Role of depressive symptoms on the development of pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy: A prospective inception cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy is a major public health concern. For too many women, the pain condition causes disability and sick leave, has a negative impact on daily life, and breeds doubt in their view as mother, partner, and worker. The pathophysiology is unknown and causal treatment is lacking. Depression in pregnancy is common, undertreated, and previously associated with pelvic girdle pain with unclear causal direction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective inception cohort study of 356 Swedish women examined them in early and late pregnancy. Women with a positive Posterior Pelvic Pain Provocation test in early pregnancy were not included. The exposure, depressive symptoms in early pregnancy, was self-reported on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, depression part (0-21). Outcome measure in late pregnancy was a graded score on the Posterior Pelvic Pain Provocation test (0-8). Covariates for statistical adjustment were identified in a directed acyclic graph. Linear robust and logistic regression were used in the statistical analyses. RESULTS: In early pregnancy, the 248 women with negative Posterior Pelvic Pain Provocation test had a mean score of 2.35 (± 2.3 standard deviation) on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, depression part. In a fully adjusted, multiple robust regression model a positive association was shown between Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score, depression part, and the Posterior Pelvic Pain Provocation test score in late pregnancy with an estimated effect of ß = 0.32 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-0.48, p < 0.001). Dichotomization of exposure (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, depression part <8/≥8) and outcome (Posterior Pelvic Pain Provocation test score 0/>0) rendered adjusted odds ratio 1.71 (95% CI 0.38-7.7) and numbers needed to treat adjusted odds ratio 5.54 (95% CI -3.4-14.5). CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms in early pregnancy were associated with the development and intensity of pelvic girdle pain in late pregnancy. Considering the small sample size, screening and treatment for depressive symptoms in early pregnancy may enable a way to reduce and prevent disabling pelvic girdle pain in late pregnancy. Trials are needed to confirm the results.

Heredity of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain in Sweden.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic girdle pain during and after pregnancy is a major public health problem with significant daily problems for affected women and their families. There is now accumulating evidence that pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain originates from the sacroiliac joints and the pubic symphysis as well as their extra-articular ligaments. However, the heritability of the disease remains to be determined. We hypothesized that there is an increased familial risk of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A population-based national database linkage registry study of approximately 9.3 million individuals within 4.2 million families in Sweden with a recruitment period from 1997 to 2018. The Swedish Multi-generation register was used to find female pairs of twins, full siblings, half-siblings and first cousins where both in the pairs had a completed pregnancy. The outcome measure was diagnosis of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (International Classification of Diseases-10 O26.7 [1997-2018]) in the first pregnancy. Data was obtained from the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register, the Swedish Outpatient Care Register, the Swedish Medical Birth Register, the Primary Healthcare Register, and Medical Treatment Register. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate adjusted estimated effect of the exposure variable familial history of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain on the outcome variable pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain at first birth. RESULTS: From the registers, 1 010 064 women pregnant with their first child within 795 654 families were collected. In total, 109 147 women were diagnosed with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. The adjusted hazard ratio for a familial risk of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain was 2.09 (95% CI 1.85-2.37) among twins (monozygotic and dizygotic), 1.78 (95% CI 1.74-1.82) in full siblings, 1.16 (95% CI 1.06-1.28) in half-siblings from the mother, 1.09 (95% CI 1.024-1.16) in half-siblings from the father and 1.09 (95% CI 1.07-1.12) in first cousins. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide observational study showed a familial clustering of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. The hazard ratio for the condition was associated with the degree of relatedness, suggesting that heredity factors contribute to the development of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. There is no causal treatment available for pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain and further studies are now encouraged to clarify the specific genetic factors that contribute to the disease and for future targeted interventions.

Generalized joint hypermobility and the risk of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain: Is body mass index of importance?-A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) affects approximately 50% of pregnant women. The mechanisms are multifactorial but not fully understood. Women with generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) may be vulnerable to load in the pelvic joints during pregnancy. Our aim was to investigate if women with GJH had an increased risk of PGP and higher pain intensity during and after pregnancy, compared with women with normal joint mobility. We also studied if body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy influenced that risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 356 women, whose data were collected by self-reports and clinical examinations in early and in late pregnancy and 9 months after childbirth. GJH was present with ≥5/9 points on the Beighton score. PGP was defined by a pain drawing and ≥1 positive test. Pain intensity was measured with a visual analogue scale (0-100 mm). We adjusted for age and origin in logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In early pregnancy, 47.1% of the women with GJH had PGP vs 32.6% of women with normal joint mobility (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-3.62) and had higher odds of reporting higher pain intensity (aOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.02-4.07). The odds of PGP were highest for women with GJH and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (aOR 6.88; 95% CI 1.34-35.27) compared with women with normal joint mobility and BMI <25 kg/m2 . The estimated associations were weaker and not statistically significant in late pregnancy or after childbirth. CONCLUSIONS: Women with GJH did not have an increased risk of PGP during or after pregnancy but reported higher pain intensity in early pregnancy compared with women with normal joint mobility. Since women with combined GJH and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had the highest odds of PGP in early pregnancy, our results may suggest that health care needs to pay attention to and develop methods to reduce the risk of PGP and delay the onset of pain during pregnancy in women with this combination.

Understanding adolescent males' poor mental health and health-compromising behaviours: A factor analysis model on Swedish school-based data.

AIM: The aim was to develop a factor model of the clustering of poor mental-health symptoms and health-compromising behaviours (HCBs) in adolescent males. METHODS: The study was based on two cross-sectional school-based Swedish surveys in 2011 (response rate 80%, N=2823) and 2014 (response rate 85%, N=2358), both of which comprised questionnaires from males aged 15-16 and 17-18 years. A factor model was developed by exploratory factor analysis on the 2011 survey and validated by confirmatory factor analysis on the 2014 survey. RESULTS: Four aspects of poor mental health and HCBs emerged in the exploratory factor analysis: (a) deviancy as a tendency to substance use and delinquency, (b) unsafety as an inclination towards feelings of unsafety in different environments, (c) gloominess as a tendency towards pessimism and feeling unwell and (d) pain as an inclination to experience physical pain. The model was validated with good model fit. Age did not affect the model structure, but older adolescent males were more influenced by deviancy and gloominess and less by unsafety compared to their younger peers. Conclusions: Separating symptoms of poor mental health and HCBs into four areas - deviancy, unsafety, gloominess and pain - brings new perspectives to the understanding of adolescent males' health. To the best of our knowledge, our factor model is the first to include unsafety and pain in this context. Whenever a comprehensive approach to the health of adolescent males is needed in the clinic or in the field of public health, this factor model may provide guidance.

Confidentiality matters! Adolescent males' views of primary care in relation to psychosocial health: a structural equation modelling approach.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate to what degree adolescent males (1) value confidentiality, (2) experience confidentiality and are comfortable asking sensitive questions when visiting a general practitioner (GP), and (3) whether self-reported symptoms of poor mental health and health-compromising behaviours (HCB) affect these states of matters. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: School-based census on life, health and primary care in Region Sörmland, Sweden. SUBJECTS: 2,358 males aged 15-17 years (response rate 84%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The impact of poor mental health and HCBs on adolescent males' valuing and experiencing private time with the GP, having professional secrecy explained, and being comfortable asking about the body, love and sex, analysed with structural equation modelling. RESULTS: Almost all respondents valued confidentiality regardless of their mental health or whether they engaged in HCBs: 86% valued spending private time with the GP, and 83% valued receiving a secrecy explanation. Among those who had visited a GP in the past year (n = 1,200), 74% had experienced private time and 42% a secrecy explanation. Three-quarters were at least partly comfortable asking sensitive questions. Adolescent males with HCBs were more likely to experience a secrecy explanation (approximative odds ratio [appOR] 1.26; p = 0.005) and to be comfortable asking about sex than their peers (appOR 1.22; p = 0.007). Respondents reporting experienced confidentiality were more comfortable asking sensitive questions (appOR 1.25-1.54; p ≤ 0.010). CONCLUSION: Confidentiality matters regardless of poor mental health or HCBs and makes adolescent males more comfortable asking sensitive questions. We suggest that GPs consistently offer private time and explain professional secrecy.Key PointsConfidentiality for adolescent males has been scantily studied in relation to mental health and health-compromising behaviours.In this study, most adolescent males valued confidentiality, regardless of their mental health and health-compromising behaviours.Health-compromising behaviours impacted only slightly, and mental health not at all, on experiences of confidentiality in primary care.When provided private time and an explanation of professional secrecy, adolescent males were more comfortable asking the GP sensitive questions.

Sexuality and mood changes in women with persistent pelvic girdle pain after childbirth: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic girdle pain is a common problem during pregnancy. For most women, the symptoms cease within the first 3-6 months of giving birth, but in some women the pain persists. In this study we investigate the sexuality and frequency of depressive symptoms in women with persistent pelvic girdle pain after childbirth and in healthy women. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of women with persistent pelvic girdle pain after childbirth and a control group of healthy women. The frequency of depressive symptoms and sexuality were measured using the self-rating version of the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire. RESULTS: Forty-six women with persistent pelvic girdle pain and thirty-nine healthy women were enrolled. The frequency of depressive symptoms and the total score on female sexuality did not differ between the groups. However, pain during intercourse was more frequent (P < 0.001) in women with persistent pelvic girdle pain and caused them to avoid sexual intercourse frequently (P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression a higher frequency of depressive symptoms was reversely correlated with a lower score on female sexuality (ß = - 0,41, p < 0,001 95% CI -0,6 - -0,22) This association remained after adjusting for obstetric variables and individual characteristics. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms and female sexuality were similar between women with persistent pelvic girdle pain after childbirth and healthy controls. However, pain during intercourse and avoidance of sexual intercourse were more frequent among women with pelvic girdle pain.

Effects of a vocational rehabilitation programme on return to work among sick-listed primary health care patients: a population-based matched, case-control study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of a multidisciplinary vocational programme in sick-listed, primary health care patients as compared to matched non-programme patients. METHODS: The design was a 3-year prospective population-based, matched case-control study. It was set in a large primary healthcare centre in the city of Eskilstuna, Sweden. The subjects were 943 sickness-certified patients (482 women and 461 men). 170 high-risk patients and a matched control group (n = 340) with similar risk for not returning to work within expected time, based on propensity score was created. The intervention group passed a multidisciplinary medical assessment and a coordinated vocational programme, while the control group received usual care by their general practitioner. Main outcome was sick leave conclusion and the day when it occurred. RESULTS: The follow-up time was subdivided into four periods. During the first two periods, days 1-14 and days 15-112 after baseline, the intervention group had a significantly lower sick leave conclusion rate than the control group (hazard ratios, (HR) 0.32, 95% CI 0.20-0.51, p <  0.0001 and 0.47, 95% CI 0.35-0.64). During the third period, days 113-365, the intervention group had an insignificantly lower conclusion rate (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.46-1.08, p = 0.10), and during the fourth follow-up period, days 366-1096, the intervention group had an insignificantly higher conclusion rate than the control group (HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.69-1.96, p = 0.58). Across the total follow-up period, the intervention group had a lower conclusion rate than the control group (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.45-0.66, p <  0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: No positive significant effects of the rehabilitation programme on time to sick leave conclusion were found.

Validity of the self-reported five-part questionnaire as an assessment of generalized joint hypermobility in early pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of generalized joint hypermobility is difficult due to differences in classification methods and in the performance of joint mobility assessment. The primary aim was to evaluate the validity of the self-reported five-part questionnaire, 5PQ, for identifying generalized joint hypermobility using the Beighton score as reference test. The secondary aim was to describe how joint angles measured in degrees included in the Beighton score varied in different cut-off levels in the self-reported 5PQ and the Beighton score. METHODS: A cross-sectional validity study with a total of 301 women in early pregnancy, mean age of 31 years, were included in the study. The participants answered the self-reported 5PQ before the joint angles were measured. To standardize the joint mobility measurement, a structural protocol was used. The sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristic curve, area under curve, positive- and negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio and Spearman's rank correlation between the self-reported 5PQ ≥ 2 and the Beighton score ≥ 5 were used as main outcome measures in the validity analyses. Joint angles, measured in degrees, were calculated with means in relation to different cut-off levels. RESULTS: There was moderate correlation between the self-reported 5PQ and the Beighton score. The highest combined sensitivity, 84.1%, as well as specificity, 61.9%, was on 5PQ cut-off level ≥ 2, with a 38% false-positive rate, a moderate area under curve, a low positive predictive value and likelihood ratio, and a high negative predictive value. The odds of a self-reported 5PQ, cut-off level ≥ 2, among women with generalized joint hypermobility, Beighton ≥5, was low indicating a low post-test probability. The mean for all joint angles measured in degrees increased with increased cut-off levels, both in the Beighton score and in the self-reported 5PQ. However, there was a significant variation for each cut-off level. CONCLUSIONS: There is uncertainty in identifying generalized joint hypermobility in young women using the self-reported 5PQ with a cut-off level of ≥2 when the Beighton score ≥ 5 is used as the reference test. The strength of the self-reported 5PQ is to rule-out women without generalized joint hypermobility.

The Association of Self-Reported Generalized Joint Hypermobility with pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is common during pregnancy but the causes remain poorly understood. Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is an inherited trait, with joint mobility beyond normal limits and is assumed to be related with PGP. The aim of this project was to study the association between self-reported GJH and the presence of PGP during pregnancy. METHODS: In this cohort study, 4884 Swedish-speaking women were consecutively recruited at their first visit for registration in the national antenatal screening programme in Sweden. We used the five-part questionnaire (5PQ) to assess GJH and pain drawings to identify PGP. Our primary outcome was the presence of PGP during the entire pregnancy and secondary outcomes were PGP in each trimesters. We tested the associations with logistic regression analysis, and adjusted for age and ethnicity. RESULTS: In all, 2455 (50.3%) women responded to both questionnaires. The prevalence of self-reported GJH was 28.7%. A higher proportion of women with GJH than women without GJH reported PGP during the entire pregnancy (47.9% vs. 41.0%), particularly in trimester 1 (31.6% vs. 22.0%). Thus, women with GJH also had higher odds of PGP during the entire pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.27: 95% CI 1.11-1.47) and in trimester 1 (aOR 1.54: 95% CI 1.20-1.96), but the associations were not statistically significant in trimester 2 (aOR 1.24: 95% CI 0.82-1.88) or trimester 3 (aOR 1.20: 95% CI 0.99-1.45). The odds of PGP in pregnancy increased with increasing numbers of positive answers to the 5PQ (p for linear trend < 0.001) for the entire pregnancy and in trimester 1 (p for linear trend < 0.001), but not in trimesters 2 or 3 (p = 0.13 and p = 0.06, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to women with normal joint mobility, women with GJH had higher odds of reporting PGP during pregnancy and the odds increased with number of positive responses to the 5PQ. The associations were present in trimester 1 but did not reach statistical significance in trimester 2 and 3.

Adverse childhood experiences and depressive symptomatology among pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) result in somatic and mental health disturbances. Their influence on antenatal depression is scarcely studied. This study examined the association between experience of ACE and antenatal depressive symptomatology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1257 women from 172 antenatal clinics in Sweden were surveyed during pregnancy and 1 year after delivery. Demographics, previous medical history and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) were collected in pregnancy and postpartum and ACE 1 year postpartum. ACEs were partitioned into 10 categories. Statistical analyses used linear and logistic regression with EPDS score as main outcome measure. RESULTS: 736 (58.6%) women reported at least one ACE category and 88 women (7%) reported five or more ACE categories. An EPDS score of ≥13, which qualifies for a probable depression diagnosis, was reported by 277 (23%) women. In simple regression analyses the EPDS score was positively associated with the number of ACEs, cigarette smoking before pregnancy, body mass index and psychiatric disorders, whereas education level was inversely associated. In a multiple regression analysis, ACEs, education level and psychiatric disorder remained associated to the EPDS score. Among women with an ACE score ≥5, the odds ratio of having an EPDS score indicating probable depression was 4.2 (CI 2.5-7.0). CONCLUSIONS: ACE was commonly reported. ACE and depressive symptomatology in late pregnancy were strongly associated in a dose-response manner. Women with several ACEs had high odds of depressive symptomatology in late pregnancy and were more likely to report depressive symptoms both in late pregnancy and postpartum.

Anatomical landmarks of the intra-pelvic side-wall as sources of pain in women with and without pregnancy-related chronic pelvic pain after childbirth: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects 15-24% of women and can have a devastating impact on quality of life. Laparoscopy is often used in the investigation, although in one third of the examinations there is no visible pathology and the women may be dismissed without further investigation. Also, the contribution of skeletal, muscular, periosteal and ligamentous tissues to CPP remains to be further elucidated. The objective of the present study was to compare pain intensity provoked from anatomical landmarks of the intra-pelvic side-wall in women with pregnancy-related CPP after childbirth and women without such pain. METHODS: This is a descriptive study of 36 non-randomly selected parous women with CPP after childbirth and 29 likewise selected parous women after childbirth without CPP. Pain was determined by questionnaire and clinical examination. The primary outcome measure was reported pain intensity provoked on 13 anatomical landmarks of the intra-pelvic side-wall. All women reported their perceived pain intensity for each anatomical landmark on Likert scales and an individual sum score was calculated. RESULTS: Women with chronic pelvic pain were older than women without CPP. At several intra-pelvic landmarks high intensity pain was provoked in women with CPP compared with less intense pain provoked at fewer landmarks in women without low back or pelvic pain (p < 0.0001). The average sum of pain intensity scores was about 4 times higher in women with CPP (1.3) as compared with those without low back or pelvic pain (0.3), p < 0.0001. This association remained when adjusting for the age difference between the pain groups in linear regression analysis. In addition, reported pain intensity at worst past week was independently associated with sum of pain intensity scores. The maximum individual sum of pain intensity scores among women without CPP was exceeded by that of 85% of the women with CPP. CONCLUSIONS: Parous women with CPP after childbirth had a heightened pain intensity over 13 anatomical landmarks during pelvic examination compared with parous women without CPP. These results need to be confirmed in a larger cohort with different types of CPP.

The relationship between self-efficacy and transition to work or studies in young adults with disabilities.

AIM: To investigate perceived self-efficacy in unemployed young adults with disabilities, and the association between self-efficacy and transition to work or studies. METHODS: This prospective cohort study collected data through self-report questionnaires and registry data from a vocational rehabilitation project with young adults, aged 19-29 years. The Swedish Social Insurance Agency, the Swedish Public Employment Service and the participating municipalities identified potential participants for the study. A total of 531 participants were included in the study, of which 249 (47%) were available for analysis. Multinomial logistic regression models were carried out to estimate the associations between self-efficacy, demographic (age, country of birth, education level), health and employment status. The latter was coded as: 'no transition to work or studies', 'transition to studies', and 'transition to work'. RESULTS: A higher level of self-efficacy was associated with increased odds for 'transition to work' (OR = 2.37, p < 0.05). This finding remained consistent when adjusting for possible confounders. The mean value of self-efficacy was low, and participants with lower self-efficacy reported worse self-rated health ( p < 0.001) compared to participants with higher self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study suggest that self-efficacy should be addressed in the vocational rehabilitation of young adults with disabilities in order to support their transition and integration into the labour market.

Inter- and intra-rater reliability for measurement of range of motion in joints included in three hypermobility assessment methods.

BACKGROUND: Comparisons across studies of generalized joint hypermobility are often difficult since there are several classification methods and methodological differences in the performance exist. The Beighton score is most commonly used and has been tested for inter- and intra-rater reliability. The Contompasis score and the Hospital del Mar criteria have not yet been evaluated for reliability. The aim of this study was to investigate the inter- and intra-rater reliability for measurements of range of motion in joints included in these three hypermobility assessment methods using a structured protocol. METHODS: The study was planned in accordance with guidelines for reporting reliability studies. Healthy adults were consecutively recruited (49 for inter- and 29 for intra-rater assessments). Intra-class correlations, two-way random effects model, (ICC 2.1) with 95% confidence intervals, standard error of measurement, percentage of agreement, Cohen's Kappa (κ) and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa were calculated for single-joint measured in degrees and for total scores. RESULTS: The inter- and intra-rater reliability in total scores were ICC 2.1: 0.72-0.82 and 0.76-0.86 and for single-joint measurements in degrees 0.44-0.91 and 0.44-0.90, respectively. The difference between ratings was within 5 degrees in all but one joint. Standard error of measurement ranged from 1.0 to 6.9 degrees. The inter- and intra-rater reliability for prevalence of positive hypermobility findings the Cohen's κ for total scores were 0.54-0.78 and 0.27-0.78 and in single joints 0.21-1.00 and 0.19-1.00, respectively. The prevalence- and bias adjusted Cohen's κ, increased all but two values. CONCLUSIONS: Following a structured protocol, the inter- and intra-rater reliability was good-to-excellent for total scores and in all but two single joints, measured in degrees. The inter- and intra-rater reliability for prevalence of positive hypermobility findings was fair-to-almost perfect for total scores and slight-to-almost-perfect in single joints. By using a structured protocol, we attempted to standardize the assessment of range of motion in clinical and in research settings. This standardization could be helpful in the first part of the process of standardizing the tests thus avoiding that assessment of GJH is based on chance.

Strengthened General Self-Efficacy with Multidisciplinary Vocational Rehabilitation in Women on Long-Term Sick Leave: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Purpose To investigate the effects of two vocational rehabilitation interventions on self-efficacy, for women on long-term sick leave ≥ 1 year due to chronic pain and/or mental illness. Methods This study uses data from a randomised controlled trial consisting of two phases and comprising 401 women on long-term sick leave. They were allocated to either (1) a multidisciplinary team assessment and multimodal intervention (TEAM), (2) acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), or (3) control group. Data were collected through repeated measurements from self-reported questionnaires before intervention, 6 and 12 months later and registry data. Data from measurements of general self-efficacy, sociodemographics, anxiety and depression were analysed with linear regression analyses. Results During the intervention period, the women in the TEAM group's self-efficacy mean increased from 2.29 to 2.74. The adjusted linear regression model, which included group allocation, sociodemographics, self-efficacy pre-treatment, anxiety and depression showed increased self-efficacy for those in the TEAM intervention at 12 months (B = 0.25, 95% CI 0.10-0.41). ACT intervention had no effect on self-efficacy at 12 months (B = 0.02, 95% CI - 0.16 to 0.19). The results in the adjusted model also showed that higher self-efficacy at pre-treatment was associated with a higher level of self-efficacy at 12 months (B = 0.68, 95% CI 0.54-0.81). Conclusion A multidisciplinary team assessment and multimodal intervention increased self-efficacy in women on sick leave for an extremely long time (mean 7.8 years) who had a low mean level of self-efficacy prior to inclusion. Thus, self-efficacy needs to be addressed in vocational rehabilitation.

Increased mast cell degranulation and co-localization of mast cells with the NMDA receptor-1 during healing after Achilles tendon rupture.

The role of inflammation and the mechanism of tendon healing after rupture has historically been a matter of controversy. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the role of mast cells and their relation to the NMDA receptor-1 (a glutamate receptor) during healing after Achilles tendon rupture. Eight female Sprague Dawley rats had their right Achilles tendon transected. Three weeks after rupture, histological quantification of mast cell numbers and their state of degranulation was assessed by histochemistry. Co-localization of mast cell tryptase (a mast cell marker) and NMDA receptor-1 was determined by immunofluorescence. The intact left Achilles tendon was used as control. An increased number of mast cells and a higher proportion of degranulated mast cells were found in the healing Achilles tendon compared to the intact. In addition, increased co-localization of mast cell tryptase and NMDA receptor-1 was seen in the areas of myotendinous junction, mid-tendon proper and bone tendon junction of the healing versus the intact tendon. These findings introduce a possible role for mast cells in the healing phase after Achilles tendon rupture.

Positive experiences of a vocational rehabilitation intervention for individuals on long-term sick leave, the Dirigo project: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The process of returning to work after long-term sick leave can sometimes be complex. Many factors, (e.g. cooperation between different authorities and the individual as well as individual factors such as health, emotional well-being and self-efficacy) may have an impact on an individual's ability to work. The aim of this study was to investigate clients' experiences with an individually tailored vocational rehabilitation, the Dirigo project, and encounters with professionals working on it. The Dirigo project was based on collaboration between rehabilitation authorities, individually tailored interventions and a motivational interviewing approach. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative design was used with data collected through interviews. Fourteen individuals on long-term sick leave took part in individual semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis showed overall positive experience of methods and encounters with professionals in a vocational rehabilitation project. The positive experiences were based on four key factors: 1. Opportunities for receiving various dimensions of support. 2. Good overall treatment by the professionals. 3. Satisfaction with the working methods of the project, and 4. Opportunities for personal development. CONCLUSIONS: The main result showed that the clients had an overall positive experience of a vocational rehabilitation project and encounters with professionals who used motivational interviewing as a communication method. The overall positive experience indicated that their interactions with the different professionals may have affected their self-efficacy in general and in relation to transition to work. The knowledge is essential for the professionals working in the area of vocational rehabilitation. However, vocational rehabilitation interventions also need a societal approach to be able to offer clients opportunities for job training and real jobs.

Measuring pregnancy planning: A psychometric evaluation and comparison of two scales.

AIMS: To psychometrically test the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy and compare it with the Swedish Pregnancy Planning Scale. BACKGROUND: The incidence of unplanned pregnancies is an important indicator of reproductive health. The London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy measures pregnancy planning by taking contraceptive use, timing, intention to become pregnant, desire for pregnancy, partner agreement, and pre-conceptual preparations into account. It has, however, previously not been psychometrically evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. The Likert-scored single-item Swedish Pregnancy Planning Scale has been developed to measure the woman's own view of pregnancy planning level. DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. METHODS: In 2012-2013, 5493 pregnant women living in Sweden were invited to participate in the Swedish Pregnancy Planning study, of whom 3327 (61%) agreed to participate and answered a questionnaire. A test-retest pilot study was conducted in 2011-2012. Thirty-two participants responded to the questionnaire on two occasions 14 days apart. Data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis, Cohen's weighted kappa and Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: All items of the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy contributed to measuring pregnancy planning, but four items had low item-reliability. The London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy and Swedish Pregnancy Planning Scale corresponded reasonably well with each other and both showed good test-retest reliability. CONCLUSION: The London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy may benefit from item reduction and its usefulness may be questioned. The Swedish Pregnancy Planning Scale is time-efficient and shows acceptable reliability and construct validity, which makes it more useful for measuring pregnancy planning.

Is pregnancy planning associated with background characteristics and pregnancy-planning behavior?

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of planned pregnancies varies between countries but is often measured in a dichotomous manner. The aim of this study was to investigate to what level pregnant women had planned their pregnancies and whether pregnancy planning was associated with background characteristics and pregnancy-planning behavior. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study that utilized the baseline measurements from the Swedish Pregnancy Planning study. Pregnant women (n = 3390) recruited at antenatal clinics answered a questionnaire. Data were analyzed with multinomial logistic regression, Kruskal-Wallis H and chi-squared tests. RESULTS: Three of four pregnancies were very or fairly planned and 12% fairly or very unplanned. Of women with very unplanned pregnancies, 32% had considered an induced abortion. Women with planned pregnancies were more likely to have a higher level of education, higher household income, to be currently working (≥50%) and to have longer relationships than women with unplanned pregnancies. The level of pregnancy planning was associated with planning behavior, such as information-seeking and intake of folic acid, but without a reduction in alcohol consumption. One-third of all women took folic acid 1 month prior to conception, 17% used tobacco daily and 11% used alcohol weekly 3 months before conception. CONCLUSIONS: A majority rated their pregnancy as very or fairly planned, with socio-economic factors as explanatory variables. The level of pregnancy planning should be queried routinely to enable individualized counseling, especially for women with unplanned pregnancies. Preconception recommendations need to be established and communicated to the public to increase health promoting planning behavior.

Physical fitness, serum relaxin and duration of gestation.

BACKGROUND: Women are recommended to perform regular exercise during pregnancy but the impact of physical fitness on duration of gestation and miscarriage is inconsistent. In addition, a dose-response relation between the amount of weekly exercise and increased risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy has been observed. Previous studies have mostly used an epidemiologic method. Larger studies using careful measurement of physical fitness are needed. Besides physical fitness, maternal circulating concentrations of the hormone relaxin have been associated with decreased duration of gestation. METHODS: A prospective cohort including 20 women with miscarriage and 460 women with spontaneous onset of labour, recruited from maternal health care centres in central Sweden, were examined in early pregnancy regarding estimated absolute peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak, est.) by cycle ergometer test, and maternal circulating serum relaxin concentrations. RESULTS: Women with miscarriage displayed the highest level of absolute VO2 peak, est. (2.61 l/min) and the lowest serum relaxin concentrations (640 ng/l). Among women with spontaneous onset of labour, the mean absolute VO2 peak, est. increased successively from the lowest estimated oxygen uptake of 2.31 l/min among those with preterm birth (n = 28), to an oxygen uptake of 2.49 l/min among women with postterm birth (n = 31). An opposite trend was shown regarding serum relaxin concentrations from women with miscarriage to those with postterm birth. Serum relaxin concentrations, but not absolute VO2 peak, est. was significantly and independently associated with duration of gestation in women with miscarriages, and absolute VO2 peak, est., age and multiple pregnancy were independently associated with duration of gestation in women with spontaneous onset of labour. CONCLUSIONS: Physical fitness appears to be a protective factor of established pregnancies and not significantly involved in the risk of early miscarriage. Additional studies are needed to more clearly define the role of relaxin in miscarriage.

Adverse childhood experiences influence development of pain during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and pain with onset during pregnancy. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Eighteen antenatal clinics in southern Mid-Sweden. SAMPLE: Of 293 women invited to participate, 232 (79%) women agreed to participate in early pregnancy and were assessed in late pregnancy. METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed in early and late pregnancy. The questionnaires sought information on socio-demography, ACE, pain location by pain drawing and pain intensity by visual analogue scales. Distribution of pain was coded in 41 predetermined areas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain in third trimester with onset during present pregnancy: intensity, location and number of pain locations. RESULTS: In late pregnancy, 62% of the women reported any ACE and 72% reported any pain location with onset during the present pregnancy. Among women reporting any ACE the median pain intensity was higher compared with women without such an experience (p = 0.01). The accumulated ACE displayed a positive association with the number of reported pain locations in late pregnancy (rs = 0.19, p = 0.02). This association remained significant after adjusting for background factors in multiple regression analysis (p = 0.01). When ACE was dichotomized the prevalence of pain did not differ between women with and without ACE. The subgroup of women reporting physical abuse as a child reported a higher prevalence of sacral and pelvic pain (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Adverse childhood experiences were associated with higher pain intensities and larger pain distributions in late pregnancy, which are risk factors for transition to chronic pain postpartum.