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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Women's Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 37297

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Marta Serati

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Guest Editor

Department of Mental Health, ASST Rhodense, 20024 Rho, Italy
Interests: women mental health; mood disorders; perinatal; maternal functioning; psychopathology; gender

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

we are planning a Special Issue entitled “Well-being and Mental Health among Women” in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: a peer-reviewed scientific journal on the interdisciplinary area of environmental health sciences and public health. For detailed information look at https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph.

In the last decade the interest on gender differences in medicine have catch more attention, both with regard to diagnosis and treatment. We know that women are more prone to develop a mental disorder during lifespan, being perinatal period one of the most susceptible. The aim of our issue is to spread the actual knowledge in the field of gender differences in mood disorders during lifespan, considering vulnerability to psychopathology linked to exogenous and endogenous factors. The identification of biomarkers could represent a modifiable risk factor providing the opportunity for improved treatment trajectories for women wellbeing, also in order to find a sex-specific psychopharmacology treatment when needed. This Special Issue is open to any idea related to gender impact on women mental health. I have listed some keywords suggesting ideas, new concepts/suggestions will be accepted.

Dr. Marta Serati
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Mood disorders
women mental health
gender differences
perinatal
psychopathology
biomarkers

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selected Factors of Experiencing Pregnancy and Birth in Association with Postpartum Depression

by Martina Bašková, Eva Urbanová, Barbora Ďuríčeková, Zuzana Škodová and Ľubica Bánovčinová

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2624; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032624 - 1 Feb 2023

Viewed by 2095

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study is to analyse the risk of postpartum depression using dimensions of perceived support (information, emotional, and physical), antenatal education (satisfaction and attitude), and attitude toward pregnancy (wanted or unwanted). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 584 postpartum women in two university birth centres in Slovakia. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score was used. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance, as well as logistic regression, were employed in the study. Found associations were adjusted for education level, type of birth, psychiatric history, and age. Results: As many as 95.1% of women reported their pregnancy as being wanted. Antenatal education, particularly satisfaction with it, showed a negative association with the EPDS score level. No significant differences in depression levels were found considering attitude toward pregnancy and perceived support. Conclusions: The study pointed out the significance of antenatal education to lower the risk of the postpartum depression. One of the important criteria of effective education is a woman’s subjective satisfaction with it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Mental Health among Women)

15 pages, 1615 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are There Differences between the Stress Responses of Philippine Men and Women to the COVID-19 Pandemic?

by Divya Periyakoil, Preethi Periyakoil, Cherica A. Tee, Costas J. Spanos, Marie Diener-West, Michael Tee and Ndola Prata

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2326; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032326 - 28 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2968

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a deleterious impact on human health since its beginning in 2019. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines and determine if there were differential impacts on women compared to men. A web-based survey was conducted in the Luzon Islands of the Philippines, during the pandemic quarantine. A total of 1879 participants completed online surveys between 28 March–12 April 2020. A bivariate analysis of both men and women for each psychological measure (stress, anxiety, depression, and impact of COVID-19) was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression models were built for each measure, dichotomized as high or low, separately for men and women. Younger age (p < 0.001), being married (p < 0.001), and being a parent (p < 0.004) were associated with women’s poor mental health. Marriage and large household size are protective factors for men (p < 0.002 and p < 0.0012, respectively), but marriage may be a risk factor for women (p < 0.001). Overall, women were disproportionately negatively impacted by the pandemic compared to men. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Mental Health among Women)

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13 pages, 391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Helping Women Suffering from Drug Addiction: Needs, Barriers, and Challenges

by Marek A. Motyka, Ahmed Al-Imam, Aneta Haligowska and Michał Michalak

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14039; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114039 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5123

Abstract

Statistical data on the use of various psychoactive substances indicate a narrowing of previous differences in substance use between men and women. Data from studies conducted among women suffering from drug addiction are increasingly published, with the authors highlighting the specific needs of this group and the difficulties that women with addiction problems encounter. The current study aimed to identify the barriers and needs of this audience, both when seeking help and during treatment. The method used in the study was secondary content analysis. To identify publications describing the barriers and needs of women suffering from drug addiction, we searched the PubMed database to find publications that met the adopted research objective. We set the data search period to the last ten years to examine the timeliness of the issue under study. The search yielded 199 research reports. Twenty-three articles describing 21 studies were included in the final analysis. The selected publications dealt with the difficulties and challenges faced by women with addiction problems. Barriers to accessing treatment for this group, the needs, and the challenges of helping women suffering from addiction were identified. Results showed that the barriers are mainly stigma but also deficits in the therapeutic offerings for this group. The primary need was identified as the introduction of appropriate drug policies, and the challenges, unfortunately, are the still-reported gender inequalities. To improve the situation of women, regular attention to these issues and the need to include them in national health strategies is essential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Mental Health among Women)

9 pages, 616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Primiparous and Multiparous Women’s Mode of Birth and Negative Emotions

by Gizell Green, Riki Tesler and Adilson Marques

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5189; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095189 - 25 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3031

Abstract

Negative childbirth experiences may result in negative emotions that may lead to negative outcomes, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. We aimed to examine the differences in emotions between primiparous and multiparous women and mode of birth. We used a retrospective cross-sectional study design with three hundred and fifty women. Primiparous women reported higher levels of fear, lack of control, and dissociation emotions compared to multiparous women. The EmCs (emergency cesarean section) group experienced the most fear, lack of control, anger, and conflict emotions. It is important to conduct follow up work with women who underwent unplanned birth procedures since negative childbirth experiences may lead to further negative effects on women’s psychosocial health and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Mental Health among Women)

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17 pages, 2736 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of EEG Features in Female College Students with Subclinical Depression

by Shanguang Zhao, Siew-Cheok Ng, Selina Khoo and Aiping Chi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1778; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031778 - 4 Feb 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3065

Abstract

Synchronization of the dynamic processes in structural networks connect the brain across a wide range of temporal and spatial scales, creating a dynamic and complex functional network. Microstate and omega complexity are two reference-free electroencephalography (EEG) measures that can represent the temporal and spatial complexities of EEG data. Few studies have focused on potential brain spatiotemporal dynamics in the early stages of depression to use as an early screening feature for depression. Thus, this study aimed to explore large-scale brain network dynamics of individuals both with and without subclinical depression, from the perspective of temporal and spatial dimensions and to input them as features into a machine learning framework for the automatic diagnosis of early-stage depression. To achieve this, spatio–temporal dynamics of rest-state EEG signals in female college students (n = 40) with and without (n = 38) subclinical depression were analyzed using EEG microstate and omega complexity analysis. Then, based on differential features of EEGs between the two groups, a support vector machine was utilized to compare performances of spatio–temporal features and single features in the classification of early depression. Microstate results showed that the occurrence rate of microstate class B was significantly higher in the group with subclinical depression when compared with the group without. Moreover, the duration and contribution of microstate class C in the subclinical group were both significantly lower than in the group without subclinical depression. Omega complexity results showed that the global omega complexity of β-2 and γ band was significantly lower for the subclinical depression group compared with the other group (p < 0.05). In addition, the anterior and posterior regional omega complexities were lower for the subclinical depression group compared to the comparison group in α-1, β-2 and γ bands. It was found that AUC of 81% for the differential indicators of EEG microstates and omega complexity was deemed better than a single index for predicting subclinical depression. Thus, since temporal and spatial complexity of EEG signals were manifestly altered in female college students with subclinical depression, it is possible that this characteristic could be adopted as an early auxiliary diagnostic indicator of depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Mental Health among Women)

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11 pages, 768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Independent Role of Body Mass Index (BMI) and Severity of Depressive Symptoms on Biological Changes of Women Affected by Overweight/Obesity

by Simona Iodice, Alessandro Ceresa, Cecilia Maria Esposito, Francesco Mucci, Diana Misaela Conti, Laura Pergoli, Letizia Tarantini, Luisella Vigna, Valentina Bollati, Massimiliano Buoli, Marta Serati and Stand-Up Project Group

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 2923; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18062923 - 12 Mar 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2859

Abstract

Background: Both obesity and depression are medical conditions associated with severe disability and biological abnormalities. Our aim was to study associations between Body Mass Index (BMI), depression and biological changes in women affected by overweight or obesity. Methods: Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) questionnaire in 200 women affected by overweight/obesity (mean age of the sample 52.7 ± 12.9 years, BMI 33.8 ± 5.5 kg/m²). A blood sample was obtained for evaluation of biochemical (oxytocin and vitamin D), inflammatory and epigenetic (methylation of clock genes) parameters. Multivariable linear regression models were used to study the association between BMI or severity of depressive symptoms (BDI-II scores) with different biomarkers. Results: BMI was found to be associated with severity of depressive symptoms (p = 0.050). Severity of obesity resulted to be associated with lower plasma levels of oxytocin (p = 0.053), vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.006) and higher plasma levels of IFN-γ (p = 0.004), IL-6 (p = 0.013), IL-7 (p = 0.013), TNF-alpha (p = 0.036) and chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) (p = 0.013, R² = 0.03). Severity of depression was significantly associated with more methylation of clock genes CRY1 (p = 0.034, R² = 0.16) and CRY2 (p = 0.019, R² = 0.47). More severe depression together with higher levels of IL-8 strongly predicted lower methylation of CLOCK gene (p = 0.009); Conclusions: Different biological abnormalities have been found to be independently associated with BMI and severity of depressive symptoms in women affected by overweight/obesity. The complex interplay between overweight, depression and biological changes will have to be better clarified by future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Mental Health among Women)

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Review

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13 pages, 521 KiB

Open AccessReview

Decision-Making and Abuse, What Relationship in Victims of Violence?

by Giulia Lausi, Jessica Burrai, Michela Baldi, Fabio Ferlazzo, Stefano Ferracuti, Anna Maria Giannini and Benedetta Barchielli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(10), 5879; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20105879 - 19 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2626

Abstract

Gender-Based violence is a worldwide persisting phenomenon: during their lifetime, 30% of women have experienced sexual and/or physical violence. The literature has investigated for several years the association between abuse and possible psychiatric and psychological consequences which may occur even after many years. The most common consequences involve mood and stress disorders (e.g., depression and PTSD). These disorders seem to have secondary long-term effects, such as decision-making and cognitive function impairments. Therefore, the present literature synthesis aimed to investigate whether and how the decision-making capacities of individuals experiencing violence can change because of abuse. We conducted a thematic synthesis using PRISMA guidelines: through a double-blind procedure, 4599 studies were screened; a total of 46 studies were selected for full-text reading, which was reduced to 13 by excluding papers with a wrong focus. To better understand the results of the thematic synthesis, two main focuses have been identified: “leave or stay decision making” and “multifactorial dimensions of decision making”. Results showed that decision-making is an important process in avoiding secondary victimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Mental Health among Women)

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Other

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12 pages, 379 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Depressive and Anxiety Disorders in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Are There Any Gender Differences?

by Elia Fracas, Andrea Costantino, Maurizio Vecchi and Massimiliano Buoli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(13), 6255; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20136255 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3100

Abstract

Gender differences were identified in the frequency and clinical presentations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and depressive and anxiety disorders, which are more common in IBD patients than in the general population. The present manuscript provides a critical overview of gender differences in the frequency and clinical course of mood and anxiety disorders in IBD patients, with the aim of helping clinicians provide individualized management for patients. All of the included studies found that IBD patients reported a higher frequency of depressive and anxiety disorders than the general population. These findings should encourage healthcare providers to employ validated tools to monitor the mental health of their IBD patients, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). In addition, most studies confirm that women with IBD are more likely than men to develop affective disorders and show that up to 65% of women with IBD have depressive and anxiety disorders. Women with IBD require close mental health monitoring and ultimately a multidisciplinary approach involving mental health professionals. Drug treatment in women should be individualized and medications that may affect mental health (e.g., corticosteroids) should be thoroughly reconsidered. Further data are needed to ensure individualized treatment for IBD patients in a framework of precision medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Mental Health among Women)

14 pages, 490 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Effects of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Adolescent Pregnancy in Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria

by Augustine Lambonmung, Charity Asantewaa Acheampong and Uma Langkulsen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010605 - 29 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5979

Abstract

There is a high incidence of adolescent pregnancy in West Africa. The objective of this study is to highlight the health impacts of adolescent pregnancy through a systematic review. A search was conducted in the electronic databases of Google, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, EBSCO, CINAHL, Web of Science, African Journals Online (AJOL), and the Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) Program. The study found anemia, complications of pregnancy, obstetric and gynecological risks, unsafe abortions, and psychological effects to adversely impact the health of adolescent girls in Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria. Pregnancy could be deleterious to the health and well-being of adolescent girls in various forms. In addition, adolescent pregnancy could expose adolescent girls to gender-based violence, exclusions, and inequities, be detrimental to upholding women’s sexual and reproductive health rights, and could also have implications for Sustainable Development Goal 3. Targeted interventions to prevent pregnancy in young women and mitigate these effects by stakeholders are encouraged. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Mental Health among Women)

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26 pages, 1265 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Impact of Mode of Birth on Childbirth-Related Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms beyond 6 Months Postpartum: An Integrative Review

by Nicole Ginter, Lea Takács, Martine J. M. Boon, Corine J. M. Verhoeven, Hannah G. Dahlen and Lilian L. Peters

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8830; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148830 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4440

Abstract

(1) Background: A traumatic birth can lead to the development of childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms or disorder (CB-PTS/D). Literature has identified the risk factors for developing CB-PTS/D within the first six months postpartum thoroughly. However, the impact of mode of birth on CB-PTS/D beyond 6 months postpartum is scarcely studied. (2) Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in the databases PubMed, Embase and CINAHL and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Studies were included if they reported the impact of mode of birth on CB-PTS/D beyond 6 months postpartum. (3) Results: In total, 26 quantitative and 2 qualitative studies were included. In the quantitative studies the percentage of women with CB-PTS/D ranged from 0.7% to 42% (between six months and five years postpartum). Compared with vaginal birth, operative vaginal birth, and emergency caesarean section were associated with CB-PTS/D beyond 6 months postpartum. Qualitative studies revealed that some women were suffering from CB-PTS/D as long as 18 years after birth. (4) Conclusions: Long- term screening of women for PTSD in the postnatal period could be beneficial. More research is needed on models of care that help prevent CB-PTS/D, identifying women at risk and factors that maintain CB-PTS/D beyond 6 months postpartum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Mental Health among Women)

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