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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Occupational Hazard Exposures and Depressive Symptoms of Pregnant Workers
Sherri S Yeh1, Chien-Nan Lee, Ying-Hsuan Wu
1Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, and Centers for Occupational Disease and Injury Service, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan (Dr Yeh, Ms Wu, Ms Tu, Drs Guo, Chen, and Chen); Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan (Dr Lee); Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei City, Taiwan (Drs Guo and PC Chen); and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institute, Taipei City, Taiwan (Dr Guo).
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of exposure to occupational hazards and depressive mood with associated underlying risk factors among pregnant workers.
Methods:
Women at 12 weeks of gestation (n = 172) were recruited during regular prenatal screening. Data were obtained via questionnaires that explored job details and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.
Results:
The most commonly encountered hazard was prolonged standing. The majority of women reported that the workplace provided no information on the safety or rights of pregnant women, but those exposed to at least four hazards had more access to such services (P < 0.05). Thirteen percent may have suffered from depressive symptomatology. Higher-level work-related burnout, lower job control, and reduced workplace support were significantly associated with possible antenatal depressive symptoms.
Conclusion:
Pregnant workers are exposed to substantial levels of occupational hazards and may experience depressive symptoms; thus, their work conditions require monitoring and improvement.
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