Date of Award
Winter 3-19-2023
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Shannon D. Simonovich, PhD, RN
Abstract
Introduction: Perinatal mental health disorders are often overlooked and have been heightened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the association between breastfeeding and perinatal mental health is imperative. To date, to our knowledge there are no known studies, that have examined the relationship between perinatal mental health and breastfeeding behaviors among US-based perinatal populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between maternal mental health and breastfeeding behaviors among US childbearing populations during COVID-19.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, internet-based study was performed in the United States mainly in the Chicagoland area between August 1st, 2022 and October 1st, 2022. Pregnant and postpartum women up to 1 year postpartum who were older than 18 years of age were eligible to participate. An anonymous online survey was conducted and promoted through social media and women’s health networks. The online survey contained a questionnaire that was utilized to evaluate breastfeeding behaviors. Additionally, the PHQ-9 screening form was used to assess mental health status. SPSS and chi squares were used for data analysis to identify the association between breastfeeding and perinatal mental health.
Results: In total, 664 people participated in the survey and completed the responses on the breastfeeding component (N=664). Among the 664 total participants, 591 participants had complete PHQ-9 data. A total of 28.5% of participants who were exclusively breastfeeding scored 10 or greater on the PHQ-9, indicating at least moderate depressive symptoms. Regarding participants who were both breastfeeding and formula feeding, 37.4% scored 10 or greater on the PHQ-9. Among participants who were formula feeding only, 30% scored 10 or greater on the PHQ-9. COVID-19 mainly affected breastfeeding resources and breastfeeding as a whole negatively, however it was found that a good majority of mothers felt the lockdown as a positive experience since it protected the mother-infant dyad from unwanted visitors and had access to several virtual support classes. Exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a reduction of depressive symptoms.
Conclusion: This cross-sectional study found an association that exclusive breastfeeding reduced depressive symptom rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study findings underline the importance of supporting exclusive breastfeeding and finding ways to increase familial and community support.
Keywords: Depressive symptoms, depression breastfeeding, COVID-19, pandemic, pregnancy, postpartum, perinatal mental health
Recommended Citation
Rehmani, Saher and Kanan, Miriam, "Examination of the Relationship Between Breastfeeding Behaviors and Perinatal Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2023). College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations. 575.
https://via.library.depaul.edu/csh_etd/575
SLP Collection
yes