Germany vs. Austria: country-specific differences in becoming parents during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background Becoming parents can be a big challenge, but how is this experience affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its measures? Methods Between 18.05.2021 and 01.07.2021, we conducted an online-survey to gain insight into becoming parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany and Austria. The sample mentioned in this report consists of biological mothers living in Austria (n = 952) and Germany (n = 1012) who gave birth between the 16th of March 2020 (the beginning of the first lockdown in Austria) and the time of completion of the study. The mothers’ current stress levels were assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and postnatal depression symptoms were quantified with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Furthermore, we included questions to measure perceived social support and pandemic-related stress. Results Current stress levels (U = 555677.50, z = 5.90, p < .001) and postnatal depression symptoms (U = 546354.00, z = 5.15, p < .001) were significantly higher in the German sample as compared to the Austrian sample. Yet, Austrian mothers reported higher social support as compared to the German mothers (U = 387834.00, z = -7.48, p < .001). Furthermore, we found higher levels of perceived social support to be associated with lower current stress levels (rs = -.40, p < .001). On average, perceived stress was moderately high in both samples (MGermany = 18.58, SDGermany = 6.60; MAustria = 16.76, SDAustria = 6.57). Conclusions Stress levels and depression symptoms seem to be high and prevalent due to the pandemic and it is highly indicated to take action such as supporting families in need and emphasising social support in order to reduce mental health problems of parents as well as their children in the aftermath of the pandemic. Key messages • Findings underpin the protective role of social support against psychological distress in new parents and show the high strain at current. • Action needs to be taken in order to support parents and children at risk.


Background:
Motheŕs own milk (MOM) is the best nutrition for preterm infants because of its preventive effects. Nevertheless, current research shows that mothers have problems getting into continuous lactation, especially after preterm birth. Breastfeeding-related pressure after prematurity has not been measured yet. It's relevance for the lactation is thus unclear, as well as the role of the NICU staff's attitudes. The aim of this study is to gain more knowledge about breastfeeding-related pressure in order to enable mothers to have a positive breastfeeding experience and to sensitise NICU staff about this topic.

Methods:
The written survey included mothers of preterm infants with a birth weight under 1500g and an age from 6 to 24 months at the time of the survey. Descriptive and bivariate testing was used for analyses. Results: Data of 506 mothers was included (32% response rate). One third totally agreed to perceive pressure regarding breastfeeding their child with MOM (36%). A milk volume over 500ml/day 14 days post-partum was reported in 60%. That the nutrition with MOM was promoted by the physicians in the NICU was totally agreed by 44% of the mothers. To the promotion by nurses, 50% totally agreed. Pearson Chi 2 -Test showed a significant correlation between milk volume and breastfeeding-related pressure (p = 0.005). Spearman's correlation test showed a significant correlation between a high promotion of MOM by physicians (Spearman's rho: -0.1150, p = 0.0109) and nurses (Spearman's rho: -0.0949, p = 0.0362) and lower breastfeeding-related pressure.

Conclusions:
Our findings indicate that breastfeeding-related pressure seems to affect most of the mothers of preterm infants and correlates with lactation, even if no direction of effect can be stated. A more breastfeeding promoting NICU staff is related to lower breastfeeding-related pressure. Therefore, NICU staff should be sensitised to breastfeeding-related pressure with regard to communication with mothers. Key messages: Noticing breastfeeding-related pressure as an important factor for mothers within their lactation process may have the potential to enhance mothers to achieve their breastfeeding goals. NICU staff should be aware of breastfeeding-related pressure to enable more mothers to have a positive breastfeeding experience.

Background:
Becoming parents can be a big challenge, but how is this experience affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its measures? Methods: Between 18.05.2021 and 01.07.2021, we conducted an onlinesurvey to gain insight into becoming parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany and Austria. The sample mentioned in this report consists of biological mothers living in Austria (n = 952) and Germany (n = 1012) who gave birth between the 16th of March 2020 (the beginning of the first lockdown in Austria) and the time of completion of the study. The mothers' current stress levels were assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and postnatal depression symptoms were quantified with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Furthermore, we included questions to measure perceived social support and pandemic-related stress.

Conclusions:
Stress levels and depression symptoms seem to be high and prevalent due to the pandemic and it is highly indicated to take

Methods:
In November 2020 20 teachers from two secondary schools located in Bologna province (Italy) were enrolled in two focus groups (FGs). FGs were held online, recorded, and transcribed.
Questions were asked about the role of PA in the school routine and related experiences, perceived barriers and facilitators of the intervention, suggestions regarding the intervention design. Final expectations were then discussed.

Results:
Despite limited experience with PA interventions, participants felt ABs would improve psycho-physical well-being for both students and teachers. Lack of time and space and a wary attitude towards ABs were listed as barriers. Program flexibility regarding content, administration time frames and implementation mode was listed as a great facilitator: program should be adaptable to participants' needs, favoring easy and quick exercises. Overall, expectations emphasized improving classroom behavior and promoting healthy habits.

Conclusions:
Teachers felt that inclusion of ABs in secondary school was promising and could lead to many health benefits. ABs were deemed feasible given their short duration and adaptability, since the program can be implemented with current personnel resources and space configurations. Co-design is essential to overcome personal barriers and create an effective and sustainable intervention.

Background:
Regular practice of physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has benefits for maternal and fetal health. Therefore, pregnant women (PW) should practice at least 150 minutes of moderate PA per week following the WHO guidelines. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of an adapted physical activity (APA) intervention for PW, to be included in childbirth preparation classes (CPCs) in terms of levels of PA, quality of life, physical performance, self-efficacy, sleep quality and anxious-depressive states.

Methods:
The WELL-DONE! Study is a quasi-experimental study conducted with pregnant women at St. Orsola hospital, Bologna. We compared an experimental group (EG) with a control group (CG). EG attended 1hour/week session of APA during the usual CPCs for a 6 weeks period, while the CG received a one hour lesson about PA recommendation in pregnancy. The pre-post evaluation was carried out through questionnaires and motor tests, to which PW were subjected at baseline (T0), after the intervention (T1) and 3 months after delivery (T2). We used the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) to collect data regarding PA levels and sedentary behavior.

Conclusions:
Preliminary results of the study show a reduced sedentary time in PW, highlighting a positive trend in the EG. This data underlines that incorporating APA in the CPCs can be an effective and safe strategy. Nevertheless, further analysis must be needed to find out if this trend can be observed in light PA, in the moderate and vigorous one. Key messages: Physical activity during pregnancy is a valuable tool for improving both mother and child well-being. Physical activity interventions, implemented in CPCs, seem useful in order to raise awareness about PA importance and reduce sedentarism in PW.