Changes to women's childbirth plans during the COVID-19 pandemic and posttraumatic stress symptoms: a cross-national study.

A considerable number of women giving birth during COVID-19 pandemic reported being concerned about changes to their childbirth plans and experiences due to imposed restrictions. Research prior to the pandemic suggests that women may be more at risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) due to unmet expectations of their childbirth plans. Therefore, this study aimed to examine if the mismatch between women's planned birth and actual birth experiences during COVID-19 was associated with women's postpartum PTSS. Women in the postpartum period (up to 6 months after birth) across 11 countries reported on childbirth experiences, mental health, COVID-19-related factors, and PTSS (PTSD checklist DSM-5 version) using self-report questionnaires (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04595123). More than half (64%) of the 3532 postpartum women included in the analysis reported changes to their childbirth plans. All changes were significantly associated with PTSS scores. Participants with one and two changes to their childbirth plans had a 12% and 38% increase, respectively, in PTSS scores compared to those with no changes (Exp(ß) = 1.12; 95% CI [1.06-1.19]; p < 0.001 and Exp(ß) = 1.38; 95% CI [1.29-1.48]; p < 0.001). In addition, the effect of having one change in the childbirth plan on PTSS scores was stronger in primigravida than in multigravida (Exp(ß) = 0.86; 95% CI [0.77-0.97]; p = 0.014). Changes to women's childbirth plans during the COVID-19 pandemic were common and associated with women's postpartum PTSS score. Developing health policies that protect women from the negative consequences of unexpected or unintended birth experiences is important for perinatal mental health.

A cross-country study on the impact of governmental responses to the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal mental health.

This study aimed to analyse the role of governmental responses to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, measured by the Containment and Health Index (CHI), on symptoms of anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum, while considering the countries' Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) and individual factors such as age, gravidity, and exposure to COVID-19. A cross-sectional study using baseline data from the Riseup-PPD-COVID-19 observational prospective international study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04595123) was carried out between June and October 2020 in 12 countries (Albania, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom). Participants were 7645 pregnant women or mothers in the postpartum period-with an infant aged up to 6 months-who completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) during pregnancy or the postpartum period. The overall prevalence of clinically significant depression symptoms (EPDS ≥ 13) was 30%, ranging from 20,5% in Cyprus to 44,3% in Brazil. The prevalence of clinically significant anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 ≥ 10) was 23,6% (ranging from 14,2% in Israel and Turkey to 39,5% in Brazil). Higher symptoms of anxiety or depression were observed in multigravida exposed to COVID-19 or living in countries with a higher number of deaths due to COVID-19. Furthermore, multigravida from countries with lower IHDI or CHI had higher symptoms of anxiety and depression. Perinatal mental health is context-dependent, with women from more disadvantaged countries at higher risk for poor mental health. Implementing more restrictive measures seems to be a protective factor for mental health, at least in the initial phase of the COVID-19.

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

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 impact 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 (ß = -0.27), age of the child (ß = -0.29), preterm birth (ß = -0.52), admission to the neonatal/pediatric care (ß = -0.44), lack of breastfeeding support (ß = -0.18), current psychiatric treatment (ß = -0.69) and inequality (ß = -0.71) were negatively associated with breastfeeding (p < .001). Access to postnatal support groups was positively associated with breastfeeding (ß = 0.59; p < .001). In countries with low-inequality, governmental measures to contain virus transmission had a deleterious effect on breastfeeding (ß = -0.16; p < .05) while access to maternity leave protected breastfeeding (ß = 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.

Tipos de partos y niveles de oxitocina, cortisol y hormonas tiroideas en plasma del cordón umbilical / Types of deliveries and levels of oxytocin, cortisol and thyroid hormones in umbilical cord plasma

Introducción: La placenta sintetiza y secreta varias hormonas que permiten la regulación del embarazo, el trabajo de parto y la adaptación metabólica materno-fetal. Su comportamiento asociado al tipo de parto puede dar información relevante sobre efectos epigenéticos. Objetivo: Describir el tipo de parto con los niveles de oxitocina, cortisol y hormonas tiroideas en plasma de cordón umbilical al nacer. Método: A 50 mujeres con embarazos principalmente normales se les cuantificaron los niveles neurohormonales en plasma de cordón umbilical, obtenido inmediatamente tras el periodo expulsivo. Los resultados se incorporaron a la base de datos clínicos de cada participante y se analizaron con Stata v.14.0. El protocolo fue aprobado por el comité de ética. Resultados: Hubo 33 partos vaginales (12 espontáneos, 13 acelerados y 8 inducidos) y 17 cesáreas (7 electivas y 10 de urgencia). Se observaron mayores niveles de cortisol en los partos vaginales acelerados; las cesáreas tuvieron menores niveles de cortisol y hormona estimulante de la tiroides. Las intervenciones clínicas, con altos o bajos niveles hormonales, están en directa relación con el tipo de parto. Conclusiones: El cortisol y la hormona estimulante de la tiroides medidos en plasma de cordón umbilical variaron según el tipo de parto. Esto es una primera cuantificación de hormonas en plasma de cordón umbilical y su posible regulación placentaria a propósito del tipo de parto.

Introduction: The placenta synthesizes and secretes several hormones allowing the regulation of pregnancy, labor and maternal-fetal metabolic adaptation. Their behavior associated with the type of delivery, may provide relevant information on epigenetic effects. Objective: To describe the type of delivery with the levels of oxytocin, cortisol and thyroid hormones in umbilical cord plasma at birth. Method: Neurohormonal levels from umbilical cord plasma obtained immediately post expulsion, were quantified in 50 women with mainly normal pregnancies. Results incorporated into the clinical database of each participant, statistically analyzed in Stata v.14.0. Protocol approved by ethics committee. Results: 33 were vaginal deliveries (12 spontaneous, 13 accelerated, 8 induced) and 17 cesarean sections (7 elective and 10 emergency). Higher cortisol levels were observed in accelerated vaginal deliveries, cesarean sections had lower cortisol and thyroid stimulating hormone levels. While clinical interventions, with high or low hormone levels, were related to the type of delivery. Conclusions: Cortisol and thyroid stimulating hormone measured in umbilical cord plasma varied according to the type of delivery. This is a first quantification of hormones in umbilical cord plasma and their possible placental regulation in relation to the type of delivery.

Rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms in the perinatal period during the COVID-19 pandemic: Comparisons between countries and with pre-pandemic data.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant threat to perinatal mental health. This study examined differences in clinically significant depression, anxiety, and co-morbid symptoms among pregnant and postpartum women across several countries and compared prevalence of perinatal depression and anxiety before and during the pandemic in each participating country. METHODS: Participants were 3326 pregnant and 3939 postpartum women (up to six months postpartum) living in Brazil, Chile, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. An online survey was completed between June 7th and October 31st 2020, and included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7). The pre-pandemic studies were identified through literature review. RESULTS: Prevalence of clinically significant depression (EPDS≥13), anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 10), and co-morbid (EPDS≥13 and GAD-7 ≥ 10) symptoms was 26.7 %, 20 % and 15.2 %, in pregnant women, and 32.7 %, 26.6 % and 20.3 %, in postpartum women, respectively. Significant between-country differences were found in all mental health indicators in both perinatal periods. Higher levels of symptoms were observed during (versus before) the pandemic, especially among postpartum women. LIMITATIONS: Participants were mostly highly educated and cohabiting with a partner. The online nature of the survey may have limited the participation of women from vulnerable socio-economically backgrounds. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings expand previous literature on the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal mental health, by highlighting that this may be influenced by country of residence. Mental health care policies and interventions should consider the unique needs of perinatal women in different parts of the world.

The Mental Health of Women with Gestational Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Cross-Sectional Survey.

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.

Conductas sexuales por sexo en población universitaria chilena que demanda test rápido de VIH / Sex-disaggregated sexual behaviors among Chilean university students taking a rapid HIV test

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar por sexo una población universitaria que accedió voluntariamente a una prueba de detección rápida del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). MÉTODO: Estudio analítico de 3864 universitarios/as. Variables: sociodemográficas y académicas, comportamiento sexual, prevalencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual (autorreporte) y motivos para realizarse el test rápido. RESULTADOS: El 61,4% son mujeres, edad media 21,64 años, edad de inicio de la actividad sexual 17,01 años. Actividad sexual casual: 36,8%, destacando los hombres (p < 0,001). Sexo anal: 44,5%. Prevalencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual: 7,5%, destacando los hombres en gonorrea (p < 0,001) y sífilis (p = 0,032). Test rápido VIH (+): 0,2%. Consumo de sustancias durante la actividad sexual: 50%. El 41,1% nunca pregunta a su contacto sexual el estado serológico de VIH, destacando los hombres (p < 0,001), y el 64,4% no sabe si ha tenido una pareja sexual VIH (+), destacando los hombres (p < 0,001). El 16,5% siempre ha usado preservativo, destacando las mujeres (p = < 0,001). El 26,21% usa redes sociales para encuentros sexuales, con diferencias por sexo. CONCLUSIONES: Las mujeres demandan más el test rápido de VIH que los hombres. Existen conductas de riesgo y diferencias por sexo: poco uso del preservativo, relaciones sexuales casuales y bajo la influencia de sustancias, prácticas sexuales anales y orales sin protección, desconocer el estado serológico de su contacto sexual y uso de redes sociales para encuentros sexuales.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize a university population that willingly took a rapid HIV test by sex. METHOD: An analytical study with 3,864 university students. Variables: socio-demographic and academic variables, sexual behavior, (self-reported) STI prevalence, and reasons to take the rapid test. RESULTS: 61.4% are women; average age: 21.64 years; age of first sexual intercourse: 17.01 years; casual sexual activity: 36.8%, mostly men (p < 0,001), anal sex: 44.5%; STI prevalence: 7.5%, with gonorrhea and syphilis being more common among men (p < 0.001 and p < 0.032, respectively; positive rapid HIV test: 0.2%; substance use during sex: 50%. 41.1% of the participants, most of them men (p < 0.001), have never asked their partner about their serologic HIV status, and 64.4% does not know if they have had a HIV+ partner, an attitude that is more prevalent among men (p < 0.001). 16.5% has always used prophylactics, mostly women (p < 0.001). 26.21% uses social networks to arrange sexual encounters. CONCLUSIONS: Women ask more for the rapid HIV test than men. There are several risky behaviors and gender differences: low use of prophylactics, casual sexual relationships under the influence of substances, unprotected anal and oral sex practices, ignorance of their sexual partners serologic status, and the use of social networks for sexual encounters.

Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on perinatal mental health (Riseup-PPD-COVID-19): protocol for an international prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is a new pandemic, declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization, which could have negative consequences for pregnant and postpartum women. The scarce evidence published to date suggests that perinatal mental health has deteriorated since the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the few studies published so far have some limitations, such as a cross-sectional design and the omission of important factors for the understanding of perinatal mental health, including governmental restriction measures and healthcare practices implemented at the maternity hospitals. Within the Riseup-PPD COST Action, a study is underway to assess the impact of COVID-19 in perinatal mental health. The primary objectives are to (1) evaluate changes in perinatal mental health outcomes; and (2) determine the risk and protective factors for perinatal mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we will compare the results between the countries participating in the study. METHODS: This is an international prospective cohort study, with a baseline and three follow-up assessments over a six-month period. It is being carried out in 11 European countries (Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Greece, Israel, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom), Argentina, Brazil and Chile. The sample consists of adult pregnant and postpartum women (with infants up to 6 months of age). The assessment includes measures on COVID-19 epidemiology and public health measures (Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker dataset), Coronavirus Perinatal Experiences (COPE questionnaires), psychological distress (BSI-18), depression (EPDS), anxiety (GAD-7) and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD checklist for DSM-V). DISCUSSION: This study will provide important information for understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal mental health and well-being, including the identification of potential risk and protective factors by implementing predictive models using machine learning techniques. The findings will help policymakers develop suitable guidelines and prevention strategies for perinatal mental health and contribute to designing tailored mental health interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04595123 .

Exposición a oxitocina sintética intraparto y riesgo de depresión post parto / Intrapartum synthetic oxytocin exposure and risk of postpartum depression

RESUMEN Una complicación frecuente del postparto es la depresión, con una prevalencia del 10 al 20% a nivel mundial. La oxitocina ha sido reconocida como un potente neuromodulador presente en la respuesta materna y la vinculación con su recién nacido. El uso de oxitocina sintética intraparto es una práctica frecuente. Objetivo: Relacionar la exposición a oxitocina sintética intraparto con el riesgo de depresión postparto en mujeres atendidas en un hospital público del sur de Chile, durante los años 2014-2015. Material y método: Estudio cuantitativo de cohorte, analítico, prospectivo. Muestreo no probabilístico, consecutivo a 58 mujeres desde el último trimestre de la gestación hasta las doce semanas postparto, midiendo el riesgo de depresión mediante la escala de Edimburgo. Se relacionaron variables bio-psicosociales y perinatales, con un nivel de significación <0,05. Aprobado por comité de ética. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 26,07 años, la mayoría había cursado enseñanza media, desempeñándose en quehaceres domésticos, con atención sanitaria gratuita y poseían una percepción de buen apoyo social. En los aspectos perinatales el 63,7 % se expusieron a oxitocina sintética. El riesgo de depresión se observó en un 12,07%. Las dosis y tiempo de exposición, al igual que el tipo de parto no resultaron estadísticamente significativos para el riesgo de depresión. Factores protectores y de riesgo psicosociales como perinatales, tampoco demostraron diferencias. Conclusiones: En este grupo, no se encontró asociación estadística entre la exposición a oxitocina intraparto con la sintomatología de depresión en el periodo de posparto, medida a través de la escala de Edimburgo.

ABSTRACT Depression is a frequently-seen postpartum complication, with 10-20% prevalence worldwide. Oxytocin has been recognized as a powerful neuromodulator and is present in the mothers' response and bonding with their newborn. Use of intrapartum synthetic oxytocin is a common practice. Objective. To study potential connections between administration of intrapartum synthetic oxytocin and risk of postpartum depression in women from a public hospital in southern Chile, from 2014 to 2015. Material and method. Analytical, prospective cohort study with a consecutive sampling of 58 women, since their third trimester of pregnancy to twelve weeks after birth, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Biopsychosocial and perinatal variables were analyzed (significance level < 0.05). This study was approved by the hospital ethics committee. Results. Average age was 26.07 years. Most of them had attended high school and were homemakers, had free health care and reported a good social support network. 63.7% received synthetic oxytocin. Risk of postpartum depression was 12.07%. Protective factors, and psychosocial and perinatal risk factors, as well as dosage and exposure time, were not statistically significant. Conclusion. According to EPDS, this group showed no statistical relationship between administration of intrapartum oxytocin and postpartum depression symptoms.

Fathers for the first time: Validation of a questionnaire to asses father experiences of first childbirth in Latin America.

The active incorporation of men in the process of childbirth is an increasingly common practice internationally. However, there are no validated instruments for Latin America. OBJECTIVE: To validate an instrument to assess new fathers' experiences during childbirth in Latin America. DESIGN: Prospective validation study. SETTING: Talcahuano, Chile. POPULATION: Fathers who participated in the birth of their first child (n = 220) between September 2015 to May 2016, in a public hospital in Chile. METHODS: The Swedish questionnaire "First Time Fathers Questionnaire" was used. As a first step, the questionnaire was translated to Spanish, followed by expert judgment of such translation and validation. For content validity, a descriptive analysis of the expert judgment and combined Kappa evaluation was performed. Construct validity with Exploratory Factor Analysis was done. Reliability based on internal consistency, was tested using Cronbach's Alpha. Criteria validity was tested with Pearson correlation and Student t-test, and logistic regression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Questionnaire in Spanish with adequate evidence of reliability and validity. RESULTS: Two components were identified: "Support from the Health System" and "Father Worry", with 19 items and adequate internal reliability (0.84 and 0.79 respectively). There is a statistically significant inverse correlation between "Father Worry" and "Support from the Health System". There is a statistically significant association between "Father Worry" and the type of delivery, being higher in Caesarean sections. There is a statistically significant association between "Support of the Health System" and preparation for childbirth being higher in those who were prepared. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a validated instrument to assess the experience of fathers who participate in the birth of their first child in Latin America. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The evaluation of the paternal experience during birth contributes to the knowledge of the male's emotional processes involved in this event. Midwifery is in a key position to promote a transcendent parental experience.

Vivencias de mujeres con asistencia de parto personalizado / Women's experiences with personalized delivery assistance

RESUMEN El parto personalizado, centrado en la mujer y sus necesidades, es una tendencia de atención sanitaria que propone un complemento de calidad al modelo biomédico. Existe escasa evidencia en Chile sobre estas experiencias. Objetivo: Explorar las vivencias de mujeres que optaron por un parto personalizado, en casa o en clínicas privadas, en la provincia de Concepción, Chile. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo. Los relatos se obtuvieron mediante entrevista semi-estructurada, a 12 mujeres que constituyeron la muestra. El análisis identificó categorías y subcategorías mediante codificación abierta, aplicando la comparación constante, basado en la Teoría Fundamentada. Se utilizó el software Atlas Ti versión 7.5 y el software estadístico R Project versión 3.5.1.El estudio fue aprobado por el comité de ética de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Concepción. Resultados: Edad promedio de las mujeres fue 30 años, 7 eran primíparas y 5 multíparas. La experiencia reveló seis categorías, tres fueron propuestas (expectativas y experiencias, influencias asociadas a la decisión del parto personalizado y preparación prenatal previa), tres emergieron de manera espontánea (el parto como plenitud femenina, apoyo social, facilitadores y obstaculizadores del parto personalizado). Las primíparas enfatizan el dolor, la anestesia y los profesionales, mientras que las multíparas destacan a su recién nacido y el lugar de nacimiento. Conclusión: La experiencia de parto personalizado transforma a la mujer en su percepción de la femineidad y la maternidad. Valora su protagonismo, la presencia de personas significativas, las relaciones que se construyen con profesionales y la mínima aplicación de intervenciones.

ABSTRACT The Personalized birth, focused on the woman and her needs, is a health care tendency. There is little evidence in Chile about these experiences. Objective: To explore the experiences of women who chose a personalized birth at home or private clinics, in the Concepción province, Chile. Methodology: Qualitative study. The stories were obtained by semi-structured interview to 12 women who made up the sample. The analysis identified categories and subcategories through open coding, applying constant comparison, based on Grounded Theory. Software Atlas Ti version 7.5 and R Project version 3.5.1 were used. The study was approved by the Concepcion University Medicine faculty ethics committee. Results: The average age of the women was 30 years old, seven were primiparous and five were multiparous. Six categories were identified: three proposed (the expectations and experiences, influences associated to the personalized birth decision and prenatal preparation) and three emerging (childbirth as feminine fullness, social support, facilitators and hinders of natural birth). Primiparous stand out pain, anesthesia and professionals while the multiparous highlight their newborn and the place of birth. Conclusion: Personalized birth experience transforms women about her perception of femininity and motherhood, value their empowerment, the presence of significant people, the relationships built with the professionals and the minimum application of interventions.

Propiedades psicométricas de una escala de Percepción Materna del Vínculo Prenatal Paterno / Psychometric properties of the scale Maternal Perception of the Prenatal Paternal Bonding

Antecedentes: La incorporación del hombre al proceso reproductivo, haciéndose parte de éste, es una posibilidad para mejorar los resultados a largo plazo en las tareas de crianza y en el desarrollo general del niño(a). Crear un instrumento que permita medir la vinculación de manera temprana puede ser una estrategia que optimice recursos y equilibre roles parentales en ambos progenitores. Objetivo: Evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala Percepción materna del Vínculo afectivo prenatal paterno (PeMViPP). Material y método: Estudio cuantitativo, observacional, de validación de cuestionario. Se diseña la escala PeMViPP, en base a la evidencia científica, con 13 preguntas y tres factores: "Interacción directa con el hijo", "Apoyo y contención"; y "Auto-análisis y corrección del patrón de conducta" con respuestas tipo likert. Se resguardaron aspectos éticos con la aprobación de comité. La muestra fue de tipo aleatorio simple, correspondió a 240 mujeres puérperas atendidas en una maternidad del sistema público chileno. Se aplicaron pruebas de validación de contenido, de constructo y de criterio, junto a la medición de la confiabilidad. Resultados y conclusiones: mediante Análisis Factorial Exploratorio se identificaron 10 ítems y un solo factor denominado Percepción de vínculo prenatal paterno. Con una adecuada confiabilidad interna a=0.90. Se identificó que una variable materna influye en la percepción de este vínculo, correspondiendo al embarazo planificado con un p valor < 0,0001. La escala PeMViPP, posee adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para evaluar esta relación prenatal vincular con el progenitor. Este estudio genera una escala chilena validada para futuras investigaciones en vinculación paterna temprana.

Background: The incorporation of the male parent into the reproductive process, becoming part of it, is a possibility to improve the long-term results in the tasks of parenting and overall development of the child. Creating an instrument to measure early bonding can be a strategy that optimizes resources and balances parental roles in both parents. Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale Maternal Perception of the Prenatal Paternal Bonding (MPePPB). Material and method: Quantitative, observational, questionnaire validation study. The scale MPePPB, based on scientific evidence, is designed with 13 questions and three factors: "Direct interaction with the child", "Support and containment"; and "Self-analysis and correction of behavior pattern" with likert responses. Ethical committee approval. The sample was that of simple random type, corresponding to 240 puerperal women attended in a maternity of the chilean public system. Validation tests of content, construct and criteria, together with the measurement of reliability were applied. Results and conclusions: 10 Factors and a single factor called Perception of paternal prenatal bonding were identified through Exploratory Factor Analysis. With an adequate internal reliability a = 0.90. It was identified that a maternal variable influences the perception of this bonding, corresponding to the planned pregnancy p value <0.0001. The MPePPB scale has adequate psychometric properties to evaluate this prenatal relationship with the parent. This study generates a validated chilean scale for future research in early paternal bonding.

Caracterización del apoyo social percibido durante el posparto y la presencia de depresión materna / Characterization of Perceived Social Support During Postpartum and the Presence of Maternal Depression

Introducción: el período de posparto es una etapa de vulnerabilidad biopsicosocial en la mujer. Se reconoce una prevalencia de depresión posparto en Chile de un 27,2 por ciento a un 41,3 por ciento. Por otra parte, el apoyo social puede ser un factor protector para este periodo. Objetivo: relacionar las características del apoyo social percibido y la presencia de depresión materna en el periodo de posparto. Métodos: estudio transversal correlacional, de 76 mujeres en periodo de posparto (30 días a 1 año), sanas y sin antecedentes de depresión. Se les evaluó sintomatología depresiva, percepción del apoyo social y funcionamiento familiar. Se agregó un cuestionario de variables biosociales, obstétricas y relacionales, previo consentimiento informado y autorización del comité de ética del centro de salud. El análisis se realizó con el programa estadístico SPSS versión 19.0. Se aplicó un análisis descriptivo univariado, bivariado y multivariado con un nivel de significación estadística menor de 0,05. Resultados: la depresión fue detectada en 27,6 por ciento de las puérperas. La asociación entre la presencia de depresión posparto con la percepción del apoyo social, resultaron estadísticamente significativas al igual que la funcionalidad familiar y la percepción de la relación con la pareja y la madre. Las variables biosociales y obstétricas no resultaron significativas para la presencia de depresión. Conclusiones: los factores protectores de la depresión materna identificados fueron: el apoyo social percibido, el funcionamiento familiar y aspectos relacionales con la pareja y la madre(AU)

Introduction: The postpartum period is a time of bio-psychosocial vulnerability in women, recognizing the prevalence of postpartum depression in Chile from 27.2 percent to 41.3 percent. Moreover, social support may be a protective factor for this period. Objective: to relate the characteristics of perceived social support and the presence of maternal depression in the postpartum period. Methods: A correlational cross-sectional study was led on 76 healthy women in postpartum period (30 days to 1 year), and without a history of depression. Depressive symptomatology, social support perception, and family functioning were evaluated. A questionnaire of biosocial, obstetrical and relational variables was added, with prior informed consent and authorization from the ethics committee of the health center. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 19.0, using descriptive univariate, bivariate and multivariate a statistical significance level less than 0.05. Results: Postpartum depression was detected in a 27, 6 percent. The association between depressions with social support perception was statistically significant, as family functioning and the relationship with their partners and mothers. Biosocial and obstetric variables were not significant for the presence of depression. Conclusions: Perceived social support, family functioning and relational aspects with their partners and mothers are protective factors for maternal depression, compared with other variables(AU)

Caracterización del apoyo social percibido durante el posparto y la presencia de depresión materna / Characterization of Perceived Social Support During Postpartum and the Presence of Maternal Depression

Introducción: el período de posparto es una etapa de vulnerabilidad biopsicosocial en la mujer. Se reconoce una prevalencia de depresión posparto en Chile de un 27,2 por ciento a un 41,3 por ciento. Por otra parte, el apoyo social puede ser un factor protector para este periodo. Objetivo: relacionar las características del apoyo social percibido y la presencia de depresión materna en el periodo de posparto. Métodos: estudio transversal correlacional, de 76 mujeres en periodo de posparto (30 días a 1 año), sanas y sin antecedentes de depresión. Se les evaluó sintomatología depresiva, percepción del apoyo social y funcionamiento familiar. Se agregó un cuestionario de variables biosociales, obstétricas y relacionales, previo consentimiento informado y autorización del comité de ética del centro de salud. El análisis se realizó con el programa estadístico SPSS versión 19.0. Se aplicó un análisis descriptivo univariado, bivariado y multivariado con un nivel de significación estadística menor de 0,05. Resultados: la depresión fue detectada en 27,6 por ciento de las puérperas. La asociación entre la presencia de depresión posparto con la percepción del apoyo social, resultaron estadísticamente significativas al igual que la funcionalidad familiar y la percepción de la relación con la pareja y la madre. Las variables biosociales y obstétricas no resultaron significativas para la presencia de depresión. Conclusiones: los factores protectores de la depresión materna identificados fueron: el apoyo social percibido, el funcionamiento familiar y aspectos relacionales con la pareja y la madre(AU)

Introduction: The postpartum period is a time of bio-psychosocial vulnerability in women, recognizing the prevalence of postpartum depression in Chile from 27.2 percent to 41.3 percent. Moreover, social support may be a protective factor for this period. Objective: to relate the characteristics of perceived social support and the presence of maternal depression in the postpartum period. Methods: A correlational cross-sectional study was led on 76 healthy women in postpartum period (30 days to 1 year), and without a history of depression. Depressive symptomatology, social support perception, and family functioning were evaluated. A questionnaire of biosocial, obstetrical and relational variables was added, with prior informed consent and authorization from the ethics committee of the health center. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 19.0, using descriptive univariate, bivariate and multivariate a statistical significance level less than 0.05. Results: Postpartum depression was detected in a 27, 6 percent. The association between depressions with social support perception was statistically significant, as family functioning and the relationship with their partners and mothers. Biosocial and obstetric variables were not significant for the presence of depression. Conclusions: Perceived social support, family functioning and relational aspects with their partners and mothers are protective factors for maternal depression, compared with other variables(AU)

Influence of the type of work shift in Female Sexual Function Index of healthcare sector female workers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of the type of work shift over the sexual function of healthcare sector female workers. METHODOLOGY: Quantitative, cross-sectional and correlation type of study. Universe composed of a high complexity hospital female workers aged between 20 and 64 years old who worked in Day Shifts (DS) and Rotating Shifts (RS). Bio-social-demographic profile of 365 female workers was characterized by means of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS v.19.0 Software and univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were applied. Mann-Whitney's non-parametric test was employed, altogether with Chi Square Test, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression with p-value<0.05. RESULTS: 36, 5 years old mean age (10, 65 SD); 43,2% belongs to DS and 56,7% belongs to RS. General FSFI scored 27, 86 points (6, 11 SD), with an mean of 27,47 points (6,82 SD) for DS and 28,16 points (5,51 SD) for the RS. Variables that might affect FSFI in the case of RS were the Health Service Assistant category, with 7, 11 OR; 2, 051-24,622 IC; p=0,002 and chronic disease with 2, 226 OR; 1093-4533 IC; p=0,027. Protective variables for DS, the use of hormonal contraceptive method with 0,322 OR; 0,145-0,713 IC; p=0,005 and non- hormonal contraceptive method with 0,229 OR; 0,09-0,586 IC; p=0,002. CONCLUSION: There was no significant FSFI difference per shift. A protective factor for DS and two Risk factors for RS were identified.

Descripción de niveles de ansiedad, desesperanza y autoestima en un grupo de mujeres chilenas con diagnóstico de infertilidad primaria: un estudio piloto / Description of anxiety, hopelessness and self-esteem levels in a group of Chilean women diagnosed with primary infertility: A pilot study

describir los niveles de ansiedad, desesperanza y autoestima de mujeres con diagnóstico de infertilidad primaria que acuden a iniciar tratamiento de fertilización in vitro en un centro privado de alta complejidad.Materiales y métodos: serie de casos en la que se incluyeron mujeres chilenas con diagnóstico de infertilidad primaria entre los 20 y 45 años, sin hijos, heterosexuales, con óvulos propios, que aceptaron participar del estudio previo consentimiento informado, quienes acudieron entre junio y diciembre del año 2012 a iniciar tratamiento de fertilización in vitro a una institución privada de referencia especializada en el manejo de este problema en Concepción (Chile). Muestra no probabilística, consecutiva. Se analizaron variables biosociales, antecedentes de patología previa, niveles de ansiedad, desesperanza, autoestima y apoyo social percibido. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa SPSS versión 19.0, aplicando análisis univariado.Resultados: se analizó una muestra de 40 mujeres, con un promedio de edad de 35,75 años, las cuales poseen educación técnica o universitaria completa, todas trabajaban y tenían un nivel de ingreso medio-alto. El antecedente de patologías previas más frecuente correspondió a ovario poliquístico (50 %). En las mujeres estudiadas se observó ansiedad en el 47,5 %, desesperanza en el 62,5 % y baja autoestima en el 55 %. El 50 % de ellas percibió un bajo apoyo social.Conclusiones: en mujeres con infertilidad se encontraron importantes niveles de ansiedad, desesperanza y baja autoestima. Es importante hacer una evaluación de estas condiciones en mujeres sometidas a tratamiento de infertilidad ya que la condición de salud mental constituye un importante aspecto de la salud sexual y reproductiva de las mismas...

To describe levels of anxiety, hopelessness and self-esteem in women with a diagnosis of primary infertility seeking to initiate in vitro fertilization treatment at a high-complexity private centre.Materials and methods: Case series including Chilean women aged 20 to 45, who came between June and December 2012 to initiate in vitro fertilization treatment at a private referral institution in Concepcion, Chile, specialized in the management of this problem. The women were childless, heterosexual and had a diagnosis of primary infertility. They had their own eggs and agreed to participate in the study after going through the informed consent process. A consecutive non-probabilistic sample was used. The variables analysed included biosocial factors, prior disease history, levels of anxiety, hopelessness and self-esteem, and perceived social support. A univariate statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software package, version 19.0.Results: A sample of 40 women was analysed. Mean age was 35.7 years. All the women had completed technical or university education, they all worked, and their level of income was medium to high. The most frequent history of prior disease was was polycystic ovary (50%). In the women included in the study, anxiety was found in 47.5%, hopelessness in 62.5% and low self-esteem in 55%. There was a perception of low social support in 50% of them.Conclusions: Significant levels of anxiety, hopelessness and low self-esteem were found in women with infertility. It is important to evaluate these conditions in women undergoing infertility treatment, considering that mental health is an important component of sexual and reproductive health...

[Practices in the care of the low-risk delivery in hospitals in southern Chile]. / Prácticas en la atención del parto de bajo riesgo en hospitales del sur de Chile.

BACKGROUND: A relevant component to achieve high quality of care is the implementation of evidence based practices. OBJECTIVE: To assess in two maternities in the South of Chile, the use of evidence based practices in labour and delivery care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In two hospitals, 205 women after delivery were interviewed. Eleven forms of care were selected from the classification provided by the WHO Reproductive Health Library, four as beneficial forms of care and seven as forms of care likely to be harmful. RESULTS: Beneficial forms of care were used between 17 to 46% and forms likely to be harmful between 17 and 98%. No association among the use of the practices and some maternal characteristics, such as age, parity and years on school, were found. Women interpretation about benefits of the practices is not in agreement with the evidence provided by the trials. CONCLUSIONS: A low adherence to evidence based practices was observed since some practices of proven benefit are poorly used and many practices likely to be harmful are highly used. There is a need to look for strategies aimed at the better use of evidences based practices considering among these strategies women empowerment.