Date of Presentation
5-2-2024 12:00 AM
College
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Poster Abstract
Abstract: The objective of this literature review is to determine whether unplanned pregnancy is an independent risk factor for developing antepartum SI. Background: The Supreme Court of the United States of America recently ruled that the constitution of the United States does not confer a right to abortion to its citizens. As of October 2023, twenty-one states had developed full or partial bans on abortion, resulting in millions of Americans residing in areas where terminating unplanned pregnancy is not a viable option. There is evidence that indicates antepartum suicidal ideation (SI) is higher than that of the general population, however the rate of completion of antepartum suicide is lower than that of the general population4. Risk factors for antepartum SI are important to identify for early intervention, and it is now more vital than ever to understand how the U.S.’s reproductive health landscape may contribute to these risk factors. Methods: This literature review utilized the databases PubMed, and PsycINFO as queries for primary data. Inclusion criteria included written in the English language, peer-reviewed, methodology of cross-sectional or longitudinal study design, and published between 2003 and 2023. Studies were excluded based on relevance, with articles focused on postpartum SI/depression, suicidal action/self-harm, and antepartum SI associated with specific medical conditions/medications excluded. Results: A total of 6 studies were included in this literature review with incidence rates of antepartum SI ranging from 1.3% to 27.8%. Independent risk factors for antepartum SI that were identified across multiple studies were: history of depression or other psychiatric disorders; partner violence or marital problems; and belonging to a racial or ethnic minority. Unplanned pregnancy failed to be established as an independent risk factor for antepartum SI. Discussion: While unplanned pregnancy was not found to be an independent risk factor in this study, it has the potential to contribute to likelihood of developing antepartum SI in patients with already established independent risk factors. The major limitation of this study was the lack of literature regarding the risk of developing SI during pregnancy and relating that risk to unplanned pregnancy, as well as the lack of literature conducted after the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health decision. As the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health decision affects more pregnant Americans, it is important that we continue to monitor our pregnant patients for signs and symptoms of SI and to continue to examine potential risk factors.
Keywords
Maternal health, mental health, abortion, suicidal ideation, Bioethical Issues, Medical Legislation
Disciplines
Health and Medical Administration | Health Law and Policy | Medicine and Health Sciences | Obstetrics and Gynecology | Psychiatry | Psychological Phenomena and Processes | Women's Health
Document Type
Poster
Included in
Health and Medical Administration Commons, Health Law and Policy Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons, Psychiatry Commons, Psychological Phenomena and Processes Commons, Women's Health Commons
Unplanned Pregnancy as an Independent Risk Factor for Antepartum SI in a Post Roe vs. Wade World
Abstract: The objective of this literature review is to determine whether unplanned pregnancy is an independent risk factor for developing antepartum SI. Background: The Supreme Court of the United States of America recently ruled that the constitution of the United States does not confer a right to abortion to its citizens. As of October 2023, twenty-one states had developed full or partial bans on abortion, resulting in millions of Americans residing in areas where terminating unplanned pregnancy is not a viable option. There is evidence that indicates antepartum suicidal ideation (SI) is higher than that of the general population, however the rate of completion of antepartum suicide is lower than that of the general population4. Risk factors for antepartum SI are important to identify for early intervention, and it is now more vital than ever to understand how the U.S.’s reproductive health landscape may contribute to these risk factors. Methods: This literature review utilized the databases PubMed, and PsycINFO as queries for primary data. Inclusion criteria included written in the English language, peer-reviewed, methodology of cross-sectional or longitudinal study design, and published between 2003 and 2023. Studies were excluded based on relevance, with articles focused on postpartum SI/depression, suicidal action/self-harm, and antepartum SI associated with specific medical conditions/medications excluded. Results: A total of 6 studies were included in this literature review with incidence rates of antepartum SI ranging from 1.3% to 27.8%. Independent risk factors for antepartum SI that were identified across multiple studies were: history of depression or other psychiatric disorders; partner violence or marital problems; and belonging to a racial or ethnic minority. Unplanned pregnancy failed to be established as an independent risk factor for antepartum SI. Discussion: While unplanned pregnancy was not found to be an independent risk factor in this study, it has the potential to contribute to likelihood of developing antepartum SI in patients with already established independent risk factors. The major limitation of this study was the lack of literature regarding the risk of developing SI during pregnancy and relating that risk to unplanned pregnancy, as well as the lack of literature conducted after the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health decision. As the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health decision affects more pregnant Americans, it is important that we continue to monitor our pregnant patients for signs and symptoms of SI and to continue to examine potential risk factors.