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The impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding rates : an international cross-sectional study

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding rates : an international cross-sectional study Authors: Ganho-Ávila, Ana; Guiomar, Raquel; Sobral, Mónica; Pacheco, Francisca; Caparros-Gonzalez, Rafael A.; Diaz-Louzao, Carla; Motrico, Emma; Domínguez-Salas, Sara; Mesquita, Ana; Costa, Raquel; Vousoura, Eleni; Hadjigeorgiou, Eleni; Bina, Rena; Buhagiar, Rachel; Mateus, Vera; Contreras-García, Yolanda; Wilson, Claire A.; Ajaz, Erilda; Hancheva, Camellia; Dikmen-Yildiz, Pelin; de la Torre-Luque, Alejandro Abstract: Background: Breastfeeding promotes children’s health and is associated with positive effects to maternal physical and mental health. Uncertainties regarding SARS-CoV-2 transmission led to worries experienced by women and health professionals which impacted breastfeeding plans. We aimed to investigate the im- pact of self-reported and country-specific factors on breastfeeding rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.; Methods: This study is part of a broader international prospective cohort study about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal mental health (Riseup-PPD-COVID-19). We analysed data from 5612 women, across 12 countries. Potential covariates of breastfeeding (sociodemographic, perinatal, physical/mental health, professional perinatal care, changes in healthcare due to the pandemic, COVID-19 related, breastfeeding support, governmental containment measures and countries’ inequality levels) were studied by Generalized Linear Mixed-Effects Models.; Results: A model encompassing all covariates of interest explained 24% of the variance of breastfeeding rates across countries (first six months postpartum). Overall, first child ( β= -0.27), age of the child ( β= -0.29), preterm birth ( β= -0.52), admission to the neonatal/pediatric care ( β= -0.44), lack of breastfeeding support ( β= -0.18), current psychiatric treatment ( β= -0.69) and inequality ( β= -0.71) were negatively associated with breastfeeding ( p < .001). Access to postnatal support groups was posi tively associated with breastfeeding ( β= 0.59; p < .001). In countries with low-inequality, governmental measures to contain virus transmission had a deleterious effect on breastfeeding ( β= -0.16; p < .05) while access to maternity leave protected breastfeeding ( β= 0.50; p < .001).; Discussion: This study shows that mother’s COVID-19 diagnosis and changes in healthcare and birth/postnatal plans did not influence breastfeeding rates. Virtual support groups help women manage breastfeeding, particularly when their experiencing a first child and for those under psychiatric treatment. The complex associations between covariates and breastfeeding vary across countries, suggesting the need to define context-specific measures to support breastfeeding.

The impact of a psychological skills training and mindfulness-based intervention on the mental toughness, competitive anxiety, and coping skills of futsal players — a longitudinal convergent mixed-methods design

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The impact of a psychological skills training and mindfulness-based intervention on the mental toughness, competitive anxiety, and coping skills of futsal players — a longitudinal convergent mixed-methods design Authors: Vella Fondacaro, Daniel; Romano-Smith, Stephanie Abstract: Despite the sport’s popularity, there is a paucity in futsal psychological interventional research. This study analysed the impact of a ten-session psychological skills training and mindfulness-based intervention (PSTMI) on the mental toughness, competitive anxiety, and athletic coping skills of national league futsal players (n = 13). It also analysed whether these variables were predicted by playing experience. Pre-/post-intervention questionnaires were filled in and analysed (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire, and Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28). Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with seven athletes; quantitative and qualitative data were integrated in a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Results revealed significant medium-to-large improvements in mental toughness, cognitive anxiety, and coping skills following the PSTMI. Years of playing experience positively and significantly predicted better self-confidence and coping skills. Thematic analysis generated five themes: (1) post-intervention enhancement in athletic performance and well-being; (2) the non-athletic commitments of futsal players; (3) diverse views on how to improve the intervention; (4) instilling social identity through sport psychology sessions; and (5) the impact of years of experience on skill learning. Results mirrored those from other sporting disciplines. The PSTMI was well-received and equipped athletes with beneficial psychological skills, stressing the need for more sport psychology resources in futsal.

Women's lived experience of enduring domestic violence and substance abuse

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Women's lived experience of enduring domestic violence and substance abuse Abstract: Background: Domestic violence and substance abuse are interconnected issues that have serious effects on women’s physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. These intersecting experiences often trap women in cycles of trauma, dependency, and marginalisation. Understanding how women experience and cope with these challenges is essential not only for developing effective, trauma-informed responses but also for providing appropriate support and intervention. Design: A qualitative phenomenological design was employed to explore the lived experiences of women exposed to both domestic violence and substance abuse, conducted in accordance with the principles and framework of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Setting: Semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were conducted with participants in rehabilitation settings. Four interviews took place within the rehabilitation centre during participants’ treatment programmes, while one interview was conducted outside the centre with a participant in the reintegration phase. Participants: Five adult female participants who have been exposed to domestic violence and substance abuse at any point in their lives. Method: Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analysed following the principles of IPA. Results: Seven Group Experiential Themes (GETs) emerged from the analysis, each with corresponding subthemes. The first GET, Substance Use, captures the journey from curiosity to dependency and the use of substances as a coping mechanism. The second, Domestic Violence and Abuse, reveals ongoing cycles of control and the emotional and interpersonal violence experienced. The third, Emotions, reflects the trauma, psychological impact, and resilience demonstrated by participants. The fourth, Relationships, explores patterns of broken connections, power, and manipulation. The fifth, Family and Social Support, highlights fractured family bonds and system failures in providing adequate support. The sixth GET, Experiences with Support Services, and lastly Sharing Advice and Future Aspirations, illustrates barriers to seeking help, perceptions of available services, and participants’ reflections on growth, recovery, and advice for others. Conclusion: The study highlights the complex interplay between domestic violence and substance abuse in shaping women’s lived experiences. Participants’ narratives reveal cycles of trauma, resilience, and recovery, underscoring the need for integrated, trauma-informed approaches that address both issues simultaneously. Enhanced awareness, coordinated services, and empathetic support are essential to promote healing and empowerment among affected women. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

The mental health of women with gestational diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic : an international cross-sectional survey

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The mental health of women with gestational diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic : an international cross-sectional survey Authors: Wilson, Claire A.; Gómez-Gómez, Irene; Parsons, Judith; Costa, Raquel; Mesquita, Ana; Vousoura, Eleni; Contreras-García, Yolanda; Levy, Drorit; Mateus, Vera; Christoforou, Andri; Felice, Ethel; Dikmen-Yildiz, Pelin; Domínguez-Salas, Sara; Motrico, Emma Abstract: Background: There is evidence that women with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of the common mental disorders of anxiety and depression. The COVID-19 pandemic may have exerted an additional burden on the mental health of this population. The aim of this analysis was to compare levels of symptoms of common mental disorders and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic between pregnant and postnatal women exposed and unexposed to gestational diabetes.; Methods: Cross-sectional study utilizing quantitative data from an online survey administered across 10 countries to women who were pregnant or up to 6 months postpartum from 15 June to October 31, 2020. Women self-reported gestational diabetes and completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 items) measures. The COPE-IS (Coronavirus Perinatal Experiences-Impact Survey) tool was also administered. Complete case analyses were conducted on a sample of 7,371 women.; Results: There was evidence of an association between gestational diabetes and increased levels of depression symptoms, which was robust to adjustment for age, education, and employment status. There was only evidence of an association with anxiety in postnatal women. There was also evidence that women with gestational diabetes, particularly those in the postnatal period, experienced higher levels of pandemic-related distress, although they did not experience higher levels of COVID-19 infection in this sample.; Conclusions: The increased risk of common mental disorders in women with gestational diabetes underscores the importance of integrated physical and mental health care for pregnant and postnatal women both during and beyond the pandemic. Clinical Trial Registration no. NCT04595123.