Julia Leinweber1, Debra K Creedy2, Heather Rowe3, Jenny Gamble4. 1. Protestant University of Applied Sciences Berlin, Teltower Damm 118, 14167 Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: leinweber@eh-berlin.de. 2. Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Logan campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook, QLD 4131 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: d.creedy@griffith.edu.au. 3. School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred Campus, Level 1 549 St Kilda Road Melbourne, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: heather.rowe@monash.edu. 4. Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Logan campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook, QLD 4131 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: j.gamble@griffith.edu.au.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: to develop a comprehensive model of personal, trauma event-related and workplace-related risk factors for posttraumatic stress subsequent to witnessing birth trauma among Australian midwives. DESIGN: a descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. PARTICIPANTS: members of the Australian College of Midwives were invited to complete an online survey. MEASUREMENTS: the survey included items about witnessing a traumatic birth event and previous experiences of life trauma. Trauma symptoms were assessed with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale Self-Report measure. Empathy was assessed with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Decision authority and psychological demand in the workplace were measured with the Job Content Questionnaire. Variables that showed a significant univariate association with probable posttraumatic stress disorder were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model. FINDINGS: 601 completed survey responses were analysed. The multivariable model was statistically significant and explained 27.7% (Nagelkerke R square) of the variance in posttraumatic stress symptoms and correctly classified 84.1% of cases. Odds ratios indicated that intention to leave the profession, a peritraumatic reaction of horror, peritraumatic feelings of guilt, and a personal traumatic birth experience were strongly associated with probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. CONCLUSIONS: risk factors for posttraumatic stress following professional exposure to traumatic birth events among midwives are complex and multi-factorial. Posttraumatic stress may contribute to attrition in midwifery. Trauma-informed care and practice may reduce the incidence of traumatic births and subsequent posttraumatic stress reactions in women and midwives providing care.
OBJECTIVE: to develop a comprehensive model of personal, trauma event-related and workplace-related risk factors for posttraumatic stress subsequent to witnessing birth trauma among Australian midwives. DESIGN: a descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. PARTICIPANTS: members of the Australian College of Midwives were invited to complete an online survey. MEASUREMENTS: the survey included items about witnessing a traumatic birth event and previous experiences of life trauma. Trauma symptoms were assessed with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale Self-Report measure. Empathy was assessed with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Decision authority and psychological demand in the workplace were measured with the Job Content Questionnaire. Variables that showed a significant univariate association with probable posttraumatic stress disorder were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model. FINDINGS: 601 completed survey responses were analysed. The multivariable model was statistically significant and explained 27.7% (Nagelkerke R square) of the variance in posttraumatic stress symptoms and correctly classified 84.1% of cases. Odds ratios indicated that intention to leave the profession, a peritraumatic reaction of horror, peritraumatic feelings of guilt, and a personal traumatic birth experience were strongly associated with probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. CONCLUSIONS: risk factors for posttraumatic stress following professional exposure to traumatic birth events among midwives are complex and multi-factorial. Posttraumatic stress may contribute to attrition in midwifery. Trauma-informed care and practice may reduce the incidence of traumatic births and subsequent posttraumatic stress reactions in women and midwives providing care.
Authors: M H Hollander; E van Hastenberg; J van Dillen; M G van Pampus; E de Miranda; C A I Stramrood Journal: Arch Womens Ment Health Date: 2017-05-29 Impact factor: 3.633
Authors: Nora Suleiman-Martos; Luis Albendín-García; José L Gómez-Urquiza; Keyla Vargas-Román; Lucia Ramirez-Baena; Elena Ortega-Campos; Emilia I De La Fuente-Solana Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-01-19 Impact factor: 3.390