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Open Access 01-10-2011

The Influence of Prenatal Trauma, Stress, Social Support, and Years of Residency in the US on Postpartum Maternal Health Status Among Low-Income Latinas

Authors: Lekeisha A. Sumner, Jeanette Valentine, David Eisenman, Sawsann Ahmed, Hector Myers, Gail Wyatt, Honghu Liu, Muyu Zhang, Michael A. Rodriguez

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 7/2011

Abstract

This study examined the associations of prenatal psychosocial factors, including depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, trauma exposure including intimate partner violence, perceived stress, and social support, with perceived postpartum health status. Low-income Latinas (N = 203) were recruited from two health plans within the first 12 weeks of their pregnancies and followed through 3 months after birth. Participants completed semi-structured interviews conducted in English or Spanish within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, and again at 12 weeks postpartum. Perceived health status was measured by the SF-12. Participants with complete follow-up data (n = 193) were used in data analysis. Women were mostly foreign-born (75%) with low-incomes (59%) and reported postpartum health status in the average range (M = 102.5; SD = 12.2). Overall health status was positively associated with decreased levels of perceived stress (P < .0001), being foreign-born and having resided in the US <10 years (P = .003). Emotional well-being was positively linked with being foreign-born and having resided in the US <10 years (P = .002), increased levels of social support (P = .01), and decreased levels of perceived stress (P < .001). Exposure to non-specific IPV trauma (P = .01) and health problems experienced during pregnancy or delivery (P = .05) were negatively associated with physical health status. Prenatal psychosocial factors and length of residency in the US are differentially predictive of overall postpartum health status and emotional well-being, and have less impact on physical well-being after birth. Health professionals are encouraged to assess these factors in early pregnancy.

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Title: The Influence of Prenatal Trauma, Stress, Social Support, and Years of Residency in the US on Postpartum Maternal Health Status Among Low-Income Latinas
Authors: Lekeisha A. Sumner
Jeanette Valentine
David Eisenman
Sawsann Ahmed
Hector Myers
Gail Wyatt
Honghu Liu
Muyu Zhang
Michael A. Rodriguez
Publication date: 01-10-2011
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 7/2011
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-010-0649-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The Influence of Prenatal Trauma, Stress, Social Support, and Years of Residency in the US on Postpartum Maternal Health Status Among Low-Income Latinas

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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