Comorbidity of post-traumatic stress symptoms and depressive symptoms among obstetric nurses with perinatal death exposure

Background: Mental health and well-being among obstetric nurses after perinatal death is understudied. The primary goal of this study is to explore the comorbidity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and depressive symptoms among obstetric nurses. In addition, we explore associations between personal resources - coping self-efficacy and active social support - and comorbidity symptoms. Method: One hundred and twenty-five obstetric nurses who represent 25% of the entire population of Israeli obstetric nurses completed self-report questionnaires regarding demographic data, coping self-efficacy, active social support, history of exposure to traumatic events, PTSD symptoms and depressive symptoms. Results: An elevated risk of PTSD among obstetric nurses was positively associated with an elevated risk of depression and age while negatively associated with coping self-efficacy. Conclusions: These findings may suggest that nurse educators, administrators and leaders in the midwifery practice should promote stress intervention, supportive clinical environments and educational programs among obstetric nurses.