Effects of Adverse Birth Events on Maternal Mood, Maternal Functional Status and Infant Care

Unplanned, adverse events during labor or delivery may generate a negative response for the mother during the early postpartum period, resulting in disruption of usual functioning and mood. Alterations in maternal mood can lead to a more debilitating condition known as Postpartum Depression. Postpartum Depression negatively affects the quality of life and functional status of mothers and infants. High levels of maternal depressive symptoms are associated with parenting, infant attachment, behavioral problems and cognition (Beck 2002). Little research has been completed exploring the relationship of adverse, unplanned events in labor or delivery and maternal mood, functional status and infant care in the immediate postpartum period. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of adverse events in labor or delivery and mood, functional status and infant care at 2-weeks postpartum. The secondary aim was to explore the role of social support as a possible moderator in the relationship between adverse birth events and maternal outcomes. A secondary analysis of data was performed using data collected in a descriptive, longitudinal study examining the effects of antidepressant use during pregnancy. Participants included a convenience sample of 123 women. The main outcome measures included maternal mood, functional status, and infant care at 2-weeks postpartum. Adverse events in labor or delivery did not significantly predict mood (odds ratio =1.34, p=.536), functional status (R2 change = .001, p=.66), or infant care (R2 change=.004, p=.48) at 2-weeks postpartum when controlling for depression during pregnancy, antidepressant use at delivery, education level, age, and parity. Social support had significant effects on mood (p=.02), functional status (p=.014), and infant care (p < .001) but did not moderate the effect of adverse events when predicting mood (odds ratio=1.01, p=.045), functional status (R2 change =.009, p=.056) and infant care (R2 change<.001, p=.92). The occurrence of an adverse event in labor or delivery does not appear to predict alterations in mood, functional status, or infant care at 2-weeks postpartum. Although social support does appear to be related to mood, functional status and infant care, it does not appear to moderate the effect of adverse events on the selected outcomes

Chinese nurses’ perceived impact of international educational experiences and cultural beliefs following a 1-year study abroad program: an exploratory study

To examine the perceived impact of international educational experiences and cultural beliefs before and after completing a 1-year Masters of Science in Nursing program