13.7% of the women versus 3.9% of the men (p=0.017). For women, number of curettages, controlled for the number of losses, correlated with the severity of posttraumatic stress (p<0.05). Higher levels of anxiety, depression and lack of social support in women correlated positively with posttraumatic stress in their partners. The men's coping strategy "trivialization and wishful thinking" as well as "avoidance" correlated with more severe posttraumatic stress in the female partners (both p<0.05). Conclusion The posttraumatic risks within a couple with recurrent pregnancy loss are interdependent. Recurrent pregnancy loss clinics should assess posttraumatic risks of both partners in their routine diagnostic process.

Women's Participation in a Savings Group and Depression: a Community-Based Financial Capability Intervention in Mozambique.

As one of the fastest growing community-based financial capability approaches, village savings and loan group (VSLG) is an organized group and formal entity that creates opportunities for participants to save and access financial assets. VSLG has potentially positive impacts on increasing women's financial resources and social support and further improves their mental health. Participation in a VSLG not only increases women's opportunities for asset-building and income generation, but also facilitates trust and promotes social capital development. However, few studies have examined the association between the VSLG participation and women's depression status. To fill the knowledge gap, we examined the association between the VSLG participation and depressive symptoms among low-income women in Mozambique. The data was collected as part of the VSLG program evaluation. The study applied a posttest-only comparison group quasi-experimental design and sampled female VSLG participants and non-participants from three sub-villages in the Sofala province, Mozambique. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, and a total of 205 women were randomly selected, including 105 VSLG participants and 100 non-participants. Depressive symptoms were measured using the short version of the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) with a summative score ranging from 7 to 28. Using the cutoff value at a score of 14, we created a dichotomous depression indicator. Linear and logit models were used to examine the associations of the VSLG participation and the participation duration with the depression score and the presence of depression controlling for demographic variables. The VSLG participants had a statistically lower mean depression score of 12.2 (SD = 4.4) compared to non-participants (15.0, SD = 4.0, p < .001). The regression analysis suggested that the VSLG participants had a mean depression score of 2.7 lower than the non-participants (p < .001). Nearly 60% of the non-participants reported the presence of depression; however, this percentage is 31% for participants (p < .001). The multivariate logit model indicated the odds of the presence of depression for participants are .34 of that for non-participants. Similar results were obtained when the VSLG program duration was used as an independent variable. Study findings showed a positive association between the VSLG participation and women's mental health. Future research should further explore the intervention mechanisms and assess how the VSLG participation affects women's mental health. Findings also provided important insights into developing community-based financial capability interventions to improve low-income women's mental health.

Effectiveness of mental health website intervention on stress and depression for women with recurrent miscarriage: A randomized controlled trial

We aimed to investigate the effect of a mental health website intervention on perceived stress, depression, sleep quality, and social support in women with recurrent miscarriage (RM). Performing a randomized controlled trial, the participants in the experimental group (n = 31) received a 12-week mental health website intervention; the participants in the control group (n = 31) received RM standard medical care only. The paired t-tests results for the mean posttest scores for depression (p = .023) and perceived stress (p = .041) in the experimental group showed a significant decrease, but did not in the control group.

Parenting stress in the early years – a survey of the impact of breastfeeding and social support for women in Finland and the UK

BackgroundBeing a new parent can be both joyful and stressful. Parenting stress is associated with poorer health and well-being for parents and infant and increased psychological distress. For new mothers, physical and hormonal changes, expectations of mothering and demands of a new baby may cause additional stress. Breastfeeding is promoted as optimal for maternal and infant health, but can have both positive and negative psychological impacts. Formal and informal social support can offset parenting and breastfeeding stress. Source, content and context of support for new parents are important considerations. This study compares two countries with different parenting and breastfeeding contexts, Finland (more supportive) and the UK (less supportive), investigating the role of breastfeeding stress, self-efficacy and social support as predictors of stress and role strain for new mothers.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was completed by 1550 breastfeeding mothers of infants up to 2 years old, recruited via social media platforms in Finland and the UK. Predictors of parenting stress and strain, including demograpic factors, childbirth experiences, breastfeeding and social support were investigated.ResultsWe found fewer differences between countries than expected, perhaps due to demographic and contextual differences. Women in Finland reported better childbirth experiences, more positive breastfeeding attitudes, and more self-efficacy than in the UK. Levels of parenting stress were similar in both countries. Women in the UK reported more parental role strain, but fewer breastfeeding stressors. Participants accessed more informal than formal supports, including their partner for parenting and facebook groups and family for breastfeeding. Analysis suggested breastfeeding stress and social support had significant direct effects – respectively increasing and reducing parenting stress and role strain, but no moderating effects of social support suggesting support did not change the relationship between breastfeeding and parenting stress.ConclusionsResults have important implications for the provision of breastfeeding and parenting support for new mothers. Simple interventions to manage stress for mothers in the postnatal period could be beneficial and are easily delivered by supporters. As shown elsewhere, socio-economic and cultural factors are crucial influences on parenting experiences.

Midwives’ and maternity support workers’ perceptions of the impact of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic on respectful maternity care in a diverse region of the UK: a qualitative study

ObjectivesTo explore midwives’ and maternity support workers’ perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternity services and understand factors influencing respectful maternity care.DesignA qualitative study. Eleven semistructured interviews...