Parenting under pressure: a cross-sectional questionnaire study of psychological distress, parenting concerns, self-efficacy, and emotion regulation in parents with cancer.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: As many as one in four adults with cancer have children under 18 years. Balancing parenting and cancer is challenging and can be a source of psychological distress. This study aimed to examine psychological distress in parents with cancer and its associations with parenting concerns, self-efficacy, and emotion regulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire study of 406 parents (aged 25-60 years) diagnosed with cancer within the last 5 years, with at least one dependent child (≤ 18 years). Parents completed questionnaires on psychological distress (DASS-21), parenting concerns (PCQ), self-efficacy (GSE), emotion regulation (ERQ), mental and physical health, and sociodemographics. Data were analysed using multiple logistic regressions on depression (yes/no), anxiety (yes/no), and stress (yes/no). RESULTS: Higher parenting concerns were associated with greater odds of depression (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.64-3.31), anxiety (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.64-3.20), and stress (OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 2.20-4.69) when adjusting for health and sociodemographic factors. Poorer self-efficacy was associated with increased odds of anxiety (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99, p < 0.05), whereas lower use of cognitive reappraisal and higher use of expressive suppression increased the odds of depression (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.98 | OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.18-1.80). INTERPRETATION: The findings highlight the complexity of parental well-being in relation to parenthood and cancer, stressing the need for interventions that address relevant psychological factors to improve overall mental health in this population.

Overall childbirth experience: what does it mean? A comparison between an overall childbirth experience rating and the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire 2.

BACKGROUND: In clinical settings and research studies, childbirth experience is often measured using a single-item question about overall experience. Little is known about what women include in this rating, which complicates the design of adequate follow-up, as well as the interpretation of research findings based on ratings of overall childbirth experience. The aim of this study was to examine which known dimensions of childbirth experience women include in the rating on a single-item measure. METHODS: Ratings of overall childbirth experience on a 10-point numeric rating scale (NRS) from 2953 women with spontaneous or induced onset of labour at two Swedish hospitals were evaluated against the validated Childbirth Experience Questionnaire 2 (CEQ2), completed on one of the first days postpartum. The CEQ2 measures four childbirth experience domains: own capacity, perceived safety, professional support and participation. Internal consistency for CEQ2 was evaluated by calculating Cronbach's alpha. NRS ratings were explored in relation to CEQ2 using empirical cumulative distribution function graphs, where childbirth experience was defined as negative (NRS ratings 1-4), mixed (NRS ratings 5-6) or positive (NRS ratings 7-10). A multiple linear regression analysis, presented as beta coefficients (B) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), was also performed to explore the relationship between the four domains of the CEQ2 and overall childbirth experience. RESULTS: The prevalence of negative childbirth experience was 6.3%. All CEQ2-subscales reached high or acceptable reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.78; 0.81; 0.69 and 0.66, respectively). Regardless of overall childbirth experience, the majority of respondents scored high on the CEQ2 subscale representing professional support. Overall childbirth experience was mainly explained by perceived safety (B = 1.60, CI 1.48-1.73), followed by own capacity (B = 0.65, CI 0.53-0.77) and participation (B = 0.43, CI 0.29-0.56). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, overall childbirth experience rated by a single-item measurement appears to mainly capture experiences of perceived safety, and to a lesser extent own capacity and participation, but appears not to reflect professional support. CEQ2 shows good psychometric properties for use shortly after childbirth, and among women with induced onset of labour, which increases the usability of the instrument.

Health-related quality of life in long-term survivors of childhood brain tumors: a population-based cohort study.

PURPOSE: Survivors of childhood brain tumors (BT) are at high risk for long-term physical and psychological sequelae. Still, knowledge about health-related quality of life (HRQL) and associated factors in this population is sparse. This study investigated HRQL and its predictors in long-term survivors of childhood BT. METHODS: Survivors of childhood BT (mean age = 28.1 years, SD = 6.8, n = 60) underwent clinical examination and neurocognitive examination, and completed self-rating questionnaires assessing HRQL (RAND-36) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II). Socio-demographic information was gathered via a questionnaire. Tumor- and treatment-related information was collected from medical records. Control group data were collected from age-matched controls (n = 146) without a history of cancer, randomly selected from the local population registry. Multiple linear regression models were used to investigate predictors of HRQL; separate models were fitted for each domain of the RAND-36. RESULTS: Male survivors (mean age = 27.0, SD = 6.0, n = 39) reported significantly lower HRQL than male controls in the domains of physical functioning, general health, vitality, social functioning, and role limitations-emotional. Female survivors (mean age = 30.2 years, SD = 7.6, n = 21) reported comparable levels as female controls in all domains except physical functioning. A higher burden of late effects, not working/studying, being diagnosed with BT during adolescence, and reporting current depressive symptoms were significant predictors of lower HRQL. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight that male survivors of childhood BT are at particular risk of impaired HRQL. Also, results point to the close relation between symptoms of depression and impaired HRQL in survivors of childhood BT which should be acknowledged by long-term follow-up care.

Provision of long-acting reversible contraception at surgical abortion-A cross-sectional nationwide register study.

INTRODUCTION: Provision of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) at surgical abortion is safe, practical, and leads to higher user rates than does delayed provision. The aim of this study was to explore whether provision of LARC at surgical abortion is associated with known risk factors for subsequent abortions and inconsistent use of contraception, including sociodemographic factors and psychiatric disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a register-based cross-sectional study of 6251 women having a surgical abortion in Sweden. Data were collected from National health and population registers. Women with procedure codes for surgical abortion were identified in the National Patient Register from October 2016 to December 2018. Information from Statistics Sweden, the National Patient Register, and the Swedish prescribed drug register on sociodemographic factors, psychiatric disorders, and dispensed LARC was added and linked on an individual level. Associations of sociodemographic factors and psychiatric disorders with LARC provision were explored with generalized logit mixed models and presented as crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The overall rate of LARC provision at the time of the abortion was 2515/6251 (40.2%). Younger age and lower level of education were associated with an increased likelihood of LARC provision. In the study population, 2624/6251 (42.0%) patients had a pre- or post-abortion psychiatric disorder, a factor associated with an increased likelihood of LARC provision compared with women with no such disorders (adjusted odds ratio 1.21; 95% CI 1.08-1.34). The highest rates and odds were seen among women with personality, substance use, and/or neurodevelopmental disorders and among women with multiple psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic risk factors and psychiatric disorders were associated with increased LARC provision at surgical abortion, indicating that women at high risk of unwanted pregnancies are provided with effective contraception. Still, less than half of all women undergoing surgical abortion were provided with LARC, suggesting that contraceptive access and counseling prior to a surgical abortion can be improved.

Prevalence and correlates of current suicidal ideation in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

BACKGROUND: Although previous studies report an association between Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and suicidal ideation, most studies have only established a provisional and retrospective diagnosis of PMDD fundamentally invalidating the diagnosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and to explore correlates of current suicidal ideation in the late luteal phase in women with prospectively assessed and confirmed PMDD. METHODS: Participants were 110 women who attended the pre-randomization baseline visit of two randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials between January 15, 2017 and October 19, 2019. PMDD was diagnosed prospectively in line with DSM-5 criteria. Current suicidal ideation was measured by the MADRS-S in the late luteal phase. Descriptive statistics were presented and logistic regression analyses were carried out to explore the association between psychosocial and health characteristics and current suicidal ideation, presenting unadjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Current suicidal ideation was reported by nearly 40% of women with confirmed PMDD (n = 43, 39.1%). Previous psychological treatment for PMDD and higher depressive symptoms in the late luteal phase were positively associated with current suicidal ideation (OR 5.63, 95% CI 1.07-29.49, and OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.10-1.25, respectively), whereas higher ratings of self-rated health were associated with lower odds ratios for current suicidal ideation (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of women with confirmed PMDD report current suicidal ideation in the late luteal phase. Results point to a need for better awareness and screening of suicidal ideation in women with PMDD.

Time matters-a Swedish cohort study of labor duration and risk of uterine rupture.

INTRODUCTION: Uterine rupture is an obstetric emergency associated with maternal and neonatal morbidity. The main risk factor is a prior cesarean section, with rupture occurring in subsequent labor. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of uterine rupture by labor duration and labor management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a Swedish register-based cohort study of women who underwent labor in 2013-2018 after a primary cesarean section (n = 20 046). Duration of labor was the main exposure, calculated from onset of regular labor contractions and birth; both timepoints were retrieved from electronic medical records for 12 583 labors, 63% of the study population. Uterine rupture was calculated as events per 1000 births at different timepoints during labor. Risk estimates for uterine rupture by labor duration, induction of labor, use of oxytocin and epidural analgesia were calculated using Poisson regression, adjusted for maternal and birth characteristics. Estimates were presented as adjusted rate ratios (ARR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The prevalence of uterine rupture was 1.4% (282/20 046 deliveries). Labor duration was 9.88 hours (95% CI 8.93-10.83) for women with uterine rupture, 8.20 hours (95% CI 8.10-8.31) for women with vaginal delivery, and 10.71 hours (95% CI 10.46-10.97) for women with cesarean section without uterine rupture. Few women (1.0/1000) experienced uterine rupture during the first 3 hours of labor. Uterine rupture occurred in 15.6/1000 births with labor duration over 12 hours. The highest risk for uterine rupture per hour compared with vaginal delivery was observed at 6 hours (ARR 1.20, 95% CI 1.11-1.30). Induction of labor was associated with uterine rupture (ARR 1.54, 95% CI 1.19-1.99), with a particular high risk seen in those induced with prostaglandins and no risk observed with cervical catheter (ARR 1.19, 95% CI 0.83-1.71). Labor augmentation with oxytocin (ARR 1.60, 95% CI 1.25-2.05) and epidural analgesia (ARR 1.63, 95% CI 1.27-2.10) were also associated with uterine rupture. CONCLUSIONS: Labor duration is an independent factor for uterine rupture among women attempting vaginal delivery after cesarean section. Medical induction and augmentation of labor increase the risk, regardless of maternal and birth characteristics.

Caring Behaviors Inventory-24: translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric testing for use in a Swedish context.

BACKGROUND: Patients' health and wellbeing are promoted when nurses successfully conceptualize caring in clinical practice. Measuring caring behaviors can advance knowledge about caring and has potential to improve caring practices and the outcomes of care. The Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 (CBI-24) is an empirical instrument for measuring caring, developed to determine perceptions of caring among patients and nurses. Since the instrument was not available in Swedish, the aim of this study was therefore to translate into Swedish and cross-culturally adapt CBI-24 for a Swedish healthcare context, and to psychometrically analyze the Swedish version of CBI-24. METHODS: The study used a traditional forward and back translation process in six stages: (1) two simultaneous translations by bilingual experts; (2) expert review committee synthesis; (3) blind back translation; (4) expert review committee deliberations; (5) pre-testing with cognitive interviews, and (6) psychometric evaluations. RESULTS: The translation process was systematically conducted and entailed discussions regarding semantic, idiomatic, experiential and conceptual equivalence. The cognitive interviews generated thoughts and reflections, which resulted in adjusting three items of the CBI-24 SWE. For psychometric analyses, 234 persons answered the questionnaire. Results indicated acceptable overall model fit in the χ2-value for the confirmatory factor analysis, while for the heuristic goodness-of-fit indices, the comparative fit index (CFI) and the standardized mean square residual (SMSR) indicated good model fits, and the root mean square error approximation (RMSEA) indicated an acceptable fit. CONCLUSIONS: CBI-24 SWE has been shown to be a psychometrically acceptable instrument for use in Swedish research contexts. Further studies regarding the clinical usefulness of the instrument may be in order. In particular, CBI-24 SWE should be evaluated among nurses in rural areas.

Self-rated health before pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes in Sweden: A population-based register study.

BACKGROUND: Poor self-rated health (SRH) at time of childbirth has been associated with adverse birth outcomes. However, it is not known whether prepregnancy SRH contributes to these outcomes or whether SRH is a proxy for some other factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the associations between poor SRH before pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes. In addition, maternal characteristics associated with SRH before pregnancy were explored. METHODS: A population-based register study encompassing 261 731 deliveries in Sweden between January 2013 and July 2017 was conducted. The associations between poor SRH before pregnancy, rated at first antenatal visit, and the adverse birth outcomes of stillbirth, small for gestational age (SGA), and preterm birth were investigated with logistic regression analyses and presented as crude (OR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Poor SRH before pregnancy was largely characterized by a history of psychiatric care and was associated with stillbirth (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.04-1.79), SGA birth (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.19-1.39), and preterm birth (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.32-1.50). Adjusting for established risk factors for adverse birth outcomes, poor SRH remained associated with SGA birth (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.26) and preterm birth (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.17-1.33), but not with stillbirth (aOR 1.08, 95% CI 0.81-1.43). CONCLUSIONS: SRH assessments could be used in early pregnancy to identify women in need of more extensive follow-up, as SRH appears to capture something beyond currently known risk factors for adverse birth outcomes.

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Analysis of the Attitudes Towards Homelessness Inventory for Use in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Homelessness is an increasing problem worldwide, and the origins of homelessness in high-income countries are multifaceted. Due to stigma and discrimination, persons in homelessness delay seeking health care, resulting in avoidable illness and death. The Attitudes Towards Homelessness Inventory (ATHI) was developed to cover multiple dimensions of attitudes toward persons in homelessness and to detect changes in multiple segments of populations. It has, however, not previously been translated to Swedish. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and psychometrically test the ATHI for use in a Swedish healthcare context. METHODS: The project used a traditional forward- and back-translation process in six stages: (1) two simultaneous translations by bilingual experts; (2) expert review committee synthesis; (3) blind back-translation; (4) expert review committee deliberations; (5) pre-testing with cognitive interviews including registered nurses (n = 5), nursing students (n = 5), and women in homelessness (n = 5); and (6) psychometric evaluations. The final ATHI questionnaire was answered by 228 registered nurses and nursing students in the year 2019. RESULTS: The translation process was systematically conducted and entailed discussions regarding semantic, idiomatic, experiential, and conceptual equivalence. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine if the collected data fitted the hypothesized four-factor structure of the ATHI. Overall, it was found that the model had an acceptable fit and that the Swedish version of ATHI may be used in a Swedish healthcare context. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: The ATHI has been shown to be a psychometrically acceptable research instrument for use in a Swedish healthcare context. The systematic and rigorous process applied in this study, including experts with diverse competencies in translation proceedings and testing, improved the reliability and validity of the final Swedish version of the ATHI. The instrument may be used to investigate attitudes toward women in homelessness among nursing students and RNs in Sweden.

Increased risk of mental health problems after cancer during adolescence: A register-based cohort study.

In this nationwide, register-based study, we estimated the risk of mental health problems in 2822 individuals diagnosed with cancer in adolescence (13-19 years). Mental health problems were assessed by psychiatric diagnoses and/or prescribed psychotropic drugs. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratio (HR) for a psychiatric diagnosis and prescription of psychotropic drug compared to a matched comparison group (n = 28 220). Estimates were adjusted for calendar period and parent characteristics (eg, history of psychiatric diagnosis, education, country of birth). We found an increased risk of a psychiatric diagnosis during the first 5 years after the cancer diagnosis (females: HR 1.23, 95% CI, 1.06-1.44; males: HR 1.32, 95% CI, 1.11-1.56), and at >5 years after diagnosis (females: HR 1.31, 95% CI, 1.09-1.58, males: HR 1.45, 95% CI, 1.18-1.77). The risk of being prescribed antidepressant (females: HR 1.54, 95% CI, 1.30-1.84, males: HR 2.06, 95% CI, 1.66-2.55), antipsychotic (females: HR 2.28, 95% CI, 1.56-3.34, males: HR 3.07, 95% CI, 2.13-4.42), anxiolytic (females: HR 1.95, 95% CI, 1.64-2.31, males: HR 4.02, 95% CI, 3.34-4.84) and sedative drugs (females: HR 2.24, 95% CI, 1.84-2.72, males: HR 3.91, 95% CI, 3.23-4.73) were higher than for comparisons during the first 5 years after diagnosis. Median age at first psychiatric diagnosis and first prescribed psychotropic drug were 18 years. In conclusion, cancer during adolescence is associated with increased risk of mental health problems that may develop in close proximity to treatment. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive care during treatment and follow-up.

Characteristics of women with different perinatal depression trajectories.

Maternal perinatal depression (PND), a common mental disorder with a prevalence of over 10%, is associated with long-term health risks for both mothers and offspring. This study aimed at describing characteristics related to background and lifestyle, pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum of different PND trajectories defined according to the onset of depressive symptoms. Participants were drawn from a large population-based cohort study in Uppsala, Sweden (n = 2,466). Five trajectory groups of depressive symptom onset were created using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale ≥13 (pregnancy) or ≥12 points (postpartum): (a) healthy (60.6%), (b) pregnancy depression (8.5%), (c) early postpartum onset (10.9%), (d) late postpartum onset (5.4%), and (e) chronic depression (14.6%). In multinomial logistic regressions, the associations between trajectories and the included characteristics were tested using the healthy trajectory as reference. Background characteristics (younger age, lower education, unemployment) were primarily associated with pregnancy depression and chronic depression. Characteristics associated with all PND trajectories were smoking prior to pregnancy, migraine, premenstrual mood symptoms, intimate partner violence, interpersonal trauma, negative delivery expectations, pregnancy nausea, and symphysiolysis. Nulliparity, instrumental delivery, or a negative delivery experience was associated with early postpartum onset. Postpartum factors (e.g., infantile colic, lack of sleep, low partner support, and bonding difficulties) were associated with early and late postpartum onset together with chronic depression. The findings suggest that different PND trajectories have divergent characteristics, which could be used to create individualized treatment options. To find the most predictive characteristics for different PND trajectories, studies with even larger and more diverse samples are warranted.

The Influence of Comorbidity on Health-Related Quality of Life After Esophageal Cancer Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer surgery reduces patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study examined whether comorbidities influence HRQoL in these patients. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included esophageal cancer patients having undergone curatively intended esophagectomy at St Thomas' Hospital London in 2011-2015. Clinical data were collected from patient reports and medical records. Well-validated cancer-specific and esophageal cancer-specific questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25) were used to assess HRQoL before and 6 months after esophagectomy. Number of comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA), and specific comorbidities were analyzed in relation to HRQoL aspects using multivariable linear regression models. Mean score differences with 95% confidence intervals were adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: Among 136 patients, those with three or more comorbidities at the time of surgery had poorer global quality of life and physical function and more fatigue compared with those with no comorbidity. Patients with ASA III-IV reported more problems with the above HRQoL aspects and worse social function and pain compared with those with ASA I-II. Cardiac comorbidity was associated with worse global quality of life and dyspnea, while pulmonary comorbidities were related to coughing. Patients assessed both before and 6 months after surgery (n = 80) deteriorated in most HRQoL aspects regardless of comorbidity status, but patients with several comorbidities had worse physical function and fatigue and more trouble with coughing compared with those with fewer comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Comorbidity appears to negatively influence HRQoL before esophagectomy, but appears not to severely impact 6-month recovery of HRQoL.

Perceptions of care after end-of-treatment among younger women with different gynecologic cancer diagnoses - a qualitative analysis of written responses submitted via a survey.

BACKGROUND: Less attention has been given to younger adults' psycho-oncology care needs than to children and older adults with cancer. The aim was to explore how care following end-of-treatment was perceived by women treated for different gynecologic cancer diagnoses during younger adulthood. METHODS: A sample of 207 women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer 2008 to 2016, aged 19-39 at time of diagnosis answered one open-ended question regarding important aspects of care after end-of-treatment. The written responses were analyzed with manifest content analysis and presented in relation to the women's diagnoses, i.e., cervical (n = 130), ovarian (n = 57), and other gynecologic cancer diagnoses (n = 20). RESULTS: The analysis resulted in three categories: Unmet long-term supportive care needs, Satisfying long-term supportive care, and Health care organizational difficulties. Over half of the women (66.7%) described unmet care needs. The corresponding figures were 80.7, 63.1 and 50% for women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical and other gynecologic cancer diagnoses, respectively. Satisfying supportive care were described by approximately one quarter of the women (26.1%). Among women diagnosed with ovarian cancer 14% described satisfying supportive care. The corresponding figures were 26.9 and 30% for women diagnosed with cervical cancer and other gynecological diagnoses, respectively. Approximately one quarter of the women, irrespectively of diagnosis, described aspects related to health care organizational difficulties (28%). CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the importance of good quality care linked to the diagnosis and based on an understanding of the woman's need, desire and expectation of support after end-of-treatment.

Factors associated with re-initiation of antidepressant treatment following discontinuation during pregnancy: a register-based cohort study.

Antidepressant treatment when facing a pregnancy is an important issue for many women and their physicians. We hypothesized that women with a greater burden of pre-pregnancy psychiatric illness would be more likely to re-initiate antidepressants following discontinuation of treatment during pregnancy. A register-based cohort study was carried out including 38,595 women who gave birth between the 1st of January 2007 and the 31st of December 2014, who had filled a prescription for an antidepressant medication in the year prior to conception. Logistic regressions were used to explore associations between maternal characteristics and antidepressant treatment discontinuation or re-initiation during pregnancy. Most women discontinued antidepressant treatment during pregnancy (n = 29,095, 75.4%), of whom nearly 12% (n = 3434, 11.8%) re-initiated treatment during pregnancy. In adjusted analyses, parous women (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.12-1.33), with high educational level (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.08-1.36); born within the EU (excluding Nordic countries, aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.03-1.92) or a Nordic country (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.22-1.65); who more often reported prior hospitalizations due to psychiatric disorders (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.10-2.03, for three or more episodes); and had longer duration of pre-pregnancy antidepressant use (aOR 6.10, 95% CI 5.48-6.77, for >2 years antidepressant use), were more likely to re-initiate antidepressants than were women who remained off treatment. Women with a greater burden of pre-pregnancy psychiatric illness were more likely to re-initiate antidepressants. Thus, pre-pregnancy psychiatric history may be particularly important for weighing the risks and benefits of discontinuing antidepressants during pregnancy.

Neighborhood deprivation and adverse perinatal outcomes in Sweden: A population-based register study.

INTRODUCTION: Neighborhood deprivation has been associated with adverse perinatal outcomes but it is unclear to what extent maternal and social risk factors explain the association and how a stressful environment per se contributes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A population-based register study including 218 030 deliveries in Sweden between January 2013 and July 2017 was conducted. Exposure was living in a deprived or severely deprived area defined by the National Operations Department of the Swedish Police Authority. Adverse perinatal outcomes included preterm births, small-for-gestational-age births and stillbirths. A propensity score-based method was used to control for individual baseline characteristics. Associations were investigated with logistic regression analyses and risk estimates are presented as crude (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Living in a deprived neighborhood in Sweden was associated with extremely preterm births (deprived area OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.07-2.11, severely deprived OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.40-2.58), small-for-gestational-age birth (deprived OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.31-1.60, severely deprived OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.69-2.03) and stillbirth (deprived OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.17-2.26, severely deprived OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.11-2.19). After accounting for individual maternal and social risk factors, the risk of small for gestational age in severely deprived areas remained (aOR 1.45, 95% CI, 1.19-1.75). CONCLUSIONS: The contextual effect of living in a deprived neighborhood on the risk of extremely preterm births, small-for-gestational-age births and stillbirths was to a high extent explained by individual factors of women residing in exposed areas, yet remained for small-for-gestational-age births in severely deprived areas after adjustment for maternal and social risk factors.

Women treated for gynaecological cancer during young adulthood - A mixed-methods study of perceived psychological distress and experiences of support from health care following end-of-treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of cancer-related distress in younger women treated for gynaecological cancer, and to explore women's needs and experiences of psychosocial support following end-of-treatment. METHODS: Data were collected from 337 gynaecological cancer survivors, 19-39years at diagnosis, using a study-specific questionnaire and the Swedish Quality Register of Gynaecologic Cancer. Predictors of distress were investigated with multivariable logistic regression analysis. Open-ended questions were analysed with content analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of cancer-related distress was 85% (n=286) including fear of cancer-recurrence (n=175, 61%), anxiety (n=152, 53%), depression (n=145, 51%), fear of death (n=91, 32%), concerns regarding sexuality (n=87, 34%) and fertility (n=78, 27%), and changed body image (n=78, 27%). Multi-modal treatment (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.13-4.49) and a history of psychological distress (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.41-8.39) predicted cancer-related distress. The majority of women experiencing distress also reported a need for support after end-of-treatment (n=205, 71%). One-third of those receiving support reported the received support as inadequate (n=55, 34%). Eight categories described reasons for not seeking support, e.g., lacked strength to seek professional support and too busy managing every-day life and, wanted help but did not know who to turn to. Four categories described reasons for not receiving sought support e.g., found it difficult to openly express feelings, psychosocial care was under-dimensioned, insufficient and unprofessional. CONCLUSION: Results identify the importance of support and longer-term follow-up for young survivors of gynaecological cancer. The support needs to be organised to meet this group's specific needs.

Prevalence and predictors of symptoms of anxiety and depression, and comorbid symptoms of distress in parents of childhood cancer survivors and bereaved parents five years after end of treatment or a child's death.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of anxiety and depression and their comorbidity in parents of children diagnosed with cancer, particularly later in the cancer trajectory, need further study. The aim was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of symptoms of anxiety and depression in parents of childhood cancer survivors and bereaved parents, five years after end of treatment or a child's death and to investigate comorbidity between symptoms of anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants were 132 parents (68 mothers, 64 fathers) of survivors and 37 bereaved parents (20 mothers, 17 fathers). Chi-square test and t-test were used to explore differences in symptoms of anxiety and depression. Comorbidity was explored using Pearson's correlations and Chi-square test. Multivariable hierarchical linear regressions were used to identify predictors of symptoms of anxiety and depression. RESULTS: In parents of survivors, 20% reported anxiety and 14% reported depression. Corresponding figures among bereaved parents were 30% and 35%. Among parents of survivors reporting clinically relevant anxiety and depression, a larger proportion were mothers than fathers. No such difference was found among bereaved parents. Symptoms of anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress were highly correlated (all r ≥ 0.65, p < .001). Comorbid symptoms were reported by 7-11% of parents of survivors and 14-24% of bereaved parents. In multivariable analyses, more severe symptoms of depression were associated with anxiety, posttraumatic stress and distress related to previous stressful life events. Being a mother, symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress were associated with more severe symptoms of anxiety. CONCLUSION: A subset of parents report clinically elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression, comorbid anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress. Experiencing distress related to previous stressful life events as well as concurrent comorbidity were associated with more severe psychological distress at five years after end of treatment/a child's death. These results deserve further attention in research and clinical care.

Development of an Internet-Administered Cognitive Behavior Therapy Program (ENGAGE) for Parents of Children Previously Treated for Cancer: Participatory Action Research Approach.

BACKGROUND: Parenting a child through cancer is a distressing experience, and a subgroup of parents report negative long-term psychological consequences years after treatment completion. However, there is a lack of evidence-based psychological interventions for parents who experience distress in relation to a child's cancer disease after end of treatment. OBJECTIVE: One aim of this study was to develop an internet-administered, cognitive behavior therapy-based, psychological, guided, self-help intervention (ENGAGE) for parents of children previously treated for cancer. Another aim was to identify acceptable procedures for future feasibility and efficacy studies testing and evaluating the intervention. METHODS: Participatory action research methodology was used. The study included face-to-face workshops and related Web-based exercises. A total of 6 parents (4 mothers, 2 fathers) of children previously treated for cancer were involved as parent research partners. Moreover, 2 clinical psychologists were involved as expert research partners. Research partners and research group members worked collaboratively throughout the study. Data were analyzed iteratively using written summaries of the workshops and Web-based exercises parallel to data collection. RESULTS: A 10-week, internet-administered, cognitive behavior therapy-based, psychological, guided, self-help intervention (ENGAGE) was developed in collaboration with parent research partners and expert research partners. The content of the intervention, mode and frequency of e-therapist support, and the individualized approach for feedback were modified based on the research partner input. Shared solutions were reached regarding the type and timing of support from an e-therapist (eg, initial video or telephone call, multiple methods of e-therapist contact), duration and timing of intervention (eg, 10 weeks, 30-min assessments), and the removal of unnecessary support functions (eg, removal of chat and forum functions). Preferences for study procedures in future studies testing and evaluating the intervention were discussed; consensus was not reached for all aspects. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first use of a participatory action research approach to develop a psychological intervention for parents of children previously treated for cancer and to identify acceptable study procedures. Involvement of parents with lived experience was vital in the development of a potentially relevant and acceptable intervention for this population.

A longitudinal assessment of psychological distress after oesophageal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Psychological distress is common among patients with oesophageal cancer. However, little is known about the course and predictors of psychological distress among patients treated with curative intent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the prevalence, course and predictors of anxiety and depression in patients operated for oesophageal cancer, from prior to surgery to 12 months post-operatively. METHODS: A prospective cohort of patients with oesophageal cancer (n = 218) were recruited from one high-volume specialist oesophago-gastric treatment centre (St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK). Anxiety and depression were assessed prior to surgery, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Mixed-effects modelling was performed to investigate changes over time and to estimate the association between clinical and socio-demographic predictor variables and anxiety and depression symptoms. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with anxiety was 33% prior to surgery, 28% at 6 months, and 37% at 12 months. Prior to surgery, 20% reported depression, 27% at 6 months, and 32% at 12-month follow-up. Anxiety symptoms remained stable over time whereas depression symptoms appeared to increase from pre-surgery to 6 months, levelling off between 6 and 12 months. Younger age, female sex, living alone and more severe self-reported dysphagia (i.e., difficulty swallowing) predicted higher anxiety symptoms. In-hospital complications, greater limitations in activity status and more severe self-reported dysphagia were predictive of higher depression. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients report psychological distress during the first year following oesophageal cancer surgery. Whether improving the experience of swallowing difficulties may also reduce distress among these patients warrants further study.

The interdependence of posttraumatic stress symptoms in parental dyads during and after their child's treatment for cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cancer in a child is highly distressing and some parents are at increased risk for developing posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). However, the interdependence of PTSS in parental dyads has rarely been accounted for. The aim was to explore the dyadic relationship of PTSS in parents of children diagnosed with cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample includes 150 parents (75 dyads) of 75 children diagnosed with cancer in Sweden during 2002-2004, with follow-up until one year after end of treatment. Data on PTSS from six assessments were included. The first three assessments were carried out during treatment and the remaining after end of treatment. Actor-partner interdependence models were estimated using a structural equation modeling approach to explore the dyadic relationship of PTSS. Actor effects refer to intra-individual dependency over time, and partner effects refer to inter-individual dependency over time, i.e., how much an individual's symptom levels are affected by their partner's symptom levels at the previous assessment. RESULTS: Results show both actor and partner effects during the child's treatment. Only an actor effect remained following end of treatment where level of PTSS at one assessment was associated with the level of PTSS at the subsequent assessment. The association between mothers' and fathers' PTSS did not remain after end of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Parents appear to react as an interdependent emotional system during the child's treatment but this effect disappears after end of treatment. Results suggest psychological interventions for parents during the child's cancer treatment should also be sensitive to and address the influence that distress in one partner may have on the other.