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Affiliation
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University of Massachusetts, College of Nursing, Skinner Hall-Room 228, 651 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003-9299. |
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Abstract
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AIM: To describe relationships between cumulative trauma, partner conflict, and posttraumatic stress in African-American postpartum women.
BACKGROUND: Cumulative trauma exposure estimates for women in the United States range from 51%-69%. During pregnancy, most trauma research has focused on physical injury to the mother. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with trauma and more prevalent in African-American women than women of other groups. Knowledge about both the rate and impact of cumulative trauma on pregnancy may contribute to our understanding of women seeking prenatal care, and disparities in infant morbidity and mortality.
DESIGN: This retrospective, correlational, cross-sectional study took place on postpartum units of two Detroit hospitals. Participants were 150 African-American women ages 18-45 who had given birth.
METHODS: Mothers completed the Cumulative Trauma Scale, Conflict Tactics Scale, Clinician Administered Posttraumatic Stress Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and a Demographic Data form. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple regressions were used for data analysis.
RESULTS: All participants reported at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Cumulative trauma and partner conflict predicted PTSD, with the trauma of a life threatening event for a loved one reported by 60% of the sample. Nearly one fourth of the women screened were at risk for PTSD. Increased cumulative trauma, increased partner conflict, and lower level of education were related to higher rates of PTSD symptoms.
CONCLUSION: Both cumulative trauma and partner conflict in the past year predict PTSD. Reasoning was used most often for partner conflict resolution. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Language: en |