Correlates of Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress among Culturally Diverse Women with Depressive Symptomatology

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an important and often neglected comorbidity of pregnancy; left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications for the mother and developing fetus. Structured interviews were conducted to identify risk factors of PTSD among culturally diverse women with depressive symptomatology receiving perinatal services at community obstetric/gynecologic clinics. Women abused as adults, with two or more instances of trauma, greater trauma severity, insomnia, and low social support were more likely to present perinatal PTSD symptoms. Perinatal PTSD is prevalent and has the potential for chronicity. It is imperative healthcare providers recognize salient risk factors and integrate culturally sensitive screening, appropriate referral, and treatment services for perinatal PTSD.

Acknowledgements

We thank our clinical partners and participating moms.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

Intellectual property and data generated under this project will be administered in accordance with both University of San Diego and NIH policies, including the NIH Data Sharing Policy and Implementation Guidance of March 5, 2003. Research data that documents, supports, and validates research findings will be made available after the main findings from the final research data set have been accepted for publication. Such research data will be redacted to prevent the disclosure of personal identifiers.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by National Institute of Mental Health Grant R01-MH075788; National Institute of Nursing Research Postdoctoral Traineeship T32NR11147; USD Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science Dean’s PhD Research Scholar Award.