Journal of family & reproductive health
Exploring Perinatal Anxiety Detection, and Perinatal Women's Perceived Social Support From Medical Providers: A Quantitative Study
By Patterson RK and Smith KR.
Abstract
Objective
Anxiety disorders during the perinatal period, or perinatal anxiety (PNA), occur at rates comparable to perinatal depression and often go undetected. Obstetric providers are perfectly positioned to identify PNA; yet, most literature focuses on informal supports as primary protective factors the prevention and detection of PNA. This study aims to contribute to this gap by exploring the relationship between perceived support from medical providers and the detection of PNA.
Materials and methods
The current study asked postpartum women to reflect on their levels of anxiety, perceived social support from obstetric care providers, help seeking behavior, and factors influencing their decision to disclose symptoms of PNA to their obstetric care provider during their perinatal period. Participants were recruited via an electronic flyer posted in social media groups for mothers. They completed an online survey consisting of a demographic questionnaire, Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS), Modified Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Subscale 1, Subscale 2.