RESUMO
ABSTRACT Objective: We evaluated the protective effect of postpartum resilience (measured before the pandemic onset) on the prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety symptoms during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The sample included 589 mothers from a longitudinal study in southern Brazil. Three months after delivery we assessed maternal resilience through the Resilience Scale (RS). The Generalized Anxiety Disorders 7-item (GAD-7) was used to assess anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The prevalence of severe to moderate anxiety symptoms in this sample was 28.4% (95% CI: 25.0; 32.0). Resilience showed to be a protective factor against moderate to severe anxiety symptoms during the pandemic (OR: 0.98; p<0.001). Conclusions: The results showed that postpartum resilience is a factor associated with lower odds of a more intense manifestation of anxiety during pandemic periods. Thus, strengthening resilience by reinforcing appropriate coping strategies can prevent mental health problems.
RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliou-se o efeito protetor da resiliência pós-parto (medida antes do início da pandemia) sobre a prevalência de sintomas de ansiedade moderados a graves durante a pandemia da doença por coronavírus (COVID-19). Métodos: A amostra incluiu 589 mães de um estudo longitudinal do Sul do Brasil. Três meses após o parto, avaliou-se a resiliência materna por meio da Resilience Scale (RS). O Generalized Anxiety Disorders 7-item (GAD-7) foi usado para medir os sintomas de ansiedade durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Resultados: A prevalência de sintomas de ansiedade moderados a graves nessa amostra foi de 28,4% (IC 95%: 25,0-32,0). A resiliência mostrou-se um fator protetor para os sintomas de ansiedade moderados a graves durante a pandemia (RC: 0,98; p<0,001). Conclusões: Os resultados revelaram que a resiliência pós-parto é um fator associado a menor chance de uma manifestação mais intensa da ansiedade durante os períodos pandêmicos. Dessa forma, fortalecer a resiliência, reforçando estratégias de enfrentamento apropriadas, pode prevenir problemas de saúde mental.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The parental bond is characterized by the perception of care and protection received by parental figures throughout human development. During the gestational period, the intensity in which the woman manifests behaviors and feelings for the fetus was denominated maternal-fetal attachment (MFA). In this perspective, the literature indicates that there is association between MFA and the pregnant woman's perception about the bond established with her parents. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the association between MFA and perceived parental bonds of pregnant women in the city of Pelotas/RS (Brazil). STUDY DESIGN: This is a cohort study with 839 women during their gestational period. All women answered to the Parental Bonding Instrument to investigate the perceived parental bonds, and the MFA was assessed through the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. RESULTS: The main results showed that perceived paternal overprotection was associated with a higher MFA after adjustment (B 2.00 CI95% 0.30; 3.70). Additionally, the pregnant women who were in the first trimester of pregnancy (p < 0.001), who did not live with a partner (p = 0.018), and who did not feel supported by the baby's father during pregnancy (p = 0.014) presented lower scores of MFA. CONCLUSION: This study showed the importance of the paternal role in the women's life, considering the perception of the bond with their father during their development, an adequate support by the father of the baby, and the presence of a partner during pregnancy. As a result, the paternal role may influence the feelings and behaviors of greater affection, care, and concern regarding the fetus.
