Women's Mental Health Research Articles

The impact of the second COVID-19 lockdown on anxiety and depressive symptoms in pregnant women: A case study of pregnant women in northern Italy

Backgroundthe different lockdown phases due to COVID-19 may have negatively impacted pregnant women's mental health. Concerning antenatal stress, most studies focused more on the effect of pandemic onset than on the impact of the following phases and restrictions. Aimthe present study aimed to assess levels of anxiety and depression in a group of Italian pregnant women during the second COVID-19 phase and possible risk factors. MethodWe recruited 156 pregnant women through our Perinatal Psychology Outpatient Clinic. We divided the sample into women recruited before the pandemic (N = 88) through a face-to-face antenatal class and pregnant women recruited during the second lockdown (Covid-19 study group) (November 2020–April 2021) through the same antenatal class via Skype (N = 68). To investigate depressive and anxiety symptoms, we administered the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y) scales; women's medical history and obstetric data were collected. Findingswomen belonging to the Covid-19 study group reported higher depressive and anxious levels than the pre-pandemic group. Moreover, during the second lockdown previous psychopathology and being close to childbirth were related to increased depression; a history of abortion was related to higher levels of trait anxiety instead. Conclusionrecurrent restrictive measures due to COVID-19 negatively affected the antenatal mental well-being of pregnant women, particularly worsening depressive and anxious feelings. Pregnant women during the pandemic represented a vulnerable population to be monitored more closely and timely to prevent psychological problems in the postpartum period and their consequences on the child. Keywordsanxiety, depression, pregnancy, COVID-19, mental health, lockdown.

Benefits of Mindfulness Training on the Mental Health of Women During Pregnancy and Early Motherhood: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of a mindfulness-based psychosomatic intervention on depression, anxiety, fear of childbirth (FOC), and life satisfaction of pregnant women in China. MethodsWomen experiencing first-time pregnancy (n = 104) were randomly allocated to the intervention group or a parallel active control group. We collected data at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), 3 days after delivery (T2), and 42 days after delivery (T3). The participants completed questionnaires for the assessment of the levels of depression, anxiety, FOC, life satisfaction, and mindfulness. Differences between the two groups and changes within the same group were analyzed at four time points using repeated-measures analysis of variance. ResultsCompared with the active control group, the intervention group reported lower depression levels at T2 (P = 0.038) and T3 (P = 0.013); reduced anxiety at T1 (P = 0.001) and T2 (P = 0.003); reduced FOC at T1 (P < 0.001) and T2 (P = 0.04); increased life satisfaction at T1 (P < 0.001) and T3 (P = 0.015); and increased mindfulness at T1 (P = 0.01) and T2 (P = 0.006). ConclusionThe mindfulness-based psychosomatic intervention effectively increased life satisfaction and reduced perinatal depression, anxiety, and FOC.

The Application of Nanoparticle-Based Imaging and Phototherapy for Female Reproductive Organs Diseases.

Various female reproductive disorders affect millions of women worldwide and bring many troubles to women's daily life. Let alone, gynecological cancer (such as ovarian cancer and cervical cancer) is a severe threat to most women's lives. Endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other chronic diseases-induced pain have significantly harmed women's physical and mental health. Despite recent advances in the female reproductive field, the existing challenges are still enormous such as personalization of disease, difficulty in diagnosing early cancers, antibiotic resistance in infectious diseases, etc. To confront such challenges, nanoparticle-based imaging tools and phototherapies that offer minimally invasive detection and treatment of reproductive tract-associated pathologies are indispensable and innovative. Of late, several clinical trials have also been conducted using nanoparticles for the early detection of female reproductive tract infections and cancers, targeted drug delivery, and cellular therapeutics. However, these nanoparticle trials are still nascent due to the body's delicate and complex female reproductive system. The present review comprehensively focuses on emerging nanoparticle-based imaging and phototherapies applications, which hold enormous promise for improved early diagnosis and effective treatments of various female reproductive organ diseases.

Mind Matters: A Critical Look at Malaysia's Postnatal Depression Policy for Women's Mental Health.

This policy brief examines the national health and action plans, laws and regulations, public health policies, and clinical practice guidelines in Malaysia on postnatal depression (PND). We examined and included 13 documents for the presence or lack of a statement of intent and/or actions related to caring for women at risk for or experiencing PND. Although PND is actively researched and included in the clinical practice guidelines, no other policy documents mention PND. General recommendations to address this matter include channeling resources into developing care for PND, increasing advocacy work to reduce stigma, setting up appropriate training pathways for health care providers, and creating more roles and user-friendly modules for local volunteers to deliver mental health interventions.

Critical Analysis of Nidanas of Asrigdara in Pathogenesis of Disease w.s.r. to Menometrorrhagia

A woman's health is a concern of her family, society and culture as any physical or mental disorder can disrupt her normal menstrual cycle. Asrigdara is a common gynecological problem from menarche to menopause that affects her daily activities. It is one of RaktadoshajaVikara that manifests as excessive menstrual bleeding or breakthrough bleeding other than normal menstrual blood and can be compared to menometrorrhagia on the basis of symptomatology. It is a debilitating condition that affects women's physical and mental health and, if not treated properly, eventually leads to a hysterectomy. Nidana is the main causative factor for that disease. In Asrigdara's Samprapti, different etiological factors such as Lavana, Amla and Katu Rasa, Guru, Vidahi and Snigdha Annapana, Dadhi, Sukta, Mastu etc. This article tries to explain Nidan in the pathogenesis of diseases based on the involvement of Dosha and Dhatu. In the classics, the acharyas emphasized nidan of asrigdara, their analysis helps in disease prevention and better management.

A qualitative study of how and why gym-based resistance training may benefit women's mental health and wellbeing

PurposeThis study used photovoice methodology to explore women's lived experiences of gym-based resistance training, and the potential mechanisms by which resistance training may promote wellbeing. MethodsTen women aged between 18 and 27 years from various locations across England each generated a total of three photographs illustrating 1) what they like and 2) what they dislike about gym-based resistance training, and 3) what gym-based resistance training means to them, and completed a subsequent photo-elicitation telephone interview via Zoom video conferencing software. Data were analysed through an iterative deductive and inductive process, firstly using Ryff's psychological wellbeing model (Ryff, 1989) as a thematic framework, and then inductively to further explore the data. ResultsFive themes linking gym-based resistance training and mental health and wellbeing were identified: (1) self-acceptance, (2) personal growth, (3) flow state, (4) social affiliation and (5) autonomy. Through engaging in resistance training participants exercise self-direction (i.e., autonomy) and have the opportunity to develop positive relations with like-minded others. The activity itself can facilitate the achievement of the “flow state” of mind. The setting, pursuit and achievement of meaningful “intrinsic goals” can result in feelings of personal growth and realisation a more positive self-regard. ConclusionGym-based resistance training provides various paths to wellbeing. Greater emphasis of these wellbeing benefits in public health messaging may encourage more women to engage in gym-based resistance training.

Gender-Based Violence Against Pregnant Women and Its Relationship with Maternal Depression in Patients Attended at a Public Hospital in Chincha, Peru: A Cross-Sectional Study

At least one-third of women worldwide has suffered intimate partner violence (IPV) during their lifetime. During pregnancy, IPV has serious consequences on the physical and mental health of women and children. Therefore, this study aims to describe domestic violence and maternal depression in Peruvian patients treated in a public hospital. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on pregnant women between 18 and 40 years of age who attended their prenatal checkups at the San José de Chincha National Hospital located in the Ica region in southern Peru. A total of 316 pregnant women were interviewed, of which 48.4% were between 18 and 25 years of age and 28.2% belonged to a rural area. The frequency of psychological violence and physical aggression was 19.6% (n = 62) and 7% (n = 22), respectively. Furthermore, 22.1% (n = 70) of the participants were at risk of feminicide. Maternal depression was present in 29.1% (n = 92) of the participants and 16.8% (n = 53) had suicidal thoughts. Multivariate analysis showed several risk factors: unwanted pregnancy (adjusted prevalence of the ratio [aPR]: 1.44, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.01–2.07), psychological violence (aPR: 1.79, CI 95%: 1.23–2.60), mild risk of feminicide (aPR: 1.97, CI 95%: 1.31–2.961), and a moderate risk of feminicide (aPR: 1.81, CI 95%: 1.11–2.95). In conclusion, the risk of femicide, the frequency of IPV against women, and the rate of maternal depression are all high among pregnant women treated at San Jose de Chincha Hospital, since one in three pregnant women has maternal depression and one in five has been a victim of psychological violence or at risk of feminicide.

Effect of Ethanol-Induced Methyl Donors Consumption on the State of Hypomethylation in Cervical Cancer.

Cervical cancer causes malignant tumors in females and threatens the physical and mental health of women. Current research shows that persistent infection of high-risk HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. However, not all cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection, which may also be related to other factors, such as nutritional status and lifestyle. This study focuses on the effect of alcohol consumption on the methylation status of cervical cancer from the perspective of methyl donors. We established a mouse tumor-bearing model with cervical cancer SiHa cells, and at the same time, we cultured SiHa cells in vitro. Different concentrations of ethanol were administered to the model mice and SiHa cells. Then, we detected the levels of the methyl-donor folate and methionine and their metabolite homocysteine levels in mice serum, tumor tissues, and SiHa cells. Furthermore, we determined the expression of the members of the DNA methyltransferase family (DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b) in tumor tissue by immunohistochemistry. qRT-PCR and Western blotting analysis were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of members of the DNA methyltransferase family in cervical cancer SiHa cells. Our results show that the levels of the methyl donor (folate and methionine) decreased with the increase of ethanol concentration (p < 0.05), and the homocysteine level increased significantly (p < 0.05). In SiHa cells, the mRNA and protein levels of the DNMT family members and their receptors were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Collectively, these results suggest that ethanol could influence DNMT expression by inducing methyl donor consumption, thereby causing cervical cancer cells to exhibit genome-wide hypomethylation.

Battered Body, Battered Self: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Embodiment-Related Impairments of Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

ABSTRACT Intimate-partner violence (IPV) is a major threat to women’s lives, with an impact on their physical and mental health, often causing trauma symptoms. The IPV consequences for embodiment-related features that are detrimental to the quality of life and identity structure of victims are understudied. With this study, we aim to examine embodiment-related functions and physical and mental health of women with and without a history of IPV. A total of 47 female victims of IPV (mean age 41.3 ± 11.5 years) living in shelters and 44 non-victims (mean age 43.1 ± 12.5 years) living in the community participated in this cross-sectional study. We used a self-administered survey to assess the prevalence of mental health symptoms, somatic symptoms, and behaviors of self-injury and suicidal ideation. The levels of interoception, movement imagery, body ownership, and bodily dissociation were assessed through tasks and questionnaires, controlling for mental health covariates. Women victims of IPV showed a greater prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (p = .014), depression (p < .001), somatic symptoms (p = .006), self-injury behaviors (p < .001), and suicidal ideation (p < .001). Also, IPV victims showed higher levels of body disownership (p = .025) and bodily dissociation (p < .001) than non-victims, controlling for the presence of PTSD and depression. Our study shows strong evidence of the link between IPV and impairments in embodiment, namely the sense of body ownership and the disconnection from the body. Intimate-partner violence victims need embodiment-informed care to be parallel to the attention given to mental health and somatic symptoms.

Analysis of fuzzy based intelligent health care application system for the diagnosis of mental health in women with ovarian cancer using computational models

Depending on the characteristics of the cancer and the specific treatment required, each type of cancer comes with a unique set of challenges in the psychological wellbeing of women. This research work mainly focuses on Ovarian cancer since the it is one of the 5th leading cancers among women. As per the statistics of 2021, by the American Cancer Society, 21,410 women would be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 13,770 women might die from ovarian cancer. Both physically and psychologically, ovarian cancer presents several challenges. To control the growth of the tumour, multiple treatments are required. The psychological issues in women with ovarian cancer is mainly due to “loss of femininity” that affects them while they proceed through the phases of diagnosis, treatment and recurrence. Psychological factors associated with both, having ovarian cancer and being at risk are considered in this study. In the proposed work, PHQ 9 and GAD 7 are the tools used to measure depression and anxiety among women who are undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. The data, collected with the help of these tools, is analysed using the popular Machine Learning algorithms such as k-Nearest Neighbour (kNN), Random Forest, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Artificial Neural Network etc. The results of Machine Learning algorithms are then compared with Mamdani and Sugeno fuzzy inference models. The Sugeno fuzzy inference system outperformed in comparison to all other models, with an accuracy of 96.2% for depression and 98.83% for anxiety, followed by Mamdani fuzzy inference system giving 94.3% accuracy for depression and 96.7% for anxiety. The performance is then compared with the linear SVM which obtained an accuracy of 91.52% for depression and 93.78% for anxiety. The analysed performance of the data using computational algorithms are compared with that of expert clinical psychologists. The severely affected women are advised to visit a psychiatrist.

Traversing mental health disorders during pregnancy: Lebanese women's experiences of antepartum depression and anxiety.

Over the past few years, Lebanon-a developing country-has faced a plethora of economic and political challenges, with more than half of the general population presenting depressive and anxiety symptoms. However, when it comes to maternal mental health during pregnancy, the last examination in Lebanon dates far back to 2005. Our study's aim was to help delineate the factors associated with Lebanese women's mental health disorders during pregnancy, namely antepartum depression and anxiety. We launched a cross-sectional study among Lebanese pregnant women (age ≥ 18years) between June and July 2021, during the COVID-19 lockdown (N = 433). In total, 87.8% of the participants experienced depression (mild to severe), where severe depression was observed in 7.9%. In addition, 70.3% had a significant level of anxiety. Increased pregnancy-specific hassles (beta = 0.93), being Muslim compared to Christians (beta = 3.19), being afraid of an existing aggressor (beta = 8.75), urinary tract infections (beta = 2.02), and higher gestational age (beta = 0.07) were significantly associated with higher depression, whereas higher physical activity index (beta = - 0.09) and increased disordered eating attitudes during pregnancy (beta = - 0.27) were significantly associated with less depression, all accounting for 60.4% of the model's variance. Additionally, increased pregnancy-specific hassles (beta = 0.54), being Muslim compared to Christians (beta = 2.42), urinary tract infections (beta = 1.72), and having been emotionally or physically abused (beta = 1.19) were significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and could predict 49% of the total variance. Our study has suggested the existence of factors that have additive effects in potentiating the risk for depression and anxiety among Lebanese pregnant women, namely cultural beliefs, pregnancy-related distress, medical complications during pregnancy, and a history of abuse. Therefore, it would be judicious to implement screening programs targeting pregnant women at risk for antepartum depression and anxiety. In addition, high rates of prenatal depression and anxiety were detected among our sample, supporting that recognizing and treating maternal mental health disorders should be prioritized during antenatal care in Lebanon.

Shoutai Wan regulates glycolysis imbalance at the maternal-fetal interface in threatened abortion mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThreatened abortion is a common disease among women of childbearing age. Its high incidence rate and unclear etiology, seriously threaten women's physical and mental health. Shoutai Wan (STW) is a traditional Chinese medicine decoction for treating abortion. It has a long history of treating threatened abortion by tonifying the kidney and calming the fetus. However, the mechanism of STW remains unclear. Aim of studyTo study the mechanism and potential benefit of STW in pregnant mice with hydrocortisone and mifepristone-induced threatened abortion. Materials and methodsThe STW compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. STW-H, STW-M, or STW-L was separately given 3 mg/ml, 1.5 mg/ml and 0.75 mg/ml STW in the morning, and 2 mg/ml hydrocortisone in the afternoon from gestation day (D) 1–9 and once with 0.4 mg/kg mifepristone on D10. Didroxyprogesterone (0.1 mg/ml) and equal dose pure water were used to replace STW in didroxyprogesterone (DYD) group and model group respectively. The control group used pure water to replace STW, hydrocortisone, and mifepristone. We performed morphological and histological analyses of the maternal-fetal interface on day 10. ResultsThe embryo loss rate in the STW-H and DYD groups was lower than that in the model group. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining suggested that the morphology of maternal-fetal interface was improved in the STW-H and DYD groups. Immunohistochemical (IHC), Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reactionstaining (qRT-PCR), and Western blot (WB) results indicated that HIF-1α expression in the maternal-fetal interface of the STW-H and DYD groups was higher than that in model group. The activities of HK, PKM, LDH and the concentration of lactic acid in the STW-H and DYD groups were higher than those in model group. Furthermore, the protein and mRNA levels of HK2, PKM2, LDHA, MCT4, and GPR81 were higher in the STW-H and DYD groups than those in the model group. ConclusionsSTW can reduce the pregnancy loss rate by regulating the glycolysis balance at the maternal-fetal interface of kidney deficiency threatened abortion model mice.

Efficacy and Safety of the Chinese Herbal Compound TJAOA101 in Treating Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Protocol for Multicenter, Prospective, and Pre-Post Study.

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) can lead to early menopause, poor fecundity, and an increased risk of disorders such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive impairment, seriously affecting the physical and mental health of women. There is still no safe and effective strategy or method to combat DOR. We have developed a novel Chinese herbal formula, Tongji anti-ovarian aging 101 (TJAOA101), to treat DOR. However, its safety and efficacy need to be further validated. In this prospective and pre-post clinical trial, 100 eligible patients aged 18-45 diagnosed with DOR will be recruited. All participants receive TJAOA101 twice a day for 3 months. Then, comparisons before and after treatment will be analyzed, and the outcomes, including anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and the antral follicle count (AFC), the recovery rate of menopause, and the Kupperman index (KMI), will be assessed at baseline, every month during medication (the intervention period), and 1, 3 months after medication (the follow-up period). Assessments for adverse events will be performed during the intervention and follow-up periods. A multicenter, prospective study will be conducted to further confirm the safety and efficacy of TJAOA101 in treating DOR and to provide new therapeutic strategies for improving the quality of life in DOR patients.

Impact of COVID‐19 on rate of admissions in the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust in Yorkshire

Impact of <scp>COVID</scp>‐19 on rate of admissions in the Humber Teaching <scp>NHS</scp> Foundation Trust in Yorkshire

The Effect of Sombere Education on Stress Levels in Primigravida Pregnant Women

Mental health problems during pregnancy are major public health issues that require immediate attention. Anxiety and stress can have an impact on pregnancy and childbirth. This study examines the impact of Sombere education on the stress levels of pregnant women. A quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test design and a control group was employed in this study. This study's sample consisted of 80 primigravida pregnant women who met the sample criteria. Purposive sampling was utilized in this study. The chi-square test and the Wilcoxon rank test were implemented to analyze the data. The findings of this study revealed that there was a difference in stress in the intervention group after treatment (p=0.000&lt;0.005), as well as a difference in stress in the control group during the post-test (p=0.001&lt;0.005). Sombere education has an effect on stress levels in primigravida pregnant women (p=0.016&lt;0.005). The requirement Midwives provide education on maternal mental health, particularly the stress of pregnancy. In addition, midwives must conduct stress assessments or collaborate with psychologists to ensure pregnant women's mental health.

Cultural collectivism, intimate partner violence, and women's mental health: An analysis of data from 151 countries.

Culture, defined as the distinctive, learned beliefs and patterns of behavior that are particular to a given group or community, is a key determinant of mental health. The cultural dimension of individualism-collectivism, which measures the extent to which a given society accords importance to individuals as opposed to larger groups, has been associated with cross-national variations in mental health outcomes such as depression and suicide. However, this cultural dimension is also associated with variations in the frequency of intimate partner violence (IPV), which has a significant and sustained adverse impact on women's mental health. This study examines the relationships between individualism-collectivism, the frequency of IPV, and rates of depression and suicide in women, based on data from 151 countries. In this data set, IPV was significantly associated with age-standardized rates of depression and suicide in women, even after adjusting for demographic variables. Cultural collectivism was positively correlated with IPV, but this relationship was significantly influenced by national income and women's educational attainment. In multivariate analyses, IPV, but not cultural collectivism, remained significantly associated with depression in women. These results highlight the importance of screening for and addressing IPV in women seeking mental health care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where cultural and economic factors may both increase the risk of IPV and delay or impede its reporting.

The Portrayal of Women in TV Advertisements and its Impact on their Mental Health

The portrayal of perfect images of women in television advertisements has been studied extensively in Western media. However, women's representation in Pakistani advertisements has received little attention. Therefore, this research study was intended to explore the influence of the portrayal of perfect idealized images appearing in television advertisements and their associated effects on the mental health of women. A survey was conducted and a questionnaire was filled out by 360 female students from the University Management and Technology. The participants were asked about the perfect images of models and about their experiences being exposed to such images. Furthermore, the researcher employed the social comparison theory in order to provide the theoretical framework of the study. The results suggested that the majority of women agreed that they get disappointed after watching models having slim bodies, spotless skin and fair complexion in the Pakistani advertisements. The findings concluded that such portrayal is Psychologically harming women.

The relationship between the gendered norm of eating last and mental health of newly married women in Nepal: A longitudinal study.

Eating last is a gendered cultural norm in which the youngest daughters-in-law are expected to eat last after serving others in the household, including men and in-laws. Using women's eating last as an indicator of women's status, we studied the association between eating last and women's mental health. Using four rounds of prospective cohort data of 18-25-year-old newly married women (n = 200) cohabiting with mothers-in-law between 2018 and 2020 in the Nawalparasi district of Nepal, we examined the association between women eating last and depressive symptom severity (measured using 15-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist for Depression; HSCL-D). Twenty-fivepercent of women reported eating last always. The prevalence of probable depression using the established cutoff was 5.5%, consistent with the prevalence of depression in the general population. Using a hierarchical mixed-effects linear regression model, we found that women who always ate last had an expected depressive symptom severity (0-3 on HSCL-D) 0.24 points (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-0.36) greater compared to women who did not eat last when adjusted for demographic variables, household food insecurity, and secular trends. Sensitivity analysis using logistic regression also suggested that women who eat last have greater odds of having probable depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.05; 95% CI: 1.32-12.44). We explored if the association between eating last and depressive symptom severity was moderated by household food insecurity and did not observe evidence of moderation, underscoring the significance of eating last as a woman's status indicator. Our study findings highlight that newly young married women in Nepal are a vulnerable group.

The dynamics of mental health measures of pre- and postpartum women undergoing assisted reproductive technology

BACKGROUND: The number of infertile women has been increasing since 2015, with a 1015% increase in IVF cycles every year. The data on mental health of women using assisted reproductive technology are contradictory; there is little research on the dynamics of mental health outcomes from pregnancy to postpartum.&#x0D; AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of mental health measures in the groups of pre- and postpartum women using assisted reproductive technology and to compare these groups with women who conceived spontaneously.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study had three stages: during pregnancy, within one month after delivery, and in four to nine months after childbirth, and included 59 women who used assisted reproductive technology (34.0 4.60 years old) and 85 women with natural pregnancy (30.6 4.39 years old). All the women had singleton, planned pregnancy, with the most of them at more than 20 weeks pregnant. Drop out within research stages was approximately 2030%. We used the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment, socio-demographic and obstetric data gathering, as well as a postpartum telephone interview.&#x0D; RESULTS: Women in the assisted reproductive technology group were less likely (р = 0.000) to attend or plan to attend childbirth preparation courses. In this study group, emergency (40%) and planned (26%) caesarean sections were used more often (p = 0.001); in 17% of cases, they gave birth before 37 weeks of gestation (vs. 1.9% in the group of women with natural pregnancy); and only 51% of women undergoing assisted reproductive technology used breast feeding (vs. 78% in the group of women with natural pregnancy). No significant differences in Apgar scores and the number of problems in childs health straight after the delivery were shown. In 49 months after the childs birth in the group of women using assisted reproductive technology, the number of somatic disorders was significantly higher (р = 0.046) compared to the group of women with natural pregnancy. The analysis of the dynamics of mental health measures revealed an increase of withdrawal (p = 0.010) and thought problems (p = 0.001) in the group of women using assisted reproductive technology. In the group of women with natural pregnancy, the analysis revealed a decrease in the number of mental health problems such as anxiety / depression, somatic problems, delinquent behavior, as well as DSM-associated anxiety disorder and avoidance (р 0.05).&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Mental health measures of women undergoing assisted reproductive technology, their dynamics after childbirth, the number of preterm births and cesarean sections, as well as feeding type altogether may be a risk factor for the mental health and development of the children. These women may require additional support.

COVID-19 in the Community: Changes to Women's Mental Health, Financial Security, and Physical Activity

This study describes changes in the mental health, financial security, and physical activity levels of women in North Carolina during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from women aged 20-40 years receiving primary care at 2 health centers in North Carolina during 2020-2022. Surveys (N=127) evaluated changes in mental health, financial security, and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. These outcomes were analyzed both descriptively and for association with sociodemographic factors using logistic regression. A subset of participants (n=46) participated in semistructured interviews. Interview transcripts were reviewed and evaluated for recurring themes by primary and secondary coders using a rapid-coding technique. Analysis was conducted in 2022. Women surveyed were 28.4% non-Hispanic White, 38.6% non-Hispanic Black, and 33.1% Hispanic/Latina. Compared with reports before the pandemic, participants reported increased frustration or boredom (69.1%), loneliness (51.6%), anxiety (64.3%), depression (52.4%), and changed sleep patterns (68.3%). Increased alcohol and other recreational substance use were associated with race and ethnicity (p<0.05) after adjustment for other sociodemographic factors. Participants reported difficulty in paying for basic expenses (44.0%). Financial difficulties during COVID-19 were associated with non-Hispanic Black race and ethnicity, less education, and lower prepandemic household income. Data showed pandemic-associated reductions in mild (32.8%), moderate (39.5%), and strenuous (43.3%) exercise, with a correlation between increased depression and reduced mild exercise. Interviews identified themes including reduced activity while working remotely, lack of gym access, and reduced motivation for exercise. This mixed-methods study is one of the first to evaluate the mental health, financial security, and physical activity challenges women aged between 20 and 40 years in the southern U.S. faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.