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Giallo R, Wynter K, McMahon G, Seymour M, Fogarty A, Cooklin A, Leach L, Francis LM, Duursma E, Macdonald JA. Preconception factors associated with postnatal mental health and suicidality among first-time fathers: results from an Australian Longitudinal Study of Men's Health. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1153-1160. [PMID: 36708400 PMCID: PMC10366277 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02421-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prospective evidence about men at risk of postnatal difficulties is rare-particularly for postpartum suicidal ideation. This study aimed to determine the extent to which first-time fathers reported depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation and behaviours in the first postnatal year, and to identify preconception risk factors for postnatal mental health difficulties. METHODS Secondary analysis of data from The Ten to Men Study-Australia's population-based prospective study of men's health was conducted. Participants were 205 men who became first-time fathers in the 12 months prior to wave 2 (2015/16). Regression analyses were used to ascertain preconception (mental and physical health, lifestyle) and demographic factors associated with postnatal depressive symptoms. RESULTS Postnatally, 8.3% of fathers reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms, 5% had suicidal thoughts, 3% had plans, and less than 1% had attempted suicide. Preconception depressive symptoms was the only factor significantly associated with postnatal depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION The transition into fatherhood is marked with significant psychological distress for some men. These results suggest that mental health screening and support in the preconception period is crucial to supporting the mental health of new fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Giallo
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.
| | - Karen Wynter
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety, School of Nursing and Midwifery-Western Health Partnership, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Grace McMahon
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Alison Fogarty
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Liana Leach
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Lauren M Francis
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | | | - Jacqui A Macdonald
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Leach L, Butterworth P, Hokke S, Love J, Bennetts SK, Crawford S, Cooklin A. How the mental health of working parents in Australia changed during COVID-19: A pre- to during pandemic longitudinal comparison. J Affect Disord 2023; 325:564-571. [PMID: 36623561 PMCID: PMC9822551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cross-sectional studies indicate that mental health has deteriorated in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, including for parents. However, robust longitudinal studies interrogating change from before to during the pandemic remain rare. The current study analysed data from Australian parents surveyed in 2016 and August 2020. We investigate whether distress was higher in the COVID-19 period compared to pre-pandemic levels, and whether any increases in distress were greatest for parents living in Victoria (who had entered their second prolonged lockdown). METHODS A community cohort of Australian working parents (n = 5197) was recruited online in 2016. In August 2020, 25.9 % (n = 1348) completed a follow-up survey. Analyses were restricted to those employed at both time-points (n = 1311). Random effects longitudinal models examined the association between time (i.e. pre vs. during-pandemic) and distress (K6 scale). Fixed effects models specifically tested change between time periods in association with change in distress. LIMITATIONS The initial sample were recruited online with highly educate parents over-represented. Attrition between survey time-points may also limit generalisability. RESULTS All models consistently showed that the pandemic period was associated with greater distress. Overall, serious mental illness (i.e. K6 score ≥ 18) increased by 5.3 percentage points (from 8.0 to 13.3). This increase was greater (by 4.7 percentage points) for those parents in Victoria. CONCLUSIONS This study is one of few to longitudinally assess mental health pre- to during the pandemic. Psychological distress and serious mental illness increased for Australian working parents, and this effect was greatest for those experiencing a prolonged lockdown in Victoria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Leach
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH), Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Australia.
| | - Peter Butterworth
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH), Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Australia
| | - Stacey Hokke
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jasmine Love
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shannon K. Bennetts
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia,Intergenerational Health Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Amanda Cooklin
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Leahy-Warren P, Philpott L, Elmir R, Schmied V. Fathers' perceptions and experiences of support to be a parenting partner during the perinatal period: A scoping review. J Clin Nurs 2022. [PMID: 35898120 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to explore fathers' perceptions and experiences of support in the perinatal period. Change in society has seen the increased visibility of fathers being involved during pregnancy and engaging in their infants' lives and the expectation and benefits of men playing an equal and direct role in caring for their children. However, less is known about the nature of support that fathers require to facilitate this role transition. DESIGN A scoping review was conducted in accordance with Arksey and O'Malley's six-step scoping review framework and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. METHODS A systematic search of CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Psychology, Soc INDEX and Behavioural Sciences Collections databases for qualitative or mixed methods studies with qualitative data was undertaken. Qualitative data were extracted from original studies for coding and theme generation. Thematic synthesis was employed for the final stages of analysis. RESULTS Overall, 23 papers were included. Men desired to fulfil their rite of passage to be an involved father to their child. This transitional process commenced with men articulating their commitment to creating a role as an involved father and to be a role model for their children. Becoming a father is seen as having a significant status in society which contributes to their self-efficacy as fathers. CONCLUSION Fathers require support from all levels of the 'ecosystem' including policy, socio-cultural and workplace changes as well as recognition and support from partners, family, peers and in particular from health service providers. Developing the parenting partnership requires a co-production approach and commitment at macro, meso and micro levels. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Supporting men to be engaged fathers requires policy, socio-cultural and workplace changes; however, maternity services and particularly midwives have an important role in this change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lloyd Philpott
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College, Cork, Ireland
| | - Rakime Elmir
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Virginia Schmied
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
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Pradeepkumar PC, Hamza A, Ragesh G, Ganjekar S, Thippeswamy H, Chandra PS, Desai G. Psychological Distress, Coping and Perceived Social Support Among Partners of Women with Postpartum Onset Severe Mental Illness (SMI) Admitted to a Mother-Baby Unit. Indian J Psychol Med 2020; 42:535-539. [PMID: 33354079 PMCID: PMC7735251 DOI: 10.1177/0253717620958162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of a severe mental illness in the mother during the postpartum period may impact the whole family and specifically have an effect on the health of the spouse. The current study aimed to assess psychological distress, coping, and perceived social support of spouses of women with postpartum onset severe mental illness. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used, and 30 spouses of the women admitted to the mother-baby unit (MBU) for psychiatric inpatient care were included in the study. The assessments included sociodemographic details, Kessler psychological distress scale (K10), brief coping orientation to problems experienced scale (brief COPE), and Zimets' multidimensional scale of perceived social support. RESULTS Around 50% of the spouses experienced severe psychological distress. Nearly 40% of spouses reported poor coping and 56.7% of spouses had moderate social support from family and friends. CONCLUSION The findings indicate the need to address distress and coping in spouses of women with postpartum onset SMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- PC Pradeepkumar
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ameer Hamza
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - G Ragesh
- Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Govt Medical College Campus, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
| | - Sundarnag Ganjekar
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Harish Thippeswamy
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Prabha S Chandra
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Geetha Desai
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Yang SW, Kernic MA, Mueller BA, Simon GE, Chan KCG, Vander Stoep A. Association of Parental Mental Illness With Child Injury Occurrence, Hospitalization, and Death During Early Childhood. JAMA Pediatr 2020; 174:e201749. [PMID: 32568391 PMCID: PMC7309091 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.1749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Injury is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. Serious mental illness (SMI) is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. OBJECTIVE To compare injury event rates in children from birth to 5 years of age among Taiwanese children with and without parents with SMI, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based, retrospective cohort study of an 11-year Taiwanese birth cohort used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (covering 99% of Taiwanese citizens), the Maternal and Child Health Database, and birth and death certificate databases. The study included 1 999 322 singletons with Taiwanese citizenship born from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2014, and followed up from birth to their fifth birthday, December 31, 2014, or the date of death, yielding a total of 7 741 026 person-years. Data analysis was performed from April 20, 2017, to September 24, 2019. EXPOSURES Physician-diagnosed parental SMI defined using outpatient and inpatient records from 6 years before the child's birth to 5 years after delivery. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES Rates of medically attended injury events, injury hospitalization, and injury death retrieved from outpatient records, inpatient records, and death certificates. Generalized estimating equation for log-linear models estimated injury incidence rate ratios (IRRs) comparing parental SMI-exposed children and unexposed children. RESULTS The study cohort included 1 999 322 singletons (52.1% males without parental SMI and 52.2% males with parental SMI). Incidence rates of child injury-related outcomes were higher among children exposed to parental SMI (294.8 injury events per 1000 person-years) compared with children who were unexposed (256.1 injury events per 1000 person-years). After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, children with parental SMI had higher rates of injury events (IRR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.13-1.15), injury hospitalization (IRR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.42-1.57), and injury death (IRR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.38-2.39) compared with unexposed children. The results were confirmed in sensitivity analyses. Appendicitis, a negative control outcome, was not associated with parental SMI (IRR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.94-1.28). In addition, children with and without parental SMI had similar patterns of preventive health care. The mean (SD) number of prenatal visits was 8.09 (2.50) for children with parental SMI and 8.17 (2.47) among unaffected children. The mean (SD) number of well-child visits was 5.70 (2.24) for children with parental SMI and 5.80 (2.21) among unaffected children. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, children with parental SMI had increased risk of injury, particularly serious injury. Excess risk may be reduced by providing effective mental health treatment, parenting support, and home safety education to parents with SMI who are raising young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiow-Wen Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mary A. Kernic
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Beth A. Mueller
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle,Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | - Ann Vander Stoep
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle
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Hui FKC, Müller S, Welsh AH. Sparse Pairwise Likelihood Estimation for Multivariate Longitudinal Mixed Models. J Am Stat Assoc 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/01621459.2017.1371026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Francis K. C. Hui
- Mathematical Sciences Institute, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Samuel Müller
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - A. H. Welsh
- Mathematical Sciences Institute, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Leach LS. There remains a need for greater awareness and further research on fathers' stress in the perinatal period. Evid Based Nurs 2018; 21:78. [PMID: 29735725 DOI: 10.1136/eb-2017-102834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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Spry E, Giallo R, Moreno-Betancur M, Macdonald J, Becker D, Borschmann R, Brown S, Patton GC, Olsson CA. Preconception prediction of expectant fathers' mental health: 20-year cohort study from adolescence. BJPsych Open 2018; 4:58-60. [PMID: 29971146 PMCID: PMC6020279 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2017.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED We examined prospective associations between men's common mental disorders in the decades prior to offspring conception and subsequent paternal antenatal mental health problems. Data came from a prospective intergenerational cohort study which assessed common mental disorder nine times from age 14 to 29 years, and in the third trimester of subsequent pregnancies to age 35 years (N = 295 pregnancies to 214 men). Men with histories of adolescent and young adult common mental disorders were over four times more likely to experience antenatal mental health problems. Future research identifying modifiable perinatal factors that counteract preconception risk would provide further targets for intervention. DECLARATION OF INTEREST None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Spry
- Research Officer, Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, and PhD candidate, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong
| | - Rebecca Giallo
- Senior Research Fellow, Healthy Mothers Healthy Families group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne
| | - Margarita Moreno-Betancur
- Postdoctoral research fellow, Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne
| | - Jacqui Macdonald
- Lecturer in Psychology, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, and Honorary Research Fellow, University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children's Research Institute
| | - Denise Becker
- Biostatistician, Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne
| | - Rohan Borschmann
- Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, and Honorary Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London
| | - Stephanie Brown
- Senior Principal Research Fellow and Head of the Healthy Mothers Healthy Families group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, and Honorary Professorial Fellow, University of Melbourne
| | - George C Patton
- Professorial Fellow in Adolescent Health Research, University of Melbourne, and Senior Principal Research Fellow, National Health and Medical Research Council
| | - Craig A Olsson
- Professor and Head of the Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, and Honorary Principal Research Fellow, University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Australia
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9
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Philpott LF, Leahy-Warren P, FitzGerald S, Savage E. Stress in fathers in the perinatal period: A systematic review. Midwifery 2017; 55:113-127. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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10
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Waldvogel P, Ehlert U. Contemporary Fatherhood and Its Consequences for Paternal Psychological Well-being - A Cross-sectional Study of Fathers in Central Europe. Front Public Health 2016; 4:199. [PMID: 27679796 PMCID: PMC5020060 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2016.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emotional consequences of fatherhood are markedly conditional on the context in which fatherhood is lived out. This study examines the association between different contemporary forms of fatherhood and paternal psychological well-being. The data are from an anonymous online survey of 3615 biological fathers, stepfathers, adoptive fathers, and foster fathers across the German-speaking countries of Central Europe. First, a detailed characterization of the different existing family constellations is provided. Second, the consequences of these different contemporary forms of fatherhood for paternal psychological well-being are investigated. Fathers of all ages (M = 40.11, range: 19-72) with at least one child under the age of 18 were included in the present analysis (N = 2785). The presented findings demonstrate that a family structure consisting of two biological parents with biological children seems to be most beneficial to paternal well-being, while some other forms of contemporary fatherhood are associated with impaired well-being, independently of sociodemographic or relationship aspects. More specifically, a history of family separation in non-residential biological fathers and blended-family fathers, and the concomitant loss of father-child contact, is shown to be particularly disadvantageous for the well-being of these fathers. Shared living arrangements, maintaining regular contact with biological children, or forming a new intact family could protect these fathers from negative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Waldvogel
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Central European Network on Fatherhood (CENOF), Headquarter at University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Central European Network on Fatherhood (CENOF), Headquarter at University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Gorter R, Fox JP, Twisk JWR. Why item response theory should be used for longitudinal questionnaire data analysis in medical research. BMC Med Res Methodol 2015; 15:55. [PMID: 26224012 PMCID: PMC4520067 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-015-0050-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multi-item questionnaires are important instruments for monitoring health in epidemiological longitudinal studies. Mostly sum-scores are used as a summary measure for these multi-item questionnaires. The objective of this study was to show the negative impact of using sum-score based longitudinal data analysis instead of Item Response Theory (IRT)-based plausible values. METHODS In a simulation study (varying the number of items, sample size, and distribution of the outcomes) the parameter estimates resulting from both modeling techniques were compared to the true values. Next, the models were applied to an example dataset from the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study (AGHLS). RESULTS The results show that using sum-scores leads to overestimation of the within person (repeated measurement) variance and underestimation of the between person variance. CONCLUSIONS We recommend using IRT-based plausible value techniques for analyzing repeatedly measured multi-item questionnaire data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie Gorter
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, VU university medical center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- EMGO+ institute for health and care research, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Jean-Paul Fox
- Department of Research Methodology, Measurement, and Data Analysis, Faculty of Behavioral, Management & Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands.
| | - Jos W R Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, VU university medical center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- EMGO+ institute for health and care research, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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Anding J, Röhrle B, Grieshop M, Schücking B, Christiansen H. Early Detection of Postpartum Depressive Symptoms in Mothers and Fathers and Its Relation to Midwives' Evaluation and Service Provision: A Community-Based Study. Front Pediatr 2015; 3:62. [PMID: 26217649 PMCID: PMC4495314 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2015.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum parental mental health problems pose a serious risk for child development and often remain undetected in postpartum primary care. Within the framework of the German Midwifes Prevention Study, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of postpartum emotional distress in mothers and fathers, and the detection of distressed parents by midwives in a primary care setting. We also examined whether a temporal extension of the postpartum midwife care period is associated with greater use of midwife contacts and higher rates of referral to further professional support if needed. METHODS Mothers, fathers, and midwives filled out questionnaires at 2 weeks (t 1) and 6 months (t 2) postpartum. Compared to standard care in the control group (CG), midwives in an intervention group (IG) offered extended postpartum care of 6 months postpartum. Parental psychological distress was assessed using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS). Midwives reported on parental psychological distress as well as the number of postpartum contacts and referrals to additional social- and health-care providers. RESULTS Based on their ratings, midwives identified half of mothers and around one-quarter of fathers with elevated depressive symptoms according to the EPDS at t 1 and t 2. IG mothers used significantly more midwife contacts than CG mothers. IG mothers with high-postnatal psychological distress at t 2 used significantly more contacts than mothers with lower levels of distress. IG mothers with high-psychological distress at t 2 were referred to additional support services more often than mothers with lower levels of distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Anding
- Department of Psychology, Child and Adolescent Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Röhrle
- Department of Psychology, Child and Adolescent Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Hanna Christiansen
- Department of Psychology, Child and Adolescent Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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13
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Leach LS, Mackinnon A, Poyser C, Fairweather-Schmidt AK. Depression and anxiety in expectant and new fathers: longitudinal findings in Australian men. Br J Psychiatry 2015; 206:471-8. [PMID: 25858179 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.114.148775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing interest in men's perinatal mental health, we still know little about whether becoming a new father is associated with increases in psychological distress. AIMS To use prospective longitudinal data to investigate whether becoming a first-time expectant (partner pregnant) and/or new father (child <1 year) is associated with increases in depression and anxiety. METHOD Men were aged 20-24 years at baseline (n = 1162). Levels of depression and anxiety were measured at four time points over 12 years. Over this time, 88 men were expectant fathers, 108 men were new fathers and 626 men remained non-fathers. RESULTS Longitudinal mixed models showed no significant increase in depression or anxiety as a function of expectant or new fatherhood, as compared with pre-fatherhood levels. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that, generally, expectant and new fathers are not at greater risk of depression or anxiety. Future epidemiological research should continue to identify men who are most (and least) at risk to focus resources and assistance most effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana S Leach
- Liana S. Leach, PhD, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra; Andrew Mackinnon, PhD, Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Parkville; Carmel Poyser, BSc, MSc, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra; A. Kate Fairweather-Schmidt, PhD, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra and School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrew Mackinnon
- Liana S. Leach, PhD, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra; Andrew Mackinnon, PhD, Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Parkville; Carmel Poyser, BSc, MSc, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra; A. Kate Fairweather-Schmidt, PhD, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra and School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Carmel Poyser
- Liana S. Leach, PhD, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra; Andrew Mackinnon, PhD, Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Parkville; Carmel Poyser, BSc, MSc, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra; A. Kate Fairweather-Schmidt, PhD, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra and School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - A Kate Fairweather-Schmidt
- Liana S. Leach, PhD, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra; Andrew Mackinnon, PhD, Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Parkville; Carmel Poyser, BSc, MSc, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra; A. Kate Fairweather-Schmidt, PhD, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra and School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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