Demographic, maternal, and infant health correlates of post-partum depression in Jordan.

This cross-sectional correlational study examined post-partum depression and its relationship with demographic, maternal, and infant health problems in urban Jordanian women. Participants (n = 315) were selected from five maternal child healthcare centers and one major hospital in Amman, Jordan. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to measure post-partum depression within 12 weeks of birth. A number of socio-demographic and health problems were examined for an association with post-partum depression. Results showed that 25% of post-partum women suffered moderate to severe depression and 50% of the sample had mild depression. None of the socio-demographic variables (age, education, employment, income) were significantly related to post-partum depression; however, two obstetric/infant variables (mode of birth and breastfeeding), were significantly associated with post-partum depression. There was a significant association between post-partum depression and 15 health problems of obstetric, gynecologic (i.e. episiotomy pain, infection), and general health conditions (i.e. fatigue, headache). Nurses and midwives need to emphasize post-partum depression screening, follow-up, and proper management of maternal and infant health factors predisposing to post-partum depression rather than merely focusing on women's inherent demographic factors.

Predictors of psychological well-being and stress among Jordanian menopausal women.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate purpose in life, self-acceptance, perceived stress levels, and menopausal symptoms among Jordanian women. METHODS: A descriptive, correlational design with a convenience sample of 193 women aged 40-55 years was employed. RESULTS: The average age at menopause for the current sample was 47.4 years, and menopausal status did not significantly affect purpose in life, self-acceptance, or perceived stress levels. Negative correlations were found between purpose in life and perceived stress, and between self-acceptance and perceived stress (r = -0.49; p = 0.01 and r = -0.58; p = 0.01, respectively). Menopausal symptoms were found to be a strong negative predictor of purpose in life, self-acceptance, and perceived stress levels. In addition, higher health rating was significantly associated with higher psychological well-being and lower perceived stress levels. Perimenopause was found to be a vulnerable stage for severe menopausal symptoms particularly psychological complaints. However, vasomotor symptoms and loss of sexual interest became more intense among postmenopausal women. Although women in the current study had low psychological well-being and high perceived stress, these were not affected by their menopausal status. CONCLUSION: The study showed the importance of including both physical and psychological symptoms during encounters with health professionals, besides considering women's expectations about menopause to help ease their menopausal transition and improve their well-being.

Methods of coping with labor pain used by Jordanian women.

The purpose of this study is to explore labor pain coping methods among Jordanian parturients. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze data on demographics and coping methods from 100 low-risk parturients who were recruited from the postpartum unit in a major hospital in Jordan: Four labor pain-coping methods that included physiological, psychological, spiritual, and cognitive coping were reported. This study confirms previous findings regarding coping methods and adds new knowledge on coping with labor pain among Jordanian parturients: The significance of childbirth education as a means to inform Jordanian women about coping with labor pain is emphasized. This study also highlighted the important roles that nurses and midwives can play as educators and supporters during pregnancy and labor.