ELENI HADJIGEORGIOU
Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus
Title: Healthy mothers- Healthy children. Prenatal Assessment for Psychosocial factors in public hospital of Cyprus Republic
Biography
Biography: ELENI HADJIGEORGIOU
Abstract
Introduction: Maternal mental health has received increasing research interest as it has direct impact of the mother and the fetus/neonates health. Many psychosocial risks factors have been found to have a negative impact on mothers – child bonding, obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Aim: To investigate the psychosocial factors that may affect pregnant women in public hospitals of Cyprus Republic and examine the value of KINDEX questionnaire in the daily practice of health professionals providing prenatal care.
Method: Mixed Method study. Quantitative: using the KINDEX questionnaire. N=300 pregnant women were interviewed in the public hospitals of Cyprus Republic. Qualitative: 9 midwives contacting the interviews wrote reflective diaries, and thematic analysis was conducted.
Results: Comparisons between high-risk pregnancies and low-risk pregnancies in relation to the KINDEX sum score and the perceived stress of the mother as assessed by the perceived stress scale (PSS-4) was examined. KINDEX sum score was significant higher in women with fears of financial difficulties in the future and in women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). From qualitative three main themes identified: Theme 1: Health professionals should have the ability to identify psychosocial factors that affect pregnant women’s and babies’ health. Theme II: Feasibility of the interview. Theme III: Partnership between woman and health professionals.
Conclusion: KINDEX questionnaire is a valid prenatal screening tool for identification of psychosocial risks. Health professionals should have the opportunity to use a screening test and provide evidence based, cost effective, and human rights oriented mental health and social care services. Policy makers should create strategies for promotion of psychosocial well-being of mothers during pregnancy.