UK Survey of Childbirth-Related Trauma (INTERSECT UK)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
International Survey of Childbirth-Related Trauma UK (INTERSECT UK)
IRAS ID
309380
Contact name
Susan Ayers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City, University of London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
researchregistry6439, Research Registry (https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#home/registrationdetails/5ffc7453702012001b80a58c/)
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 28 days
Research summary
Research suggests between 20 and 40% of women find childbirth traumatic. Some of these women may go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result. Women who develop PTSD after birth may experience traumatic memories or dreams about the birth, feel anxious, avoid things that remind them of their birth, and have trouble sleeping. PTSD after birth is linked to negative outcomes for the mother, such as postnatal depression. It is therefore important that we understand more about PTSD after birth to help improve detection and treatment for mothers in the future.
This study (INTERSECT UK) aims to determine: (i) how many women experience birth trauma and PTSD; (ii) how symptoms of PTSD are shown; and (iii) understand the causes of PTSD in the UK. The INTERSECT UK study forms part of a bigger INTERSECT International study, which will look at the same aims, but from a global perspective.
To address these aims, at least 319 women will be recruited through maternity services in England, Wales and Scotland. Women will be asked to complete the INTERSECT Questionnaire at 6-12 weeks after birth. The questionnaire includes measures of obstetric details, birth satisfaction, birth trauma, PTSD after birth, depression, and experience of any previous traumatic events. We will also add additional measures that look at previous PTSD, the mother-baby relationship, how the infant is being fed, how threatened women felt during birth, and whether they have a fear of childbirth.
Women are eligible to take part if they are aged 16 or over, have had a baby in the previous 6-12 weeks, and are able to provide informed consent. Women will be able to answer the questionnaire via pen and paper, or online. The questionnaire takes around 20 minutes to complete.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
22/WS/0066
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jul 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion