BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects around 10% of women, or 1 in 7 women, after giving birth. Undiagnosed PPD was observed among 50% of mothers. PPD has an unfavorable relationship with women's functioning, marital and personal relationships, the quality of the mother-infant connection, and the social, behavioral, and cognitive development of children. We aim to determine the frequency of PPD and explore associated determinants or predictors (demographic, obstetric, infant-related, and psychosocial factors) and coping strategies from June to August 2023 in six countries. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study included a total of 674 mothers who visited primary health care centers (PHCs) in Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, India, Ghana, and Syria. They were asked to complete self-administered assessments using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The data underwent logistic regression analysis using SPSS-IBM 27 to list potential factors that could predict PPD. RESULTS: The overall frequency of PPD in the total sample was 92(13.6%). It ranged from 2.3% in Syria to 26% in Ghana. Only 42 (6.2%) were diagnosed. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed there were significant predictors of PPD. These factors included having unhealthy baby adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 11.685, 95% CI: 1.405-97.139, p = 0.023), having a precious baby (aOR 7.717, 95% CI: 1.822-32.689, p = 0.006), who don't receive support (aOR 9.784, 95% CI: 5.373-17.816, p = 0.001), and those who are suffering from PPD. However, being married and comfortable discussing mental health with family relatives are significant protective factors (aOR = 0.141 (95% CI: 0.04-0.494; p = 0.002) and (aOR = 0.369, 95% CI: 0.146-0.933, p = 0.035), respectively. CONCLUSION: The frequency of PPD among the mothers varied significantly across different countries. PPD has many protective and potential factors. We recommend further research and screenings of PPD for all mothers to promote the well-being of the mothers and create a favorable environment for the newborn and all family members.
Depression, Postpartum , Mothers , Humans , Depression, Postpartum/epidemiology , Female , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Prevalence , Mothers/psychology , Mothers/statistics & numerical data , Young Adult , Risk Factors , Adolescent
Introduction: Death in cervical cancer patients is usually due to invasion and metastasis due to the aggressive nature of the tumour. Therefore, it is critical to identify potent therapeutic targets and prognostic markers to detect high-risk patients. Material and methods: We assessed the immunohistochemical expression of protein disulphide isomerase A3 (PDIA3) and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) in 50 cases of cervical carcinoma, and we investigated their association with clinicopathological characteristics. Results: High PDIA3 was detected in 50% of cases, and statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation between high PDAI3 expression and tumour grade (p < 0.001) and large tumour size (p = 0.010), depth of stromal invasion (p = 0.017), lymph-vascular invasion (p = 0.005), parametrial invasion (p < 0.001), nodal metastasis (p < 0.001), and higher International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics stages (p < 0.001). Positive nuclear expression of p-STAT3 was detected in 44% of cases and showed significant association with histological grade (p = 0.036), tumour stage (p = 0.021), nodal metastasis (p = 0.020), and parametrial invasion (p = 0.045); statistical analysis of the patient's survival data revealed that shorter overall survival and disease-free survival, S, were associated with high PDIA3 expression and positive p-STAT3 immunoexpression. Conclusions: The high expression of PDIA3 and p-STAT3 was related to highly aggressive cervical carcinoma with poor prognosis, and high risk of recurrence after the standardised protocol of treatment. Hence, both PDIA3 and p-STAT3 could be considered as novel biomarkers for tumour progression and promising targets in the management of cervical carcinoma patients.
Background: By September 2, 2021, over 30,000 COVID-19-vaccinated females had reported menstrual changes to the MHRA's Yellow Card surveillance system. As a result, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is urging researchers to investigate the COVID-19 vaccine's effects on menstruation. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination and/or SARS-CoV-2 infection and their interrelations with demographic, mood, and lifestyle factors in Arab women of childbearing age (CBA). Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted during October 2021 using an Arabic validated and self-administrated questionnaire. In total, 1,254 Women of CBA in the Arabic Population (15-50 y) with regular menstrual cycles were randomly selected from five countries (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Libya, and Sudan). Results: The mean (SD) age of the 1,254 studied females was 29.6 (8.5) years old. In total, 634 (50%) were married, 1,104 (88.0%) had a University education or above, 1,064 (84.4%) lived in urban areas, and 573 (45.7%) had normal body weight. Moreover, 524 (41.8%) were COVID-19 cases and 98 women (18.7%) reported menstrual changes (MCs). The 1,044 (83.5%) vaccinated females reported 418 (38.5%) MCs after being vaccinated, and these MCs resolved in 194 women (55.1%) after more than 9 months. Statistically significant relationships were observed between the reported MCs and the following variables: age, marital status, level of education, nationality, residence, and BMI. MCs were reported at 293(80.6) after the 2nd dose, and were mainly reported after 482 (46.1) Pfizer, 254 (24.3) Astrazenica, and 92 (8.8) Senopharm. Conclusion: MCs among women of CBA after COVID-19 infection and vaccination are prevalent and complex problems, and had many determinates.
