Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University

Yip, Shing Kai Alexander. / "April 2002." / Thesis (M.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 221-255). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web.

The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental study was to analyze and explore the predictors for postpartum depression (PPD) and the strength of these predictors using a secondary data set from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study from Princeton, Pennsylvania State, and Columbia Universities. By incorporating the biopsychosocial model and feminist theory as the theoretical frameworks for this research, PPD was conceptualized as a serious, multidimensional psychological condition. Using logistic regression, many predictors were identified as etiological for PPD, including subjective attitudes about ideal and introjected characteristics ascribed to women as primary caretakers. These beliefs prevent the extension and acceptance of social support from others, as well as the internalization of negative self-images. Furthermore, it was conceptualized that hormonal influences and lifestyle are risk factors that significantly affect the expression of PPD. According to study results, financial stressors and emotional stressors from a dissatisfaction of parenting were the strongest predictors of PPD among mothers. This study provides an important contribution to the existing literature and enhanced social change initiatives by making public the effect of social supports, biology, and their intersection on emic PPD experiences and expectations using participant's life experiences. Furthermore, this study provides information to the behavioral health and obstetric community that will ensure greater access to postpartum care.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2005. / Bibliography: leaves 110-123.

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida State University, 2004. / Advisor: Dr. Jeanne Flannery, Florida State University, School of Nursing, Dept. of Graduate Studies. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed June 17, 2004). Includes bibliographical references.

Breastfeeding is well known to be beneficial to both the mother and the baby. To the baby, it is associated with decreased short-term health problems such as diarrhea and respiratory infections, as well as decreased long-term health consequences such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and raised blood cholesterol levels. To the mother, it is suggested to reduce type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, as well as ovarian cancer. Increasing exclusive breastfeeding rate, in which higher proportion of infants are given breast milk only, could also benefit the society as a whole. It is shown to reduce health care cost and premature deaths. Despite the gradual elevation of ever breastfeeding rate in Hong Kong up to 83% in 2013, the exclusive breastfeeding rate at 2 months postpartum remained relatively low at 21.7%. On the other hand, postpartum depression is a debilitating condition to both the mother and the baby. The prevalence was about 10-15%. And it could lead to deteriorated quality of life to the mother and increased maternal suicidal rate. It could also affect the long-term development of the baby. Previous studies showed controversial results on the association between breastfeeding and postpartum depression. Some suggested breastfeeding being protective against postpartum depression, while other studies did not show significant results. However, there was still no formal study in the local Chinese population about the issue. In view of that, the current study aimed at assessing the association between breastfeeding and postpartum depressive symptoms in the local Chinese population. This was a cross-sectional study which included 600 mothers with data retrieved from MCHCs’ database. Demographic data and breastfeeding status were included in binary logistic regression analysis with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) result of either screened positive or negative as the outcome. The odds ratio of being screened positive in EPDS with more depressive symptoms for mothers with exclusive breastfeeding, compared with mothers not on breastfeeding (OR=0.42, 95% CI=0.19, 0.93) and mothers with non-exclusive breastfeeding (OR=0.40, 95% CI=0.19, 0.85) were both statistically significant after adjusted for the demographic data. Subgroup analysis on those intended for exclusive breastfeeding shortly after delivery also showed significant results. Those who succeeded in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks postpartum were significantly less likely to be screened positive in EPDS (OR=0.07, 95% CI=0.01, 0.41) compared to those who could not maintain exclusive breastfeeding. This study proposed to assess whether there is an association between breastfeeding and decreased maternal postpartum depressive symptoms in local Chinese population. The results reiterated the advantages of breastfeeding and warranted more intense efforts in promoting and protecting breastfeeding. The large effect shown in the subgroup analysis highlighted the importance of maintaining exclusive breastfeeding. Since this study could only establish association, the results could not show causation and future studies should focus on establishing the temporality of causation between breastfeeding and decreased maternal postpartum depressive symptoms. Stricter adjustment for potential confounders should also be achieved with a prospective study better designed to control for temporality and time-varying confounders in the future. / published_or_final_version / Public Health / Master / Master of Public Health

The object of this investigation was to measure the changes in plasma corticoids and progesterone, at two different levels of energy intake during the postpartum period in beef heifers and to assess their relationship to breeding efficiency. Blood samples were taken using a tail bleeding method from 26 first calf crossbred heifers within 24 hours postpartum. Sampling was continued twice weekly until each animal was diagnosed pregnant. Plasma samples were analyzed for progesterone and corticoids using competitive binding techniques. Progesterone levels increased from .5 ng/ml postpartum to 3.7 ng/ml following first ovulation. These levels remained high if conception occurred (5.0 + ng/ml) or returned to minimum levels for repeat estrous cycle. Due to the necessary manipulation of the animals, postpartum plasma levels of corticoids fluctuated widely (10 ng/ml to 70 ng/ml) for each animal. Corticoids means were lower during the postpartum anestrum than during subsequent estrous cycles. No significant correlations were found between plasma corticoids and progesterone concentrations. Providing more than NRC recommended energy intake had no influence on breeding efficiency.

The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of postpartum depression and to generate a substantive theory that would describe and explain this experience. Although the area of postpartum depression has been extensively researched in the past three decades the overwhelming majority of studies have employed quantitative research methods. These methods do not illuminate the experience from the women's point of view and they disregard the context within which the experience occurs. This study employed the Grounded Theory Method, a naturalistic-inductive method o f inquiry, that allowed for the participants' experience to be described and for a substantive theory to emerge, which is grounded in the data. Sixteen women (age range 27 to 42 years) were interviewed twice about their experience of depression following childbirth. The first interview focused on the women's experience of depression, while the second interview centred on the women's comments and suggestions regarding the researcher's thematic summaries of their interviews. A semi-structured interview guide was used during both interviews, which allowed for variations to emerge while a unified framework was maintained. The grounded theory analysis of the data led to the development of a substantive theory describing and explaining the social-psychological process of the experience of postpartum depression. The theoretical model that describes and explains the experience has six phases: (1) Becoming Lost, (2) Getting Trapped, (3) Deep in Depression, (4) Struggling to Break Out, (5) Breaking out, and (6) Staying Well. In addition, two recurrent themes were identified: (a) The Relationship with the Partner, and (b) A Redefined Self. The theoretical model illustrates the relationship among the different phases, as well as the properties that make the phases up. It also describes the types, circumstances and conditions under which the experience occurs. Most of the components of the theoretical model are supported by the literature on postpartum depression. However, the model adds to the literature in identifying specific parts of the process of postpartum depression such as the period leading to the onset of depression, the struggle to come out of the depression and women's agency in coming out of the depression and maintaining their wellness following recovery. As well, the study illuminated the changes in the relationship with the partner, and the process of redefining self through the experience of PPD. Finally, the implications for further research and practice that stem from the theoretical model that was developed are discussed.

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