| 11. |
- Axfors, Cathrine, et al.
(author)
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Adult attachment's unique contribution in the prediction of postpartum depressive symptoms, beyond personality traits
- 2017
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In: Journal of Affective Disorders. - : Elsevier BV. - 0165-0327 .- 1573-2517. ; 222, s. 177-184
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background:Personality traits such as neuroticism can help identify pregnant women at risk of postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS). However, it is unclear whether attachment style could have an additional contribution to this risk elevation. This study aimed to examine the overlap of adult attachment insecurity and neuroticism/trait anxiety as PPDS predictors, taking into account baseline depressive symptoms.Methods:A Swedish population-based sample of pregnant women reported on adult attachment and either neuroticism (n = 1063) or trait anxiety (n = 555). Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline, and at six weeks and six months postpartum. Correlations between attachment and neuroticism/trait anxiety were calculated. Generalized linear models of PPDS tested the effect of attachment anxiety and avoidance, adjusting for neuroticism/trait anxiety and baseline depression. Logistic regression models with combined high attachment anxiety and-neuroticism/trait anxiety visualized their value as risk factors beyond antenatal depression.Results:Attachment and neuroticism/trait anxiety were highly correlated (r = .55.77). Attachment anxiety exerted a partially independent effect on PPDS at six weeks (p < .05) and at six months (p < .05) adjusting for neuroticism. Among antenatally non-depressed, combined high attachment anxiety and high neuroticism or trait anxiety was predictive of PPDS at both assessment points. Limitations: Low acceptance rate, exclusive use of self-reports.Conclusions:Beyond personality, attachment anxiety had a small independent effect on the risk of PPDS. Combining items of adult attachment and neuroticism/trait anxiety could prove useful in antenatal screening for high risk of PPDS.
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| 12. |
- Axfors, Cathrine
(author)
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Anxious personality traits in pregnant women : Associations with postpartum depression, delivery complications and health care use
- 2018
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Anxious personality traits, including those encompassed by negative emotionality (neuroticism) and the tendency to worry about close relationships (attachment anxiety) during pregnancy were the focus of this thesis. The overall aim was to examine perinatal correlates of these characteris-tics in terms of psychiatric and obstetric health as well as antenatal care (ANC).Papers I-II were part of a large population-based project on pregnant women in Uppsala in 2009-2012 (n=2160). Papers III-IV adjoined participants from several projects in 2005-2011, on oral contraceptive use, infertility, induced abortion, premenstrual mood disorder, and perina-tal depression (n=2819). The participants reported on the Swedish universities Scales of Per-sonality for neuroticism (papers II-IV) and the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) for attachment anxiety (papers I-II). The participants also answered the Edinburgh Postnatal De-pression Scale on depressive symptoms (paper II). In paper III, information on obstetric com-plications for primiparous women with singleton pregnancies (n=1969) was extracted from Swedish national health registers. In paper IV, ANC use was derived from medical records of obstetric low-risk women residing in Uppsala (n=1052).The ASQ had similar psychometric properties in pregnant women (n=1631) as in previous reports (paper I). In non-depressed pregnant women (n=1431), the combination of neuroticism and attachment anxiety was the best risk indicator of postpartum depressive symptoms (paper II). Whereas high neuroticism was not related to obstetric complications (paper III), it was associated with higher use of ANC (paper IV).Summarized, this thesis illustrates how anxious personality traits may predispose for post-partum depression and higher use of ANC in the absence of obstetric complications. Future development of these findings should be to evaluate individual and societal benefits of a greater emphasis on psychological support in ANC.
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| 13. |
- Axfors, Cathrine, et al.
(author)
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Cohort profile : the Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging and Cognition (BASIC) study on perinatal depression in a population-based Swedish cohort
- 2019
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In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 9:10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: With the population-based, prospective Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging and Cognition (BASIC) cohort, we aim to investigate the biopsychosocial aetiological processes involved in perinatal depression (PND) and to pinpoint its predictors in order to improve early detection.PARTICIPANTS: From September 2009 to November 2018, the BASIC study at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, has enrolled 5492 women, in 6478 pregnancies, of which 46.3% first-time pregnancies and with an average age of 31.5 years. After inclusion around gestational week 16-18, participants are followed-up with data collection points around gestational week 32, at childbirth, as well as three times postpartum: after 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. At the last follow-up, 70.8% still remain in the cohort.FINDINGS TO DATE: In addition to internet-based surveys with self-report instruments, participants contribute with biological samples, for example, blood samples (maternal and from umbilical cord), biopsies (umbilical cord and placenta) and microbiota samples. A nested case-control subsample also takes part in cognitive and emotional tests, heart rate variability tests and bioimpedance tests. Subprojects have identified various correlates of PND of psychological and obstetric origin in addition to factors of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and immune system.FUTURE PLANS: In parallel with the completion of data collection (final follow-up November 2019), BASIC study data are currently analysed in multiple subprojects. Since 2012, we are conducting an ongoing follow-up study on the participants and their children up to 6 years of age (U-BIRTH). Researchers interested in collaboration may contact Professor Alkistis Skalkidou (corresponding author) with their request to be considered by the BASIC study steering committee.
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| 14. |
- Axfors, Cathrine, et al.
(author)
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Investigating the association between neuroticism and adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes
- 2019
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Neuroticism is not only associated with affective disorders but also with certain somatic health problems. However, studies assessing whether neuroticism is associated with adverse obstetric or neonatal outcomes are scarce. This observational study comprises first-time mothers (n = 1969) with singleton pregnancies from several cohorts based in Uppsala, Sweden. To assess neuroticism-related personality, the Swedish universities Scales of Personality was used. Swedish national health registers were used to extract outcomes and confounders. In logistic regression models, odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were calculated for the outcomes by an increase of 63 units of neuroticism (equalling the interquartile range). Analyses were adjusted for maternal age, educational level, height, body mass index, year of delivery, smoking during pregnancy, involuntary childlessness, and psychiatric morbidity. Main outcomes were mode of delivery, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, induction of delivery, prolonged delivery, severe lacerations, placental retention, postpartum haemorrhage, premature birth, infant born small or large for gestational age, and Apgar score. Neuroticism was not independently associated with adverse obstetric or neonatal outcomes besides gestational diabetes. For future studies, models examining sub-components of neuroticism or pregnancy-specific anxiety are encouraged.
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| 15. |
- Axfors, Cathrine, et al.
(author)
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Neuroticism is associated with higher antenatal care utilization in obstetric low-risk women
- 2019
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In: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 0001-6349 .- 1600-0412. ; 98:4, s. 470-478
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IntroductionElevated neuroticism is associated with higher health care utilization in the general population. This study aimed to investigate the association between neuroticism and the use of publicly financed antenatal care in obstetric low‐risk women, taking predisposing and need factors for health care utilization into consideration.Material and methodsParticipants comprised 1052 obstetric low‐risk women (no chronic diseases or adverse pregnancy conditions) included in several obstetrics/gynecology studies in Uppsala, Sweden. Neuroticism was self‐rated on the Swedish universities Scales of Personality. Medical records of their first subsequent pregnancy were scanned for antenatal care use. Associations between antenatal care use and neuroticism were analyzed with logistic regression (binary outcomes) or negative binomial regression (count outcomes) comparing the 75th and 25th neuroticism percentiles. Depending on the Akaike information criterion the exposure was modeled as either linear or with restricted cubic splines. Analyses were adjusted for predisposing (sociodemographic and parity) and need factors (body mass index and psychiatric morbidity).ResultsAfter adjustment, women with higher neuroticism had more fetal ultrasounds (incidence rate ratio = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02‐1.16), more emergency visits to an obstetrician/gynecologist (incidence rate ratio = 1.22, 95% CI 1.03‐1.45) and were more likely to visit a fear‐of‐childbirth clinic (odds ratio = 2.71, 95% CI 1.71‐4.29). Moreover, they more often consulted midwives in specialized antenatal care facilities (significant J‐shaped association).ConclusionsNeuroticism was associated with higher utilization of publicly financed antenatal care in obstetric low‐risk women, even after adjusting for predisposing and need factors. Future studies should address the benefits of interventions as a complement to routine antenatal care programs to reduce subclinical anxiety.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Axfors, Cathrine, et al.
(author)
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Pre-pregnancy participation and performance in world's largest cross-country ski race as a proxy for physical exercise and fitness, and perinatal outcomes : Prospective registry-based cohort study
- 2023
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In: British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1470-0328 .- 1471-0528. ; 130:8, s. 891-901
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Investigate associations between pre-pregnancy participation and performance in a demanding cross-country ski race (proxy for exercise volume and fitness) and perinatal outcomes. Pre-registered protocol: osf.io/aywg2.Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: Based on entire overlap between the Vasaloppet registry and the population-based Swedish Pregnancy Register.Sample: All female Vasaloppet participants 1991-2017 with subsequent singleton delivery (skiers), and age- and county-matched non-skiers.Methods: We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for non-skiers versus skiers (model 1) and, among skiers, by performance (model 2), in Bayesian logistic regressions adjusted for socio-demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. We repeated calculations adjusting for early pregnancy body mass index (potential mediator) and explored robustness (selection/exposure settings; multiple comparisons correction).Main outcome measures: Twenty-nine important perinatal outcomes, predefined based on existing expert consensus.Results: Non-skiers (n = 194 384) versus skiers (n = 15 377) (and slower versus faster performance, not shown) consistently had higher odds of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (OR 1.70, 95% highest density interval: 1.40-2.09), excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) (1.28, 1.22-1.38), psychiatric morbidity (1.60, 1.49-1.72), any caesarean section (CS) (1.34, 1.28-1.40), elective CS (1.39, 1.29-1.49), and large-for-gestational-age babies (> 90th percentile, 1.11, 1.04-1.18); lower odds of inadequate GWG (0.83, 0.79-0.88); and no associations with fetal/neonatal complications (e.g. preterm birth [1.09, 0.98-1.20], small for gestational age [SGA] [1.23, 1.05-1.45]). Adjustment for body mass index attenuated associations with excessive (1.20, 1.14-1.30) and inadequate GWG (0.87, 0.83-0.92) and large for gestational age (1.07, 1.00-1.13).Conclusion: Non-skiers compared with skiers, and slower versus faster performance, consistently displayed higher odds of GDM, excessive GWG, psychiatric morbidity, CS and large-for-gestational-age babies; and lower odds of inadequate GWG, after adjustment for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors and comorbidities. There were no associations with fetal/neonatal complications.
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| 18. |
- Axfors, Cathrine, et al.
(author)
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Preferences for Gender Affirming Treatment and Associated Factors Among Transgender People in Sweden
- 2023
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In: Sexuality Research & Social Policy. - : Springer Nature. - 1868-9884 .- 1553-6610. ; 20:2, s. 479-490
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IntroductionGender affirming surgery of primary and/or secondary sex characteristics has been shown to alleviate gender dysphoria. A descriptive snapshot of current treatment preferences is useful to understand the needs of the transgender population seeking health care. This study aimed to describe preferences for gender affirming treatment, and their correlates, among individuals seeking health care for gender dysphoria in Sweden after major national legislative reforms.MethodsCross-sectional study where transgender patients (n = 232) recruited from all six Gender Dysphoria centers in Sweden 2016–2019, answered a survey on treatment preferences and sociodemographic, health, and gender identity-related information during the same time-period. Factors associated with preferring top surgery (breast augmentation or mastectomy), genital surgery, and other surgery (e.g., facial surgery) were examined in univariable and multivariable regression analyses in the 197 people without prior such treatment. Main study outcomes were preferences for feminizing or masculinizing hormonal and surgical gender affirming treatment.ResultsThe proportion among birth assigned male and assigned female patients preferring top surgery was 55.6% and 88.7%, genital surgery 88.9% and 65.7%, and other surgery (e.g., facial surgery) 85.6% and 22.5%, respectively. Almost all participants (99.1%) wanted or had already received hormonal treatment and most (96.7%) wished for some kind of surgical treatment; 55.0% wanted both top and genital surgery. Preferring a binary pronoun (he/she) and factors indicating more severe gender incongruence were associated with a greater wish for surgical treatment. Participants with somatic comorbidities were less likely to want genital surgery, while aF with lacking social support were less likely to want internal genital surgery, in the multivariable analyses.ConclusionsIn this sample of Swedish young adults seeking health care for gender dysphoria, preferences for treatment options varied according to perceived gender identity.Policy ImplicationsThe study fndings underline the need for individualized care and fexible gender afrming treatmentoptions. The role of somatic comorbidities should be further explored, and support should be ofered to transgender peoplein need. There is an unmet need for facial surgery among aM
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| 19. |
- Axfors, Cathrine, et al.
(author)
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Psychometric properties of the attachment style questionnaire in Swedish pregnant women : short and full versions
- 2017
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In: Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology. - : Routledge. - 0264-6838 .- 1469-672X. ; 35:5, s. 450-461
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: (i) To evaluate the reliability and factor structure of the Attachment Style Questionnaire – Short Form (ASQ-SF) for use in pregnant women and (ii) to compare the reliability and factor structure of the short- and full version-ASQ among pregnant women. Background: Adult attachment insecurity is currently included as a major risk factor in studies of perinatal health. None of the self-report measures with a Swedish translation have been psychometrically evaluated in a pregnant cohort.Methods: A population-based cohort of 1631 pregnant women answered the ASQ in late pregnancy. Internal consistency (item- subscale correlations, Cronbach’s α, and α if item deleted) was evaluated for the seven available subscales. Con rmatory factor analysis (CFA) was run to examine the factor structure of the short form compared with the full-version. Test–retest correlations were assessed in a subgroup (n = 48).Results: All mean item-subscale correlations for the ASQ-SF were > 0.30. Cronbach’s α’s for ASQ-SF dimensions were as follows: Avoidance (0.87); Anxiety (0.89); Discomfort with Closeness (0.85); Relationships as Secondary (0.54); Con dence (0.83); Need for Approval (0.76); and Preoccupation with Relationships (0.77). No item removal substantively increased subscale α’s. The CFA demonstrated better model t for the ASQ-SF than for the full-version ASQ, while other reliability measures were similar. Test–retest correlations ranged from 0.65 to 0.84.Conclusion: The ASQ-SF showed similar psychometric properties in pregnant women as in the general population and had good reliability, but the optimal factor structure needs to be studied further. Results support the usage of the ASQ-SF in pregnant cohorts.
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| 20. |
- Bang Madsen, Kathrine, et al.
(author)
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Pregnancy and postpartum psychiatric episodes in fathers : A population-based study on treatment incidence and prevalence
- 2022
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In: Journal of Affective Disorders. - : Elsevier. - 0165-0327 .- 1573-2517. ; 296, s. 130-135
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundFor women, the perinatal period confers an increased risk of severe psychiatric disorders, but similar evidence for fathers is lacking. We examined rates of first-time and recurrent psychiatric disorders in men before and after becoming fathers.MethodsA descriptive prospective study design was applied using information from the Danish National registers. Perinatal psychiatric episodes were assessed as incidence of first-time and prevalence (including recurrence) of recorded in- or outpatient admissions for any mental disorder and redeemed prescriptions for psychotropic medication in fathers to children born from January 1, 1998 until December 31, 2015.ResultsWe identified 929,415 births and 543,555 unique fathers. Incidence and prevalence proportions for paternal psychiatric in- and outpatient episodes showed an increasing trend over the perinatal period and were marginally higher postpartum compared to pregnancy; e.g., median incidence proportion for inpatient treatment during pregnancy was 0.07 (95% CI: 0.04; 0.07) and 0.10 (95% CI: 0.08; 0.11) postpartum per 1000 births. No difference between the periods was found for incidence of prescriptions for psychotropic medication. Psychiatric disorders in expecting and new fathers were mainly treated in primary care with cumulative incidence of prescriptions for psychotropic medication of 14.56 per 1000 births during the first year of fatherhood.LimitationsWe only capture fathers who actively sought and received treatment, and we consequently underestimate milder psychiatric episodes in expecting and new fathers.ConclusionBecoming a father did not appear to trigger a substantially increased risk of severe psychiatric disorders, as it has been observed for new mothers.
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