Comorbidity of Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms and Depressive Symptoms among Obstetric Nurses with Perinatal Death Exposure.

BACKGROUND: Mental health and well-being among obstetric nurses after perinatal death is understudied. The primary goal of this study is to explore the comorbidity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and depressive symptoms among obstetric nurses. In addition, we explore associations between personal resources - coping self-efficacy and active social support - and comorbidity symptoms. METHOD: One hundred and twenty-five obstetric nurses who represent 25% of the entire population of Israeli obstetric nurses completed self-report questionnaires regarding demographic data, coping self-efficacy, active social support, history of exposure to traumatic events, PTSD symptoms and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: An elevated risk of PTSD among obstetric nurses was positively associated with an elevated risk of depression and age while negatively associated with coping self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may suggest that nurse educators, administrators and leaders in the midwifery practice should promote stress intervention, supportive clinical environments and educational programs among obstetric nurses.

Ocular anterior segment changes in pregnancy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes occurring in the cornea, anterior segment anatomy, and intraocular pressure (IOP) in pregnant women. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel. DESIGN: Prospective single-center comparative study. METHODS: The Ocular Response Analyzer dynamic bidirectional applanation device and the Pentacam HR Scheimpflug imaging system were used to obtain data on the anterior eye segments of healthy pregnant and nonpregnant women. RESULTS: Sixty pregnant and 60 nonpregnant women were enrolled. The Goldmann-correlated IOP and corneal-compensated IOP were significantly lower in the pregnant group (mean 10.96 mm Hg versus 12.97 mm Hg, P<.001; and 10.97 mm Hg versus 13.16 mm Hg, P<.001, respectively). The corneal front steep keratometry value was statistically significantly higher in the pregnant group (44.81 diopters [D] versus 44.1 D, P=.039). No significant difference was found in corneal hysteresis, the corneal resistance factor, corneal posterior curvature, central corneal thickness and volume, anterior chamber depth and volume, or iridocorneal angle. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy was associated with greater corneal curvature and lower IOP. Further studies should be performed to learn whether these alterations result from changes in corneal biomechanical properties during pregnancy. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.