title: Postnatal salivary cortisol and sense of coherence (SOC) in Eritrean mothers.
abstract: This pilot study explores possible physiological correlates of maternal sense of coherence (SOC) by looking at salivary cortisol levels in Eritrean mothers during the immediate pre- and postnatal period. Samples of pre- and postnatal resting whole saliva were obtained from 19 mothers and from 31 controls in Ghinda. Radioimmunoassay results revealed no differences between prenatal and control concentrations of salivary cortisol, but postnatal levels were significantly lower (P < 0.014). Mothers who delivered in hospital had significantly higher SOC scores compared to those who opted for home birth (P < 0.045). This difference was particularly pronounced in the comprehensibility subscale of the SOC scores (P < 0.037). Moreover, mothers with higher comprehensibility scores showed significantly lower postnatal cortisol levels (P < 0.017). No associations were found between cortisol and age or parity. The implications of these findings for maternity health service policy and practice in Eritrea are considered.
authors.affiliation: Tufts University, Biology Department, 165 Packard Avenue, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA. astier-m.almedome@tufts.edu
authors.forename: Astier M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Almedom
authors.forename: Tesfaldet
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Teclemichael
authors.forename: L Michael
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Romero
authors.forename: Zemui
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Alemu
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D019017:Eritrea; D005260:Female; D006700:Home Childbirth; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology*; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012917:Social Adjustment
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone